Waikiki cocktails
Alex Salkever
After a massive building boom in the '70s and '80s swallowed such classic watering holes as Don the Beachcomber's and Queen's Surf Barefoot Bar, elbow-benders along Hawaii's famous Waikiki beachfront were left with few options. But thanks to a recent spate of openings and renovations, the swing is back along Oahu's shoreline. Where will you taste the nouveau tropics?
| The Bar | The Crowd | The Draw | The Drink |
| Cobalt Lounge, Hanohano Room
Sheraton Waikiki |
James Bond meets Brad Pitt. Friday and Saturday nights often feature DJs and dancing. Earlier in the week, the bar is quiet—perfect for a romantic rendezvous. | Huge windows reveal sublime views of the ocean 30 stories below. Best seats are at the new Cobalt Lounge, a raised bar tended by hilariously loquacious barkeeps. | Hanohano Blue H20 ($8): Sweet, luscious, and wonderfully chichi. Blue curaçao, peach schnapps, and Malibu rum. |
| Lewers Lounge
2199 Kalia Rd. |
Frank Sinatra hanging with Don Ho. This dimly lit, luxurious delight attracts everyone from grandparents on the town to young hipsters out for jazz. | Cocktail king Dale DeGroff has customized the menu and trained a crackerjack bartending crew for this rejuvenated classic. | Ginger & Lychee Caipirissima ($9): A kissing cousin to the classic Brazilian caipirinha. Rum, litchis, spicy homemade ginger syrup, and lime. |
| Hula Grill
2335 Kalakaua Ave. |
Like Emeril on his night off. The bar remains low-key despite its status as one of the best eating and drinking combos in Waikiki. | Chef Mark Kowalkowski puts together an awesome pupu menu. Don't scrimp on the Hawaiian ceviche or the shrimp and Mauna Kea goat cheese quesadilla. | Wrong Island Iced Tea ($7.50): The velvet-gloved sucker punch of the Hawaii cocktail scene. Vodka, rum, gin, pineapple, and passion fruit juice. |
| Tiki's Grill & Bar
2335 Kalakaua Ave. |
Bing Crosby meets Britney Spears. Raucous, rocking, and sometimes rowdy. Tiki-chic decor and good food. |
Flaming torches and tall glasses under the stars and the hula moon—with a view of waves and surfers below. |
Greg Brady's Wipeout ($9): Comes in a souvenir glass. Vodka, coconut-flavored rum, banana liqueur, passion fruit juice, and Sprite. |