Hale Pele

Portland's Hale Pele—a tiki temple named for the Hawaiian volcano goddess—delivers immersive escapism with every sip. From the moment you step in, flaming cocktails, scented with toasty cinnamon and crafted using house-made syrups, rum-forward blends, and fresh juices, set the tone for a tropical voyage. The bar is adorned with carved wooden totems, dramatic lighting, and vintage puffer-fish lamps—creating a sensory-rich environment where distant storms seem to rumble in for added drama. A highlight is the Chieftain’s Hut, a private, thatch-roofed booth ideal for groups of 8–12 looking for an unforgettable tiki ritual. Hale Pele boasts an extensive menu—over 50 exotic cocktails ranging from classics like Mai Tai and Navy Grog to inventive modern originals such as “Tico Tico,” “Krakatoa,” and “Three Dots and a Dash.” Prices generally sit between $14–$20 per drink. Complementing the libations is a vividly curated small-plates menu of island-inspired fare—Hawaiian bread with guava-ginger jam, kalua pork, lumpia, poke, taro chips, and more. Happy-hour specials make it even sweeter. The vibe is legendary among locals and chefs alike. One Portland chef notes how “flaming drinks… the room always has an aroma of toasty cinnamon,” calling out “Krakatoa” and “Three Dots and a Dash” as favorites. Redditors praise its ambiance and bar camaraderie too, with one calling it “the best tiki bar in Portland.” Nightly operations are relaxed—no reservation is needed for the main area, but the Chieftain’s Hut can be booked for groups. All in all, Hale Pele is a theatrical, sensory cocktail experience that’s both a nostalgic homage and a contemporary reinvention of tiki culture.