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Mai Tai Bar

4.0 (1.1k reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mai Tai Bar Photos

MAI TAI BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Live music
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Mai Tai Bar

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Reviews With Photos

Ashley B.

BEST MAI TAI ON THE WHOLE ISLAND! Customer service is excellent, clean and super cute pink area, cute for a date night!

Brian K.

Great drinks, great location, great view. My kid turned 21 and we took him to this bar at the Royal Hawaiian just so that we could be at a cool place for him to try something. My wife had the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai, my kid had a Pina Colada and both were really aesthetically pleasing and tasty. The view was next level. We sat down on the edge right next to the beach in the evening and it was a great view. Just a really fun night and great service by the wait staff.

HONOLULU BEERWORKS ROYAL SUNSET
EM H.

4.5 stars, but since we can't give half star ratings, I'm boosting to 5. During our August/September, 2023 trip to Oahu, DJ and I stayed at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki and were given a "Celebrate" card to enjoy a free toast of champagne, wine, beer, or soft drink at either the Mai Tai Bar or Malulani Pool. We decided to go to the bar for some bites and sips on the afternoon of September 9. The legendary Mai Tai Bar in the iconic "Pink Palace," as The Royal Hawaiian is also known, is where "Trader Vic" Bergeron first introduced to the islands Hawaii's signature drink in 1953. Located just steps away from Waikiki Beach, the oceanfront bar is a festive, postcard-perfect setting for enjoying the beach scene while sipping on delicious umbrella drinks and snacking on yummy appetizers with music playing. We arrived at the beachfront bar shortly after 3:30 PM and found no issue with immediately finding a table where we could enjoy the view. Although their mai tais are consistently voted the best in Hawaii by the readers of Hawaii Magazine, we didn't order the iconic cocktail. Below are what we had instead: HONOLULU BEERWORKS ROYAL SUNSET ($11) - As mentioned earlier, I was given a "Celebrate" card for me "and a guest [who were] cordially invited for a toast to celebrate at the Mai Tai Bar or Malulani Pool...[with] champagne, house wine by the glass, beer by the pint, or a soft drink." Since I couldn't redeem the card for my PINK PALACE, the waiter traded the card for this pink hued beer for DJ. I can't remember if he was given two glasses or just one for the card. Hopefully, he was given a couple on the house since you can't toast with just one...and the invitation was for two. PINK PALACE ($18) - When at the Pink Palace, you must order this famous, creamy, and vibrant tropical namesake HAND CRAFTED COCKTAIL. I enjoyed this fruity twist on the classic Piña Colada, featuring a splash of grenadine to give it the signature bright pink hue that matches the iconic Pink Palace resort. TZATZIKI BEET HUMMUS ($16) - Following the colour theme, this beet hummus was vibrantly pink. The roasted beet purée with the dollop of cucumber, dill yogurt was a refreshing dip accompanied with pita bread. BLT SALAD ($25) - This bowl of greens appeared to be small in portion size, but I was pleasantly surprised to be filled up by it. I also appreciated that the honey bacon steak was lean. Very ono. Service was friendly and informative. Prices were a bit steep, but worth it since you also pay for the scenery and ambiance. This is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel afterall. A very convenient and obvious choice when you are staying at the Pink Palace like we were.

Special seating area
Roya J.

During a kayak from Ala Moana to Kaimana stopped here for lunch and what a treat. Great food, nice portions, great outdoor area and supa friendly service. Couldn't finish all my ahi katsu sando so took it for dinner. Didn't hurt we had kama'aina hookup:

Anastasiya K.

I like mai tai bar! The drinks are still pricey, but honestly, it feels justified for the location and how cute the spot is. I've been a few times just for drinks and always love sitting at the bar with friends. Great place to stop before dinner or just enjoy a shaded beachside drink. Service is good when sat at bar. Can get very busy!

Three of the four different Mai Tais on the menu.
Tina A.

