Best Bars in Waikiki
Hands down the most famous bar in Waikiki is Duke’s Canoe Club. Located at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Duke’s popularity is well-deserved. Named for the legendary surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s Canoe Club is an energy-filled establishment that is happening all day and all night long. Duke’s sets different moods in the dining room and barefoot bar, and has separate menus for each. Speaking of which, Duke’s has outstanding food. I highly recommend the prime rib, which is large, reasonably priced, and cooked to perfection. If you do intend to dine, I suggest making reservations and I highly suggest making them early. Duke’s gets packed for dinner every single night. If you want to enjoy a morning or afternoon cocktail overlooking Waikiki Beach, Duke’s is the place to be. At night, Duke’s gets a bit loud and it can be a little tougher to get a drink. But overall, the nightlife at Duke’s Canoe Club simply can’t be beat.
LuLu’s Waikiki Surf Club is another great place to gather for a few drinks across from the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Whether it’s day or night, LuLu’s is just a fun joint with great music and surprisingly good food. Located at 2589 Kalakaua Avenue, LuLu’s is also one of Waikiki’s newest additions. Here’s a kicker: LuLu’s is open 24 hours a day and serves cocktails from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. If you’re too loaded to do the math, that means LuLu’s serves alcoholic drinks all but 2 hours each day. I’m getting a hangover just thinking about that.
For the younger crowd (21-26), there’s Moose McGillycuddy’s, located at 310 Lewers Street. Moose McGillycuddy’s offers live music and dancing upstairs. Moose also offers a menu of typical pub food – burgers, sandwiches, chicken, etc. – none of which is very good. I suggest you eat before you go to Moose McGillycuddy’s. Or at least drink a good deal before you order your food.
One bar that offers much better food is Da Big Kahuna. Also fairly new, Da Big Kahuna, located at 2299 Kuhio Avenue, is a great place to kick back with a pint of beer and catch the big game. Their full menu, including their famous Big Kahuna Burger, is served until 3 a.m. Da Big Kahuna also features two pool tables and live entertainment on weekends.
The Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian is another perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail (a Mai Tai maybe?) right next to Waikiki Beach. The food is decent but overpriced (you’re clearly paying for location). Speaking of location, you’ll find the Mai Tai Bar at 2259 Kalakaua Avenue. The Royal Hawaiian, also known as the Pink Palace, is pretty hard to miss.
