Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan
Is any trip to paradise complete without a sunset cocktail in hand?
I certainly didn’t think so! Get ready to dive deep into the ultimate roundup of the absolute best Honolulu cocktail bars, because this city is bursting with sophisticated sips that go far beyond your standard resort drink.
Honolulu is no longer just a destination for simple beach concoctions; it’s now host to a solid selection of urban craft cocktail bars that cater to discerning locals and serious traveling cocktail geeks.
If you’re traveling to Honolulu last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging/tours ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks on Oahu!
🌴 Best Tours and Activities on Oahu:
- Full-day Oahu island tour (my top recommendation to see the island!)
- Waikiki afternoon glass-bottom boat trip (a Honolulu bestseller!)
- Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial Tour (essential!)
- Paradise Cove luau (a luau that is great for families!)
- Diamond Head morning hike from Honolulu
🛌 Best Hotels and Lodging in Honolulu:
- Moana Surfrider Hotel (a famous place that I love!)
- White Sands Hotel (budget – I stayed here many nights and enjoyed it!)
- Hotel Renew (budget option in HNL)
- Laylow (mid-range and stylish)
- Espacio the Jewel of Waikiki (luxury living in Waikiki)
🚗 Traveling to Oahu independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
🏥 Looking for the best insurance for traveling to Hawaii? Click here to check Hawaii’s insurance rates with SafetyWing!
I’m skipping past the “bad versions of the drink” to guide you to the genuine masterpieces where the focus is on quality over quantity and top-notch ingredients. Let’s explore the true taste of the Isle of Aloha!
Contents
The Mai Tai Deep Dive: Separating Myth from Masterpiece
You simply cannot talk about Hawaiian drinks without discussing the Mai Tai, the island’s signature drink and one of the most famous tropical drinks of all time!
- The True Standard (1944 Formula): The original recipe, kept secret until 1972, includes aged rum, orange curaçao, rock candy syrup, lime juice, and orgeat (almond) syrup, garnished with fresh mint.
- Spotting Impostors: Inferior versions are common and often use cheap white rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine, garnished with maraschino cherries or a pineapple wedge.
- How to Ensure Authenticity: Look for bars that specifically label the drink as a “1944 Mai Tai.”
- Historical Landmark: The Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian is historically significant because it was the first cocktail bar in Honolulu to serve the drink (starting in 1953), which quickly became a sensation.
The Waikiki Classics: Views, Vibes, and Sunset Sips
When you’re on your Honolulu vacation, you deserve a perfect, picturesque setting! These spots are essential for the iconic Hawaiian experience:
Duke’s Waikiki
Sure, some folks call Duke’s a tourist trap, but who the hell cares? You are on vacation, and Duke’s is absolutely one of the best bars in Waikiki!
The drinks are strong, the setting is perfect, and you can’t beat watching the sunset over Waikiki Beach from the charming outdoor patio.
Getting into the bar is easier than the restaurant, but still, expect to wait a few minutes for a table to open up.
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu
The Beach Bar at Moana Surf Rider
I stumbled across this gem by accident! It is one of the best beachfront bars in Waikiki. Every table is eager to drink cocktails beachside, and it’s just hard to imagine a better place to spend a slow vacation evening.
Address: 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu
Hideout at the Laylow
This mid-century modern rooftop bar is a hidden gem tucked away from the busy streets.
It’s ideal for drinking handcrafted cocktails al fresco. They offer the Laylow “Hawaiian Style” Mai Tai (made with pineapple and lilikoi) and boast a great happy hour daily from 5-9:30 pm!
Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave., 1st Floor, Honolulu
Downtown & Chinatown: The Urban Craft and Whiskey Circuit
For those who prioritize true craft and innovation, these Honolulu bars are mandatory stops.
Bar Leather Apron (B.L.A.)
If you are a Scotch and whisky connoisseur, this is your temple. B.L.A. is one of the best whisky bars in Honolulu, offering a well-curated whiskey menu in a stoic, elegant Japanese-style setting.
