10 Hawaii Bars With Sunset Views That Are Pure Magic – Worth The Return Trip Back

After 35 years calling Oahu home, I've made it my mission to find the absolute best spots to watch day turn to night across our beautiful islands. There's something special about sipping a perfectly crafted mai tai while watching the sun melt into the Pacific.

As someone who's visited all the Hawaiian islands countless times, I've collected these hidden gems that locals treasure and tourists rarely discover. Get ready to explore Hawaii's most spectacular sunset bars, updated for 2025!

Tiki's Grill & Bar (Oahu)

Perched on the second floor of the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Tiki's offers panoramic ocean views that make for spectacular sunset watching. The open-air design and tropical decor create a festive atmosphere that perfectly complements the nightly sky show.

Their specialty cocktails come in fun tiki mugs that make great souvenirs, and the food menu features local ingredients with a creative twist. Try their garlic truffle fries paired with a Mai Tai or their signature Lava Flow cocktail! 🌋

I celebrated my 30th birthday here with a group of friends, and our server DeDe was incredible. She made sure we had a prime sunset table and kept the drinks flowing at just the right pace. When the live music started just as the sun was setting, it felt like they had orchestrated the entire experience just for us.

Tiki's gets extremely busy around sunset, especially during peak season. Reservations are a must, and I recommend making them at least two weeks in advance with a specific request for a sunset-view table.

Address: 2570 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-8454
Website: tikisgrill.com

Stay nearby: The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel houses Tiki's, making it ultra-convenient to enjoy sunset cocktails and then head to your room.

House Without A Key (Oahu)

This iconic outdoor venue at the luxurious Halekulani Hotel offers one of the most elegant sunset experiences in Hawaii. Named after a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, House Without A Key combines old Hawaii charm with unmatched views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.

What elevates this sunset spot beyond others is the nightly hula performances that begin just as the sun starts to set, accompanied by traditional Hawaiian music. Their signature mai tais are served in beautiful glassware and made with premium rums that make them worth the splurge. The century-old kiawe tree draped in lights provides a stunning backdrop for both the sunset and the dancers! 🌴

Last Valentine's Day, I brought my partner here for what I promised would be “the most Hawaiian sunset experience possible.” We arrived early to secure a table near the water and ordered their famous coconut cake along with mai tais. As former Miss Hawaii Kanoe Miller began to dance hula against the backdrop of the setting sun, I noticed my typically stoic partner wiping away a tear. That's the kind of magic this place creates.

Important note: House Without A Key doesn't accept reservations and closes temporarily at sunset for a few minutes to reset tables, so arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a good spot.

Address: 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-2311
Website: halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key

Stay nearby: The Halekulani Hotel itself offers luxurious accommodations, available on Booking.com with oceanfront rooms starting at $525/night.

SKY Waikiki (Oahu)

If you're looking for a more upscale sunset experience, SKY Waikiki delivers with its breathtaking 360-degree views from 19 floors above Waikiki. This sleek rooftop lounge combines craft cocktails with panoramic vistas that stretch from Diamond Head to the Waianae mountains.

The best part? Their happy hour from 5-7 PM coincides perfectly with sunset during winter months. Their signature Hibiscus Sunset cocktail isn't just a pretty name – it's a stunning layered drink that mirrors the colorful sky outside. The sweet soy pepper wings make for perfect sunset nibbles! 🍹

I took my brother here when he visited last summer, and even though we arrived two hours before sunset, the place was already filling up. We snagged two seats at the bar where we could watch both the bartenders' impressive flair and the sky changing colors. The cocktails aren't cheap (expect to pay $15-20), but the view makes every dollar worth it.

What I love most about SKY is how they've perfectly balanced upscale with approachable. Yes, people dress nicely here, but you won't feel out of place in resort casual wear. The vibe is definitely “see and be seen” without feeling pretentious.

Address: 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, 19th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 979-7590
Website: skywaikiki.com

Stay nearby: The Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger is just a five-minute walk away and offers modern rooms with partial ocean views.

Duke's Waikiki (Oahu)

No list of sunset bars would be complete without mentioning the iconic Duke's Waikiki. Named after Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront institution offers unobstructed views of the Waikiki sunset from its open-air Barefoot Bar.

What sets Duke's apart is how the venue transforms at sunset. The already lively atmosphere shifts into something magical as the torches are lit and live Hawaiian music fills the air. Their mai tais come in souvenir glasses that make for great keepsakes, and the pupus (appetizers) are perfect for sharing. 🏄‍♂️

Last November, I brought my parents here on their 40th anniversary. We didn't have reservations (rookie mistake!) but the hostess recognized me as a regular and squeezed us in at a corner table with a perfect sunset view. Mom still talks about how the musicians played “Tiny Bubbles” just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

My go-to order here is the calamari with lilikoi dipping sauce followed by the fresh catch prepared “Duke's style” – lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection. If you have room for dessert, their famous Hula Pie is large enough to share with the entire table!

