Hard Rock Cafe offers good food, good prices in fun Waikiki setting

Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki is that sort of touristy yet cool spot that diners outside of the district tend to forget about until reminded of it. It’s worth the reminder, though, and a recent menu revamp provides a reason. With a gorgeous, spacious interior and lanai overlooking the beach walk, plus great food and drinks, it’s got all the makings of a great happy-hour destination.

The experience

Hard Rock Cafe opened its doors at this location five years ago, offering a sophisticated open-air dining area and sleek, wood interior that few might know also happens to be L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified at the silver level. That means every effort was made to use sustainable materials, whether it be recycled tiles and forest certified bamboo for the floors or local produce for the menu.

To get to Hard Rock Cafe, you’ll have to walk through a ground-floor souvenir shop first, then climb up a flight of stairs that has a wow factor — a sweeping wave of guitars lining the ceiling overhead. At the top, to your left you will find the equally impressive Blue Wave Bar, with a blue-lit wave washing over the counter.

The Honolulu location has Hard Rock’s signature rock ’n’ roll memorabilia mixed with local touches, including a photo of surf legend Duke Kahanamoku plus items from local stars Jake Shimabukuro and Jack Johnson.

Happy-hour diners must sit at either the bar or the tall tables and stools behind it. On my visit, service was prompt, with rock ’n’ roll tunes setting a celebratory mood. This place is just as much about the experience as it is the food and drinks, and the sights and sounds are rewarding.

As usual in Waikiki, parking is expensive and tough to find. You can opt for parking at the Bank of Hawaii garage across the street or other lots nearby, but there is no validation. Another prospect is to walk up from the municipal lot adjacent to the Honolulu Zoo, a fairly long hike, or cruise for street parking.

The food

Hard Rock does not offer happy-hour discounts for pupu, but a plate for sharing, the Jumbo Combo ($24.95), works well for a group of friends. It’s hearty enough to split among four people, depending on how hungry you are.

The combo covers all the bases, with wings, onion rings, Tupelo chicken tenders, Southwest spring rolls and bruschetta. All of it was crisp and tasty, with dips (honey mustard, hickory barbecue and blue cheese) to enhance the flavors.

Flatbreads ($12.95-$14.50) and fajitas ($20.95-$25.95) are other good options. I loved the freshness of the ingredients served up with a duo combo fajita ($23.95), including guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheeses and warm tortillas. The serving is big enough for two to share. A keiki menu is available, too, with meals served up on a guitar-shaped platter. That was a hit with the keiki I brought in.

The drink

Cocktails like the mai tai and Blue Hawaiian are available here and good in all of their tropical goodness, at a happy-hour discount of $5.50 each. The Blue Hawaiian is the color of the turquoise ocean on a clear day. It’s sweet, served up with pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

Beer flights featuring Kona Brewing Co. beers are the best bet for your money at $6 for a flight of three or $9 for a flight of five. The price for draft beers here, at $4 each during happy hour, is better than a lot of places in Waikiki.

The verdict

We all need to venture into Waikiki once in a while as a reminder of how much fun it can be to play tourist. Despite the parking challenges, Hard Rock Cafe is definitely worth a return visit for the decent food and drinks as well as the cool vibe and setting.