A look back in photos and words at one of the world’s most iconic party destinations from someone who experienced it first hand. It covers Waikiki bars including Duke’s and the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Bar with travel memories.
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Editor & Publisher
I have been going to Waikiki Beach for oh, I don’t know how long. Long enough to when I was first there you didn’t have to say “old school” to the bartender at the Royal Hawaiian outside bar to get its original Mai Tai and when locals, tourists in the know — and PubClub.com readers! – would go to an off-the-beaten path kicked-back casual tiki bar named Arnold’s.
And man, have I had some good times there. My fondest memory is when a group of us went there for a Jimmy Buffett concert. Of course, we were not going to fly all the way there just for the show; we wanted to party beforehand. And we did. Led by a friend of mine who used to live there (believe it or not he made a very good living selling suntan lotion to tourists), whom I nicknamed Luau Larry, we started at classic place for breakfast only a local would know – Harbor Pub º then moving to the aforementioned Royal Hawaiian bar, to Duke’s, to the “yellow boat” catamaran and then back to Duke’s.
That night, we went to a little dive bar in the International Market Place, the name of which had faded, along with many brain cells (it’s closed now anyway).
The most memorable moment was on “the yellow boat” booze cruise. While sitting at Duke’s, Luau Larry kept his eyes peeled on that boat that was pulled up on the beach in front of the bar. When he saw some fun-looking people getting on it he jumped up, announced “let’s go” and we boarded, too. There is another catamaran further up the beach but Luau Larry said this one is the best because it’s the most lively of the two. It sure was that day!
The admission price included touristy too-sweet Mai Tais and champagne. Luau aked the bartender for a Mai Tai then said, “and don’t forget the rum.” I did the same and let me say the bartender did not forget the rum!
Fueled by rum and being with some very good friends in a no-worries party environment, we all had one of the best times of our lives. Even though it was several years ago, we still talk about it.
From that point forward – and every subsequent trip to Waikiki Beach – has been a bonus.
How Waikiki Beach has changed?
Yes, of course. For one thing, the Royal Hawaiian Center, the giant shopping mall, no longer requires its restaurants to have Happy Hours. Then again, Duke’s still has it’s Duke’s On Sunday, which is about the only time locals go to a Waikiki Beach bar.
Is Waikiki Beach Better Now Or Then?
That’s really up to the individual. Someone going to Waikiki Beach today would likely thing it’s great while others like me tend to feel it was better 10 or 15 years ago. What do you think? Was Waikiki better in the past or do today’s bars, lounges and clubs make it even better? Leave a comment and share your favorite Waikiki memory.
Is Waikiki nore commercial now than in the past?
You could say so, yes, but the wear-flip-flops-and-bathing-suits culture remains the same.
Is Waikiki Beach more expensive now?
Some things more expensive are and some are not. With all the hotel booking sites now you can sometimes get cheaper rooms than in the past. Pro’s Tip: If you are flexible, check various dates and pick the least expensive time go to there.
What Still Exists Today?
- Duke’s
- Royal Hawaiian
- Arnold’s
- The Ke Kai booze cruise (the “yellow boat”
Is Waikiki Beach still worth it?
Yes! Definitely. Enjoy it and read PubClub.com’s Waikiki Beach section for the most comprehensive coverage of this part of Hawaii.
If You Liked This Article, You May Also Enjoy These Posts:
• Meet Luau Larry, the Laid-Back Haole From Hawaii
• Key Words & Pharases To Know Before You Go To Waikiki Beach
• Hawaii Drinking Laws Explained
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and entertainment for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism. He has been to Waikiki Beach several times.
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