Here’s something that will take a minute to wrap your head around: there are very few bars on the beach in Hawaii.
It’s confusing as hell, but zoning laws, liquor laws, and city codes prevent watering holes from being right along the beachfront. A little bizarre in a destination where all you want to do is drink on the beach. Luckily there are some exceptions. Sit down at these amazing, honeymoon-friendly beach bars, kick back next to the crystal-clear waters, and soak in some Vitamin D while you order a stiff one for a bit of easy, breezy day drinking. Cheers and aloha!
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Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar
Oahu Duke’s Waikiki Barefoot Bar, Oahu, HI
Duke’s is legendary. It’s an old haunt named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, and it’s bustling with thirsty vacationers from opening to closing. Set within its own space of patio flooring and bounded by short hedges, the outdoor patio is still technically on the beach. It’s not fancy, but it’s actually on the shore. Duke’s is as casual as they come, including a no-frills drinks menu that offers a nice range of draft ale (including local brews), wine flights and some Hawaiian themed cocktails–like our favorite, the Tropical Itch with passion fruit juice, orange curaçao, keawe pineapple bitters, vodka and rum.
outdoor patio | casual | on the shore
Lava Lava Beach Club
Big Island Lava Lava Beach Club, Big Island, HI
Lava Lava Beach Club, one of our favorite bars on Big Island, one of those rare bars literally on the beach. Imagine: toes in the sand, ocean breeze, perfect sunset, tiki torches, live Hawaiian performers playing the ukelele, and a humongous tropical cocktail in hand: it’s the type of fantasy you have when you’re having a bad day at work. Perfectly removed from the hub of tourist activities, Lava Lava is also the hottest bar on the island, so get here as early as happy hour to get the best seats in the house.
on the beach | perfect sunset | tiki torches
Oasis on the Beach
Kauai Oasis on the Beach, Kauai, HI
Oasis on the Beach is as close to the beach as it gets on Kauai. This charming little restaurant may be on a green lawn with short hedges, but it’s no more than a 10-second walk to the sand. Technically, then, it should be called “Oasis Near the Beach,” but we’re willing to let it slide because the ocean views are great, the breeze is spot on and the sunset is epic. There’s a great variety of beers (including local craft brews), classic cocktails, Hawaiian-themed cocktails, and one of the better wine lists on the island.
great ocean views | epic sunset | variety of drinks
Beach Tree Bar
Big Island Beach Tree Bar, Big Island, HI
While Beach Tree Bar at Four Seasons Hualalai sits on a raised wooden platform above the beach, it still qualifies as “on the beach” as far as we’re concerned. If you really feel the need to dip your toes in the sand, you can sit on the edge of the platform–just don’t forget your cocktails, because the Four Seasons does cocktails right. Tom’s Pink Shirt is our favorite (Tanqueray Rangpur, Orchid Guava liqueur, fresh strawberry, lime juice, agave nectar, Sprite). There are also plenty of high-end champagnes and wines to choose from. Beach Tree Bar is more of a day drinking spot, so don’t forget your aviators.
on the beach | day drinking | great cocktails
Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill
Maui Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill, Maui, HI
In Maui, Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill is the closest you’ll get to boozing on the beach (unless you’re brown bagging at Little Beach, the local nude beach). While a patch of grassy banks separates the bar from the actual sand, it’s only a short 20-second walk over, and you’ll have prime ocean views. Hula Grill is all about the “Aloha Spirit” with its leafy palms, Tiki hut tables, tropical flowers, tropical-themed cocktails, and floral shirt-wearing Hawaiian musicians. They use fresh ingredients (like the mai tai with fresh-squeezed pineapple, guava and orange juices) and their cold, 29-degree draft beers are as refreshing as it gets.
prime ocean views | Aloha Spirit | fresh ingredients
