The 5 Best Happy Hours in Waikiki for Deals with a View 🍸
Looking for the best happy hours in Waikiki for great food and killer views? I live in Waikiki and I’ve got you covered.
It’s no secret that Waikiki is an expensive place to visit. And the pricey restaurant scene is a big reason why.
Since moving to Waikiki, my husband and I have made it our mission to find the best affordable places to eat and drink around town.
To add to that challenge, we’re suckers for a classic cocktail with a killer view.
Which brings me to Happy Hour.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
After more than a year of diligent (and delicious) research, we’ve settled on a few favorite spots that we return to again and again for tasty food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable views—all without breaking the bank.
Happy Hour, Hawaiian Style
Happy Hour in Hawaii is known locally as “Pau Hana,” a Hawaiian phrase that translates to “finished work” or “after work.”
In Hawaiian culture, it signifies the time to relax and unwind after a day’s work. It’s a time to gather with friends and family to enjoy food, drinks, and good company.
Kicking back for Pau Hana is an essential part of local culture and reflects Hawaii’s laid-back, community-oriented lifestyle. It’s a time to slow down, connect with others, and appreciate the day.
But, hey, I’m pretty sure I don’t have to sell you on the cultural significance of Happy Hour. You’re here, I suspect you’re on board.
So whether you’re looking for a chic rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Pacific or a beachside spot with live music, this list has you covered.
But first…
A simple disclaimer: The subject of the best Happy Hours in Waikiki is a bit subjective and everyone has a favorite. But when we go out for Pau Hana, I lean toward the spots with the best views in town.
So my list is skewed in that direction. That cool new spot off Kuhio may have the best deals in town, but if there’s no chance I’ll get to watch the sunset or spot a turtle, count me out.
Okay, back to business.
Everyone ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki
Location: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kalia Road
Happy Hour: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM daily
Menu: Monkeypod Kitchen Happy Hour Menu
The Scoop
Monkeypod Kitchen’s newest Waikiki location is one of two restaurants we always book well in advance when friends and family come to visit (the other one is Duke’s!).
Led by award-winning chef Peter Merriman, this popular Hawaiian restaurant chain is known for its commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients in a relaxed, oceanfront setting.
Tip: My go-to reservation time is 4:45pm to score one round of drinks and apps at Happy Hour prices before enjoying an oceanfront dinner.
With two locations on Oahu and two on Maui, Monkeypod’s newest location in the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort wins the prize for jaw-dropping ocean views.
Just an arm’s length from the sea (and the occasional bobbing honu), this colorful open-air restaurant offers panoramic ocean views, live local music daily, and some terrific Happy Hour deals.
Happy Hour Specials:
- Half-off select appetizers (excludes seafood items)
- $14 pizzas
- $4 off handcrafted cocktails
- $2 off craft beers
- $3 off wines by the glass
The Pros
Monkeypod is known for specialty cocktails and the Monkeypod Mai Tai is a must. It is, hands-down, my favorite Mai Tai in Waikiki.
Read More: The 5 Best Mai Tais in Waikiki (Do NOT Leave Hawaii Without Trying #3)
With a magical blend of kula rums and tropical juices topped with honey-lilikoi foam, it’s paradise in a glass.
Monkeypod also makes terrific hand-tossed pizzas like the Kalua Pork & pineapple pizza. The garlic truffle fries and roasted chicken wings are two of our go-to’s on the Happy Hour menu.
The Cons
The only downsides to this Waikiki Happy Hour are the somewhat stingy time frame (just 90 minutes?) and the fact that the seafood appetizers aren’t included in the happy hour deal.
The lobster deviled eggs and shrimp and mushroom potstickers are two of my favorite things on the menu. But the dazzling ocean view and delicious mai tai make up for it.
Bonus: Happy Hour deals at Monkeypod are available throughout the restaurant, not just at the bar.
2. Pesca Waikiki Beach
Location: Ilikai Hotel, Sky Floor, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd
Happy Hour: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (bar only)
Menu: Pesca Waikiki Happy Hour Menu
The Scoop
Located on the top floor of the iconic Ilikai Hotel, Pesca is known for its luxurious setting and Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes. Not to mention 360-degree amazing views of the ocean, mountains, and Waikiki – from mauka to makai as we say around here.
Tip: For breathtaking sunset views, this is the spot!
It’s also my favorite place to watch the weekly Friday Night Fireworks from above for a unique vantage point.
Read More: The Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks (by land, sea, or air!)
But, to me, the standout feature here is the generous all-day happy hour, available from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (at the bar only).
Happy Hour Specials:
- Seafood-focused small plates
- $9 House wines and draft beers
- $10 Classic Cocktails
The Pros
This is the only place in town where you don’t have to worry about what time it is, it’s always happy hour at Pesca!
The happy hour food menu isn’t particularly robust but there are some standouts. We love the seafood bruschetta, the calamari, and the PESCA sliders.
But my favorite item on the happy hour menu isn’t even ON the menu – it’s the lobster sliders. And while they aren’t officially on the menu, they’ve been available every single time we’ve gone for more than a year now (just ask for them).
The Cons
The only minor issue here is a lack of seating at the bar. It’s a small bar area with only a few bar tables. But if you go early, before the dinner rush starts (around 6pm), they’re great about “expanding” the bar area to include tables near the bar for additional happy hour seating.
