Roof top bars

Question

This will be my third time back to Honolulu but it’s been 10 years since my last visit so wondering if there are any rooftop bars that are worth checking out?

Answer

Honolulu has added several rooftop and high-floor bar options in the past decade, especially in Waikīkī and Kakaʻako. While true skyscraper rooftops are less common due to zoning, there are multiple elevated bars with great ocean views, sunset vantage points, and stylish atmospheres that didn’t exist 10 years ago.

Below are the best and most popular rooftop or high-floor bar options worth checking out during your visit.

Top Rooftop & Elevated Bars in Honolulu

SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar (Waikīkī) — The closest thing to a true rooftop bar in Waikīkī. Open-air, modern, DJ nights, strong cocktails, and panoramic views.
Deck. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel (Waikīkī) — Elevated open-air restaurant/bar with direct postcard views of Diamond Head.
Hideout at The Laylow (Waikīkī) — Stylish mid-century rooftop lounge with live music and a relaxed but upscale vibe.
Swell Bar at Alohilani Resort (Waikīkī) — Not rooftop, but a high elevated poolside bar with fire pits and ocean views.
The Tchin Tchin! Bar (Chinatown) — Rooftop-feel patio, cozy lighting, modern cocktails, very different vibe from Waikīkī.
RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki (Waikīkī) — Oceanfront terrace bar with some of the best sunset views in the area.

1. SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar

SKY sits several stories above Kalākaua Avenue and is the most true rooftop-style lounge Honolulu offers. It’s a great spot if you want nightlife energy, DJs, and cocktails with sweeping views of Waikīkī, including the ocean and sunset.

Panoramic city and shoreline views.
Open-air seating with modern design.
Great for late-night drinks or a social, lively atmosphere.

2. Deck. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel

This bar/restaurant sits on an elevated terrace facing Diamond Head. While not a high-rise rooftop, it’s one of the most scenic elevated bars on the island and has live music in the evenings.

Unobstructed Diamond Head views.
Relaxed, bright, airy atmosphere.
Good craft cocktails and pupus.

3. Hideout at The Laylow

Hideout offers a lush, modern rooftop vibe with plenty of seating, a firepit area, live acoustic music, and a low-key but trendy atmosphere.

Great for cocktails and casual lounging.
Good mix of locals and visitors.
Mellow music and a modern Hawaiian feel.

4. Swell Bar at Alohilani Resort

Though not technically a rooftop, it has an elevated infinity-pool-side lounge overlooking the ocean. It’s stylish, modern, and one of the most photogenic bars in Waikīkī.

Ocean views and fire pits.
Live DJs and occasional events.
A chic, resort-style vibe.

5. Tchin Tchin! Bar (Chinatown)

A rooftop-style terrace bar with an intimate atmosphere, string lights, craft cocktails, and a trendier local crowd—very different from Waikīkī’s resort vibe.

Great cocktail program.
Relaxed rooftop patio feel.
Perfect for a quieter night out.

6. RumFire at Sheraton Waikiki

Not on a tower top, but it sits at water level with an amazingly wide-open ocean view, especially at sunset. One of the best places to enjoy a drink right on the shoreline without being in a hotel room.

Sunset-facing tables next to the ocean.
Lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.
Great place to start an evening out.

Final tips

Make reservations for SKY or Deck if going at sunset or on weekends.
For a quieter mood, Hideout or Tchin Tchin are best.
For nightlife energy and views, SKY is your top option.

If it’s been 10 years since your last trip, you’ll find Honolulu’s rooftop scene has grown and modernized quite a bit. Any of the options above will give you great atmosphere, views, and a fun night out in the city.

Roof top bars

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