If you’ve ever sat through a long day and thought, “I need a cold drink and a sunset,” then you already understand pau hana. It’s the Hawaiian way of saying “work is done” — and on Oʻahu, we take that transition from desk to drink very seriously.
Whether you’re chasing waterfront views with a mai tai, hunting down $5 pūpū and craft cocktails in Chinatown, or just looking for a chill spot to decompress with friends after a long shift, Oʻahu’s pau hana scene has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the spots that locals actually go to — not just the tourist traps with overpriced cocktails and sad nachos.
Here’s our guide to the best pau hana happy hours on Oʻahu, from Waikīkī to Kailua and everywhere in between.
Best Pau Hana in Waikīkī
1. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
📍 2169 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Outrigger Reef)
🍸 Happy Hour: 3:30–5:00 PM daily | 💰 Cocktails from $8, pūpū from $6 | 🅿️ Validated parking at Outrigger Reef
Monkeypod Kitchen is the pau hana gold standard on Oʻahu. Chef Peter Merriman sources from over 30 local farms, and their happy hour menu is no afterthought — think Kālua pork sliders, fresh ahi pizza, and their signature mai tai made with house-infused honey lilikoi foam. The Waikīkī location at the Outrigger Reef has a massive outdoor lanai that catches the sunset perfectly. Get here by 3:15 if you want a good seat.
Monkeypod Kitchen Website | OpenTable Reservations
2. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
📍 2570 Kalākaua Ave, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815
🍸 Happy Hour: 2:00–5:00 PM & 9:00–11:00 PM daily | 💰 Drafts from $5, mai tais from $8
Tiki’s is one of those spots that visitors walk past thinking it’s a tourist trap — but locals know better. Their second-floor lanai overlooks Waikīkī Beach with an unobstructed view of Diamond Head, and the late-night happy hour (9–11 PM) is a sleeper hit.
3. SKY Waikīkī
📍 2270 Kalākaua Ave, 19th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:00–5:00 PM daily | 💰 Oysters, poke, and cocktail specials | 🅿️ Waikiki Trade Center parking
If you want the most jaw-dropping sunset view on the island, SKY Waikīkī delivers. Nineteen stories above Kalākaua Avenue with panoramic views of Diamond Head, the ocean, and the Koʻolau Mountains.
4. Duke’s Waikīkī
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Outrigger Waikiki)
🍸 Happy Hour (Barefoot Bar): 4:00–6:00 PM daily | 💰 Drinks from $6, pūpū from $5
Duke’s is touristy — we won’t pretend otherwise — but the Barefoot Bar is where locals sneak in for pau hana. Your feet are practically in the sand, there’s live music most evenings, and the happy hour pūpū are solid for the price.
5. Kaimana Beach Hotel — Hau Tree
📍 2863 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
🍸 Pau Hana: 2:00–5:00 PM daily | 💰 Cocktails from $10, chef-curated pūpū
The Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel is the grown-up pau hana. Tucked away from the Waikīkī crowds near Sans Souci Beach, this spot has live music, chef-driven pūpū, and cocktails that lean more craft than tiki.
Related: Check out our 10 Best Places to Eat in Waikīkī
Best Pau Hana in Honolulu & Chinatown
6. Pint + Jigger
📍 1936 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:00–6:00 PM, Mon–Fri | 💰 Craft cocktails from $8, beer from $5
Pint + Jigger is the bar that put Honolulu’s craft cocktail scene on the map. Their rotating happy hour menu changes seasonally. This is where Honolulu’s bartenders go on their nights off. That tells you everything.
7. Hana Koa Brewing Co.
📍 962 Kawaiahaʻo St, Honolulu, HI 96825 (Kaimukī)
🍸 Happy Hour: 3:00–5:30 PM, Tue–Fri | 💰 $2 off drafts, $5 well cocktails
Hana Koa is Honolulu’s military-veteran-owned brewery, and their taproom in Kaimukī is a laid-back local favorite. The happy hour deals are some of the most affordable on the island.
