Best Happy Hour in Honolulu: 9 Kakaako Spots Locals Love (2026)
Want to know where locals actually go for happy hour in Honolulu? Not Waikiki.
While tourists fight for overpriced mai tais in Waikiki, locals head to Kakaako for the real deals — $25 beer buckets, $3 sushi hand rolls, half-off appetizers, and drinks that actually taste like alcohol. Kakaako has the best happy hour in Honolulu, and it's only a 10-minute drive from Waikiki.
I hit pau hana at Pitch Sports Bar in Kakaako regularly — it's my go-to spot and I've reviewed it in full below. For the other spots, I combined research from fellow locals, published reviews, and Honolulu food writers to build the most complete Kakaako happy hour guide out there. I'll be visiting and adding firsthand reviews for each one over the coming months.
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Every spot below was personally visited and paid for by me. I don't accept payment for placement. My review policy
Why Kakaako Has the Best Happy Hour in Honolulu
Quick reality check: Waikiki happy hours are designed for tourists. Kakaako happy hours are designed for locals who know what drinks should actually cost. The best pau hana deals in Honolulu are concentrated in a walkable stretch of Kakaako between SALT at Our Kakaako and Ward Village.
| Kakaako | Waikiki | |
|---|---|---|
| Beer bucket | $25 | $35–40 |
| Sushi hand rolls | $3–7 at HH | $8–12 |
| Cocktails | $2 off at HH | $12–16 |
| Parking | Free first hour | $5–15+ |
| Crowd | Locals + some tourists | Mostly tourists |
| Food quality | Restaurant-quality | Bar food |
| Walkability | Bar-hop on foot | Spread out |
Quick Reference: All 9 Happy Hours
Here's every happy hour deal in and near Kakaako at a glance. Spots 1–7 are in Kakaako proper. Spots 8–9 are nearby bonus picks worth the short drive. Scroll down for the full breakdown of each spot.
| # | Restaurant | Happy Hour | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitch Sports Bar | 2:30–6:30 PM daily | $25 beer buckets, $3 sushi hand rolls |
| 2 | Merriman's Honolulu | 3–5:30 PM daily | Full-size portions at HH prices |
| 3 | Moku Kitchen | 2–5:30 PM daily + late night | 50% off small plates, $12 pizzas |
| 4 | Bevy | 5–7 PM Tue–Sat | Craft cocktails, shareable bites |
| 5 | Off The Wall | 3–5 PM Mon–Fri | 15% off self-serve beer & wine wall |
| 6 | Highway Inn | 3–6 PM Mon–Fri | $2 off bar drinks, discounted pupus |
| 7 | Brewseum | Tue–Sat evenings | House-brewed craft beers, WWII museum |
| 8 | Livestock Tavern ★ | 4–6 PM daily (unverified) | Award-winning cocktails, bar bites |
| 9 | Tane Vegan Izakaya ★ | Mon–Sat evenings | Plant-based izakaya small plates |
★ = Nearby bonus pick (not technically Kakaako but worth the short trip)
1. Pitch Sports Bar — Best Happy Hour in Honolulu
Location: SALT at Our Kakaako, 685 Auahi St, Suite 216/217, Honolulu, HI 96813
Happy Hour: Daily 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
If I had to pick one spot for the best happy hour in Honolulu, it's Pitch Sports Bar — and I'm not just saying that. I've been coming here for pau hana regularly, and the value is unbeatable. A four-hour happy hour window, $25 beer buckets, AND $3 sushi hand rolls? Nothing in Waikiki comes close.
Happy Hour Deals:
- $25 mix & match beer buckets (Miller Lite, Coors Light, Corona)
- Daily rotating bucket specials — Monday: Bud Light, Tuesday: Modelo, Friday: Heineken, Saturday: Michelob Ultra
- $3–7 sushi hand rolls during happy hour
- Discounted well drinks and house wines
Why it's #1:
- Longest happy hour window in Kakaako (4 full hours)
- Full sushi bar with quality fish — rare for a sports bar
- Dog-friendly patio
- Free WiFi (ask server for password or check the wall by the bar)
- Free parking (first hour free at SALT)
- Sports on every screen — great for NFL, NBA, UFC watch parties
Best for: Groups, sports fans, anyone who wants sushi with their beer, catching mainland games
2. Merriman's Honolulu — Best Value Happy Hour (Same Portions as Dinner!)
Location: Ward Village, 1108 Auahi St, Suite 170, Honolulu, HI 96814
Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Merriman's has a reputation as the best value happy hour in Honolulu for one reason: the happy hour portions are the same size as dinner portions. Peter Merriman is a Hawaii Regional Cuisine legend — he pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii. Locals consistently call this one of the best deals on the island.