We generally go between 4:30pm and 5:30pm and have always been able to get a seat somewhere.
3. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood
Location: Ala Moana Hotel, 36th Floor, 410 Atkinson Drive
Happy Hour: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM for food, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM for drinks (bar only)
Menu: Signature Prime Happy Hour Menu
The Scoop
When we first moved to Hawaii and started exploring the restaurant scene, no less than three different bartenders told us the daily happy hour at Signature was the best deal in town.
They also told us to get there early because there’s always a line. And they weren’t wrong.
When it comes to Hawaii happy hours, this might be the best one in the state.
Located high above Waikiki on the 36th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel, Signature Prime Steak & Seafood offers a fine dining experience with stunning panoramic views.
Known for its luxurious ambiance and live piano music, this is a go-to spot for a high-end happy hour with killer views.
Happy Hour Specials:
- 50% off a selection of menu items
- Discounts on a wide variety of additional menu items
- Discounted wines by the glass and signature cocktails
- Signature Steak deals
The Pros
Yes, signature has amazing views. But, all things considered, I prefer the views at Pesca (it’s a more direct ocean view).
However, when it comes to food, Signature offers the single best happy hour in town. Trust me, you will not need dinner after this Waikiki happy hour.
There are two extra fabulous things about the happy hour menu here.
First, the food menu is huge. It’s nearly everything on their full menu but at happy hour prices (up to 50% off for some items).
Second, the Signature steaks are the best deal in town. Get a 12oz ribeye or New York steak for just $27 (in Waikiki, that’s a steal).
I also love the shrimp stuffed mushrooms and the lobster mac and cheese.
Tip: If you plan to order the steak (and you should) do it as soon as you see your waiter. They typically sell out within the first 10 minutes of happy hour. Everything else can wait but get that steak order in ASAP.
The Cons
The downside is that this incredible happy hour is no secret and it draws a crowd every night of the week.
Happy hour starts at 4:30pm sharp. But if you get there at 4:30pm, you’ll miss it. Because the 100 people that were in line by 4:15pm will have scored all the seats.
Arrive no later than 4:15pm (4:00pm is better) and join the line in front of the restaurant’s designated lobby elevator.
In order to get a table, you really need to be in one of the first three elevators to the top (it’s hostess seating and they control every seat at the bar and every table). After that, you’ll probably have to wait at least an hour for someone to leave.
Between the terrific service, tasty drinks, and outstanding food, the whole experience at Signature is 5-star.
I know the whole line thing sounds like a pain but this one is worth the effort. We go at least once a month and, yes, we stand in line with everyone else.
4. SKY Waikiki
Location: 2270 Kalakaua Ave, 19th Floor
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily (bar only)
Menu: SKY Waikiki Happy Hour Menu
The Scoop
Located in the heart of Waikiki, just across from the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, SKY Waikiki is a rooftop bar with stunning panoramic views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Pacific Ocean from 19 stories above.
Known for an excellent Raw Bar, handcrafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to sip a cocktail while watching the sunset in a stylish, open-air setting.
Note: Despite the lofty location, you cannot see the Friday night fireworks from up here.
Happy Hour Specials:
- $2 Oyster of the day
- $5 Select beers
- $10 Bubbly & $12 Signature Cocktails
The Pros
If you’re an oyster or poke fan, this is the Waikiki happy hour for you! With $2 oyster specials and a variety of poke dishes for $14, there’s plenty to choose from.
The Mai Tai is a solid option but I love the “Spicy Mangorita” even more.
The Cons
Happy Hour lasts just one hour each night and is restricted to a smaller side of the outdoor deck.
I’ve also heard there can be a wait for a Happy Hour seat here but we’ve never had an issue finding a table or at least a seat at the bar. It’s worth noting that about half of the few tables in the happy hour section are in the full sun area during that time of day.
5. Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Location: 3rd floor, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, 150 Kapahulu Ave
Happy Hour: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM for drinks, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM for food
Menu: DECK Happy Hour Menu
The most casual of the options on my list, Deck is a fantastic rooftop bar with some of the best views of Diamond Head in Waikiki.
Located on the 3rd floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, this open-air bar is perfect for a less pretentious, more laid-back atmosphere.
A favorite with locals, Deck focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients for both food and drinks.
Happy Hour Specials:
- $12 signature cocktails
- $8 local draft beers
- Small bites starting at $6
The Pros
Deck’s 2:00 – 6:00 PM Happy Hour time frame (4-6 for food!) is generous and the menu – while small – includes a good variety. I’m a big fan of both the juicy beef sliders and the braised short ribs.
The Cons
If you’re looking for ocean views, Deck isn’t the best choice. (But I’m a sucker for a great Diamond Head view and this is the best one in town.) I also find the Happy Hour drink menu to be a bit limited since it doesn’t include wine.
Cheers to Happy Hour in Waikiki!
And there you have it, my 5 favorite Happy Hour spots in Waikiki to enjoy those Pau Hana vibes with great food and drinks and even better views!
And for more great food deals in Waikiki, be sure to check out my favorite spots for “Cheap Eats” all over Waikiki:
Read More: The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki (#1 is a beachfront gem!)
And for my favorite local breakfast options around Waikiki, don’t miss these yummy spots:
Read More: 7 Best Breakfast Spots in Waikiki (according to a local!)