8. Livestock Tavern
📍 49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Chinatown)
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:00–6:00 PM, Mon–Fri | 💰 Cocktails from $9, wine from $7
Livestock Tavern is Chinatown’s moody, dim-lit gem. Exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and a cocktail program that takes itself seriously. If you like your pau hana with a side of atmosphere, this is it.
9. The Social Honolulu
📍 164 S Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (Chinatown)
🍸 Happy Hour: 5:00–7:00 PM, Thu–Sat | 💰 Cocktails from $8, beer from $4
The Social is where Chinatown’s creative crowd ends up after work. The rooftop patio has one of the best hidden views in downtown Honolulu.
Related: Check out our 10 Best Places to Eat in Chinatown
Best Pau Hana in Kakaʻako & Waterfront
10. 53 By the Sea
📍 53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:30–6:00 PM, Mon–Fri | 💰 Premium cocktails from $12 | 🅿️ Free valet parking
53 By the Sea is the splurge pau hana. The oceanfront setting is absolutely stunning (Diamond Head views, surf crashing below), the cocktails are expertly crafted, and the pūpū menu features truffle fries and seared scallops.
11. Scratch Kitchen & Meatery
📍 Ward Village, 1170 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96814
🍸 Happy Hour: 2:00–5:00 PM daily | 💰 Cocktails from $7, beer from $4
Scratch Kitchen is the most underrated pau hana in Kakaʻako. The cocktails are tropical and well-balanced, and the food is comfort-forward — think loaded nachos, fried chicken sliders, and their famous cornbread with honey butter.
Best Pau Hana on the North Shore & Windward Side
12. Haleiwa Joe’s
📍 66-011 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:00–6:30 PM daily | 💰 Cocktails from $7, draft beer from $4
Haleiwa Joe’s is the North Shore’s go-to for post-surf pau hana. Fresh-catch specials, coconut shrimp, and strong mai tais in a tropical garden setting.
13. Chart House Waikīkī
📍 1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:30–6:30 PM, Mon–Fri | 💰 $6 cocktails, $4 wines and beers | 🅿️ Free parking at Ilikai Hotel
Chart House doesn’t get the hype it deserves. Sitting right on the Ala Wai Harbor with floor-to-ceiling windows, this old-school spot serves up some of the best-value happy hour cocktails in the Waikīkī area.
14. Buzz’s Original Steak House
📍 413 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
🍸 Happy Hour: 4:00–6:00 PM, Mon–Fri | 💰 Cocktails from $7
Buzz’s in Kailua is the Windward Side’s iconic pau hana spot. Directly across from Kailua Beach, this throwback steakhouse has been serving locals since 1962.
Related: Hungry? Check out our 10 Best Places to Eat on the North Shore
Best Pau Hana in Ko Olina & West Oʻahu
15. Monkeypod Kitchen Ko Olina
📍 92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
🍸 Happy Hour: 3:30–5:30 PM daily | 🅿️ Free lot parking
The Ko Olina Monkeypod is the OG location. Same farm-to-table happy hour menu as the Waikīkī location, but with a more spacious outdoor lanai and a slightly more relaxed West Side pace. The sunset from here is unreal.
Related: See our 10 Best Places to Eat in Kapolei
Local Tips for Pau Hana on Oʻahu
Arrive early. The best seats fill up fast. Aim for 15–20 minutes before happy hour starts.
Ask about kamaʻāina discounts. Some spots offer additional discounts for Hawaiʻi residents.
Watch the hours. Most happy hours run 3–6 PM, but some spots have a second late-night window.
Designate a driver or use a rideshare. Parking can be tight in Waikīkī and Chinatown.
More from Wanderlustyle
50 Best Places to Eat on Oʻahu | 10 Best Places to Eat in Waikīkī
10 Best Places to Eat on the North Shore | 10 Foods You Must Try in Hawaiʻi
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