We went here several times during our week at Alohilani but only once for food. The Swell bar is on the 5th floor rooftop pool area of Alohilani resort. The place seems clean and modern. The service is fast and friendly. But the food quality is generally mid. The açaí bowl had potential but it basically melted into a soup before we could eat it. The poke nachos had nice chips and decent fish but the sauce overtook the flavor. read more

Whether you stay at Alohilani or just visit the Swell Pool Bar (5th floor) for drinks and/or food, you can be treated well by their excellent bartenders including Bennett, Grey, Sarah and Dana or any of their fine waitstaff at their tables and lounge-type seating, if you decide not to sit at or order from the bar. Make sure that you ask about any one of their 3 different Happy Hours (Pau Hana) including their newly added Evening Pau Hana (7:30-9:30) or the Sunset HH where Mai Tai's are just $10 or the drinks HH (3-5). read more

Nice chill place to listen to some live music and eat some puupuus. On the fifth floor of Alohilani Resort by the pool had some fresh tasty poke nachos and a Mahi sandwich. Limited seating so recommend reserving a table or cabana. You can literally swim in the pool if you're staying there and watch the sunset. Service was good. They also had a nice happy hour with several fun cocktails that ended at 6:30. Probably not most places people would venture off the Waikiki boardwalk but you don't need to stay here to eat here. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Sunset view from pool and swell bar. - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Mai Tai happy hour is a must especially since it's only an hour long. Great pours here and great vibes. We stayed at this hotel, so it was very convenient. I didn't get to try the food, but the cocktails were delicious and service was also great. The only downside is this place is very pricey! $20+ cocktails, so just be aware that the prices are high especially since it's located in a five star resort read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Mai Tai - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Really good place at the 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. It's right by the pool. The vibe is unmatched. The live music was great, the guys was adding instrument by instrument and looping it till he would compose the whole song himself. Food wasn't bad either. Obviously it's casual quick bar type food but it was good. Servers were all smiling and friendly. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Blackened chicken wings - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I just had the best experience with the waiter Andrew at the swell bar- Upstairs from us (my business) at the 'Alohilani Resort. I didn't realize they have a new menu and I just wanted to take a moment to say it was super delish and the Acai bowl is my staffs fave! Looking forward to trying more things on the menu, but if you're in the Waikiki (Honolulu) area I would deff recommend the Acai bowls! read more

Great poolside bar with a relaxed, lively vibe. Service is quick and smooth, and the atmosphere makes it easy to unwind and enjoy your time. Definitely a spot worth coming back to. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Visited with my family for my brothers wedding Early in the beginning of the year, we ended up having a cabana and Andrew goes by Drew was our server, he really made the experience great! He was attentive, brought the food in a timely matter and just made us feel like we were treated like royalty! He also told us places to go to eat, hike, and go out for nightlife! Next time our family comes back here we are definitely going to ask for Andrew again! I do remember my cousin saying that the garlic fries were so good here, but Andrew said they didn't make them anymore which was the only bummer! read more

Great service & food in a relaxing environment. Everyone is always so nice, I'm always greeted by the staff with Aloha. Definitely recommend for lunch meeting or a spot to hangout with friends. read more

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Staff was great and friendly at the bar. The food was a little overpriced for a fish sandwich was 28.00. With no sides! So that was a bummer but it's Hawaii so when in Rome you pay lots for a little Sandwich. The beer prices were good tho. read more

I went to pool often during my vacation and Swell pool bar is next to the pool. I love to get delicious drink and hanging out in a hot tube. I wish I could have breakfast at the place, but my schedule was so packed so only think that I tried at the bar was drinks but I actually enjoyed so much. They also have a sunset happy hour for short period of time for Mai tai at $10 I guess this was just seasonal. Bartender and all staff always friendly. I had very good time at the bar. read more

