Ah, the mai tai: the classic tropical alcoholic beverage that instantly comes to mind when someone mentions drinking on the beach in Hawaii. The classic Hawaiian mai tai is most often made with light and dark rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and fresh lime juice mixed and served over ice with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry. While there are countless restaurants and bars with mai tais on the menu, the best ones come from these 12 restaurants.

1. La Mariana Tiki Bar & Restaurant, Honolulu
Jessica P./Yelp
Keith Y./Yelp
Located on Oahu’s Sand Island, La Mariana Sailing Club is one of the last truly original tiki restaurants found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and an absolute must-visit while in Honolulu. And really is there anywhere better to order a mai tai than a classic tiki bar?

50 Sand Island Access Rd, Honolulu, HI 96819
2. Hali’imaile General Store, Makawao
Troy D./Yelp
Ryan L../Yelp
Though called a general store, this establishment is actually a stellar seafood restaurant with a quaint country atmosphere. Hali’imaile General Store is renowned Chef Bev Gannon’s original and most acclaimed restaurant – featuring "eclectic Pacific regional American food with Asian overtones." Pair your mai tai with their Lilikoi Crème Brulee for the perfect dessert.

900 Haliimaile Road Makawao, Hawaii 96768
3. On The Rocks, Kailua-Kona
Sherrie K./Yelp
Yuko I./Yelp
This local landmark overlooking the Pacific Ocean serves up mouthwatering island-inspired fare and delicious cocktails - mai tais included.

75-5824 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
4. Monkeypod Kitchen, Kapolei + Kihei
Fran C./Yelp
Leslie B./Yelp
This iconic Hawaiian farm-to-table eatery with two locations is popular among locals and tourists alike. Served with a liliikoi foam and pineapple slice, the mai tai from Monkeypod is absolutely to-die-for.

Maui: 10 Wailea Gateway Place B-201, Kihei, HI 96753

Kapolei: 92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
5. Oasis On The Beach, Kapa’a
Jerome C./Yelp
Mary Ann N./Yelp
Located in the Waipouli Resort is this lovely Hawaiian eatery known for ocean views, fresh seafood, and delicious drinks – be sure to order a mouthwatering mai tai.

4 820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
6. Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, Honolulu
Chase A./Yelp
Alfie Apey R./Yelp
Located at Waikiki's iconic pink hotel, the Mai Tai Bar not only serves up stellar cocktails of the same name - but gives guests epic views of Waikiki Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and Diamond Head.

2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

 Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

 This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
7. Kimo’s, Lahaina
Kimo's Maui/Yelp
Kimo's Maui/Yelp
Can you imagine anything better than sipping a mai tai with this view? If you are planning a trip to this Lahaina seafood + steak restaurant for sunset, be sure to make a reservation for prime seating.

845 Front St a, Lahaina, HI 96761
8. Lava Lava Beach Club, Waikoloa
Vikendios N./Yelp
Kim H./Yelp
One of Hawaii's only toes in the sand restaurants, there is little better than sipping a mai tai at Lava Lava Beach Club. They even have flights of mai tais if you can't decide on one particular drink!

69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
9. Duke’s Kauai, Lihue
Andy J./Yelp
Randy F./Yelp
This festive beachside eatery may be located at the Kauai Marriot, but it serves up some mean island drinks, as well as American and Hawaiian favorites.

3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
10. House Without A Key, Honolulu
Mika S./Yelp
Kayla N./Yelp
Located in Waikiki's Halekulani Hotel, this Hawaiian restaurant serves up breakfast favorites with an island twist, as well as tropical drinks (mai tais included), pupus, and incredible sunset views.

2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
11. Splasher’s Grill, Kailua-Kona
Splasher's Grill/Yelp
Michelle L./Yelp
This bustling local watering hole serves up classic American fare overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and their tiki drinks are pretty good, too!

75-5663 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
12. Keoki’s Paradise, Koloa
Keoki's Paradise/Yelp
Maria W./Yelp
This Kauai tiki bar may feel kitschy, but it is a neighborhood favorite for its gorgeous setting, seafood dishes, and classic Hawaiian cocktails like the mai tai.

2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756

Where do you order your favorite mai tai in Hawaii? If you’re not into mai tais, be sure to check out these 11 iconic Hawaiian beverages.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles