72 Best Bars in Hawaii, USA

This venerable and funky institution in sleepy Hanalei still offers its famous luau at 5 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, although the bar is the big attraction. The spirits of locals and visitors alike are always high at this popular hangout, which features live music nightly from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Lanikai Brewing Company's taproom features its island-centric beer, including seasonal varieties that incorporate unusual ingredients like Surinam cherry, mushrooms, and white tea. It also serves Valentina's wood-fired pizza and sometimes has a food truck out front. In addition to beer, there are spirits from the brewery's distillery line, house-made sangria, Paradise Ciders, and other sips from which to choose. Kids are welcome, and board games are available for playing.

This chill bar gets its name from the Chinese expression “qing, qing” (which means “please please”), often used as a toast; soldiers returning from the Chinese Opium Wars introduced it in France and throughout Europe. With an extensive wine menu—by the glass and the bottle—plus a selection of single malt bourbon, whiskey, and scotch, it's an ideal spot for a drink or tapas-style food. The bar’s rooftop lanai, romantically lit with string lights and featuring a large living wall flourishing with ferns, is the best place to sit.

Tiki torches light the way to this fun restaurant and bar overlooking Kuhio Beach in the Twin Fin Hotel. A mix of locals and visitors heads here for happy hour and, later, to enjoy its kitschy cool, casual vibe. There's great nightly entertainment by contemporary Hawaiian musicians playing lively and popular cover tunes. The drinks menu is extensive and (not surprisingly) tiki-focused. Don't leave without sipping on the Lava Flow (rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, strawberry puree) or noshing on coconut shrimp, ahi poke, or macadamia-crusted fish of the day. And if you love the tiki vibe, you can purchase an array of whimsical merchandise, including the colorful tiki mugs. If you're here during the holidays, ask the host about the "Christmas bar."

This speakeasy-style bar is smack-dab in the middle of Kihei's nightlife scene, and it stands out for its lineup of specialty cocktails and incredibly friendly staff. It's the size of a living room, but mixology is given more consideration here than at other venues.

For the most part, Wailuku goes quiet once the office workers clock out and the shops close, but this neighborhood hangout is the exception, and it has become a go-to spot for craft cocktails, good vibes, and late-night fun. Although it doesn't serve food, it does offer a small dance floor, a patio out back, a karaoke night, and lounge music or live jazz.

This company not only brews its own quality craft beer but also serves delicious food. This is its second location—the original is in Waikiki at 1945 Kalakaua Avenue—and it always offers nine beers on tap, including the Skinny Jeans IPA and the Hana Hou Hefe, to which orange peel and strawberry puree are added before fermentation. You can also buy six-packs at the bar to go. Barbecue sauces accompanying some of the smoked meat selections are made with Waikiki Brewing beer. Stop by for brunch on the weekends.

Hawaiian bars should have two things: stellar views of the sunset over the ocean and equally stellar mai tais. This lounge of this restaurant has both, as well as live music, ranging from contemporary to Hawaiian, Thursday through Sunday. Come for sunset or for the late-night happy hour, but seats are scarce once the music starts at 6:30 pm, and an attractive crowd starts showing up around 8.

Dubbed the "Friendliest Bar in Waikiki," this charming karaoke joint is a must-visit on any trip to the island. The positive vibe comes from owner Dan Chang, who personally welcomes his guests to this LGBTQ+-friendly establishment. The bar is in the lobby of the Stay Hotel and has a full kitchen cranking out Asian- and Latin-inspired dishes. It's known for a lively late-night crowd and innovative cocktails. The list of karaoke songs is extensive, and the place gets jammed, so arrive early if you really want to add your name to the list and sing a song.

Nestled in a bamboo forest draped in bougainvillea and flowering vines and hidden from view off the Kuhio Highway is a charming little venue where local musicians perform most evenings. Previously known as Caffé Coco, it now offers vegan fare, including pupu (appetizers), entrées, and desserts. It may not have a liquor license, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the entertainment in a pleasant outdoor setting; just bring your own wine or beer. It's open Tuesday through Saturday until 9.

Beer lovers appreciate the 36 craft brews on tap at this oceanfront restaurant, with dining downstairs and another bar upstairs that features live music and dancing. It's always busy with young local revelers. Humpy's food can be hit or miss, but it's great for late-hour grill items. Happy-hour specials are available weekdays 3 to 6, and the bar stays open until 2 am.