Best Happy Hours in Waikiki for Cheap Drinks and Views
Waikiki happy hours combine discounted drinks and pupus with oceanfront or rooftop views. The best happy hours are offered on late weekday afternoons into early evening. These happy hours are some of the best budget-friendly ways to enjoy sunsets in Waikiki.
If you’re wanting to experience Waikiki’s oceanfront bar scene without paying for full-priced drinks, happy hour is one of the easiest ways to do so. Waikiki is highly walkable so settling in to your hotel and figuring out how to get around Waikiki without a car is quite easy. Exploring happy hour spots on foot is a common evening activity.
We’ll cover how to find good happy hour spots, what to expect in terms of price, and a few standout picks.
Quick Answer
Happy hour in Waikiki typically runs between 3-6 pm on weekdays. Many locations offer discounted drinks, pupus, or both. Saving of 20-40% off the regular menu prices is the norm. You can find oceanfront and rooftop bars along Kalakaua Avenue and the beachfront hotel strip.
Key Takeaways
- Most Waikiki happy hours run from 3-6pm on weekdays, exact hours vary by venue
- Oceanfront and rooftop bars tend to have the best view-to-price ratio
- Pupu (appetizer) specials are often paired with drink specials
- Booking ahead isn’t usually necessary for happy hour, but arriving early secures the best view seating
- Prices and hours change seasonally and with ownership, so confirm current happy hour details
What to Expect from Waikiki Happy Hour
If you’re a fan of happy hour and want to enjoy delicious food and cocktails with ocean views, Waikiki has plenty of options. Most hotels in Waikiki are only a 15-20 minute walk to most bars and restaurants. Happy hour generally runs between 3 pm and 6 pm during the week. Some venues extend it on weekends but you may want to check beforehand.
Hour hour drinks and menu items are typically discounted between 20-40% off regular menu prices. A common format includes discounted cocktails, beer, wine, and pupu specials. A lot of places will have a dedicated happy hour menu.
The spots with the best views (oceanfront and rooftop) tend to fill up fast for happy hour so arriving right when it starts may help in securing the best seats.
Best Oceanfront Happy Hours
What makes happy hour even better in Waikiki? Finding a happy hour spot with ocean views. Here are some of the best oceanfront happy spots to choose from on your next getaway:
RumFire
You can find the RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki. It is right on Waikiki’s beachfront with happy hour running nightly from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm and then again at 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Go earlier for sunset views or later to enjoy a late-night option.
Address: 2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: 808) 922-4422
Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki
Located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, the Monkeypod Kitchen is an oceanfront restaurant on Kalia Road. It is located steps from the beach and is considered one of the most popular happy hour spots in Waikiki. Their happy hour deals include $2 off beer, wine, and cocktails and 50% off a variety of appetizers. Keep in mind that this location gets crowded during peak season so expect a wait.
Address: 2169 Kālia Rd Unit 111, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 900-4226
Hula Grill
Located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Hula Grill is one floor above Duke’s and offers beach views without the sand-level crowds. They also offer the earliest happy hour in Waikiki starting at 2 pm.
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: Phone: (808) 923-4852
If you’re considering Duke’s Waikiki as a happy hour spot, you may want to call first. There is conflicting information online about their happy hour no longer being offered. However, Hula Grill is a nice option as they are at the same location.
These locations tend to be the most popular and the most crowded during happy hour. Arriving early is essential to secure your seats.
Best Rooftop Happy Hours
Rooftop happy hours in Waikiki are great options for getting elevated sunset views without the higher price of oceanfront dining. One thing to note is that some rooftop happy hours run later into the evening in comparison to oceanfront spots. Here are some of the top rooftop happy hour options in Waikiki:
SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar
Located on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, SKY Waikiki offers panoramic 360-degree views of Diamond Head, the Pacific, and the city skyline. Happy hour runs daily from 4 pm – 5 pm with $4 oysters and seafood specials.
Address: 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 900-4240
Deck
You’ll find this rooftop bar on the 3rd floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. It is a casual spot with amazing views of Diamond Head. Happy hour runs from 2 pm – 6 pm for drinks and 4 pm – 6 pm for food.
Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 720-2243
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
This location is a rooftop spot known for its unique set up offering sand and fire pits. Happy runs from 2 pm – 5 pm with discounted drinks (beer, wine, cocktails) and their popular menu items including coconut shrimp, sliders, and blackened mahi tacos.
Address: 298 Beach Walk Suite 137, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-8785
Best Budget-Friendly Happy Hours in Waikiki
Sometimes finding budget-friendly happy hour spots is ideal if you don’t want to compete with crowds and still want good food and drinks. These budget-friendly options may not offer sunset views, but you can still get really good deals on delicious food and beverages.
Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill
If you want a no frills happy hour that serves good drinks, Arnold’s Beach Bar & Grill may be a good option. Their happy hour runs from 12 pm to 6 pm. You can enjoy an old-school Hawaiian surfer vibe with indoor/outdoor seating. They are known for reasonably priced, strong tropical cocktails such as Mai Tais and Bloody Marys.
Address: 339 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 924-6887
Tipsy Tiki
Want a cool, laid-back, and dog-friendly happy spot? Look no further than Tipsy Tiki. Their happy hour runs from 4 pm – 6 pm and they offer specialty drinks like the Paniolo, Li Hing Mui margaritas, and a variety of Filipino rum selections.
Address: 2330 Kalākaua Ave #156, Honolulu, HI 96815
Yard House
Located at the Waikiki Beach Walk, the Yard House offers some really good happy deals. Happy hours run Monday through Friday from 2 pm – 5:30 pm and late-night happy hours are on Sunday through Wednesday from 10:30 pm to close. They offer 50% off select appetizers, $2 off beer, $3 off wine, and $4 off half yards of beer.
Address: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-9273
Tips for Happy Hour Hopping in Waikiki
Thanks to Waikiki being highly walkable, happy hour hopping between a few spots in one evening is easy without needed a car or ordering a rideshare. If you’re wanting to capture sunset views, it’s best to plan your route around that time.
It’s also a good idea to check each spot’s current happy hours because they can shift with the season or change completely with new ownership. If you’re planning a full night out, check out our Waikiki packing list for the types of clothing to pack since oceanfront and rooftop happy hours can get breezy after the sun goes down.
Waikiki Happy Hour Spots by Vibe
| Spot Type | Best For | Typical Window | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanfront bars | Direct beach/sunset views | ~3-6pm weekdays | $$-$$$ |
| Rooftop lounges | Elevated skyline/sunset views | ~4-7pm weekdays | $$-$$$ |
| Budget-friendly/local spots | Cheapest drinks, casual vibe | Varies, often daily | $ |
FAQ Section
The average happy hour runs from 3-6 pm on weekdays. Exach hours will vary by venue and some offer happy hour into the early evening.
Yes, most happy hour menus offer 20-40% off their regular menu prices. These often include pupu (appetizer) specials.
It’s not typical to need a reservation for happy hours. It does help to arrive early if you want to get the best seat sunset and ocean views.
It all depends on what you’re looking for. For great views without the sand-level crowds, the Hula Grill is a good option. If you want great deals on drinks and appetizers, the Yard House works well.
Final Thoughts
Happy hour is one of the best ways to enjoy Waikiki while on vacation. Most happy hour bars and restaurants are within walking distance of most Waikiki hotels. There are a variety of spots for beach and sunset viewing. Choose from oceanfront, rooftop, or casual local spots.
Try to verify hours for each venue you want to try as happy hours can change with the season or ownership could remove happy hour permanently. Arrive early for oceanfront and rooftop locations as they fill up fast.
