Watching sunset with a refreshing tropical drink in hand is a relaxing way to end a day in Waikiki Beach. After many trips to Waikiki, we definitely have some favorite spots that we’d like to share with you. Whether you like to sip on a tropical cocktail or mocktail, we recommend these top Waikiki spots:
Our favorite place is Halekulani’s House Without A Key. We love their live Hawaiian music combined with exceptionally graceful hula dancers The ocean front setting and sunset views are outstanding. Cocktails here are rather pricey, but the free entertainment and homemade potato chips definitely make the cost worth it. As long as your budget allows, I would say that having sunset drinks at House Without A Key is a must do on your Waikiki vacation. Entertainment begins before sunset so aim to arrive then or a little bit earlier to grab an outdoor seat near the band. The atmosphere is upscale here.
Monkeypod Kitchen Waikiki at Outrigger Reef on the Beach hotel has a lovely beach front, open-air setting. Their happy hour entertainment along with their tasty Mai Tai and pupus make for a great combination.
Though not technically on the beach, Tiki’s at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel offers great ocean and sunset views from its elevated level. There’s also palm trees in the view that can add a bit more interest to your sunset photos. Tiki’s also provides live music adding to this lively and casual atmosphere.
Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach offers entertainment and wonderful ocean front view. The atmosphere is casual and a little more lively compared to House Without A Key.
So these are my four favorite places so far. How about you? Where’s the top place you like to go for a sunset drink in Waikiki?
(This article was last updated February 2024)
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I love Duke's for sunset drinks. Something about watching the surfers come in from their surf sessions and couples strolling along Waikiki beach makes it seem romantic.
Oh Michael - your comment is killin' me by making me wish I was in Waikiki tonight for sunset. :) Thanks for sharing your favorite.
We remember one night, we sat just on the edge of Waikiki beach, listening to the waves crashing gently on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun still as it was getting ready to say goodnight, sipping a tasty cocktail straight out of a pineapple. It was heavenly.
That was at the Pink Palace aka Royal Hawaiian Hotel. (Don't know about you, but we'd rather call it the pink palace, just sounds nicer.)
Hawaii is a special place to watch the sun set, no doubt about that.
Nancy & Shawn
Nice memory, N & S.
We've been to the Royal Hawaiian's ocean front bar before, but it was on an overcast day, so it wasn't particularly memorable. We should try it again on a clearer day.
All good choices, Sheila! If you go for an early dinner, Hau Tree Lanai is a nice little walk from the main strip - although you'll usually find me just sitting out at Kaimana Beach instead! Many of the upper level restaurants at Ala Moana Shopping Center have a nice sunset view as well - Mariposa at Neiman Marcus, Longhi's, even CPK and Bubba Gump's.
Thanks for your additions, Malia.
Hau Tree Lanai is definitely a nice walk. Like you, I tend to think of it more as a dinner place.
I better not tell Andy that there's a Bubba Gumps at Ala Moana. He loves that place. :)
Oh! I almost forgot the pool bar at the Modern Honolulu is also a lovely spot for a sunset drink, it looks over the marina. They are famous for their craft cocktails, actually, including a deconstructed Mai Tai based on the original 1944 recipe. =) Morimoto is next door for dinner as well.
I love sitting under the Banyon Tree at the Moana Surfrider for sunset cocktails. Can't be beat, and they make a good Mai Tai too!
I like the overcast days at sunset! They make for the best pictures! Your photos prove that theory! :) I like Michael's visual too! Ahhh, to relax, kick back, and just people watch. :) Thanks for sharing, my friend!
Hi Evelyn -- that's true, sometimes the overcast days really make the clouds light up at sunset in unexpected ways. One thing I love about sunset and rarely are any two alike. :-)
That IS the best part! There's something uniquely wonderful about each one. Good morning, by the way. No sunrise over here yet. :)
and Aloha Kakahiaka to you! :-)
You're up early!
Happy Aloha Friday!