Best Rooftop Bars in Waikiki for Sunset Drinks
The best rooftop bars in Waikiki offer panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Pacific. Some will also time their happy hour or evening service to line up with the sunset. The vibe of a rooftop bar is different fro oceanfront and beach-level spots. You can expect a quieter and more elevated experience.
Rooftop bars are a natural extension of planning a Waikiki nightlife itinerary and they work well for a full evening out.
We’ll cover the top rooftop picks, what to expect in terms of price and dress code, as well as tips for timing your visit to include the sunset.
Quick Answer
Some of the best rooftop bars in Waikiki for sunset drinks include SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar, Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, and Tommy Bahama’s rooftop bar. Most offer happy hour pricing that ties in with sunset hours.
Key Takeaways
- SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar, Deck., and Tommy Bahama’s rooftop bar are consistently ranked among Waikiki’s top rooftop spots for views
- Several rooftop bars overlap their happy hour with sunset timing, so checking hours in advance can mean a better view-to-price ratio (see our happy hour guide)
- Rooftop bars tend to have a slightly more polished atmosphere than beach-level bars, with some leaning business casual
- Arriving 30-60 minutes before sunset is the safest bet for securing a view seat, especially during peak season
- Since Waikiki is walkable, most rooftop bars are easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the area
What Makes a Great Rooftop Bar in Waikiki
Rooftop bars stand out from oceanfront and beach-level bars due to their elevation, panoramic views, and a generally quieter and more upscale fee. The quality of a rooftop bar varies by what floor it is on and the building location. Some rooftop bars will face Diamond Head while others face the ocean or city skyline. Some rooftop bars are also restaurants and offer a full menu as part of their draw.
Top Rooftop Bars for Sunset Views
Enjoying the best happy hours in Waikiki in combination with a sunset is part of most vacationer’s itinerary. Here are the top rooftop bars for experiencing sunset views.
SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar
Located on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, you can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of Diamond Head, the Pacific, and the city skyline. SKY is known for their fessh oyster specials during happy hour.
- Address: 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Phone: (808) 900-4240
Deck.
You’ll find Deck. on the 3rd floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. This is a more casual rooftop bar with Diamond Head views. They offer a longer happy hour than most competitors.
- Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Phone: (808) 720-2243
Tommy Bahama Restaurant | Bar | Store
This rooftop bar is known for its distinct setup offering sand and fire pits. It is quite a different atmosphere than most typical open-air lounges.
- Address: 298 Beach Walk Suite 137, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Phone: (808) 923-8785
What to Expect: Price and Dress Code
Rooftop bars tend to have a higher-tiered pricing structure due to the views and atmosphere. Drinks can range from $18-$24 versus ground-level or budget-friendly bars offering cocktails from $10-$15. Keep in mind that bars in ground-level resorts will markup drinks based on tourist heavy foot traffic. Expect to pay anywhere from $22-$27 at major premium resorts.
Many rooftop bars have a business casual dress code. Higher-floor and steakhouse-style venues tend to lean beach casual. Some venues do have a food/drink minimum or reservation requirements. This is especially true during sunset hours so it is worth checking ahead.
Tips for Timing Your Rooftop Bar Visit
Going to a rooftop bar in time for viewing a sunset can get busy. It’s ideal to arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset to secure a seat. Popular spots during peak season tend to fill up fast. Check that the bar you want to visit has its happy hour overlap with sunset timing.
Weekdays are often less crowded than on the weekends. This could be helpful if you have flexibility. Another plus is that getting around Waikiki doesn’t require a car, so rooftop bar-hopping or planning a rooftop stop with dinner at another restaurant is easy to do in one evening.
Waikiki Rooftop Bars
| Bar | View | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar | Diamond Head, Pacific, city skyline | Upscale, lively at night | Panoramic 360-degree views |
| Deck. | Diamond Head | Casual, relaxed | Longer happy hour window |
| Tommy Bahama Rooftop | Ocean/skyline | Resort-casual with fire pits | Unique atmosphere |
Best Rooftop Bars in Waikiki FAQ
SKY Waikiki & Raw Bar is one of the most frequently ranked top picks for its 19th-floor location and 360-degree views of Diamond Head and the Pacific.
It will vary be venue. Most rooftop bars lean business casual while others stick to beach-casual.
It’s a good idea to arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Waikiki has some of the best rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail, pupus, and sunset views. Most rooftop bars range from upscale to casual. It’s best to call ahead of time to make sure the bar’s happy hour overlaps with sunset timing. You may also want to verify the venue’s dress code.
With Waikiki’s walkability, it’s easy to hop from one rooftop bar to the next or plan on dining at another restaurant in one evening.
