A Trip To The Beach … Bar

A couple weeks ago, after my husband and I finished running The Hapalua half marathon, we ventured over to the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, for a celebratory drink (or two). After 13.1 miles, I was ready for some serious libations — wouldn’t you be?

Located on prime Waikiki real estate at 2365 Kalakaua Ave., the Moana Surfrider has beautiful oceanfront views. No detail went unnoticed at this iconic hot spot trademarked by its plantation-style architecture and rocking chairs on both the front and back lanai.

After wandering around the ornately decorated lobby (you can dig into the history of the hotel on the second floor), we grabbed a table at The Beach Bar, which was selected by Travel + Leisure as one of the best outdoor bars in the country.

I browsed the menu thoroughly (post-run imbibing is serious business), but ultimately selected a Surfrider Tai (pictured), the bar’s take on the traditional Mai Tai. An infusion of Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Maui’s Old Lahaina Dark Rum, homemade juice mix and fresh lime, the Surfrider Tai was truly refreshing.

It’s just one of a collection of The Beach Bar’s handcrafted cocktails — all of which feature local flavors including mango, guava and lilikoi. You can also choose from a selection of other cocktails, as well as beer and wine. Plus, while you drink, you can enjoy the bar’s daily live music and indulge in its pupus and elevated bar fare.

While we sipped our drinks, I couldn’t help but notice two other spots inside the hotel — Vintage 1901, a lounge stocked with wine and craft beer, and Beachhouse at the Moana, a restaurant that specializes in steak and seafood as well as craft cocktails — and made a mental note to come back and check them out soon.

No matter what your drinking preferences are, you’ll find something you want at The Beach Bar. I’ll be there — I’ll be the one jamming out to the Jack Johnson cover band beneath the Banyan Tree.