6 Waikīkī Pool Bars on Oʻahu and What To Order

Sometimes it is nice to take a break from the beach and enjoy the hotel amenities you have worked so hard to pay for. A day at the pool is a rejuvenating way to spend the afternoon while still getting the most of your Oʻahu experience.

Lost & Found

Wayfinder Waikīkī

Photo: Courtesy of Lost & Found/Laura La Monaca

Locals will remember the Wayfinder Waikīkī as the former Sand Villa, but this is a chic upgrade from the former late-night hospitality industry hangout. On the first floor, just past Redfish and around some windy tree-lined turns, you’ll find Lost & Found, Redfish’s sister restaurant. Order from the bartender and grab a table overlooking the pool. Although the most popular cocktail here is the Sparkling Mai Tai, we love the Mango Dreams made with local Pau Vodka, yuzu, mint and plenty of mango nectar. Pair this with one of Redfish’s famous poke bowls. The Rainbow Poke bowl is packed full of spicy ‘ahi and salmon poke, crab salad, crunchy cucumber and fresh avocado, topped with Sriracha mayo and sesame seeds and served over steamed rice or a bed of greens. Enjoy the mellow vibes at lunch time or show up for happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. when cocktails are half off. wayfinderwaikiki.com, @wayfinderwaikiki

Swell

ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach

Pass the floor-to-ceiling fish tank in the lobby of this luxury hotel and go five floors up to Swell, a pool bar with an ocean view. There is plenty of cushy lounge seating to sit and sip a frosé, made with local Pau vodka, rosé, Aperol and peach purée, in the sun. Or take a healthier approach and cool off with an açaí bowl topped with local Mānoa honey and granola from Kauaʻi, cacao nibs, sliced bananas and fresh berries. alohilaniresort.com/dining/swell-bar, @swellwaikiki

Heyday

White Sands Hotel 

Photo: Courtesy of White Sands Hotel

Retro fringe umbrellas, a hidden grotto and swings for barstools. What more could you want out of a pool bar? The answer: Kō Hana Rum daiquiris and frozen piña coladas made with fresh pineapple. Heyday has all of the above, plus a perfect-for-the-pool ono (local wahoo) salad sandwich with bacon, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. Looking for something non-alcoholic? Order the Stay Gold, essentially a mojito packed with crushed ice, fresh mint and lilikoʻi (passion fruit). Pro tip: You can get a day pass from resortpass.com to enjoy the pool if you aren’t staying at the White Sands Hotel. heydayhawaii.com, @heydayhawaii

Mahina & Suns

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club 

Photo: Courtesy of the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Your Instagram page is not complete without a photo of the Surfjack Hotel’s “Wish You Were Here” pool. The key is getting up high, so you can get a bird’s-eye view. When you’re done with that, pop into Mahina & Suns for happy hour served 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. At $20 the pau hana pizza/beer special is a steal. You get two beers from Maui Brewing Co. and any pizza of your choice. Try the Lānai Veggie Pizza, a crisp flatbread style crust with mushrooms, kalamata olives, arugula and Parmesan (plain cheese or pepperoni are also available). If you need a pick me up, Arvo, one of Honolulu’s hippest coffee shops, recently opened its second location across the pool from Mahina & Suns. mahinaandsuns.com, @mahinaandsuns

Deck.

Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel 

Photo: Courtesy of the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel

The closest view of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) you will likely find with a pool bar. It is especially majestic during the golden hour. Ride the elevator up to the third floor and either snag a seat at the bar for chips and guac alongside a cocktail served in a tiki mug you can take home, or check in with a host for a table (can accommodate large groups for breakfast, brunch and dinner). Evenings are especially fun and usually offer live music. @deckwaikiki

Waikīkī Swim & Social Club

Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador

Photo: Courtesy of Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador

Come ready to work on your tan and jump in the pool because this third floor getaway is full-sun. (Cabanas are $50) That’s OK, because there are plenty of ice-cold beverages to cool you down, including free pour-your-own ice water packed with mint and fresh fruit like pineapple, blueberries and grapefruit. Try the Frozen Aperol Spritz (tastes just like the original in slushie form) or the Hawaii 5.0 which combines coconut rum with dragon fruit, banana and pineapple (dangerously refreshing). Produce on the menu is sourced from the islands. Or opt for the Farm Link Fruit Plate, crudité with avocado labneh or local papaya bowl for a healthy snack. For something more substantial, the spicy lemongrass chicken skewers with pickled vegetables will also be a friend to your bikini bod. @romerwaikiki