Address: 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 922-2268
Website: dukeswaikiki.com

Stay nearby: The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is literally upstairs from Duke's, meaning you can enjoy sunset cocktails and simply elevator back to your room.

RumFire (Oahu)

Located in the Sheraton Waikiki, RumFire combines oceanfront views, fire pits, and craft cocktails for a sunset experience that appeals to all senses. The indoor-outdoor design means you can enjoy the sunset spectacle in air-conditioned comfort or out on the patio with the salt breeze in your hair.

Their signature drink menu changes seasonally, but always includes creative takes on island classics. The “Smokin' Hibiscus” arrives with a theatrical smoke presentation that matches the drama of the sunset outside. For food, don't miss their poke nachos or kalua pork quesadilla! 🔥

My favorite visit to RumFire happened completely by accident. I got caught in a sudden afternoon downpour and ducked in to stay dry. Two hours later, I was still there, chatting with bartender Tommy and watching one of the most vivid sunsets I've ever seen. The clouds from the recent rain created an extraordinary light show of pinks, purples, and oranges.

Pro tip: RumFire gets extremely busy around sunset, especially during peak tourist season. If you can't get a reservation, try going early and grabbing a spot at the bar, which is first-come, first-served.

Stay nearby: You're already at the Sheraton Waikiki, so why not book a room? Their ocean-facing rooms provide sunset views right from your balcony.

Mai Tai Bar at Royal Hawaiian Hotel (Oahu)

There's something timelessly elegant about sipping a mai tai at the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” as the sun sets. The Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian offers a front-row seat to Waikiki's sunset show, with Diamond Head creating a dramatic silhouette against the changing sky.

This historic spot claims to serve the original mai tai recipe created by Victor J. Bergeron in 1944, and after trying one, I believe them! The cocktail menu features several variations, each more delicious than the last. Pair your drink with their lobster rolls or coconut shrimp for the perfect sunset snack. 🌺

I'll never forget bringing my grandmother here on her 80th birthday. She had visited the Royal Hawaiian on her honeymoon in 1962 and wanted to return. The moment we sat down, she pointed to a spot on the beach and said, “That's where your grandfather proposed.” As if on cue, the sunset that evening was exceptionally beautiful, painting the sky in shades of pink that perfectly matched the hotel's famous façade.

Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-7311
Website: royal-hawaiian.com/dining/mai-tai-bar

Stay nearby: The Royal Hawaiian itself offers a luxurious, historic place to stay, with rooms that combine vintage Hawaiian charm with modern amenities.

Don's Mai Tai Bar (Big Island)

Don's brings old Hawaii vibes to your sunset experience on the Big Island. Located at the Royal Kona Resort, this oceanfront bar is famous for two things: their extensive mai tai menu (featuring 14 different varieties) and their unbeatable sunset views over Kailua Bay.

The bar sits right at the water's edge, so close you can hear waves crashing below while watching spinner dolphins play in the distance. Their happy hour from 4-6 PM offers half-price drinks, perfectly timed for sunset viewing. Their prime rib is genuinely “mind-blowing” according to recent visitors! 🐬

My cousin got married on the Big Island last year, and we took the whole wedding party to Don's the night before the ceremony. Twenty of us arrived without a reservation (not recommended!), but the staff worked magic to accommodate us. We watched a perfect sunset while sipping Tropical Itch mai tais (they come with a wooden back scratcher in the glass – seriously!).

If you visit on Thursday or Saturday nights, you'll be treated to traditional Hawaiian music, which adds another layer of magic to the sunset experience. Just be warned – this place gets extremely popular, so make reservations well in advance.

Address: 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 329-3111
Website: donsmaitaibar.com

Stay nearby: The Royal Kona Resort that houses Don's offers rooms with balconies facing the sunset, meaning you can enjoy a pre-drink sunset from your room before heading down to the bar.

Huggo's On The Rocks (Big Island)

This beloved Big Island spot offers one of the most authentic sand-between-your-toes sunset experiences in Hawaii. Located in Kailua-Kona, Huggo's On The Rocks literally puts you on the rocks overlooking Kailua Bay with front-row seats to spectacular Pacific sunsets.

