Best Bars In Honolulu

Look, I get it — Oahu is small, but can be incredibly overwhelming. There are a lot of amazing restaurants and bars packed into Honolulu. But where do you start? What has the best views? Best prices? I hear you. This post has been a long time coming since I had to (obviously) taste test them all and do a bit of field research in the bar department. No complaints here 😉 Looking for the best bars in Honolulu? I’ve got you covered!

Best Bars In Honolulu

Island Vintage Wine Bar – Island Vintage Wine Bar is tucked inside the Royal Hawaiian Center (right beside Island Vintage Coffee on level 2) and if you’re not looking for it, you might miss it. That said, YOU WANT TO LOOK FOR IT. It’s a delicious wine bar and the small plates are delicious, filling and affordable. 

Barefoot Bar at Hale Koa – We love going to the Barefoot Bar at Hale Koa, because the drinks are so affordable. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset!

Il Lupino – Another wine bar in Royal Hawaiian Center, Il Lupino is sandwiched between the Center and Royal Hawaiian Hotel. If you’re looking for a good pasta meal AND bar selection, this one is for you! 

Sky Waikiki – The key to enjoying Sky Waikiki (in my mind) is getting there early and leaving before the dress code and cover charge starts to be enforced (after dark). The drinks are delicious and the views can’t be beat. 

Edge of Waikiki – My favorite bar in all of Honolulu! There is no better bar view in Honolulu than at Edge of Waikiki, because Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater are unobstructed. Plus, they have the best frosé in the Islands!

Lewer’s Lounge – This might be Honolulu’s best kept secret. If you’re feeling fancy, head to Lewer’s Lounge inside the Halekulani and feel a little bit like you’re stepping back in time. Usually there is live jazz and definitely has an elevated aura inside, but grab a chair and enjoy. Dane loves the Old-Fashioned drinks here and I’m in it for the chocolate covered orange peels. 

Bar Leather Apron – Bar Leather Apron isn’t just a bar — it’s an experience. That said, make a reservation and get ready for a show. Each cocktail is like a meal — robust taste and a  full presentation. It has to be experienced to be appreciated and this is a must for any high-brow cocktail enthusiast. 

Buho Cantina – I’ll come right out and say that the service isn’t top notch here, but the food and drinks more than make up for it. Come with a crowd to enjoy this melon bowl cocktail (it’s STRONG!) or for happy hour for cheap, but tasty, margaritas. 

Moku Kitchen – Craft cocktail enthusiasts should head directly for the bar at Moku Kitchen, which features tons of locally-sourced cocktail ingredients, as well as island-made brews. The best part? Their happy hour makes everything super affordable!

Pint and Jigger – This is such a fun bar and the bartenders are super friendly. We love to go here to watch football games since they open early for them, but you could go here any time of the day and enjoy a fantastic craft cocktail. Definitely order the fried pickles!

There are SO MANY bars in Honolulu that you could live here your whole life and maybe not go to all of them, but in my experience these are the best! Looking for a good deal? Here are the best bars for happy hour in Honolulu!