Strolling through Waikiki, I often hear music and revelry emanating from the second-floor lanai at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel.
The merriment can be traced to Tiki’s Grill & Bar, where I stopped in for refreshments on an early mid-week afternoon.
THE EXPERIENCE
Tiki’s boasts a large, attractive interior dining space with lava rock walls, glass fishing ball décor and shiny wooden dining tables, but it’s out on the lanai with tables shaded by red umbrellas that Happy Hour kicks off daily from 2 to 5 p.m.
True to its name, a variety of tiki totems adorn the place, and drinks can be ordered in souvenir glasses and mugs for an extra $6.
Parking is free with valet service. Head up the escalator to find Tiki’s right next to the hotel pool. There can be a bit of a line, but it’s entertaining watching folks filling the time by taking family snapshots next to the tiki totem at the entrance. An international array of customers are attracted to the venue, speaking with various accents and languages.
We were escorted to a shaded table on a sunny, hot day, looking out over Waikiki beach. Generous breezes rippled by, rustling through the rows of coconut palms just below on Kalakaua Avenue.
Out on the shimmering ocean, sailboats drifted and a sea of surfers were spread out in the lineup, waiting for the next small wave. Laughter wafted by in the breeze, from tables that seem to be equally occupied by both visitors and locals. It’s a family scene with all ages represented.
THE FOOD
Our party ordered all four $5 bites on the happy hour menu. They’re smaller portions than on the regular menu, except Furikake Fries, served only during happy hour. If you love potatoes, like I do, it doesn’t get much better than this festive dish of wedges that are ultra- crispy on the outside and soft and piping hot inside. On top is a drizzle of creamy miso chili aioli that’s medium spicy, and a sprinkle of furikake. The topping was delicious, so that not a thought of ketchup entered our minds.
Truffled Garlic Edamame (regularly $8) was one of the more memorable servings of this local favorite that I’ve had. The beans were warm, tender and plump with plenty of kabayaki sauce. Salt and garlic were the strongest flavors in the caramelized blend that included togarashi pepper, white truffle oil and beurre blanc.
Finally, we had three-piece-each dishes of Kalbi Beef Gyoza (regularly $13 for five pieces) and Kalua Pig Quesadilla (regularly $13 for six pieces).
The gyoza came with a chili aioli that tasted of miso. These crunchy dumplings were addictively yummy, and were polished off in a blink.
The purple taro quesadilla was toasted, sprinkled with corn relish, and came with attractive side servings of guacamole, salsa, sour cream and chopped onions. While it was good, the gyoza took the spotlight.
Tiki’s also offers a kama’aina dinner special from 5 to 7 p.m. daily: a 10-ounce serving of prime rib with garlic basil mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for $15.
THE DRINK
We chose three of the nine happy hour drinks.
Our Kona Longboard beer ($4.25, regularly $6.50) was cold and frothy with a mild taste, satisfying on a hot afternoon. Our server said it’s one of the most popular selections.
Margarita Rocks ($5, regularly $10), was the best deal, at half price. This drink is not mild; it’s perfectly strong and each sip calls for another. Topped with a lemon slice and salt on the rim, it went down easy.
We didn’t need dessert after our Blue Hawaii ($5, regularly $8.50), an aqua-colored cocktail garnished with an umbrella, cherry and pineapple slice. Stir this one a bit and the fruity top will mix with the alcohol on the bottom for a sweet, finishing treat to the afternoon.
In addition to the happy hour specials, Tiki’s offers various drink specials that begin at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, offering anywhere from $1 to half off.
THE VERDICT
Tiki’s happy hour pupu go well with cold drinks on a hot afternoon, and while it does get hot on the lanai, the location is a highlight. Not many happy hour locations serve up such a fine view.
Being outside, gazing across that million-dollar panorama from above the sunblock-laden, sandy throngs while sipping on an icy, salt-laced margarita — I found myself thinking, this is the life.
TIKI’S GRILL & BAR
2570 Kalakaua Ave., 923-8454, tikisgrill.com
Happy Hour: 2 to 5 p.m. daily
>> Happy Hour bites, $5
>> Select drinks, $4-$5
