Restaurant Reservations plus Happy Hour

Question

For Happy Hour, I've seen advice to book reservations for Monkeypod. But I believe HWAK is first come, first serve for sunset drinks. Are there any other happy hours where reservations are recommended?

At dinner, for which popular restaurants are reservations recommended further in advance?

Any and all advice is appreciated, as it is our first trip to Hawaii. Thank you!

Answer

It’s exciting that you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii! The islands are known for their incredible food and drink scenes, so you’ll definitely want to take advantage of some great happy hours and make reservations at the popular spots. I’ll break it down for you into happy hours and dinner reservations for Oahu’s best restaurants.

For happy hours on Oahu, there are several places where making a reservation is a good idea, especially if you want to secure a spot with a great view or during peak times.

Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikiki & Ko Olina): As you mentioned, Monkeypod is very popular, and they do recommend reservations for their happy hour to avoid long waits. It’s known for its great cocktails, local brews, and a menu full of delicious small plates like their famous Truffle Fries.
Azure (Waikiki): This upscale spot at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel offers happy hour from 4–6 pm. While reservations aren’t strictly required, it's a good idea to book in advance for a spot with a view of Waikiki Beach and sunset cocktails.
RumFire (Waikiki): Located at the Sheraton Waikiki, RumFire has a fantastic oceanfront view and an excellent happy hour. It’s often crowded, so making a reservation is recommended if you want to secure a spot near the water, especially around sunset.
The Beach Bar (Waikiki): Situated right on the beach, this place is first-come, first-serve, but it’s worth noting that if you're aiming for a sunset spot, it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
House Without a Key (Waikiki): Known for its laid-back atmosphere and sunset views, this place offers cocktails, small bites, and live Hawaiian music. While reservations are not required, they are recommended if you want to ensure a spot with a good view of the sunset.

As for dinner reservations, some popular Oahu restaurants can get busy, especially during peak dining times (weekends and evenings), so it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a table at some of the best spots.

Alan Wong’s Honolulu: A favorite for upscale local cuisine, this restaurant is often fully booked, so reservations at least a week in advance are recommended. It’s known for dishes like "Misoyaki Butterfish" and "Kahlúa Pig." If you're after a special experience, this is the place to go.
Chef Mavro: Another fine dining option, Chef Mavro is highly regarded for its contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. This place can get booked up quickly, so plan ahead and book your reservation several days in advance.
Roy’s Waikiki: Roy Yamaguchi’s flagship restaurant in Waikiki offers innovative Hawaiian fusion dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner, as this place is popular among locals and tourists alike.
La Mer (Halekulani): Known for its elegant fine dining and oceanfront views, La Mer is one of the most exclusive restaurants on Oahu. It’s important to book well in advance (at least a couple of weeks) if you want a reservation here.
The Pig and the Lady: A more casual option in Chinatown, this trendy restaurant is known for its creative Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Although it’s a bit less formal, it’s still very popular, so reservations are recommended for dinner to avoid long waits.

For the best experience, consider making reservations as soon as you can once you know your dates. Hawaii is a popular travel destination, and many of these restaurants have limited seating, especially with smaller dining spaces or outdoor seating that fills up quickly. If you’re flexible, you might also find availability at off-peak times, such as early evening or weekday dinners.

In summary, for happy hour, Monkeypod and RumFire are excellent spots to consider booking in advance. For dinner, Alan Wong’s, Chef Mavro, and La Mer are among the best spots where you’ll want to reserve early to ensure a table. Enjoy your time in Hawaii, and I hope you have a memorable first trip!

Restaurant Reservations plus Happy Hour

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