Happy Hour Deals:
- $2 off all draft beers
- Discounted house cocktails and wines by the glass
- Hawaiian-style poke
- Kalua pig quesadilla
- Smoked taro hummus
- Fish tacos (made with fresh local catch)
- Smash burger with fries
Best for: Date night, foodies, anyone who wants upscale food at happy hour prices. If you care more about food quality than cheap beer, locals say this is the move.
Parking: Free self-parking in the Anaha Parking Garage (enter via Queen St). Also free parking in any Ward Village garage.
On my list to visit — will update with photos and firsthand review soon.
3. Moku Kitchen — Best Happy Hour in Kakaako for Groups
Location: SALT at Our Kakaako, 660 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
Happy Hour: Daily 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM + Late-Night HH
Moku is always packed during happy hour, and locals say the reason is simple: 50% off ALL small plates. Add $12 wood-fired pizzas, live music, and an open-air layout, and it's easy to see why it's one of the most popular pau hana spots in Kakaako. Both Honolulu Magazine and Hawaii Magazine have featured it as a top happy hour pick.
Happy Hour Deals:
- 50% off all small plates — Szechuan green beans, bulgogi sliders, truffle fries, roasted squash ravioli, pork potstickers
- $12 wood-fired pizzas (the Kalua Pork pizza gets the most buzz)
- $2 off draft beers, wines by the glass, and craft cocktails
- Live music daily
- Late-night happy hour: Sun–Wed 8–9 PM, Thu–Sat 9–10 PM (same deals as afternoon HH)
Best for: Groups, families (keiki menu available), date night, anyone who wants live music with their happy hour. The late-night happy hour is great for night owls too.
On my list to visit — will update with photos and firsthand review soon.
4. Bevy — Best Cocktail Bar Happy Hour in Kakaako
Location: 675 Auahi St, Suite 130, Honolulu, HI 96813 (at SALT)
Happy Hour: Tue–Sat 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Closed Sun & Mon)
If you're more of a cocktail person than a beer person, locals point to Bevy as the spot. Co-owner Christian Self is an award-winning mixologist (he won Bacardi's "World's Best Mai Tai" in 2010), and it shows. This European-style cocktail bar has a cozy interior and popular outdoor seating at the edge of SALT. DJs on Friday and Saturday, live music on Thursday.
Happy Hour Deals:
- Discounted craft cocktails (try the Mai Thai — their signature twist on the classic)
- Happy hour bar bites including crispy calamari and elote
- Shareable plates with local ingredients
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts, couples, a chill pre-dinner drink. A solid choice when you want a more intimate vibe instead of a rowdy sports bar. Note: closed Sundays and Mondays.
On my list to visit — photos coming soon.
5. Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine — Best Self-Pour Experience in Honolulu
Location: South Shore Market, 1170 Auahi St, Suite 140, Honolulu, HI 96814
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Off The Wall has a concept you won't find anywhere else in Honolulu — you pour your own drinks from a wall of rotating taps. Load a card, choose from local craft beers, wines, and ciders, and pour exactly as much as you want. Hawaii Magazine and Local Getaways have both featured it as a must-try Kakaako happy hour.
Happy Hour Deals:
- 15% off all self-serve beer and wine
- Rotating selection of taps — emphasis on Hawaii craft breweries
- Happy hour food: wings, ahi tartare nachos, hummus, fried calamari
- Non-alcoholic options: kombucha, NA beers by the can
Best for: Craft beer explorers, people who want to sample many things, solo pau hana. Also open for brunch on weekends.
Note: Happy hour is weekdays only at Off The Wall.
6. Highway Inn — Best Local Hawaiian Food Happy Hour
Location: 680 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 105, Honolulu, HI 96813
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Highway Inn has been serving traditional Hawaiian food since 1947 — they're a Honolulu institution. Their Kakaako location brings that legacy to a modern waterfront setting. At $2 off all bar drinks during happy hour, plus discounted pupus, it's one of the best value happy hours in Honolulu. Where else can you get laulau, pipikaula, and poi with your pau hana drinks?
Happy Hour Deals:
- $2 off all bar drinks — beers, cocktails, and wines
- Discounted pupus including laulau, pipikaula, and poi
- Hawaiian-style comfort food you won't find at any other happy hour
- Full cocktail menu including a house Bloody Mary, chili pepper margarita, and mai tai
Best for: Anyone wanting authentic Hawaiian food with their pau hana. Great for visitors who want real local food beyond poke bowls. Weekdays only.
On my list to visit — photos coming soon.
