It’s officially the weekend which means one thing… it’s time to celebrate island-style. And what better way to do just that than to hit the town and sip on a delicious tropical drink at one of Oahu’s many beloved Tiki destinations? Serving up all things delicious, fruity and yes, boozy, these five Tiki-inspired bars will have you getting your “Tiki on” in no time.
La Mariana Sailing Club | 50 Sand Island Access Road, Hawaii, 96816
Considered by many to be the “Tiki god” of all Tiki bars, it’s fair to say that La Mariana is in a Tiki bar league of its own, and for good reason. Legend has it that La Mariana is one of Honolulu’s last standing bars of its kind. And reminders are constant in the form of the venue’s 50’s inspired Tiki décor, watchful Tikis carved out of old wood and the old-fashioned Koa wood tables. But not only does this restaurant and bar stand the test of time, its drinks prove equally impressive. La Mariana offers a full menu of fruity rum cocktails, including their famous signature Mai Tai drink, Zombie cocktail (basically a Mai Tai with topped with Bacardi 151) and their dangerously delicious Ship Wrecked cocktail, which is loaded with Malibu, peach schnapps, orange, pineapple and cranberry juice.
Cuckoo Coconuts Waikiki | 333 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
As its name suggests, Cuckoo Coconuts is the ultimate outdoor Tiki dive, complete with local island artwork, natural foliage, lively local music and Tiki approved décor. Guests are immediately greeted by massive Tiki gods and island humor that patrons have come to love and expect. As for the tropical libations? Cuckoo Coconuts offers up a bevy of island favorites, including their Loco Coco, which consists of light rum, rum crema of coconut and fresh coconut juice served in a fresh coconut, and their Real Pina Colada, which is filled to the brim inside of a pineapple with light rum, dark rum, cream of coconut and blended pineapple. If you prefer beer or wine at this Tiki bar, you can’t go wrong with their locally-brewed Hawaiian draft beer or Maui Blanc, a medium bodied white wine with white peach, mango and pineapple aromas.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar | 2570 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
If you’ve been searching for a fun and lively atmosphere that boasts equally delicious drinks, Tiki’s Grill & Bar might just be your perfect match. Located in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel off Kalakaua & Paoakalina Avenue, Tiki’s Grill & Bar offers great views overlooking Waikiki Beach and an overflowing drink menu. Not sure what to order? If you’re feeling daring, you can try their Shark Bait—a 20-ounce drink made up of Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire, Barcardi Superior, blue curacao and sweet & sour, capped with a whole can of Red Bull and a rolling-mass of dry ice in a souvenir glass. Another favorite, which currently tops their “Totally Trending” list, is their Son of an Itch drink—a hand crafted dry ice drink featuring Jack Daniel’s and pineapple and lilikoi juices, topped with Bacardi Black rum and served up in a souvenir glass with a complimentary back scratcher.
Rumfire | 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
When speaking of island drinks and Tiki culture, rum just seems to naturally insert itself into the conversation, doesn’t it? Rumfire seems to agree—so much so in fact that the upscale Tiki-bar at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel gave this tropical flavored beverage the main stage with over 100 featured bottles of rum. Grab a seat indoors at their swanky bar with backlit Balinese glass or snag a spot outside and enjoy oceanfront views. As for drinks, while you can’t go wrong with any of them, their Rum Fire Signature Mai Tai is said to give a mean punch with Cruzan aged light rum, killer mai tai mix and Trader Vics dark rum.
Arnold’s Beach Bar | 339 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Hold the cocktail menu—it doesn’t exist at this bar. This Tiki hideaway located off Saratoga Road attracts a slew of patrons with its laid back island décor, upbeat staff and very reasonably priced classic drinks, which can be almost impossible to find on Waikiki. Couple that with live music, free popcorn and beachy vibe, and you may have found your next favorite hangout spot. Not sure what to order? Word of mouth is they serve up some pretty mean Tiki Tea, Blue Hawaii’s and Mai Tai’s. Just be careful—they’re said to be pretty strong!
Do you have a favorite Tiki bar in Oahu? Let us know in the comments section below.
Leave A Comment