During my recent travels to Waikiki, I had the pleasure of dining at Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar, and it was an experience like no other. Nestled next to a stunning infinity pool, which has been dubbed “Instagram-worthy” by Departures Magazine, Swell offers impressive ocean views of Waikiki Beach that are simply breathtaking.
The ambiance is perfect for any occasion. The poolside setting truly elevates the dining experience, blending relaxation with luxury.
The menu at Swell is diverse and caters to all tastes. From crafted cocktails and locally sourced favorites to Pacific oysters and more, every item is thoughtfully prepared. The daily happy hour is a fantastic way to unwind, offering a selection of delicious drinks and bites at great prices.
What sets Swell apart is the unparalleled experience of watching the sunset from the infinity pool or enjoying a nightcap by the fire pit at the ocean view restaurant. The view is spectacular and creates a magical atmosphere that is perfect for winding down the day. Additionally, the live music from local musicians and DJs adds to the vibrant and memorable dining experience. Be sure to call ahead for the entertainment schedule to catch some of the best live music Honolulu has to offer.
For travelers seeking the best bars in Waikiki, Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar is a must-visit. The combination of exquisite views, delectable food, and lively entertainment makes it a standout destination. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Swell promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Waikiki’s charm. Highly...
Read moreWe recently had a cabana reservation for 10 people and while we were excited for the evening, our experience started off on a sour note due to issues with parking. Their website clearly stated that guests with reservations could park in the hotel’s self-park garage and that parking would be validated. However, upon arrival, we were turned away by a staff member at the garage entrance, who informed us that the parking spots were being reserved for another event. Despite explaining that we had a cabana reservation, he insisted we couldn’t park there.
The situation escalated when a second security guard arrived, visibly angry, who yelled at us to leave. I have never experienced someone in a customer-facing role acting so disrespectfully—his behavior was absolutely unacceptable. If they are not going to honor their stated policy, they should update their website or at least notify guests when reservations are made. The lack of communication and rude treatment left a negative impression before we even stepped foot into the restaurant.
I felt it necessary to leave this review to advise future guests to call ahead about parking, especially if there’s an event. The restaurant’s handling of this situation was disappointing and not at all what we expected from an establishment of...
Read moreGreat place to eat and drink if your budget stretches this far. We went there in happy hour and still spent quite a lot. However the food and drink are superb. Service was ok, but we were sitting quite far away from the main seating area, so we didn't expect a fawning server anyway. For cocktails we tried - 'Alohalini guava Mai Tai, this was very well made with a great taste. I tried the Swell Hawaii, which had vodka, rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, lime, and cane syrup. This was excellent and I'd highly recommend. I also had the Pianola Derby, a whiskey-based cocktail, which was ok, but I've never been one to like whiskey in cocktails, so I wouldn't get again, but others may like it. For food, my partner had the Oahu truffled lobster tacos. These were superb, and would highly recommend. I had the bacon wrapped Kauai shrimp. These were very good as well, but not many shrimps on the plate, so I was left slightly hungry.
Overall a great place to eat and drink, we sat overlooking the ocean. But very expensive. Highly...
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