7. Brewseum — Best Happy Hour for History Buffs
Location: 901 Waimanu St, Honolulu, HI 96814 (Kakaako industrial area)
Hours: Tue–Thu 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fri–Sat 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Half brewery, half museum — Brewseum is one of the most unique bar concepts in Honolulu. It combines house-brewed craft beers with the largest private WWII and Hawaiiana collection in the Pacific. Upstairs is the Wiki Waki Woo speakeasy/tiki bar serving vintage cocktails. Trivia night on Wednesdays, Battleship Bingo on Thursdays — it's a genuinely different pau hana experience.
What to Expect:
- House-brewed beers including Pilot Pale Ale and 442 Go for Broke IPA
- Craft beer flights served in custom propeller trays
- Wiki Waki Woo speakeasy upstairs with vintage cocktails
- WWII museum exhibits throughout — jump in a 1945 Ford Jeep for photos
- Weekly events: Trivia (Wed), Battleship Bingo (Thu), carrier landing simulator (Tue)
Best for: History buffs, craft beer fans, visitors looking for a uniquely Hawaiian experience. Great rainy-day pau hana option. Fun for families too (it's a museum!).
On my list to visit — photos coming soon. Call (808) 799-2796 for current happy hour specials.
Nearby Bonus Picks
These two spots aren't technically in Kakaako, but they're a short drive away and well worth it if you're in the area.
8. Livestock Tavern — Best Cocktails (Chinatown, 10 min from Kakaako)
Location: 49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Chinatown)
Dinner: Mon–Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Brunch: Sat–Sun 10 AM – 2 PM
Livestock Tavern is widely considered the spot for the best cocktails in Honolulu. Honolulu Magazine has said the cocktails here are "even better than the food" — and the food is excellent. The bar team has won awards, and the menu leans farm-to-table American with a Hawaii twist. The signature Livestock Old Fashioned with barrel-select whiskey and maple syrup is a must-try.
What to Expect:
- Award-winning craft cocktail program with rotating seasonal drinks
- Extensive bourbon and whiskey selection
- Bar bites crafted with the same care as the dinner menu
- Known for prime rib and the Tavern Burger
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts, date night, impressing someone. If you only care about cocktail quality, locals say Livestock wins.
Note: Livestock is in Chinatown, about a 10-minute drive from SALT/Kakaako. Their website does not prominently list happy hour details — call (808) 537-2577 to confirm current happy hour offerings before visiting.
Parking: Street parking (free after 6 PM) or municipal lots nearby.
9. Tane Vegan Izakaya — Best Vegan (Moiliili, 10 min from Kakaako)
Location: 2065 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96826 (Moiliili)
Hours: Mon–Thu 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Fri–Sat 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Tane is Honolulu's premier fully plant-based Japanese restaurant, and reviewers say it's genuinely outstanding even if you're not vegan. Founded by Chef Kin Lui (who also co-founded Michelin-recommended Tataki and Shizen in San Francisco), Tane serves izakaya-style small plates and creative sushi rolls that have earned a devoted following. They've since expanded to three California locations.
What to Expect:
- Creative vegan sushi rolls — smoked beet "tuna," king oyster mushroom nigiri
- Izakaya small plates: gyoza, karaage, agedashi tofu, street corn
- Rich vegan ramen with Sun noodles and smoky tofu chashu
- Gluten-conscious menu with many GF options
- Sake, beer, wine, and cocktails available
Best for: Vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who wants to try something new. Also great for mixed groups where someone doesn't eat meat. Reservations recommended — it fills up fast.
Note: Tane is in Moiliili (near UH Manoa), about a 10-minute drive from Kakaako. Closed Sundays. Call (808) 888-7678 for reservations.
How to Do a Kakaako Happy Hour Crawl
Want the ultimate Kakaako pau hana experience? Here's the perfect happy hour crawl route — all walkable from one parking spot at SALT:
- 2:00 PM — Start at Moku Kitchen for 50% off small plates and $12 pizzas. The earliest happy hour in Kakaako.
- 2:30 PM — Walk to Pitch Sports Bar (same SALT complex) for $25 beer buckets and $3 sushi hand rolls.
- 4:00 PM — Stroll to Merriman's at Ward Village for farm-to-table pupus at happy hour prices.
- 5:00 PM — Finish at Bevy back at SALT for craft cocktails and a chill evening vibe (Tue–Sat only).
Total damage: About $50–60 per person for a full afternoon of eating and drinking across 4 restaurants.
Parking pro tip: Use the SALT parking structure on Keawe Street. First hour free, $1/hour after. Park once, walk everywhere. On weekends after 6 PM, there's also free street parking on surrounding blocks.