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drinks: pretty good! they have a full bar service: bartenders r sweet and attentive ambiance: absolutely love. soo cozy and cute read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I absolutely love Swell! It was my favorite place at the Alohilani Resort when we stayed. The perfect place to spend the day! Pool, drinks, and food - it cannot get better. If you are hoping for a pool day, then I suggest you get up early, get a towel and claim your lounger. Otherwise, you may not get the lounger you want or any seat by the pool. You can also reserve cabanas but these are not by the pool. Other seating throughout that includes the bar, tables, along with comfy seats and couches. The staff are amazing! Servers walk around frequently and are quick to take your order. However, after 4p/5p, the servers are not around as much. Or you can place your drink/food menu at the bar. Be sure to take advantage of their happy hour menu which is called Earth to Cup from 4p-6p. The happy hour is not much of a discounted rate but offers different food than the regular menu, but the drinks are a lower price. Food and drink wise you cannot go wrong. We have tried the mahi-mahi quesadillas, meatballs, mai tai, garlic parm fries, and açaí bowl to name a few. Everything was fresh, delicious, and a decent portion! Staff also walk around and treat guests to complimentary banana bread or cookies. Nighttime offers live music and more of a swanky vibe. Take the 5th floor to Swell and you will not be disappointed. read more

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Poolside restaurant and bar in the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki. We've only been here three times but found the staff and kitchen to be efficient and consistent. The food and drinks are fresh and yummy. Especially a good choice if you are in the mood for a good salad or club sandwich. read more

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Server was amazing - I think her name was Denise. March 2024 We had a table and couch to enjoy the evening DJ. We shared a pitcher of longboard beer, French fries, coconut shrimp,, and a burger with a side of gravy. Food was good, service was better. I wish I could have done a pitcher of margaritas but that's not available. We moved on later to the pool and then one of the servers were handing out cookies. We had a great experience at the Swell Pool Bar. read more

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Fattest oysters Ive ever had.. and waited 1 hr+ for them to be shucked. They were so briny we couldn't finish them. They had a live DJ which was some girl who basically hung out at the cabana with her friends and barely paid attention to her set. read more

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A nocturnal fundraising event brought us to Swell, which is the name of the pool bar at the Alohilani Resort. ATMOSPHERE: Intimate, modern and chic best describes the vibe, with a mix of seating arrangements including sofas, low tops and swanky cabanas. EXPERIENCE: While we stuck to the included wine-tasting at the event, my spouse was in the mood for a martini, so we headed to the bar. Because it was a fundraiser, scrips had to be purchased first, then redeemed at the bar. The worker selling scrips didn't know how much a martini was so she asked one of the female bartenders. Instead of politely offering a similar cocktail, the bartender made a face as if we asked her to strip off her clothes, frowned and disgustingly said "We don't make martinis". Wow, Ms. Unhappy, I guess you didn't want to make $45 for your hotel and more tip money. Let me get this, you stock vodka but can't shake it with ice? Your loss, clown. OVERALL: It always takes that one, "special" employee to ruin your business. One star because it's required, a second star for the facilities. read more

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Started the evening out with a yoga class and then one of our friends suggested Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar to see something different. The stars are for the atmosphere, fire pit, chill vibe, the live singing and music. Definitely check it out if you're visiting! Our waitress was super sweet and helpful!!! Shout out to her. We ordered the: -Crispy coconut shrimp: my fave of the night and also who doesn't love deep fried coconutty shrimp -Swell Burger bc we were super hungry. This was delicious especially served on a potato bun -Brussel sprouts! So yums -Flat bread which I recommend -Kalua pork tacos super juicy and flavorful Go and check out the vibe!!! read more

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Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar is a great place to hang out no matter what time of day it is. Its location is on the 5th floor of Alohilani. It has a very cool infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. It can get too cold to swim in longer than 5-10 min. The pool would be even more enjoyable if it could be heated. Most people hung out in the hot tub the whole time while we were there. They have plenty of towels and water available. Cabanas are available to rent for the day here. They have TVs inside of them. We did not do this because it was pricey. There were plenty of open seats throughout the area. Drinks are around $10-20. They have DJs that come every night and sometimes during the day too! read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Blue Hawaiian - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had the best experience here. My bartenders were amazing! Shout out to Chris and Matt. I can't forget Emily. She was a wonderful waitress. The DJ's were on point and the food was fantastic! The wind was blowing! It was a whole vibe! 10/10! read more

