Top of Waikiki

Best for: Happy hour, Late-nite, View
Location: Waikiki

gorgeous views of Waikiki, whether you come before the sun sets or after

The Top of Waikiki is Hawaii's only revolving restaurant. Located at the top of the Waikiki Business Plaza, this three-tiered restaurant offers a 360-degree view of Waikiki and much of Honolulu. The hour-long revolution is slow enough so that you barely feel the rotation, but sure enough, especially after a few cocktails, eventually you'll wonder why you are suddenly facing the mountains instead of the ocean.

I've been here four times, at three different times of the day. The first time was the only time I came for an actual meal (dessert), so I was seated at a table on the edge of the top tier, close to the bar. Dessert is okay. I had the Candy Bar, which is exactly what it is: a glorified deconstructed candy bar... Twix, perhaps. Not the most memorable dish, but who cares what you're eating when you have a view like this?

The next two times I went were for the 5-7 pm happy hour, which offers $4 martinis and $7 appetizers. You are only allowed to sit at the bar for happy hour, which is at the very center of the top tier. None of the appetizers are very memorable, even though the chef is obviously trying to be innovative. However, for the price, it is certainly a good deal. The 5-7 happy hour is packed, mostly with tourists in their 40s and above. Not exactly my kind of crowd, which is why my fourth time coming to the Top of Waikiki was the best.

A couple of months ago, I returned with Mariah for the 9-11 pm happy hour. Just like the 5-7 pm one, martinis and appetizers are cheap. The main difference is that, instead of swarming with old people, the bar is now almost empty. As someone who values privacy and good service, I will now only be coming at this time. The bartenders are much more attentive and friendly this late in the night, which usually means you can order cocktails that aren't even on the happy hour menu for the same $4 price. Love it!