Enjoy Jazz, Pūpū and Jazz-Themed Cocktails at Lewers Lounge 

We thought the perfect hotel bar didn’t exist in Honolulu—until a recent Friday night, when smooth jazz and pau hana drinks called us into Halekūlani’s Lewers Lounge.

Just around the corner from Hale ʻAina-winning Orchids, Lewers Lounge offers live music, a jazz-inspired menu of cocktails and light pūpū every Tuesday through Saturday. The best part? It now opens at 5 p.m. A rotating cast of musicians perform from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., followed by featured performers from 8:30 to midnight on weeknights and until 12:30 a.m. on weekends.

From left: The Very Thought of You, Smoke Rings, Moonglow, That Was My Heart, Paper Doll ($24 each)

Come when doors open to secure your seat (it’s walk-ins only, no reservations), whether a plush loveseat, cozy armchair or a spot at the bar. Lead mixologist Tuda Grehan’s signature cocktails ($24) are inspired by jazz favorites, such as the I Get Along Without You (Chet Baker) with Ron Zacapa 23-year rum, Amaro Montenegro, Australian Smoke Bitters, celery bitters and a house-made smoked pineapple cordial. To be more sustainable, Grehan uses the excess pineapple skins and cores from the hotel’s various restaurants to make the cordial. That Was My Heart (Ella Fitzgerald) turns the strawberries infused in the cocktail’s Campari into fruit leather that’s served as a garnish. Another favorite, Smoke Rings (Sam Cooke), uses kiawe wood smoke as a nod to famous kiawe tree that’s been on the property for more than 130 years.

The Paper Doll (Mills Brothers) is a must-order. The flavors of local Kuleana Hōkūlei rum, Laird’s Apple Brandy, pineapple, spiced maple syrup and Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port with frothy aquafaba and oat milk are delicate yet balanced—and as a photogenic twist, it’s served in a teacup. All the drinks, even The Very Thought of You (Nat King Cole), a take on an espresso martini, bathe us in mellowness as we settle in. Classic cocktails, a nonalcoholic Take 5 (Dave Brubeck) with chamomile lemongrass syrup and lemon and yuzu juices, some beers and a selection of wines by the glass round out the menu.

The Paper Doll ($24)

As we enjoy our first sips, Eric La‘a takes his seat at the piano. He’s one of the singers who performs an early set. Listening to Elton John’s “Your Song,” “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel, Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and other tunes, we love the way La‘a’s music adds to the chill atmosphere. Even at our table near the piano, we converse without shouting—a rarity in bars these days.

Lewers Lounge’s dress code of elegant resort attire adds to the classy vibe. Even though it’s Waikīkī, no T-shirts, tank tops, beachwear, exercise attire or slippers.

Charcuterie board ($30)

Pūpū are available 5:30 to 10:30 on weeknights and 5:30 to 11 on weekends. You can’t go wrong with a charcuterie board ($30) or truffle Parmesan fries ($13), but you’ll want to try the lobster and shrimp gyoza with spicy ponzu ($28 for four pieces) and the hapu‘upu‘u ($22), Hawaiian sea bass made into a brandade with potato and truffle.

Hapu‘upu‘u ($22)

For something more substantial, order the poke ($26) on house-made rice furikake chips; an open-faced baguette ($22) with sun-dried tomato pesto, burrata cream and prosciutto di Parma; or the 8-ounce prime Lewers Burger ($26) which, cut into quarters by the attentive staff, is easy to share with friends.

Milk Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bar ($16) with Halekūlani’s Signature Coconut Cake ($16)

You’ll find desserts on the other side of the menu. You deserve the Halekūlani’s legendary coconut cake ($16), end of discussion—an airy chiffon cake with coconut amaretto cream. If you have room, our favorites are the Kona Espresso Tiramisu ($17), similar to a bombe, with pistachio anglaise and candied lemon; the Milk Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bar ($16) with salted caramel gelato and Surinam cherry; and the Ginger Yogurt Brûlée ($14), which is essentially three desserts—chunks of organic honeycomb and Ceylon black tea mochi gelato alongside a crisp sugar-topped disc of ginger yogurt.

Ginger Yogurt Brûlée ($14)

We all put our forks down at the start of the main attraction. The always captivating Maggie Herron (vocals and piano) and Dean Taba (standup bass) serenade the audience with a late set each Friday. The jazz performers are well known in Honolulu and Herron’s sultry rendition of hits by Duke Ellington and The Beatles bring a warm energy to the room, full of longtime and new fans alike. Herron and Taba take requests, so come prepared with favorites.

Dean Taba and Maggie Herron

Whether you’re stopping by to unwind after work or have dinner or a nightcap, Lewers Lounge offers a warm enchantment you won’t find elsewhere in this city. So pull up a chair, grab a drink and let the day melt away into jazzy bliss.

Lewers Lounge is open Tuesday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight (food service 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.; entertainment 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to midnight), and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (food service 5:30 to 11 p.m.; entertainment 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.), Halekūlani Hotel, 2199 Kālia Road, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com/dining/lewers-lounge, @halekulanihotel