Which Celebrities Quietly Own Hawaii’s Hottest Bars?
Aloha! I’ve lived on Oahu for over 20 years, hopping between islands like a local. From smoky dive bars to sunset-lit patios, I’ve sipped my way through Hawaii’s best spots. But nothing beats the thrill of spotting a rock legend mixing cocktails or a Hollywood star slinging pupus.
Let’s dive into the 6 celebrity-owned bars where fame meets aloha.
Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill (Honolulu & Kahului)
Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar brings his “Red Rocker” energy to airport bars—yes, airports. Don’t let the location fool you: the Kahului spot serves Mint Macadamia Mules with Sammy’s private rum label.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve killed a layover here. The Kalua Pork Sliders are tender, smoky, and drenched in tangy barbecue sauce. Rumor has it Sammy pops in before flights—keep your eyes peeled.
Pro tip: Try the Cabo Wabo Ceviche; it’s fresher than most beachside shacks.
Roy’s Waikoloa (Big Island)
Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi revolutionized Hawaiian fusion here. The Misoyaki Butterfish melts like butter, and the bar crafts lychee martinis with fresh orchids.
Roy often greets tables, sharing stories of fishing off Kona. My mom still talks about the time he signed her menu—“Better than meeting Elvis!”
Pro tip: Skip dessert and order a second round of Hawaiian Rolled Sushi.
The Counter (Honolulu, Oahu)
Daniel Dae Kim (of Lost and Hawaii Five-0) invested in this build-your-own burger joint. The “Local Boy” burger features teriyaki glaze and fried egg—a hangover hero.
I’ve spotted Kim here post-filming, low-key in a baseball cap. The truffle fries are criminally addictive.
Pro tip: Swap beef for ahi tuna patty. Mahalo later.
Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (Maui)
Puck’s Four Seasons outpost blends Californian flair with island ingredients. The Sashimi Pizza sounds wild but works—like a crunchy, spicy poke flatbread.
A waiter once whispered that Oprah orders the Maui Onion Soup every visit. I tried it—creamy, sweet, and worth the hype.
Pro tip: Sit at the chef’s counter for free truffle shavings.
Suzie Wong’s Hideaway (Honolulu, Oahu)
Owned by Hawaii Five-0 actor Taylor Wiley, this speakeasy hides behind a bookcase in Chinatown. The Smoked Pineapple Old Fashioned is liquid gold.
Finding it feels like a spy mission. Last time, Wiley himself handed me a mocktail menu—“For the *kolohe* (rascals).”
Pro tip: Reserve the “Red Room” for VIP treatment.
Tiki Iniki (Princeville, Kauai)
Owned by rocker Todd Rundgren and his wife Michele, this tiki paradise feels like stepping into a retro Polynesian dream. Michele, a former member of the band The Tubes, designed the space with vintage Hawaiian memorabilia and neon-lit charm.
I once watched Todd casually chat with regulars at the bar while bartenders shook up Velvet Gorilla cocktails (a rum-heavy beast with fresh guava and lime). Their Iniki Burger—spam-infused patty with pickled pineapple—is a messy masterpiece.
Pro tip: Go during happy hour (3–4:30 PM) for half-off appetizers like crispy coconut shrimp.
Final Mahalo: Whether you’re clinking glasses with rockstars or savoring a chef’s secret recipe, these spots prove Hawaii’s bar scene is way more than just mai tais. Skip the resorts—grab a stool where the stars shine behind the bar. 🤙