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Swell Poolside Restaurant & Bar - such a great way to spend and afternoon or evening. Delicious food, great cocktails, wine...and great live music. Currently enjoying my Aloha 'Aina Vegan Bowl with a glass of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and great live music by DJ Kenny Tekneek. Nothing better than enjoying great music and great food in this wonderful Hawaii weather. The Aloha 'Aina Vegan Bowl is one of my favorite menu items. So healthy and so delicious, so colorful. It has mixed greens, okinawan sweet potatoes, roasted beets, watermelon, edamame, cucumber, sea asparagus, and avocados with a ginger dressing. Don't knock it until you try it...watermelon and beets may sound like they don't go together, but trust me, they do. You can also add a protein to their bowls and salads...of course then it's not vegan, but just passing on this info for those who might want that option. Servers and staff are always so nice and friendly here. The bartenders are great too...they make some really good cocktails. I also love that you can come here in bathing suits and beach attire or dressed up, Some people come to read or sunbathe, others come for events or date night, or just to hang out, chat, eat, drink and enjoy the vibe. You can also rent a cabana for groups or events. You can enjoy this place and the views whether you're a hotel guest or a local. They validate parking with a purchase. Just ask your server. Tip- take the elevator to the 5th floor of the Alohilani Resort. read more

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Ambiance- This rooftop restaurant is very cozy. Throughout my evening here, people were comfortable enough to put their feet in the sofas and cushioned wooden chairs. Service-Slow at first....met with quite a few smiles! The waiter finally got to us and handed the menu over. Once our drink and food orders were taken, it only took 10 minutes for it to be prepared. Food- I ordered the Burger which came with AMERICAN cheese, Bacon, lettuce, tomato slice, onions and secret sauce. I enjoyed this $28 burger. Yessssss, $28 and French fries can be added for an additional $3. Hmm, this burger got so messy. The sauce and Greece was sliding off the sandwich. I literally broke my own rule to place the sandwich down and digest one bite at a time. Because i didn't want the sauce to be on the outside of the bun. So, i literally held the burger the entire time . However, the burger was not only flavorful but messy. The best part was the bun and the thickness of the burger. read more

I love this place it's super cute, the foods good, staff are nice, and they validate parking for up to 3 hours. It's kind if expensive, but just go on a date here read more

Very bad attitude The bartender was absolute asshole Made me feel uncomfortable For sure never be back! read more

Where do I start! Love love love this bar. First visited 2 years ago as a travel nurse staying at the hotel. Came back this past March with my now fiancé (got engaged here in March!) wanted to visit Kona this time around so we got a layover flight in Honolulu and HAD to come here. Drinks= Coconut shrimp= This place never disappoints read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Coconut shrimp - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

With friends needed to find someplace close to our hotel to enjoy. Thia place is actually atop another hotel on the 5th floor. They had live music and the atmosphere was relaxing. We got there a little late, so the last call was at like 9pm. In addition to the bar, there is seating area with glass fire pits. The food was delicious, and the drink was on point. If you are in the area this is a good chill spot. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Mango Mihai - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Swell is quite more than just "swell!" While staying at the Alohilani Resort (where Swell is located), my mom and I decided to check out lunch while the hotel prepared our room. We headed up to the 5th floor and we're so charmed by the ambiance. They okay GREAT pool lounge music, had a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, cabanas, the whole shebang! The menu had a bunch of nice food for lounging by the pool (chicken wings, quesadillas, nachos, sandwiches), and a nice menu for cocktails and beverages. We spotted some folks drinking Frozé, frozen rosé, which looked refreshing. The smoothies looked delectable as well. We ordered the Turkey BLT club (I added fries) and the blackened mahi mahi quesadilla. Both were outstanding! The fries were so crispy, my absolute favorite! The quesadilla had sauces that were so yummy and rich. Service was great, though they were pretty busy so expect to be patient in that scenario, they handle a lot of services (towels, drinks, private events). Location is FANTASTIC as Alohilani is literally across from Waikiki sand. So if you're hungry after hitting the beach, check this spot out! read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Turkey club sandwich (added fries order) - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My gf wanted to get a snack at the hotel bar and I wanted some spam musubi. She won, but because of that, we both won. The garlic fries were good. Thin and crisp like a McDonald's fry, but hot and with good texture and real potato flavor, all of which was augmented by a solid garlic topping. Excellent, though, were the coconut shrimp. The shrimp themselves were big and juicy, but what stood out was the batter. I never order coconut shrimp because they are never particularly good. But this was crispy (without being burnt or spikey, thus hurting the roof of your mouth) with a coconut flavor that really showed through. This was hands-down the best coconut shrimp I ever had. The bar also had a solid beer selection (including a coconut Hefeweizen!) snd very friendly service. It's worth stopping by for a sip and a snack. The musubi can wait. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Coconut shrimp - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Unless you're staying at Alohilani it's not really worth going to. It's smaller than I thought. Pool area is separated from the patio/dining area. They usually have a DJ spinning in the afternoon. It's a day club vibe. By night time they have a projector that displays images on the buildings which I thought was a cool touch. Drinks were decent and a bit overpriced as expected. Staff and bartenders are very good though. read more

