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    L'Aperitif

    4.9 (19 reviews)
    PriceyCocktail Bars
    Closed 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM

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    View of the bar area
    Greg C.

    Inside the venerable Halekulani hotel in Honolulu is a special seemingly secret bar. It's located upstairs from Orchids and overlooks the ocean - views from all tables at the elegant La Mer restaurant. The bar has just about any brand and type of spirits you can think of and some you haven't. Creative Interesting concoctions. Professional bartenders that have worked here forever. Henry made our drinks and the man is a true artist. Craftsman. No rush guy that aims to please. The bar area itself is warm and inviting - a throwback to a more gentile time. Think Raffles in Singapore-- the thing is people would rather go to a place like Roy's, across the street, pay the same drink price and get a run of the mill tourist drink. To each his own...La Aperitif is not stuffy or uppity-- you'll fit right in and they will welcome you for drinks regardless if you're having dinner or not. A winner

    $20
    Shay F.

    I was in the Waikiki area for dinner so I decided to check out this place. Initially it was a bit confusing as to where it is, but basically it's the bar INSIDE LA MER. Each fancy drink you can order there is $20. $20!?!?! Geez. That's expensive! But the price was worth it since you get live music from downstairs, a fancy drink, a small bite of fancy food, a fancy red rose, and a fancy atmosphere. Our bartender Herman? was on par too. I've already made plans to go back!

    Menu and cucumber water
    Bill K.

    I've been wanting to get cocktails here for awhile now and I finally did! It's located inside Halekulani on the second floor. The front desk at the hotel was so generous to escort us there. Also I would recommend dressing up a little bit. Their cocktail is $24. It used to be $20 but it's still worth to me. It came with a appetizer but due to not eating meat, I had an oyster instead. And who knew Lilikoi sorbet with oyster would be really good together!?! The drinks were amazing as well. The bar is connected to lamer which I will definitely try soon! Me and my friend loved our cocktail and the bartender had humor, suggested good places for dinner, just all around good vibes. This would definitely be one of my top high end 5 bars on Oahu.

    How pretty is this cocktail? And tasty too!
    Cecilia D.

    This place is absolutely gorgeous; a lovely lounge with the decadence of a 1920's supper club. Beware that it IS expensive with cocktails at $20 a pop. BUT you're not just paying for the drinks, you're paying for the white-glove service, the elegant atmosphere, the little amuse bouche that accompanies your well-executed drink, the thoughtful rose in every ladies' glass; essentially, you're paying for the experience, and believe me, it is well worth it. We came here on our last night in Oahu to start my gal's birthday celebrating in style, and it was the perfect way to toast her special day. It's name is absolutely apropos as it's the perfect way to begin any evening. We will return as L'Aperitif has secured return customers in our little group.

    This is an amazing place. We were completely under dressed but the staff were so nice. They asked if we wanted to sit in the area just outside the restaurant and we still had full and exceptional service. The cocktails were spectacular and the accompanying small bite paired perfectly with each cocktail. We will definitely be returning and be dressed appropriately.

    Foie gras creme brûlée

    Beautiful ambiance, elegant setting, romantic and classical upscale bar. Handcrafted cocktails, great selection of wines. Great for dinner!

    Serendipity and Red Nichols Manhattan @ L'Aperitif  The Halekulani

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    11 years ago

    Unique and cool concept! Go there for apéritif before heading to one of the other venues on the property for drinks or dinner.

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    Review Highlights - L'Aperitif

    A stunning bar nestled within La Mer, polished hardwood, the hint of sea air, it exudes Hawaiian elegance.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Bar Leather Apron - Japan old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5(474 reviews)
    2.9 miDowntown
    $$

    Legendary cocktail experience. My partner and I frequent a lot of top 50 bars across the world and…read moreBar Leather Apron operates at that level. The drinks are well balanced and have a lot of Japanese flavor influence (i.e shisho, matcha, yuzu). Presentation and breakdown of each drink component was exceptional; it is clear that the mixologists understand the nuances of their ingredients and the techniques they employ. Special shout out to Scotty for taking care of us tonight. Excited to come back again :)

    Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

    Photos
    Bar Leather Apron - View from our seat

    View from our seat

    Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashioned

    Matcha old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan

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    Japan

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(48 reviews)
    1.4 miAla Moana

    I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

    Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

    Photos
    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Bird on a Wire

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    Bird on a Wire

    RM 38 - Snack

    RM 38

    4.8(71 reviews)
    0.1 miWaikiki
    $$

    RM 38 Bar feels like stepping into a "Crazy Rich Asian" hidden gem moody lighting, stylish…read moreinteriors, and a tucked-away vibe that makes it feel special from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is intimate and elevated, perfect for a date night or a chill evening out. It has that "secret spot" energy in Honolulu where everything feels a bit more exclusive without being intimidating. The cocktails are a standout. There are so many options on the menu, from classic drinks to creative house specials, and everything feels thoughtfully made. It's one of those places where you actually slow down just to decide what to try next. The food adds an unexpected twist Asian-inspired dishes like fried frog legs with sweet and sour sauce. It was something new and surprising, but the crispy texture and tangy flavor made it a fun and memorable experience. Overall, RM 38 Bar is a true hidden gem: great cocktails, adventurous bites, and a vibe that feels stylish, fun, and a little bit luxurious all at once.

    Had such a great experience at R38. This speakeasy has such a cool atmosphere. The vibe feels…read moreintimate and trendy and it's the perfect spot for drinks and small bites. Definitely make a reservation because it gets busy fast, especially later in the night. The food was surprisingly affordable for the quality and everything we tried was delicious. We got the chicken karaage, beef takoyaki, and the taro chips with mascarpone and all of it was amazing. The chicken karaage was flavorful, the beef takoyaki was tasty, and the taro chips with mascarpone were nicely paired with the drinks. Drinks, food, atmosphere, and service were all on point. One of my favorite spots I visited and I'd absolutely come back again.

    Photos
    RM 38 - Lounge area

    Lounge area

    RM 38 - Ahi

    Ahi

    RM 38 - Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

    L'Aperitif - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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