Barefoot Bar on Waikiki Beach serving fresh fish, cocktails, and casual Hawaiian food with sand between your toes. Chef Peter Merriman's casual Waikiki outpost is perfect for a beachside lunch or sundowner. Live Hawaiian music entertains guests daily.
Hula Grill Waikiki is chef Peter Merriman's casual beachfront presence in Waikiki, operating as the Barefoot Bar and the adjacent restaurant from a prime location on Waikiki Beach at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Kalakaua Avenue. The concept is deliberately low-key and beach-oriented: guests dine with sand beneath their feet at the Barefoot Bar, and the restaurant's informal atmosphere celebrates the beach lifestyle that defines Waikiki rather than imposing the fine dining formality of Merriman's Waimea or Merriman's Maui. The menu focuses on fresh Hawaiian fish and locally sourced ingredients in preparations that are satisfying and approachable rather than elaborate — fresh fish sandwiches, fish tacos with house-made salsas, grilled daily catch preparations, and coconut-influenced dishes reflect the kitchen's commitment to the same farm-to-table philosophy that governs all of Merriman's properties but executed in a register suited to beachfront dining. Cocktails and tropical drinks are an integral part of the Hula Grill experience: the mai tai program draws serious attention, and the full bar serves creative tropical drinks alongside the wine and beer list. Live Hawaiian music is performed daily at the Barefoot Bar, making it one of the more reliable spots in Waikiki for authentic Hawaiian entertainment alongside a meal or a drink. The entertainment schedule typically includes performances in the late afternoon and evening. Hula Grill Waikiki attracts a mixed crowd of local residents who appreciate Merriman's sourcing philosophy and visitors who discover it as the best beach bar option in Waikiki's resort corridor. The restaurant is directly on the beach, making it one of the few Waikiki venues where the sand is actually beneath the dining tables.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended for dinner
Location
2335 Kalakaua Ave (Outrigger Waikiki), Honolulu, HI 96815
Highlights
- Peter Merriman's casual Waikiki beachfront restaurant with literal sand-under-feet dining at the Barefoot Bar
- Fresh Hawaiian fish sandwiches, fish tacos, and daily catch preparations with the same farm-to-table sourcing as Merriman's fine dining
- Live Hawaiian music performed daily at the Barefoot Bar — one of Waikiki's most reliable spots for authentic entertainment
- Mai tai program and tropical cocktails are a featured part of the experience alongside the food menu
- Located directly on Waikiki Beach at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort — sand is beneath the tables
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at the Barefoot Bar before sunset for the best view of the sun dropping toward the Waianae Mountains
- The mai tai is a serious cocktail here — it reflects Merriman's kitchen standards applied to the bar program
- Restaurant dinner reservations are recommended for weekends; the Barefoot Bar area is walk-in and first-come
- Fresh fish tacos and the catch of the day sandwich are the best casual food choices at the bar
- Live Hawaiian music schedule varies — checking the website before visiting confirms entertainment timing
Accessibility
Hula Grill Waikiki is at ground level on Waikiki Beach at the Outrigger resort. The main restaurant dining area is generally accessible, while the Barefoot Bar's sand surface may challenge wheelchair users. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant or Outrigger concierge in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill?
The Barefoot Bar is the casual outdoor beach area of Hula Grill Waikiki where guests sit with sand literally beneath their feet. It offers a drink and small-plate menu with live Hawaiian music, operating walk-in only without reservations.
Is Hula Grill Waikiki part of Peter Merriman's restaurant group?
Yes. Hula Grill Waikiki is the Waikiki outpost of Peter Merriman's Hawaii restaurant group, which also includes the flagship Merriman's Waimea and Merriman's Maui. The sourcing philosophy — local farms and Hawaiian waters — is consistent across all locations.
Is Hula Grill Waikiki suitable for families?
Yes. The casual beach setting, accessible menu, and live Hawaiian music make Hula Grill Waikiki a family-friendly choice in Waikiki. Children are welcome in both the restaurant and the Barefoot Bar area.
Is the restaurant accessible for visitors with mobility concerns?
Hula Grill Waikiki is on the ground level of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort with beach access. The Barefoot Bar area involves sand, which can present challenges for wheelchair users. The main restaurant area is more accessible; the Outrigger hotel concierge can assist with specific arrangements.