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Great drinks, food and service. Nice pool and lounge area to have a quick bite. Mahalo Matt and Ramone. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Great drinks, food and service. Mahalo Matt and Ramona. - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We had some tasty snacks for lunch. The ahi nachos were delicious, tons of flavor and very tasty. My wife has the chicken salad and it was also very tasty. The only complaint is the pricing, it's not cheap, that's why 4 stars. read more

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This rooftop lounge area is very pretty! But there is a VERY limited menu and the 'rules' could be difficult. I ordered one of their signature SWELL drinks (in those coconuts that they always post pictures of) but they apparently only use those for parties...which was annoying as I was really looking forward to that since they advertised it all over the hotel. They also don't turn on the fire pits unless you pay them. It's free to sit there, but even if it's cooler that day, they don't turn them on unless you pay for the fire pit. I was pretty stunned when the staff told me this, but hey that's their rule. As a customer, their main attractions had strings attached which they should have put a disclaimer on. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Emily and Danica are LIT-ER-AL-LY rockstars. Old school worker of basically all stations and levels of service here and I would be so proud to have these two gems on any of my teams. They're seeing everything, taking care of all guests in need. Even when the need is out of their section they'll expertly take an order with the same high level of smiley service and humbly pass the baton. No, wait, wrong sports metaphor, they're pushing like an nba offense, slinging large trays of drinks, sometimes in high velocity winds and occasional rain impediments and all the while being grateful to the fans (err, guests) and for each other's teamwork. We wished we booked more nights at the hotel and a lot of that is because of our great service at the pool. We will make sure next time to book our whole stay at Alohilani! read more

Note: when entering the resort take a moment to check out the stunning acquarouk wall -- it's breath taking! Upon entry you'll head down the hallway to the left and the elevators will be on your left hand side. Take the elevator to the 5th floor. Highly recommend coming here to enjoy sunset and watch the sunset over Waikiki beach! Roof top bar has ample seating for non pool participants. There are umbrellas in case of a drizzle or intense heat. Spacing was well spaced out for social distancing. Table sizes could comfortably accommodate parties of two to six or more. There was ample lounge seating in the bar area, too, for cozy vibes. Staff at the bar we're friendly and attentive. Wait times were very brief. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - a glass of lemonade - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Spent a lovely day at the bar here. Staff was excellent. Shout out to Dana for taking such great care of us. The dessert was great!

This is much of what you'd expect- overpriced food at a pool bar, but the convenience is key. There are decently staffed so you can usually hunt someone down without waiting too long, unlike other pool bars where you can't find a server to save your life. The best thing is the ahi poke nachos. The sauces are so delicious and it's a nice portion. The server also recommended the cabana boy drink, it was pretty good! The pina colada I found to be just ok. I'd also skip the fresh fruit for $15- their only breakfast type offering. It is pineapple, some blueberries, strawberries, and melon but half of the fruit wasn't ripe. read more

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Came here for my friend's birthday. It was drizzling and they let us stay in the cabanas. Mind you, cabanas aren't cheap. The food was good and we had some pizza, wings, and fries. It was my first time here and I loved the chill atmosphere. From the furniture to the decor, I was totally feeling it. There are fire pits placed around the area as well. However, only one of them was lit at the time because it was a bit windy. However, I did get a chance to hang out next to the fire pit, while I sipped on my Frosé. It wasn't busy either. The pool servers were friendly and always checked up on us, so I was appreciative of that. I would definitely come back to have a drink after work to catch up with my friends! read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Frosé - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The live dj was nice, and so was the overall vibe of the bar. If you're coming up for a drink make sure you don't sit too close to the pool, or else the staff will treat you like you're a criminal. You have to have a room number to sit near the pool, but there is no signage stating that. Everything else was nice but the staff are very rude. I ordered a beer and left right after, as the staff was huddled and staring at us. Quite an uncomfortable drink. read more

Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar - Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

NO HAPPY HOUR Not as described on the website & in the hotel!!! Not the same items as advertised. No discounts. False advertisement with mediocre drinks. Our bartender seemed clueless. read more

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Ku is the best!!! Get a cabana and hope you're her table!!!!! She gave the best recommendations for food and drink. She told us places around the island to go and was overall the vibe!! It was my friends birthday and she made it such an amazing day. read more