Experience Waikīkī’s Tiki Bar Culture

Step into Waikīkī’s tiki bars, where handcrafted exotic cocktails and Polynesian-inspired decor come together to transport you to paradise.

We’ve fully embraced Waikīkī’s tiki bar culture, and you should too! These vibrant spots celebrate tropical escapism with 1930s American flair and South Pacific-inspired artistry.

Tiki bars offer a lively and fun way to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s famous hospitality. As you sip, remember they’re a playful interpretation, distinct from authentic Polynesian traditions.

In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best tiki bars in Waikīkī.

1. Tiki’s Grill & Bar

A lively Waikīkī hangout with playful drinks and souvenir tiki drinkware.

📍 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3-5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily between 1-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Head to the terrace of The Twin Fin Hotel to find Tiki’s Grill & Bar, one of Waikīkī’s top tiki spots. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a legendary sunset over Waikīkī Beach while sipping cocktails in a laidback and breezy island setting.

Golden hour is buzzing at this award-winning, locally-owned hangout where the owners often mingle with guests. Unwind after a beach day with yummy eats like coconut shrimp — plus a 1944 or Hula Girl Mai Tai in souvenir glassware.

2. Arnold’s Beach Bar

Waikīkī’s hidden gem tiki beach bar with divey charm and local soul.

📍 339 Saratoga Rd, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon-Thu 6pm-2am

Step off the busy tourist path to discover a local originator, Arnold’s Beach Bar — which proudly claims its title as “Waikīkī’s Last Tiki Bar”. Opened in 1992, it transformed former horse stables into a decorative dive bar space.

This hold-in-the-wall has a local feel — a place for familiar faces to hang out and for tourists looking for an alternative to over-priced drinks. Listen to island tunes playing on the jukebox while drinking the bar’s cheerful cocktails.

3. Cuckoo Coconuts

Kitschy, loveable and full of character — this tiki bar is its own little world.

📍 333 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None

Cuckoo Coconuts is as close as you’ll get to the golden era of tiki bars. It’s impossible not to be attracted to the moody lights, quirky interior and live music — and the cheap drinks will surely make you stick around for a couple of songs.

Giant tiki statues welcome you to CC’s (as we call it), a casual outdoor venue with a no-frills vibe. Sip cocktails in pineapples or coconuts, don’t miss the Freaky Tiki or Java Lava, bite into a juicy burger and catch live music nightly from 7-10pm.

4. Heyday Pool Bar & Restaurant

A tiki escape with swing seats, dreamy drinks and full-on tropical island vibes.

📍 431 Nohonani St, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 12pm-5pm

Heyday Pool Bar & Restaurant is a hidden gem inside the White Sands Hotel, quickly earning its rep as one of Waikīkī’s coolest tiki spots. This unassuming bamboo hut sits poolside, serving up fabulous food and drinks in a retro setting.

What sets Heyday apart? Quirky swing seats at the bar with a mini waterfall and koi fish nearby. Sip a cocktail while swaying in your seat — try the sweet Beachside Mai Tai, then follow it up with the crowd-favorite Daiquiri Number Fun.

5. The Pūpū House

Tiki-style spot for top pūpū (appetizers) and fun late-night vibes, every time.

📍 310 Lewers St, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: From 8am-1am
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 5-7pm & 10pm-1am

Tucked away on Lewers Street, The Pupu House captures the true style of vintage Hawaiʻi with its playful tiki decor and nostalgic atmosphere. Their menu celebrates local flavors, with food specials prepared by award-winning chef Uncle Bo.

Whether you’re popping in for a casual breakfast or a fun night out, this tiki bar delivers a slice of paradise. From loco moco and açai bowls to tiki cocktails like the Tropical Itch, it also boasts one of Waikīkī’s best late-night Happy Hours.

6. Tipsy Tiki

Grab food from the hall, then hit the bar for a killer Mai Tai or a little t-t-tequila.

📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave #156, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 2-5pm

Waikīkī’s International Market Place holds tiki history as the spot where Don the Beachcomber introduced the Mai Tai. Today, Tipsy Tiki at the Kūhiō Avenue entrance keeps the legacy alive with its House Mai Tai — one of Hawaiʻi’s best.

It’s the perfect stop after snacking at Kūhiō Ave. Food Hall. This modern indoor tiki bar offers a cool escape from the heat and refreshing cocktails — especially tequila-based drinks, with nearly 50 tequilas to choose from.

In summary, get ready to sip, swing and soak it all in — this guide highlights our favorite Waikīkī tiki bars, where island fun meets retro flair.