Besides beautiful beaches and lively culture, Waikiki is famous for its nightlife. After sunset, the spot turns into a vibrant meeting place for the locals and the tourists, who come here to enjoy the signature cocktails and local brews. In this guide we’ll look at some of the best places to take in Waikiki’s nightlife, including some unique drinks and the local craft beer scene.
Signature Cocktails to Savor
When thinking about cocktails for any of your Waikiki entertainment, the options available range from tropical concoctions that are fun and capture the purpose of island life. Of course a must try is the classic Mai Tai, made with equal quantities of light rum, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice, which mixes very well together, as do almost all of Koh Thai’s concoctions. Served with stunning ocean views at many bars such as Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Their version is usually a float of dark rum, which gives this classic cocktail a bit of depth.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita is a must try. Jalapeño infused tequila, pineapple and lime juices combine to make a cocktail that’s sweet with a bit of heat. This delightful drink can also be found at places like Waikiki Brewing Company where they pride themselves on using local ingredients in their craft cocktails.
That brings us to the Lava Flow, a frozen combination of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri that tastes like a tropical vacation in Hawaii. Sipping on this visually stunning drink is ideal for Waikiki’s beachfront bars.
Local Brews to Enjoy
Over the last several years, Waikiki’s craft beer scene has exploded, with several breweries putting out unique, local flavors. Beer enthusiasts love Maui Brewing Co. for their variety of brews, which use Hawaii’s natural ingredients. One beer that has been gaining lots of popularity is their Hana Hou Hefe that’s an unfiltered hefeweizen with orange peel and strawberry puree and it has an excellently refreshing flavor.
Waikiki Brewing Company is another great spot, known for having a laid back vibe and great beers. It’s their Fire Rock Pale Ale that’s crisp and refreshing, just like the warm Hawaiian evenings itself. The brewery sometimes holds events and tastings and is a good place to taste local flavors and hang out with other beer fans.
Hana Koa Brewing Co. is a comfy place for less casual folks to enjoy their craft beers. They offer their Ala Moana Amber and seasonal brews and it’s a great place to chill out after a day of exploring.
Happy Hours and Specials
There are so many bars in Waikiki that offer great happy hour specials so that you can have the chance to sample a variety of cocktails and local brews without it costing a fortune. For instance, Maui Brewing Co. hosts happy hours daily from 3:A great way to save on quality drinks, with select beers and appetizers discounted from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.
Their island style drinks, $9 Bahia Sangria, are also available at happy hour specials alongside their delicious appetizers, ideal for sharing with friends whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
Conclusion
We love Waikiki’s nightlife, and while there are some signature cocktails and local brews that are a hallmark of Hawaii, there are also some great bars in the area. Whether you’re a fan of classic Mai Tais or you’re looking to try something new, craft beers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Whether a beachfront bar while lounging at a sandy beach, or knocking around local breweries and bars, Waikiki is guaranteed to whip a little flavor and a lot of fun into your visit. So gather up your friends, take a drink and jump right into the Waikiki nightlife that makes Waikiki so special!