Top Bars in Honolulu – Most Viewed (2025)

Perched gracefully on the lanai of the historic Halekulani Hotel, House Without a Key is where Hawaii’s golden age finds a modern audience. Its name traces back to a 1925 Charlie Chan novel penned by Earl Derr Biggers while staying at the hotel—named after the casual, always-open gathering spot by the Kiawe tree where guests once met for tea and cards. Today, it remains a Waikiki institution, celebrated for sunset cocktails beneath that same time-honored tree, paired with live Hawaiian music and hula performances that animate the evening air. Guests sip signature Mai Tais and local flavors amid ocean breezes and panoramic views of the Pacific and Diamond Head—an enduring tradition of informal elegance. Following a 2022 refresh, the venue added Earl’s, a shaded poolside bar named in tribute to Biggers, complete with a showpiece exhibition kitchen, stylish lounge renovation, and brick-oven pizzas like the indulgent "Melted Memories"—a four-cheese dream with drizzled Big Island honey. Classics like Joy's Special (crabmeat/avocado/bacon sandwich), flatbreads, and other island-inspired fare keep tradition alive in fresh new forms. From leisurely breakfasts to dinner and live entertainment (Hawaiian music from ~5 PM, hula from ~6 PM), this space is a vibrant thread woven through Honolulu’s cultural tapestry. One frequent tradition: Hemingway’s honeymoon table—Table 97—still awaits by the ocean for romantics and literary pilgrims alike. Whether you’re chasing nostalgic sunsets, seeking culinary comfort with aloha soul, or simply want to sway with the rhythms of the islands, House Without a Key delivers an atmospheric journey through time and taste.

Tucked into downtown Honolulu’s historic Chinatown, Skull & Crown Trading Co. is a tiki bar like no other. Walk past the unassuming entrance on North Hotel Street and step into a hauntingly atmospheric space filled with tiki carvings, floral wallpaper, nets, pineapple lamps, and skulls—every corner weaving storytelling into its design. Created by experiential artists Noa Laporga and Angelina Khan, this “dark tiki” hideaway blends theatrical flair and cocktail craftsmanship. Above the bar looms a creepy but captivating mermaid sculpture—a nod to Hawaiian legend and local artistry. Vintage tikis and tropical relics give the space a timeless, adventure‑laden glow—as if the bar has quietly existed here since the 1920s. Cocktails lean rum‑forward and often theatrical—signature drinks like the flaming ‘Awa‘awa Mai Tai (layered with Campari, orgeat, lilikoi, and Ko Hana Agricole Rum) and the flamboyant Skull & Crown—served flaming in a ceramic skull—are standout experiences. The Trader Noa’s Old Fashioned is a smoky surprise: it’s presented under a dome filled with Kiawe wood smoke, blending Cynar, brown sugar, orange bitters, and local flair. Beyond cocktails, the venue offers a compact yet inventive food menu: skewers (lemongrass chicken, lamb kofta, char siu pork) served in bowls or banh mis, duck bao, Chesapeake oysters, and even Dole Whip soft serve for a sweet finish. Whether you’re craving a creative Mai Tai, a theatrical presentation, or a night framed by tiki mystique and culinary delights, Skull & Crown delivers a uniquely immersive Honolulu experience.

Bar Leather Apron is a world-renowned cocktail bar tucked away in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded by Justin Park and Tom Park, this intimate and refined space offers a world-class drinking experience that blends Japanese hospitality with meticulous craft. The bar is widely acclaimed for its masterful mixology, premium spirits—especially its rare whiskey collection—and Japanese precision in cocktail presentation. From their famed Old Fashioned, featuring hand-carved ice and house-made bitters, to inventive seasonal creations, each drink is executed with thought and care. The menu is an homage to both traditional cocktail culture and Hawaiian flavors, often incorporating local ingredients like liliko‘i, pineapple, and black sesame. The ambiance is upscale yet understated—seating just 24 guests, it feels more like a hidden den than a typical bar. Wood, leather, and ambient lighting create a warm, elegant setting ideal for conversation or contemplation. Recognized on the World's 50 Best Bars list and the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, Bar Leather Apron is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados and anyone seeking a unique, high-caliber drinking experience in Hawaii.