6 Best Bars in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu's brewing scene has erupted in Kakaako’s industrial neighborhood, and one brewpub in particular has led the charge: Honolulu Beerworks. In a converted warehouse, owners Geoff and Charmayne Seideman and their crew brew nine beers—in addition to limited releases—such as the Pia Mahiai Saison (made with local oranges, other citrus, and Big Island honey) or the rich South Shore Stout. When you need some ono grinds (delicious food) to go along with your local brew, order the bar’s ahi dip. It’s a regular spot for many locals, particularly on the weekends. You might just make new friends sitting at one of the bar's long picnic tables, made from reclaimed wood.

This company not only brews its own quality craft beer but also serves delicious food. This is its second location—the original is in Waikiki at 1945 Kalakaua Avenue—and it always offers nine beers on tap, including the Skinny Jeans IPA and the Hana Hou Hefe, to which orange peel and strawberry puree are added before fermentation. You can also buy six-packs at the bar to go. Here, the chef smokes meat in house using local kiawe wood, resulting in tender and flavorful beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and bratwurst. Accompanying barbecue sauces are made with Waikiki Brewing beer.

At this cool brewpub, you order everything at the counter and then grab a seat in either the industrial indoor taproom or the casual outdoor area. The HI Brau Room upstairs, which has its own speakeasy-style entrance, is definitely worth checking out for unique cocktails, too. With 12 beers on draft, including the Hop Lei IPA, Waimanalo Farmhouse, Froot Loops, and Portlock Porter, you can find something to your taste. If you’re hungry, there's also pretty good food—snacking boards, hearty sandwiches, small plates, and steak frites.

The Kaimuki night scene got a bit livelier in 2014 with the arrival of this pub, which, after all, stays open until 2 am. It's a small place—you have to squeeze between nearby patrons to get to and from your table—but the wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the 150-plus beer menu. BREW'd also offers better versions of standard pub fare than you'll find at some places in town, including a good braised beef poutine.

This massive Kona Brewing Co. restaurant and bar on the docks of Koko Marina has long been a hot spot. In addition to serving the company's signature brews, this authentic pub offers live music Thursday to Sunday nights. It's a lively spot, especially on the weekends when it's standing-room-only at the bar.

Lanikai Brewing Company's taproom features its island-centric beer, including seasonal varieties that incorporate unusual ingredients like surname cherry, mushrooms, and white tea. It also serves Valentina's wood-fired pizza and sometimes has a food truck out front. In addition to beer, there are spirits from the brewery's new distillery line, house-made sangria, Paradise Ciders, and other sips from which to choose. Kids are welcome, and there are board games available to play.