This place was incredible! We did not like the Monkey Pod Mai Tais at all, but this place wow! We came twice while we were here, just so we could say we had them all. My favorite was the "White Washed" it has a banana/coconut foam and a hint of nutmeg, I had it both times. My husband liked them all, but really liked the pricier one with all the fancy rum, but mine came in 2nd for him. The drinks come out fast and the views incredible.

Our first table was a nice table facing the beach, but we wanted a table by the stage
Al L.

It was the final evening of our vacation and our friends suggested music and drinks after an early dinner. He has been a fan of Johnny Valentine and said he was playing at the Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Hawaiian. The Bar is located in the back patio area that faces the beach. Arriving at 6:30pm, there was a line to be seated and when we were seated, we were at a nice table facing the beach, but we were on the opposite side where the stage Johnny was performing. Also, we were next to the bar and it was quite noisy. After ordering our drinks, which I got the Royal Sunset Ale, we spotted a table near the stage and asked our waitress if we could move there. She checked and said we could move there. It was a nice center table about 20ft from the stage and we could hear Johnny perform without the bar noise. Johnny is Hawaii's premier entertainer, who is Bruno Mars' uncle, is known for his vocal range and guitar skills. He performed Hawaiian songs and had a hula dancer on stage with him and he covered popular songs. He also came by our table during an intermission and graciously took pictures with us. Mai Tai Bar is not only a bar but a restaurant too, so it did have food offerings as well. The servers were friendly and efficient. It was a nice evening to cap off our vacation with a nice evening of music and drinks.

Arthur E.

Went here a few times during my stay at the hotel. Super tasty cocktails and a superb view. Service is a bit slow at the tables but are quick at the bar itself. Mai tai's and pina coladas were legit. Will def come back!

George U.

What a great lunch today at the Mai Tai Bar in Waikiki. Nick was our amazing server assisted by Shelton and Tumo. The entertainment was fantastic and the food simply amazing. The Royal Mai Tai and Margarita was also perfectly made. We had the south shore shrimp appetizer which was so tasty with taro chips. For our entrees my wife had the Mahi Mahi grilled fish sandwich with killer fries and I had the amazing smash burger with those amazing fries. The service, food and ambiance was stellar. Highly recommended

Menu
Beth Ann P.

We stopped in for cocktails after a day of shopping. This a beachfront Bar and Restaurant. Serving the beast Mai Tai's around! Our bartender was Chad, and he wonderful to chat with. The glassware is available for purchase as a souvenir as well. The live entertainment and amazing cocktails will give you all the Hawaiian vibes you're looking for.

Mai Tai and Aperol Spritz
Judy S.

Always a hopping bar with excellent service! This nugget is located at the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach. No food morsels this time around- Mai Tai's and Aperol Spritz were in our to do list. Never a fail at this beautiful setting!

Nighttime views
Alex W.

Steps off Waikiki Beach and nestled among the pretty, pink historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel sits Mai Tai's bar named after the drink itself. Our first night in Honolulu we ended up wandering thru the Royal Hawaiian and made a mental note to stop by on the next night for the drink(s). When we did, it was close to closing and I believe the kitchen had closed. That wasn't an issue, as we were walking from dinner, purely on own unique "hit up all the mai tai spots" bar crawl. The bar was lively - appeared to be a blend of locals and a few visitors. We decided to sit as close as possible to the beach. The lights gave it a sultry, pink vibe. Our server was great - we didn't talk too much to him outside of ordering (very strong) mai tais and grabbing the check. They weren't the best ones on our adventure, but a close second. Super boozy, so I def was feeling good after 2. They probably were the most pricey of our entire adventure ($20ish per cocktail) but they taste like a heavy pour. Even if you're not a drinker, getting a meal or a snack at Mai Tai's should be an absolute must while visiting to take in the views.

Poke Dynamite Dip
James G.

