Happy Hour Waikiki: Best Food, Drinks & Sunset Views
If you’re dreaming of oceanfront drinks and tasty snacks, happy hour Waikiki is a must-experience treat. Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, this place offers the best of Hawaii’s sunset scenes, tropical drinks, and relaxed vibes.
Tourists often compare it with other hotspots like Happy Hour Atlanta: Guide to the City’s Best Food and Drink Deals. But Waikiki’s happy hour stands out for its beachy setting, friendly service, and island-style charm.
You can enjoy fresh seafood, fruity cocktails, and delicious local dishes—all while watching the waves crash just steps away.
Restaurant Info and Owner Details
Happy hour Waikiki isn’t tied to just one spot. It’s a collection of restaurants, bars, and lounges across Waikiki Beach, offering specials during set hours. Some of the most popular restaurants offering happy hour include:
- Duke’s Waikiki
Famous for its beachfront view and Hula Pie, Duke’s is owned by TS Restaurants and has been serving guests since 1992. - The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki
A popular chain located in the Royal Hawaiian Center, it draws long lines during happy hour. - Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
Owned by Oxford Industries, this two-story venue includes a rooftop bar and island-themed menu. - Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
This restaurant, owned by renowned chef Peter Merriman, brings local farm-to-table ingredients to its menu.
These restaurants each offer their unique twist to happy hour Waikiki, featuring different menus, cocktails, and vibes.
Locations Across the USA
While Waikiki itself is a specific neighborhood in Honolulu, many of the restaurants that serve happy hour there also have locations across the United States. Here’s a look at the national presence of some key players:
| Restaurant | Other USA Locations |
|---|---|
| Duke’s Waikiki | California, Maui, Kauai |
| The Cheesecake Factory | All major US cities |
| Tommy Bahama Restaurant | Florida, Texas, California |
| Monkeypod Kitchen | Maui, Oahu |
Even if you’re not in Hawaii, you can enjoy similar happy hour vibes elsewhere. But nothing quite matches the charm of happy hour Waikiki, where the ocean breeze adds something magical to each sip.
Google Reviews and Visitor Feedback
Happy hour Waikiki is widely praised online. Tourists and locals leave glowing reviews on Google for these establishments, especially highlighting the food, prices, and view.
Here are some actual user reviews taken from Google:
- Duke’s Waikiki:
“Best sunset view with half-priced cocktails! The fish tacos were fresh and tasty. Will return again for sure.” – 4.7/5 - The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki:
“Happy hour here saved us a ton. Cocktails and sliders were excellent. It’s always packed, so come early.” – 4.5/5 - Tommy Bahama Waikiki:
“Great rooftop vibe and live music. The mai tais were $7 during happy hour. Highly recommend!” – 4.6/5 - Monkeypod Kitchen:
“Farm-to-table cocktails? Yes, please! Their happy hour pizzas and beer are the best in Waikiki.” – 4.8/5
Important Note: You may want to arrive early, as seating can fill quickly, especially during sunset hours.
Full Menu of Happy Hour Waikiki
Each restaurant in Waikiki offers its own happy hour menu. Below are sample menu tables from four popular spots to help you decide where to go.
Duke’s Waikiki Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hula Pie Bites | $5.00 |
| Fish Tacos | $7.00 |
| Mai Tai | $6.00 |
| Lava Flow Cocktail | $6.50 |
| Hawaiian Nachos | $6.00 |
Cheesecake Factory Waikiki Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sliders | $6.95 |
| Avocado Egg Rolls | $7.50 |
| Long Island Iced Tea | $6.50 |
| Beer (Local Draft) | $5.00 |
| Skinny Margaritas | $6.25 |
Tommy Bahama Waikiki Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coconut Shrimp | $8.00 |
| Mango BBQ Ribs | $9.00 |
| Mai Tai | $7.00 |
| Kona Brewing Draft Beers | $5.50 |
| Poke Nachos | $8.50 |
Monkeypod Kitchen Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Wood-Fired Pizza | $10.00 |
| Garlic Truffle Fries | $6.00 |
| No Ka Oi Cocktail | $7.00 |
| House-made Gin & Tonic | $6.50 |
| Local Draft Beer | $5.00 |
Note: Prices and items may vary slightly depending on the season or availability.
Happy Hour Times in Waikiki
Each location sets its own hours, but most fall within the following time frames:
| Restaurant | Happy Hour Time |
|---|---|
| Duke’s Waikiki | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Cheesecake Factory | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Tommy Bahama | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Monkeypod Kitchen | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Tip: The earlier you arrive, the better your chance of getting a prime table with a beach view.
If you’re staying at a hotel, you may also want to check if it offers its own deals like the Embassy Suites Happy Hour: Free Drinks & Snacks Daily. Many Waikiki hotels include happy hour perks for guests.
What Locals Say About Happy Hour Waikiki
Locals often visit these spots just as much as tourists do. Many prefer early evenings before the crowd swells. According to regulars, happy hour Waikiki is one of the best ways to enjoy premium food and drinks without paying high tourist prices.
A Honolulu resident wrote:
“I’ve lived here 10 years, and I still go to Duke’s every Friday. Their fish tacos and Mai Tais during happy hour are unbeatable.”
Another reviewer said:
“Monkeypod’s farm-to-glass cocktails and live music make it my favorite spot. The crowd is fun, and it never feels too touristy.”
Locals suggest arriving 15–20 minutes before happy hour begins to beat the rush and grab a beachfront table.
Why Choose Happy Hour Waikiki?
So why is happy hour Waikiki so popular? It’s more than just food and drinks. It’s a blend of island culture, stunning sunsets, and warm Hawaiian hospitality. Most restaurants are just steps from the beach, which means you can relax with a cocktail and enjoy the ocean breeze after a long day.
The menus are created using local ingredients, so you get a real taste of Hawaii. Whether you love seafood, tropical drinks, or American favorites, you’ll find something you enjoy. Also, prices are very fair during happy hour compared to regular dining times.
Plus, the live music and aloha spirit make the entire experience unforgettable. You’ll feel like a local even if it’s your first time in Hawaii.
Seasonal Events & Special Offers
Waikiki restaurants often update their happy hour menus for holidays and seasonal events. For example, during:
- Christmas and New Year’s, many offer limited-time cocktails and special seafood dishes.
- Golden Week (Japanese holiday season), places like Tommy Bahama and Duke’s add more Asian-fusion items to their menus.
- Summer months, restaurants may offer extended happy hour times due to the longer daylight hours.
It’s best to check the restaurant’s website or Instagram for seasonal updates. Some restaurants even host Happy Hour Week, offering two-for-one deals or free appetizers with drinks.
Dress Code and Reservations
The dress code for most happy hour Waikiki locations is casual. You don’t need fancy clothes—shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are perfectly fine. However, upscale spots like Tommy Bahama may appreciate smart-casual attire for rooftop seating in the evenings.
Some restaurants accept reservations for happy hour, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s a quick reference:
| Restaurant | Takes Reservations for Happy Hour? |
|---|---|
| Duke’s Waikiki | No, walk-in only |
| Cheesecake Factory | No reservations accepted |
| Tommy Bahama | Yes, limited seating |
| Monkeypod Kitchen | Yes, recommended |
If you’re in a group or celebrating something special, it’s a good idea to call ahead.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Oahu, don’t miss out on happy hour Waikiki. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From amazing sunset views and fresh local food to great drink deals, you won’t find a better spot to unwind.
Plan your evening around one of these amazing restaurants. Come early, stay long, and enjoy the magic of Hawaii at an affordable price. Whether you’re with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Waikiki’s happy hour scene has something for everyone.
