Tiki’s Grill & Bar is off Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii, and is located in the Twin Fin Hotel. It is previously known as Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Tiki’s was started by three friends from the University of Hawaii with a dream of creating a space where they and their friends could hang out, and they could also bring their family. All the original founders still live in the area and spend most of their time in or near the restaurant.
This locally owned and operated independent restaurant provides American and Pacific Rim fare with a menu featuring fresh, local produce and flavors of the islands. Tiki’s Grill & Bar also features lanai seating, offering amazing views of the world-famous Waikiki Beach. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy a Hawaiian sunset.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar has won many awards for its food and venue. They were awarded the Hale Aina Award by Honolulu Magazines, were recognized by the knot winning the Best of Weddings and Wedding Hall of Fame, as well as winning the 2020 and 2022 Traveler’s Choice awards from Tripadvisor.
In addition to amazing views and award-winning food, Tiki’s Grill & Bar also provides many entertainment opportunities with various performers showcasing their skills live every night of the week. Some play country, hip hop, reggae, and others provide an entire Hawaiian Music and Hulu experience.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar has also been noted as a fabulous spot for special occasions. Therefore, you can also opt to reserve the restaurant and the lanai, which both feature amazing views of the iconic Waikiki Beach, for your next occasion. The restaurant/venue has been rented out for private parties like rehearsals, welcome parties, weddings, family retreats, company gatherings, and more.
Menus for special events and the restaurant overall are led by Executive Chef Ronnie Nasuti. The executive chef started out his restaurant career at the young age of 14 when he was hired as a dishwasher. After working his way up, at the still young age of 17, he became the kitchen manager where he began assisting the head chef and owner. This introduced him to his love of culinary arts. He was able to take four years of culinary arts in high school and then attended Les Dames d’Escoffier Society. Additionally, then completed his culinary apprenticeship at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.
There are countless good choices to enjoy at this amazing restaurant. Although, when stopping into Tiki’s Grill & Bar, make sure to try the following lunch, dinner, and drink items:
Coconut Shrimp
This Tiki’s Grill & Bar lunch special is perfect for the island setting. These crispy coconut-crusted shrimp are served on a bed of cabbage and feature a sweet Thai chili sauce.
Kalbi Molokai Venison Gyoza
Another guest favorite for lunchtime visits is this dish. It features crunchy dumplings of bok choy, beef, and venison served with sunomono and chili aioli.
Island Watermelon Salad
For something a bit lighter, this is the perfect midday meal to choose. This salad comes with local greens from Kunia Country Farms, sweet onions, watermelon cubes, and feta cheese, and it is topped with dark balsamic dijon vinaigrette.
Truffle-Yaki Salmon
This is a great entrée to choose for dinner. It includes a Teriyaki grilled salmon and is served with Kahumana baby bok choy & rice wine nori sauce, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and ginger coral.
Lobster Tail
Though not an entree itself, you can add this 5 oz steamed Maine lobster tail, served with drawn butter and lemon wedge, to any Tiki’s menu item to make a dish surf & turf.
I Lava You
There are many specialty drinks at Tiki’s Grill & Bar that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. One is this specialty cocktail for two that comes in a 60-ounce take-home ceramic Volcano Mug. The drink is made with local Koloa rum and includes orange and pineapple juices and orange curacao. Minimum two people for this drink as it packs a punch!
Ocean Potion
Another guest-favorite drink is this unique offering that comes in a take-home coconut cup. It features light and dark rums, orange curacao, Captain Morgan spiced rum, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine.
Insider Tips:
-Tiki’s Grill & Bar provides guests with three hours of free validated parking with the hotel valet.
-You can now order online from Tiki’s amazing menu on toast TakeOut.
-For parties of six or more, a gratuity of 18% is added. Also, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. They do allow walk-ins, though you might have to wait.