Tucked inside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this beachside spot has killer views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Honestly, you can't beat sipping a Mai Tai with your toes practically in the sand and that ocean breeze in your face -- pure island perfection. Our server was upbeat and attentive, keeping the good vibes going. We started with the Poke Dynamite Dip and Truffle Fries, and both totally exceeded expectations. Hotel food can be hit or miss, but these were legit -- flavorful, fresh, and generous portions. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing, and I was already mentally planning my next visit. Great drinks, great food, unbeatable view -- this place nails it. I went back a second time and the guy at the door said that he remembered me from the other day. I was impressed that the staff takes the time to remember people. We tried a few other appetizers including wings and hummus, both were excellent. Once again, our server was great!

Mai Tai

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6 months ago

Came here for the Mai Tais, of course, and was not disappointed! The food here is pretty good but the drinks are definitely where it's at!

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Mai Tai Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mai Tai Bar

Do they take reservations?

They do not

Can I bring a cake in celebration of my birthday? And is there a cake fee?

Do we need to show our vaccine card?

Not when I went in October 2022! The mai tais are so wonderful!!

Does this restaurant accept reservations?

Aloha, Faith. Mai Tai Bar offers open seating only - just like the Beach Bar. However, Azure accepts reservations for dinner Fridays through Sundays, for its 4-course prix-fixe menu. Mahalo for inquiring!

Are people under 21 allowed in the Mai Tai bar to eat?

Yes

Do you have happy hour?

Aloha, We unfortunately do not.

Can you use your Landry's gift cards here? Thank you

Aloha! We unfortunately do not.

Parking?? Do they validate?

Aloha Brian P. When you dine with us at our restaurants and bars, the first 4 hours is free with a $30 minimum purchase. You are welcome you park in the Sheraton Waikiki parking garage, or valet your car at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. We hope this… 

Can you watch the NBA finals here?

Aloha David Z., Thank you for your message. Our Mai Tai Bar unfortunately does not have TVs,… 

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4.4
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2.0 mi
$$$
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I love finding places that feel like a hidden discovery, and the speakeasy inside Vintage Books…read moreHawaiʻi is exactly that. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, intimate, and welcoming. There's something special about enjoying a thoughtfully crafted cocktail surrounded by books, vintage décor, and a neighborhood vibe that feels completely different from the typical bar scene. Everyone from the host to the servers, treat you like you are a VIP... What I appreciated most was how relaxed everything felt. It wasn't overly crowded or loud, making it easy to have a conversation and actually enjoy the experience. The cocktails were well-balanced, creative, and clearly made with care. This is the kind of place that's perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week. It feels like one of those hidden gems that locals hope stays under the radar, but is too good not to share. If you're looking for something unique and a little different from the usual nightlife options, I highly recommend checking it out. I'll definitely be back.

I decided to pop in and try their brunch menu. There is validated parking in the building it's…read morelocated or you can do street parking. I was a little surprised when I entered, it's very cute and it looks like a book shop. The hostess walked us through into the hidden bar and then into the hidden restaurant. The ambiance is very vintage LOL. We ordered a bunch of items off the menu because we observed the food coming out for other tables and the portions looked small. And honestly, they are small for the price you pay. They all tasted amazing, but it didn't blow me away enough for me to say I'd go back for the brunch. The service was also subpar because they barely checked in on us and we had to wait the longest time to get a water refill. I may go back to try the dinner and maybe the drinks and hopefully it will be better.

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Bar & lounge
Bar & lounge
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Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako
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3.1 mi
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Date night? Hanging with friends? Pau hana with colleagues? Just want your own moment but you also…read moreenjoy history and well made drinks and pupus? This is your stop. Plan for reservations well in advance because you're going to want to sit at the bar. That's where the storytelling is center stage. From the outside, you'd easily miss it. But once you step inside, you realize you're stepping into an experience. Every drink comes with a unique story and the bartender is not simply a storyteller but an artist as well.

Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

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View from our seat
View from our seat
Matcha old fashioned
Matcha old fashioned
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Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

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SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
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Hideout

4.2
(1.4k reviews)
0.2 mi
$$

Great service and yummy food... Tucked away at the Laylow…read morehotel, is a chill restaurant with fun Hawaiian vibes. We started our vacation with dinner at the Hideout, and upon entering you could immediately hear live music. We received a warm welcome, and brought over to our booth where our server Kai was quick to greet us. We ordered cocktails (I don't remember the name of mine. It's something spritz, and my husband tried the banana bread old fashioned) and we shared the appetizer platter (brussel sprouts with pork belly, kalua pork egg rolls, poke tacos, and edamame)to share. We also ordered the garlic shrimp dumplings. Everything was super tasty. Lots of other items on the menu that I want to try during another visit to the island.

Stressful from the start…read more I called to inquire about parking a week prior to my rsv and was told they were sold out for the night. I mentioned that it was just a general question and i wasn't coming that night. They informed me that it's validated for two hours and it's first come first serve. After the 2 hours its $14 an hour. Getting into the valet area was stressful enough as there was a car parked right before you turn and pedestrians that walk back and forth from their main driveway entrance. I also had to wait for valet for a bit too as there was 2 other cars in front of me and probably only 2 valet on duty trying to move cars forward. Reservations can be made on open table, but there was really no point to doing that since it's open seating during happy hour times. We ended up just picking a table that was in the shade, and noticed they only have their menu by QR code which is kinda annoying. The server was pretty nice tho and he brought my dog some water mid way. Their happy hour runs from 2-6 and the menu is slightly less expensive. The food was kind of standard hotel type of food and nothing really stood out. Otherwise the vibes at the restaurant was nice and i do like that they allow dogs to join you. it seems like they have live music after a certain time. I was even more annoyed and stressed with the valet when i went to pick up my car. They literally just handed me my keys. My car was parked along the wall probably 20 steps away, but they could have at least taken out my car cause it was so hard to get out, but i guess it's nice they trust that i wont bang the car in front of back of me i guess even tho im a pretty terrible parker. at the time they didn't look as busy as when i first arrived, so i dont know why they couldn't have just done the bare minimum with just pulling out my car from the stall.

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Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
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RM 38

RM 38

4.8
(76 reviews)
0.2 mi
$$

What we thought was a pawn shop turned out to be... a speakeasy?!…read more What a lovely surprise. A gem of a find! I will never forget this experience. I was just skipping around town exploring wanting to check-in to as many places as I could like the responsible Yelp elite that I am and then I find this amazing hole on the wall speakeasy. The lovely gentleman in the front welcomed us in to take a look around and I asked him if I could take photos for yelp and he told me that if I was going to write a review, I had to join them. So of course, I took the invite and decided to stay for a little while. We sat at a nice area. A perfect little place. I just want to take a snapshot and keep it in my memory so I can emulate it and turn it into my home study. I could stay here forever. The vibes were on point. The server recommended drinks that he thought we would like, and we loved both of them. I don't remember what the drinks were called, but mine had a blueberry taste to it, and my friend had a mock tail, but some sort of Yuzu to it. We also shared a $15 charcuterie graze. 10 out of 10 would recommend being curious and opening doors to finding out that there's a speakeasy randomly in an area you never thought would be there. What an amazing experience.

This spot is the place to be in Waikiki! Definitely make a reservation because this place fills up…read morefast, especially later into the night. What surprised me most was how good the food was for the price. Usually spots with this kind of atmosphere rely on the drinks to carry the experience, but every dish actually delivered. The chicken karaage was crispy and packed with flavor, the beef takoyaki disappeared almost instantly, and the taro chips with mascarpone were such a unique combination. Between the cocktails, food, service, and atmosphere, everything just worked.

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Snack
Snack
Lounge area
Lounge area
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Mai Tai Bar - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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