Best Happy Hour Oahu 2023

Happy hour is always my favorite time of day. Especially when I’m on vacation.

On our last trip to Oahu, my boyfriend and I took advantage of the amazing happy hour deals and indulged in a variety of food and drinks.

We had delicious appetizers, tacos, burgers, chips, and fries at discounted prices. We finished things off with cocktails, beers, ciders, and wines. The best part was that everything was discounted during happy hour, so we could afford to splurge.

Whether you prefer sports bar vibes, high-end restaurants, or fun local experiences, we checked out all the options. Oahu has them all and more! So I made a list of the best places for you to go!

If you’re looking for a good time during happy hour, I’ve got the best spots for you!

I’ve listed the best of the best happy hour spots based on a variety of menu items, drink options, locations, price ranges, and overall atmosphere.

Let’s get to it!

#1. DECK. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel – Best Happy Hour Honolulu – Luxury Setting with Quality Food and Drinks

This is the typical place you think of when you think of happy hour. But we loved it so much, we came twice! The restaurant is beautiful, with a large bar and a spacious seating area. The outside deck is covered and has gorgeous mountain views with tiki torches and a bonfire. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Both times we were lucky to find outside seating space, and our service was very good. We didn’t wait long for our food and drinks, and the waiter wasn’t rushing us. You can get a couple of dollars off the food during happy hour from 2 pm to 4 pm.

I recommend the beef sliders (2 for $11), which are juicy, well-seasoned, and dripping with cheddar. We also enjoyed the chicken wings prepared with Japanese spices and a nice sweet and spicy sauce (something different to try!)

The drink options are extensive. I enjoyed the Lilikoi margarita and the fallen angel cocktail with strawberries and orange bitters. Both are high-end and incredibly tasty. The price was higher than in other places. My boyfriend enjoyed the draft beers.

This place is my first choice for happy hour because:

• The venue is beautiful with a relaxing yet high-end vibe.
• The view from the deck is beautiful, and everything is well-decorated.
• The food is unique and tasty. There are many options on the happy hour menu.
• The drink menu has lots of cocktail and wine options.

Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

#2. Off The Wall Craft Beer & Wine – Cheap Happy Hour Honolulu – Best Local Craft Beers and a Local Atmosphere

While this is a small space, it is beautifully done in almost all wood. You can choose between inside and outside seating, which is in an urban spot, so the city lights in the evening are gorgeous.

Happy hour is between 3 pm and 5 pm Monday through Thursday. And they have a small but tasty appetizer menu where everything is $5 each. Considering the price, we tried just about everything.

My top picks are the Pineapple Bbq Pork Slider, Chorizo Slider, and Avocado Smashed Goat Toast. The seasoning and ingredient combination is awesome and matches well with the drinks. The food was South American Fusion which was a pleasant change from some of the other food we had been eating.

They have a funky self–serve drink wall. It has more than 20 craft beer options and some nice wines and ciders. Probably the finest selection I have seen. We both loved the many cider options they had. I recommend the Killah Dragon cider (dragon fruit and raspberry) and Guava Lava (pink guava and strawberry).

They also have taco Tuesdays and live music Thursdays, so definitely worth several visits.

This space is a smart pick for happy hour because:

• They have a huge and unique drink menu, including wines, craft beers, and ciders.
• The happy hour menu is tasty, authentic, and cheap.
• The venue is stylish and modern, with many different seating options.

Address: 1170 Auahi St Suite 140, Honolulu, HI 96814

#3. WorkPlay – The Urban Premiere Craft Cocktail Lounge – Happy Hour Downtown Honolulu

It’s not much to see from the outside. But that’s why the interior is awesome. The decorations are funky, and the seating is innovative. Sections of the bar are made into small modern living rooms, creating an amazing atmosphere and an artistic vibe. There is some outside seating with an industrial vibe. They even have a perfectly placed stage area for live music.

They have a nice cocktail selection, and they are $10 each. Wine per glass is $7, and all beers are $2 off the price.

We had some tasty chicken tacos with smokey tinga sauce and jalapeño butter (3 for $9) and ceviche with lime juice, tomatoes, and onions for $15. The food was delicious, and the portions were large. The spinach dip and chips are to die for, too. It has artichokes in it and is super creamy.

If you are into it, the patio is for smoking and cigars.

It is a great place for happy hour because:

• The menu has some great deals, and there are incredible food options under $10 even on the regular menu.
• They have an awesome selection of craft cocktails and some great wines.
• The space is super artistic, funky, and fun.
• They have live music, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun.

Address: 814 Ilaniwai St 1st floor, Honolulu, HI 96813

#4. Rumfire – The Most Beautiful View During Happy Hour

Rumfire has such a beautiful ocean-front position. Any restaurant would be jealous. I immediately fell in love with the view as we stepped onto the patio to be seated. The service is professional, friendly, and accommodating. Our server made several great suggestions.

Happy hour is daily from 3 pm to 5 pm and often features live music. The drink card is nice, with a broad selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. I highly recommend the smokey passion margarita at $10 each and the Rumfire mai tai at $9 each. The margarita has great passion fruit and lime taste. And both drinks are flavorful.

The food menu is also really fun. The Pork and shrimp lumpia with sweet chili sauce and vinaigrette are mouthwatering. The seasoning is spot on, and the meat is delicious. Add some potato wedges to them, and you have a tasty meal. Most items on the happy hour menu are between $5 and $10 each. It’s also a plus to know they use locally sourced ingredients.

Here’s why you will love happy hour at Rumfire:

• The location and patio are beautiful, with a front seat to the ocean.
• The food is fiery, well-seasoned, and really tasty. Happy Hour items are 5 to $10 each.
• They have amazing cocktails under $10 and a vast choice of wine and craft beer.
• Service is professional and friendly.

Note: If you are wondering where to park, they have free validated self-parking for four hours at Sheraton Waikiki with a minimum $25 purchase.

Address: 2255 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Hawaii has some of the best happy hour traditions of all the states. On Oahu, many options and styles of happy hour foods and drinks exist.

Conclusion

Some restaurants stick to the traditional menus, while others create innovative fusion food and craft drink menus you have never tasted.

As a result, you can expect to find every style of happy hour that fits your taste and mood, including sports bars, Asian style, Mexican and more.

Certainly, you won’t be disappointed no matter what restaurant you choose from this list. They all offer quality fresh food and amazing drinks.

So cheers and have fun!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Does Oahu have good nightlife?

Oahu has some of the most vibrant nightlife in Hawaii. The most famous scene is Honolulu and its surroundings. Most bars and restaurants offer themed nights with live entertainment and DJs. Also, most offer traditional happy hour, including discounted drinks and food.

What time is happy hour?

Happy hour is usually the time after work. Traditionally this is anywhere between 3 pm and 8 pm. Most happy hour specials last for 2 to 3 hours daily (Mondays through Fridays). Another way to think of it is the time between lunch and dinner. Most happy hour times in Oahu are between 3 pm and 6 pm – but do check beforehand.

Why do they call it happy hour?

Happy hour is a marketing term used to bring customers between lunch and dinner. For the customer, I assume it is happy hour because drinking starts somewhat earlier before dinner. The term has been used throughout history, including during prohibition. But their definite origins are unclear. What is clear is that some states have banned happy hour (each for different reasons), so enjoy this great tradition in Hawaii.

Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by Brigitte