There are few things that bind people more than the ritual of after-work drinks. Whether you’re in California or Delaware or Germany, the phrase “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” resonates with just about everyone. In Hawaiʻi, the expression “pau hana” is often interchanged with “it’s happy hour” and translates to “work is finished.” It refers to a conscious decision to leave any worries behind and enjoy free time. The essence of “pau hana” encourages visitors to put down their phones and relax in the company of others over drinks and pupus (appetizers). Here are some of the top spots in Waikiki to get your pau hana on.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Some of the best eats for great prices can be found at Doraku. Fill up on mouth-watering sushi, chicken wings, ribs and vegetable dishes. But we prefer the sushi, and it’s best chased down with a few $6 lychee martinis!
Mahina and Suns is in the heart of Waikiki. With really good food and nightly live music, it makes for the perfect post work day stop for a drink. Be sure to get a selfie in front of the ‘Wish You Were Here’ pool.
2300 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
Location, location, location … and really good beer. Done. Plus they have plenty of bites to go with, from shareable plates to craft pizza, sandwiches and more.
2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808.922.4422
For that “I’m on vacation” vibe, head to RumFire. You can pair their tasty appetizers (like pork & shrimp lumpia or wok-fried miso shishito peppers) with one of their inventive cocktails.
Probably the best sunset view in Waikiki, SKY is an open-air restaurant atop a 19-story building lives up to its name — you’ll see lots of sky. Try the spicy ahi sashimi pizza or mushroom flatbread, or share a few of executive chef Lance Kosaka’s tasty small plates.
150 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu
808.931.4488
You won’t find a better spot to get views of Diamond Head. This newly renovated hotel has a gorgeous open-air restaurant that is, yes, a big open deck. It makes for a great place to watch the sunset!
2299 Kuhio Ave., Waikiki
808.628.3060
Hideout is a retro chic, open-air restaurant is located in the newly renovated Laylow Hotel. Happy hour offers $5 beers, $7 liquors, $8 glasses of wine, and a $12 mai tai. Some delicious bites are available for $10 to $15. Enjoy the fire pits, live music and good vibes.
This taphouse has a massive selection of beers, and the daily happy hours offers half-off selected appetizers and pizzas, as well as $2 off beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. Yardhouse has a cozy pub vibe with a food menu that tries to compete with their large beverage selection.
