If you're longing for authentic Hawaiian ambiance, there's no better way to satisfy the craving than at this charming bar. Its beach locale, terrific panorama of Diamond Head, and relaxed clientele all contribute to an ideal experience, and the fantastic tropical drinks — especially the lush mai tai's — ensure that your mood remains upbeat. A host of other beverages can also be found, along with food offerings and local entertainment in the evenings. Mai Tai's is located inside of Ala Moana Shopping Center, but draws a loyal local following from outside, it's not just there for a mall break.
Recommended for Bars because: Mai Tai's (as it's been dubbed by the locals) is one of those places to catch live music or kick back and just talk story.
Jade's expert tip: Great place to go catch a sports game so call or visit their website for game times.
Hugely popular thanks to great music and incredible views of Waikiki Beach, this hotel nightclub is a sure bet any night of the year. Yet it's more than just a night club, you can also stop in for a few great cocktails before moving down the road. RumFire serves terrific European-Pacific cuisine, from fresh island fish and a grilled filet mignon to a wealth of flavor-packed tapas. Terrific cocktails and vintage rums add to the appeal, as does the daily happy hour, which often features DJ mixes and live bands. The atmosphere is upscale but friendly, and people often come with a group of friends for the most fun.
Recommended for Bars because: RumFire offers delicious food and cocktails in a modern and hip atmosphere.
Jade's expert tip: If you drive to RumFire, ask for parking validation.
Luibueno's Mexican and Latin Cuisine serves delicious food and drinks on the North Shore of Oahu. Located in historic Haleiwa town, Luibueno's is the go-to spot for great Mexican food in a fun, modern Mexican inspired atmosphere. Lunch and dinner is served, and while it's usually easy to grab a table earlier in the day, the restaurant really starts to get busy in the evening. Reservations are a good idea. The menu utilizes fresh local fish, for dishes like the beer battered burrito, blackened ahi tapas, and ceviche. Vegetarians will find options at Luibuenos too, with the mashed potato taco being the stand out meat free option. The drink menu is quite extensive and so is the on tap beer selection, featuring several locally brews beers. Luibueno's consistently offers a lively bar scene later in the night.
Recommended for Bars because: Luibueno's serves great food and drinks till midnight and has a fun, unique ambiance.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour food and drinks are available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and daily from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The second location of this popular bar and restaurant (the other is on the Big Island) makes its home on Oahu. Over a dozen ales and lagers are hand-crafted on the premises, including popular Wailua Wheat, Big Wave Golden Ale, and Longboard Island Lager. Many of the beers make their way into the food as well, including delicious pizzas and entrees like Garden Isle Grilled Chicken with a red ale glaze and beer-braised ribs in a Black Sand Porter sauce. The open-air dining room allows for pleasant breezes and mild temps — in short, the perfect setting in which to knock back a few brews.
Recommended for Bars because: Kona Brewing Co. is Hawaii's premier local brewery that offers live music and a lively bar scene.
Jade's expert tip: Try the beer sampler to get a taste of all the brews.
Located right on the edge of both the ocean and pool at Turtle Bay Resort, The Point is the place you'll want to hang at to get your night started. With amazingly strong mai tais with a special Turtle Bay mix, an array of local beers on tap, and a huge selection of signature tropical drinks, The Point is the best place on the North Shore for a sunset drink. You can hang out of a couple hours after dark enjoying the big screen TV with sports and chatting with the friendly bartenders. Entertainment at dark varies on different nights of the week, including live music, fire knife dancing, hula dancing and other shows. You can watch surfers catch waves right there and go for a stroll along the waters edge.
Recommended for Bars because: The Point is located along the ocean and pool at a gorgeous resort, and offers great drinks, food and entertainment.
Jade's expert tip: Hula and a fire dance show are offered on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Beer connoisseurs can find haven in Honolulu when they visit Bar 35. Situated in downtown Chinatown, this casual, upscale bar presents over 150 brews from over 20 different countries. Belgian to American, lager to porter, there is something that will suit every taste. Also, sake and a creative list of classic and house specialty cocktails are available. If you are daring, try their signature Cherry Bloom Princess or Red Lantern. Local DJs and live music keep the atmosphere upbeat and animated while catering to a mixed crowd. Happy is awesome here with exotic cocktails for just a few dollars, and the happy hour is actually hours.
Recommended for Bars because: Although it's a bar, Bar 35 serves amazing food in private rooms, till the wee hours.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is 4 p.m. till closing on Mondays, 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 6 to 10 on Saturday.
Following a clever do-it-yourself pattern, Amuse Wine Bar allows young 20 to 30 somethings to test their taste buds on 80 different wines in a very modern, trendy atmosphere. You take the role of server, pouring your desired portion from a number of bottle dispensers. In addition, you can nibble on cheese platters, while enjoying live music. It's a wine bar, and naturally there's a lot more drinks then just wine. Check out the cocktail menu for truly unique and tasty house designed drinks that will light your senses and make you feel pretty darn good. Definitely don't forget to taste their cocktail menu.
Recommended for Bars because: A unique cocktail and wine list paired with delicious gourmet food served late, Amuse never fails to satisfy.
Jade's expert tip: Under 21 not allowed but can be seated in the eatery next door.
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual bar and restaurant in the Outrigger Waikiki offers patrons a wealth of island culture. Memorabilia, live Hawaiian music, fruity cocktails, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Food is served all day, and the bar scene is constantly hopping, populated by lively barkeeps and folks from all walks of life. Celebrities occasionally make an appearance too, and the ocean side setting just seems to make mingling that much easier. This is a great place to feel the Hawaiian vibes and dance, eat and drink.
Recommended for Bars because: Duke's is famous for serving delicious regional dishes and tropical cocktails in a beautiful, oceanfront location.
Jade's expert tip: They've dubbed happy hour "aloha hour."
Always a good bet for nightlife, Surfer, the Bar is Turtle Bay Resorts new endeavor into nighttime entertainment. Opening at 6 p.m. daily, Surfer is part bar, part restaurant and part night club. Great happy hour cocktails are offers along with the full bar and classic Hawaiian cocktails such as the lava flow and the mai tai - their strongest drink. Live music is offered on a regular basis and karaoke happens every Sunday night. Other forms of entertainment like "Talk Story" on Wednesdays offer guests an inside look at the life of people in the surf industry via live interview. Call ahead of time or check the website for nightly happenings.
Recommended for Bars because: Surfer offers a selection of live entertainment each night of the week and is the most lively bar on the North Shore.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is from 6 to 7 daily for appetizers and drinks.
Located right on the edge of both the ocean and pool at Turtle Bay Resort, The Point is the place you'll want to hang at to get your night started with cocktails or to wrap up the day with an ocean side dinner. With amazingly strong mai tais with a special Turtle Bay mix, an array of local beers on tap, and a huge selection of signature tropical drinks, The Point is the best place on the North Shore for lunch of dinner by the sea or sunset drink. You can hang out of a couple hours after dark enjoying the big screen TV with sports and chatting with the friendly bartenders. Entertainment at dark varies on different nights of the week, including live music, fire knife dancing, hula dancing and other shows. You can watch surfers catch waves right there and go for a stroll along the water's edge. This is a perfect place to get the night started whether you're staying at the hotel or just passing through the North Shore.
Recommended for Bars because: The Point is located directly over the ocean, with a pool, dining tables and bar in full view of a surf break and the sunset.
Jade's expert tip: Cocktails are served from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., food is served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a luau takes place every Sunday.