Under the enormous 75-year-old banyan tree at Waikiki's oldest hotel, this outdoor bar offers live Hawaiian music afternoons and evenings, classic cocktails, and genuine old Hawaii atmosphere. One of the most romantic evening spots in Waikiki.
The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider is set beneath the landmark banyan tree in the open-air courtyard of Waikiki's oldest hotel, the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The hotel dates to 1901, and the courtyard bar draws its extraordinary character from that history -- a grand National Historic Landmark property, the enormous canopy of the banyan tree, and direct access to Waikiki Beach combine to create an atmosphere unlike any other bar on the island.
The crowd tends toward hotel guests, honeymooners, couples celebrating special occasions, and travelers with an appreciation for historic settings. The tone is romantic and refined without being exclusionary -- resort casual attire is standard, and the setting is appropriate for families during the day and early evening, transitioning to a more intimate couples-oriented mood after 8:00 PM. Live Hawaiian music is performed in the courtyard on most afternoons and evenings, with local musicians delivering acoustic performances beneath the banyan canopy.
The drinks programme is classic rather than experimental -- carefully prepared mai tais, daiquiris, and tropical cocktails using premium spirits, alongside an edited wine list and cold beers. The signature Banyan Breezes cocktail is a guest favourite. Cocktail prices are at the premium end of the Waikiki range, typically $16 to $22, which reflects the Moana Surfrider's positioning as one of Hawaii's most storied historic properties. Food is available from the adjacent Beachhouse at the Moana restaurant, with light bites served at the bar's own service area.
The bar operates daily from 11:00 AM to midnight. Weekday evenings before 7:00 PM offer the most relaxed experience. Fridays and Saturdays are considerably busier as visitors converge on the beachfront. There is no cover charge and no formal reservations system for bar seating -- the courtyard operates entirely on a walk-in basis. Bottle service is not offered.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Location
2365 Kalakaua Ave (Moana Surfrider), Honolulu, HI 96815
Highlights
- Set beneath Waikiki's celebrated banyan tree in the courtyard of Hawaii's oldest hotel
- Live Hawaiian music performed in the historic Moana Surfrider courtyard most afternoons and evenings
- Direct Waikiki Beach access from the landmark beachside courtyard of the 1901 hotel
- Classic tropical cocktails including the signature Banyan Breezes
- Romantic, heritage atmosphere at one of Honolulu's most historically significant properties
Tips for visiting
- Early evening visits from 5:00 to 7:00 PM offer the best balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds
- Walk-in seating only -- arrive early on weekends, especially during summer peak season
- The live music schedule varies; confirming with the hotel concierge on arrival is recommended
- Cocktail prices are at the higher end of the Waikiki range -- budget $18 to $22 per drink
- The banyan tree courtyard is most atmospheric in the early evening as the sun angle drops and the torches are lit
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cover charge at the Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider?
No cover charge applies at any time. Guests pay only for food and beverages consumed.
Is the Beach Bar open to visitors who are not staying at the Moana Surfrider?
Yes, the bar is open to the general public and does not restrict access to hotel guests only.
Does the Beach Bar have live Hawaiian music?
Live Hawaiian music is performed on most afternoons and evenings in the courtyard. The schedule is not guaranteed daily -- confirming with the hotel on arrival is advisable.
Can visitors make reservations for the Beach Bar?
Seating at the bar is walk-in only, with no reservations accepted for the courtyard bar area. The adjacent Beachhouse at the Moana restaurant accepts reservations separately.
What is the best time to visit the Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider?
Early evening between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM is ideal -- the light is golden, crowds are manageable, and live music is typically underway beneath the banyan tree.