What makes this place unique is that you can actually sit with your feet in the sand while enjoying tropical drinks and pupus. Their signature “Huggo's Mai Tai” comes in a souvenir glass that makes for a great keepsake. The daily happy hour from 3-5 PM coincides perfectly with sunset viewing during winter months. Don't miss their coconut shrimp – crispy, sweet, and absolutely addictive! 🌊

I celebrated my birthday here two years ago, arriving early to claim one of the coveted tables right at the water's edge. The server mentioned we should keep our eyes peeled for the legendary “green flash” – that rare moment when the sun displays a brief flash of green light as it disappears below the horizon. Sure enough, just as we raised our glasses for a toast, we witnessed this elusive phenomenon, making for an unforgettable birthday sunset.

Local tip: During winter months (December-March), keep your eyes open for humpback whales breaching in the distance as the sun sets – it's not uncommon to see them putting on a show while you sip your cocktails.

Address: 75-5828 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 329-1493
Website: huggosontherocks.com

Stay nearby: The Royal Kona Resort is just a short walk away and offers oceanfront rooms with sunset views available on Booking.com starting at $199/night.

Sunset Kai Lanai (Big Island)

Perched high on a hill overlooking Kailua Bay, Sunset Kai Lanai delivers exactly what its name promises – jaw-dropping sunset views that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. This restaurant changed ownership in 2023 from the famous Sam Choy's Kai Lanai to “Sunset” Kai Lanai, and the rebrand couldn't be more fitting.

The outdoor patio lined with flickering tiki torches creates the perfect backdrop for watching the sun sink below the horizon. What makes this place extra special is how the staff times everything perfectly. They know exactly when sunset will happen and make sure your drinks arrive just as the sky begins to change colors! 🌅

I visited last January with my girlfriend who was on her first trip to the Big Island. We ordered their signature Sunset Seafood Pasta, filled with plump scallops and tender shrimp in a savory sauce that had us fighting over the last bite. Our server Douglas (ask for him!) suggested we try their Kai Lanai Mai Tai – a dangerously delicious blend that packs more punch than you'd expect!

One local tip: Make reservations at least a week in advance and specifically request a west-facing table for prime sunset viewing. Don't be afraid to call directly rather than using booking apps – the staff often holds a few tables for call-ins.

Address: 78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Suite 1000, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 329-3111
Website: sunsetkailanai.com

Stay nearby: The oceanfront Waikoloa Beach Marriott is just a 15-minute drive north and offers stunning rooms with lanais overlooking the water.

Koa Oasis Booze Shack (Oahu)

This hidden gem is where locals go to avoid tourist prices while still enjoying million-dollar sunset views. The Koa Oasis Booze Shack is exactly what its name suggests – a simple beach shack serving strong, affordable drinks with an unbeatable location right on Waikiki Beach.

Don't expect fancy glassware or elaborate garnishes here. What you will get are honest pours, friendly service (ask for Kimo!), and a front-row seat to the same sunset that people pay triple the price to see elsewhere. Their sound system pumps out a perfect mix of Hawaiian and reggae music that just feels right as the sun goes down. 🥥

This is my go-to spot when showing friends around who want an authentic experience. Last winter, I brought my college roommate who was visiting from Chicago. He couldn't believe that such an unpretentious place existed on Waikiki. We grabbed beers, found spots on the wall facing the beach, and watched the sunset while chatting with a mix of locals and in-the-know tourists.

The Shack usually opens around 1 PM and closes surprisingly early (around 5:30 PM), so this is perfect for early sunset viewing, especially in winter months. Many people mistakenly think it's only for military personnel, but that's not true – though military do receive a discount.

Address: 2131 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 955-0555
Website: None (It's authentically no-frills!)

Stay nearby: The Hale Koa Hotel is right next door if you have military connections, otherwise the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a short walk away.

Final Thoughts

The perfect Hawaiian sunset is about more than just the view – it's about the entire experience. The right drink in hand, island music floating through the air, and friendly conversation with strangers who quickly become friends.

Have you ever noticed how time seems to slow down as the sun approaches the horizon in Hawaii? There's even a moment when everyone falls silent, collectively holding their breath as the final sliver of sun disappears. It's those shared moments that make sunset bar-hopping in Hawaii so special.

Whether you're splurging on craft cocktails at SKY Waikiki or keeping it casual at the Koa Oasis Booze Shack, the most important thing is to be present. Put the phone down (after taking just one photo, of course), and take in the magical moment that locals and visitors have been appreciating for generations.

As we say in Hawaii, “E aloha kekahi i kekahi” – love one another. There's no better place to practice this than at a sunset bar, where people from all walks of life gather to appreciate one of nature's most beautiful daily shows. 🌺