Along with sand and sea, sunshine is one of Waikiki’s defining attractions, but after the sun sets there’s still plenty to enjoy in Honolulu’s famous beach neighborhood. Open-air bars and inventive dining add two more “S”s to Waikiki’s appeal — suppers and sips — creating a lively evening scene.
If your schedule allows a late-afternoon break, happy hour starts early at Bills Sydney, the local outpost of the Australian cafe known for creamy scrambled eggs and all-day pancakes. The bar features premium cocktails starting around $5, draft beers such as Bikini Blonde Lager from $4, and small plates ranging from cassava chips to Korean fried chicken.
The Trump Hotel’s Wai’olu Ocean View Lounge offers a Sunset Fare from 3–6 p.m., with draft beer priced as low as $3. The lounge is also known for its signature mai tai, served with sorbet and caramelized pineapple. On Friday evenings, linger until about 7:45 p.m. for a comfortable vantage point to watch the nearby Hawaiian Village fireworks.
When President Obama visits Honolulu, he has been known to dine at Morimoto, the contemporary Japanese restaurant at The Modern Honolulu. The menu includes a broad selection of sushi and sashimi, toro tartare and steaks, and servers can point out the table the president favors.
For a historic Hawaii dining experience, try the Royal Hawaiian’s Azure Restaurant, where fish is purchased fresh each morning at Pier 38. On Mondays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the hotel hosts an Aha’aina lu’au on the beach, a traditional celebration once attended by Hawaiian royalty. Announced by conch shell, the event includes craft demonstrations, a multicourse dinner reflecting the islands’ diverse cultures, and concludes with local music and hula performances.
Also rooted in tradition, the Moana Surfrider serves cocktails and steaks with beachfront views, while Hy’s, a long-standing local favorite with the refined atmosphere of an English library, offers prime rib, kiawe-broiled rack of lamb and lobster.
Near the Convention Center, innovative Hawaiian-fusion sushi can be found at YuZu in the Ala Moana Hotel. The restaurant allows BYOB and runs a happy hour from 5–6 p.m. with budget-friendly items such as $3 edamame and $5 hand rolls.
Upstairs in the Ala Moana Center, Longhi’s provides open-air dining and a Mediterranean ambiance. Signature dishes include shrimp and scallops with tomatoes and basil, lobster stuffed with macadamia-nut breadcrumbs, and a rich macaroni and cheese with garlic and anchovies. For dessert, Carmel Knowledge combines fruit, vanilla gelato and candied macadamia nuts in a hot caramel sauce.
At the far end of Waikiki near Kapi‘olani Park, Queen’s Surf Beach draws a largely gay and lesbian crowd. A few blocks away on the second floor of the Grand Hotel, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand offers nightly specials such as $5 José Cuervo shots and $2 tacos on Tuesdays. Nearby, Bacchus Waikiki markets itself as one of the neighborhood’s liveliest nightlife spots with themed nights like Margarita Mondays and Tequila Thursdays.
Also near the park, bartender Charlene Moe at Hotel Renew prepares a mai tai accented with li hing powder for a distinctive sweet-and-salty twist. For a more bustling atmosphere, Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill attracts locals and visitors with communal tables and generous portions — standout items include garlic ribeye steak and Dynamite Shrimp wok-fired in garlic-chili aioli and topped with a Parmesan panko crust, hearty dishes to tide you over until Waikiki’s sun rises again.