When the sun goes down in Waikiki, the neighborhood really comes alive — and with 66 qualifying spots on our radar, we pulled together a guide to the bars and nightlife actually worth your evening. Our editors' hand-picked recommendations lead the list, followed by the best-rated spots in the area.
The ranking
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
Our team's picks start with Duke's Waikiki, the iconic beachfront spot at the Outrigger where the Barefoot Bar sits right on the sand and live music plays every night. We also recommend SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar for a higher-altitude take on the evening, and Secret Spot Honolulu if you want something more under-the-radar with creative local-style dishes.
Beyond our picks, you'll find well-known favorites like Arnold's Beach Bar, a classic Hawaiian tiki bar with tropical drinks and frequent live music. Spots our editors have personally visited carry the NateEatsHawaii badge, so you can tell our verified picks apart from the rest at a glance.
FAQ
Our editors recommend Duke's Waikiki — the beachfront Barefoot Bar, nightly live music, and Hula Pie make it a Waikiki institution. For rooftop vibes, SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar is another one of our picks.
Arnold's Beach Bar is a popular, comfortable tiki bar known for tropical drinks, games, and frequent live music. For a more hidden option, our editors recommend Secret Spot Honolulu.
Yes — this guide is refreshed regularly. Our editors' verified picks carry the NateEatsHawaii badge, and the rest of the list reflects the area's best-rated spots on the site.
Bars & Nightlife
Waikiki
The experiences I actually send visitors on.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationWaikiki sunset sail
After happy hour, get on the water. A sunset cocktail sail off Waikiki is the move — drinks aboard, Diamond Head glowing behind you.
Free cancellationOahu luau night
The eating doesn't stop at dinner — a real luau is the one Waikiki night out worth booking ahead. Kalua pig, fire knife, the whole thing.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationDiamond Head + breakfast
Earn the breakfast plate: hike Diamond Head first, then eat. Shuttle + reservation ticket included, so the morning's sorted before you refuel in Waikiki.
Free cancellationHonolulu tasting walk
If you like eating your way through a neighborhood, this off-the-beaten-path Honolulu tasting walk hits spots you'd never find solo. Come hungry.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationCircle the island
Best single day on Oahu if you've got wheels-envy: turtles, the North Shore shrimp trucks, the lookouts — all in one guided loop.
