DINING

Mix and mingle with the best drinks on your next luxury vacation in Hawaii

Hawaii is a land of mystery, magic and unparalleled beauty. This exotic tropical paradise is anything but ordinary. Many elite travelers choose Hawaii over and over as their go-to place to relax and unwind.

What could possibly be better than sitting on a terrace overlooking the ocean, sipping a cocktail you’re trying for the first time – the sun just descending below the horizon setting the sky ablaze in ethereal violet, umber and crimson? Enjoying favorite cocktails is one of the joys when on a luxury vacation in Hawaii. Just sit back with a cold beverage and breathe in the fresh, salty ocean air. It’s helpful, however, if you know which places serve the finest cocktails and Hawaii has no shortage of them.

Please read on for our curated list of top venues with splendid cocktail bars in the Aloha State:

RumFire

It’s easy to be carefree at this ocean-front establishment with spectacular views of Diamond Head and Waikiki. RumFire, in the Sheraton Waikiki, is the ideal place to sip on a delicious concoction while watching the sun dip below the horizon. For a delicious delight, we suggest trying the Fire Runner fashioned with Kohana rum, dark rum, crème de banana, orange juice, pineapple juice, sweet-sour and a splash of grenadine. Located at 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu.

Podmore

Elite travelers have their days well planned out, so Podmore offers all things refined, including cocktails. By day, Podmore is an upscale restaurant offering brunch, but by night, it is an elegant cocktail lounge where cocktails are viewed through a culinary lens and presented most creatively. Our pick from the well-rounded cocktail choices is the Chung Chow made with Pimm’s No. 1, ginger, cucumber, mint, strawberry, orange and lemon. Located at 202 Merchant Street, Honolulu.

Gaslamp

This very private, quaint speakeasy bar comes with an elevated ambiance created to cultivate memorable experiences. Gaslamp says it represents a shared philosophy that real conversation and connection are the lungs of any decent society with one primary focus: quality driven products delivered with a solid surrounding environment that ultimately enhances and encourages the flow of ideas. Sharing those ideas over delicious cocktails certainly fuels the creative process. When at this chic speakeasy, we recommend trying The Buddha’s Kiss made with Japanese whisky, Joto Yuzu sake, honeydew, shiso, jasmine and Hawaiian honey. Private entrance inside the Kailua Town Pub and Grill, 26 Ho’olai Street, Kailua (30 minutes from downtown Honolulu).

Mai Tai Bar

The oceanfront Mai Tai Bar is the ideal outdoor setting for enjoying the Waikiki scene while sipping on your favorite umbrella drink. Your memorable Oahu experience begins at this inimitable beachfront restaurant and bar where you can lounge and watch the surf roll in or the sun set on bathers reluctant to have the day come to an end. When visiting this charming venue, in addition to sampling other cocktails, you really should try the Mai Tai since it is said to be the best in the world. It’s made with Old Lahaina light and dark rums, orange curacao, orgeat, pineapple and orange juices. Located at 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu.

Villa Ariadne

When scoping out the best cocktail bars in Hawaii, you will want to spend your down time relaxing at an amazing private home. Villa Ariadne is certainly one of the most exclusive and prestigious of Hawaii luxury accommodations with its magnificent beachfront location on an endless expanse of turquoise sea. Just 20 miles from Honolulu International Airport, this sensational home has eight bedrooms for up to 16 guests. The free-flowing floor plan provides ample space for entertaining in elegant style. The outdoors offer a showstopping garden of tropical delights, with exquisitely manicured lawns and a Zen waterfall feature curating a serene person oasis. A poolside cabana presents additional alfresco options. As with all LVH homes, Villa Ariadne comes with full services and around-the-clock support.

Captain’s Bar

Captain’s Bar is a unique spot located above a lagoon in Kauai so you will be awed by beautiful sunsets over the ocean. This is a very lively bar right near Keoneloa Bay. The place has an impressive selection of tropical drinks you can have in between shopping, sunbathing on the beach, or after a busy day sightseeing. The bar’s cocktail menu features a lot of tropical favorites, but for those who don’t like alcohol, the tropical experience doesn’t stop since Captain’s is famous for its virgin drinks selection. For those who imbibe, we suggest the Lava Flow made with house light rum, coconut crème, pineapple juice and a strawberry ice cream mix. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Kauai (at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa).

Lewers Lounge

With classic cocktails and live jazz, it doesn’t get much better than Lewers. Live performances happen Tuesday through Saturday and in addition to enjoying a cocktail or mocktail, order some plates to share with friends. You could spend hours listening to world-renowned jazz musicians while sampling tasty menu items. You really must try the James Bond Martini made with Absolut vodka, Tanqueray gin and Lillet Blonde. It’s set ablaze for an even bigger oomph! Located in the Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu.

What is a memorable trip to Hawaii with sampling cocktails or mocktails that pair well with sunshine, the scent of the sea, jasmine flowers and moonlight on the water? LVH clients love Hawaii and we can get you there enjoying your favorite cocktails in no time. We invite you to reach out to one of our knowledgeable client relations team associates who will help you plan the ideal trip to paradise. We know how busy your life is and we also know how important it is for you to disconnect every once in a while to recharge your batteries. Just say the word and will begin planning an extraordinary Hawaiian getaway for you and your family!