Spitze4 Strandbars auf Hawaii

Island beat: Top 4 beach bars in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its island vibes and, of course, its cool beach bars. Check out our curated list of the best beach bars (and a few live music hot spots!) in the land of aloha. You're welcome.

1. Duke's Waikiki Barefoot Bar

The Barefoot Bar at Duke's Waikiki on Oahu is the quintessential beach bar: umbrella drinks, toes-in-sand cocktailing and Insta-famous views. But it's also got something most beach bars don't: award-winning music. The Duke's on Sunday event gives new meaning to "Sunday Funday," featuring 20-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner (Hawaii's version of the GRAMMYs) Henry Kapono, who's written for Jimmy Buffet and more. Join travelers and locals singing along with the band as you dance in the powdery sands outside the gorgeous Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

Duke's on Sunday from 4 p.m.–sunset (or after); see live music details on the official calendar page. Find full menu and restaurant details plus special stay-and-dine packages here. 

2. Kani Ka Pila Grille 

Feel like you're hanging in a cool local's backyard at this music hotspot at this second Oahu spot, located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Named after the famous jam sessions of a local slack-key guitar master, Kani Ka Pila Grille gets its name from "kanikapila," meaning "let's play music." The venue is intimate, but the musicians who hit the stage are the who's-who of Hawaiian music. Come for the al fresco sounds of ukulele and slack-key under the stars, and stay for the island-inspired dishes and craft cocktails.

Shows 6–9 p.m. nightly. Find more info on the full Kani Ka Pila lineup here.

3. Maui Brewing Co.

With a rotating lineup of local craft beer (and now a ready-to-drink canned cocktail line), Maui Brewing Co. (MBC) is the golden child of Oahu's bustling craft beer scene. The brewery's second outpost, MBC's Oahu location in the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel isn't a beach bar per se, but it's got all the beachy vibes. Hear live music daily, play a round of shuffleboard or pair a Pineapple Mana Pale Ale with a Bikini Blonde beer-crust pizza. Hello, 'ohana!

Happy Hour 3:30–4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Open Monday–Thursday, and Sundays 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Find out more info here and check out the tap list here.

4. Duke's Beach House Maui

Making a second appearance on our list (father-of-modern-surfing Duke Kahanamoku is Hawaii's ambassador of aloha, after all!), this Duke's location at Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Maui brings all the good vibes and great food of the original — with a little extra Maui flavor. Find live music nightly and enjoy breathtaking views of renowned Kaanapali Beach, day or night. 

Live music nightly; visit here for the full lineup. Hours and reservation information.

Escape to island entertainment all across Hawaii for everything from toes-in-the-sand cocktailing to live music under the stars. Book a stay now for a full year of special-discount deals.