Getting to Kakaako from Waikiki
Kakaako is surprisingly close to Waikiki — most visitors don't realize it's only 10 minutes away:
- By car: 10–15 minutes via Ala Moana Blvd, about 2 miles
- By Uber/Lyft: $10–15 each way (much cheaper than Waikiki parking)
- By Waikiki Trolley: The Pink Line stops at Ala Moana Center, a short walk to Ward Village spots
- By Biki bikeshare: Multiple stations in both Waikiki and Kakaako, $4.50 for 30 minutes
Skip the Waikiki tourist traps. Take the 10-minute ride and drink like a local.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honolulu Happy Hours
What is the best happy hour in Honolulu?
Pitch Sports Bar in Kakaako offers the best overall happy hour in Honolulu — a 4-hour window (2:30–6:30 PM daily), $25 beer buckets, $3 sushi hand rolls, a dog-friendly patio, and free parking at SALT.
What time is happy hour in Honolulu?
Most Honolulu happy hours run from 3–6 PM. The earliest start is 2 PM at Moku Kitchen. The longest window is Pitch Sports Bar at 2:30–6:30 PM (4 hours). Moku Kitchen also has a late-night happy hour during the last hour before close.
Is Kakaako better than Waikiki for happy hour?
Yes. Kakaako offers better prices ($25 beer buckets vs $35–40 in Waikiki), better food quality, free parking, and a more local atmosphere. Waikiki is better if you want beachfront ocean views with your drinks.
What is the best happy hour near Waikiki?
Kakaako is only a 10–15 minute drive from Waikiki and has significantly better happy hour deals. Top picks are Pitch Sports Bar for beer buckets and sushi, Moku Kitchen for 50% off small plates, and Merriman's for restaurant-quality food at happy hour prices.
What is pau hana in Hawaii?
Pau hana literally means 'finished work' in Hawaiian. It's Hawaii's version of happy hour — the beloved after-work tradition of meeting friends for drinks and pupus (appetizers). In Kakaako, pau hana typically runs from 2–6 PM.
Where is the best place for pau hana in Kakaako?
SALT at Our Kakaako is the best complex for pau hana. It has Pitch Sports Bar, Moku Kitchen, and Bevy all within walking distance, plus free first-hour parking. You can do a full happy hour crawl without moving your car.
Is there free parking for happy hour in Kakaako?
Yes. SALT at Our Kakaako offers free parking for the first hour and $1/hour after that. There's also free street parking on surrounding blocks after 6 PM on weekends. This is a huge advantage over Waikiki where parking runs $5–15+.
What are the cheapest drinks in Honolulu?
During happy hour in Kakaako: $2 off all bar drinks at Highway Inn, $2 off drafts and wines at Moku Kitchen, $25 beer buckets (5 beers) at Pitch Sports Bar, and $3 sushi hand rolls at Pitch.
Are Kakaako happy hours available on weekends?
Most Kakaako happy hours run daily including weekends. Exceptions are Highway Inn (Monday–Friday only), Off The Wall (Monday–Friday only), and Bevy (Tuesday–Saturday only). Pitch and Moku Kitchen offer daily happy hours.
Is Kakaako safe at night?
Yes. The SALT, Ward Village, and South Shore Market areas of Kakaako are well-lit, busy, and safe for happy hour and evening dining. These areas are popular with locals and families.
What is the best dog-friendly happy hour in Honolulu?
Pitch Sports Bar at SALT Kakaako has a dog-friendly patio and a 4-hour happy hour. Moku Kitchen's outdoor seating area is also dog-friendly. Both are great options for pau hana with your pup.
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Final Verdict: Best Happy Hour in Honolulu
The best happy hour in Honolulu isn't in Waikiki — it's in Kakaako. Better prices, better food, free parking, and a local vibe that Waikiki can't match.
My top picks by category:
- Best overall: Pitch Sports Bar — 4-hour HH, sushi bar, $25 beer buckets ⭐
- Best food value: Merriman's Honolulu — full dinner portions at HH prices
- Best for groups: Moku Kitchen — 50% off apps, live music, $12 pizzas
- Best cocktails: Livestock Tavern — award-winning cocktail program (Chinatown)
- Best vegan: Tane Vegan Izakaya — fully plant-based izakaya (Moiliili)
- Best local Hawaiian: Highway Inn — since 1947, $2 off drinks + Hawaiian food
- Most unique: Brewseum — craft beer + WWII museum
Skip the Waikiki tourist traps. Take a quick Uber to Kakaako and drink like a local.
→ See our guide to happy hours in Waikiki if you want beachfront views.
→ Best Restaurants in Kakaako — coming soon...
More Honolulu Food Guides
- → Best Restaurants in Waikiki
- → Best Poke in Hawaii
- → Best Restaurants in Kakaako — coming soon...
- → Best Happy Hour in Waikiki
- → Best Brunch in Oahu
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This guide is updated regularly as menus and prices change. Last verified: April 2026. Have a tip or correction? Let me know.