Their passion project focuses on finely crafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
The Must-Try Cocktail: You absolutely must taste co-owner Justin Park’s award-winning E Ho’o Pau Mai Tai. This layered drink won the 2015 World’s Best Mai Tai competition and features aged rum infused with raisins, coconut water syrup, vanilla, local honey, absinthe, and smoke from Hawaiian mesquite wood!
Address: 745 Fort St #127a, Honolulu
Pint & Jigger (P&J)
This spot is often dubbed as one of the first real cocktail bars in Honolulu. Helmed by whiskey connoisseur Dave Newman, the focus here is strictly quality over quantity, resulting in some of the best cocktails in Honolulu.
The attention to detail is easy to notice, and the Scottish egg is worth ordering!
Address: 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu
Bevy
This artsy, industrial-chic locale serves handcrafted cocktails and offers European-inspired sips alongside a generous happy hour.
Their “Mai Thai” replaces orgeat with house-made lemongrass syrup and falernum and is topped with candied ginger foam. This unique twist won the Don the Beachcomber’s Mai Tai competition in 2010.
Address: 675 Auahi St #130, Honolulu
Tchin Tchin
Located in the heart of Chinatown’s art district, this top rooftop Honolulu wine bar offers a comfortable ambiance and a well-curated menu of creative cocktails.
If you need a break from spirits, Tchin Tchin also offers an extensive wine list. Filling the Gaps: Tiki, Local Spirits, and Surprises
Don’t miss these amazing spots that round out Honolulu’s diverse drinking scene.
Address: 39 N Hotel St, Honolulu
Skull & Crown Trading Co.
This is the beloved Honolulu tiki bar you’ve been searching for! It’s described as a creepy-tiki bar in Chinatown, and it boasts an impressive menu of craft cocktails centered around island-inspired libations.
The food here is outstanding, some of the best meals I’ve had on the island! They offer three Mai Tai variations, including the Maunakea Mai Tai, which is the classic 1944 style with an extra kick of funky Smith & Cross rum.
Address: 62 N Hotel St, Honolulu
Hana Koa Brewing
Yes, a brewery made the list of best Honolulu cocktail bars! Hana Koa is not only the best brewery on Oahu (operating out of a converted Coca-Cola syrup factory), but they also craft some great cocktails.
Don’t sleep on their pub fare—the burgers and onion rings are fantastic.
Address: 962 Kawaiaha‘o St, Honolulu
Spotlight on Local Spirits
Look out for local Hawaiian ingredients that elevate the drinks. The ‘Awa ‘Awa Mai Tai at Skull & Crown uses local Ko Hana Agricole-style rum, and another bar features rum infused with mamaki, a native Hawaiian plant.
Practical Advice and Bartender Secrets
To maximize your experience at these top Honolulu establishments, keep these expert tips in mind:
- The Originality Test: If the menu simply says “Mai Tai,” politely ask if they serve the “1944 Mai Tai” to ensure you avoid the sugary, pineapple-heavy versions.
- Maximize the View: For the best sunset experience, the pro move when visiting Hau Tree is to make a reservation for dinner so you can enjoy your cocktails with a fabulous sunset view.
- The average cocktail price in Honolulu: The price is $14-$18 at most spots for a standard drink. Head to a swankier resort bar, and that can jump to $19-$25+.
- Happy Hour Hits: Save some money without sacrificing quality! Bevy offers $1 off oysters every Tuesday through Saturday from 4-7 pm, and Hideout at the Laylow offers a great happy hour daily from 5-9:30 pm.
- Ask the Kind Staff: At places like Pint & Jigger, the service is top-notch, so if you are feeling adventurous, make sure to ask the kind staff for recommendations—they’ll help you find a truly great drink!
- Embrace the Vibe: If you want a casual, boozy dive bar feel, Arnold’s Beach Bar offers authentic old-school tiki bar vibes and personable, friendly bartenders.
Conclusion
From the essential history of the Mai Tai to the award-winning, smoky craft cocktails at Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu’s cocktail landscape has evolved into a destination for true spirit lovers. Go forth, explore these incredible best Honolulu cocktail bars, and discover your new favorite island sip! Cheers!