Tikis Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Honolulu

I really wanted to love this place, but found a few aspects a bit of a let down...

Our server was super nice, but mixed up the steak temps. My NY Strip was supposed to be medium rare and my friends Prime Rib was supposed to be medium well. He ate some of his, but didn't finish the center because it was way too rare for him. Mine came out intentionally plated to look like it wasn't burnt. (The first steak is the one pictured- you can see how it's domed up a bit in the picture attached) The top looked ok but the underneath was so charred and straight up burnt, that it was extremely bitter. The burnt side was intentionally face down. I was a server at a steakhouse for years and years and know when the kitchen staff plate food like this, it's a sign there was a mistake and it shouldn't be sent out. I have never sent food back in my life, however I did bring my concern up to the server she immediately took it back for me. The manager brought a replacement steak out within minutes. They said they already had one working so they gave it to me. Second time around, the temp was perfect (the manager waited while i cut into it) and it was a lot better than the first. It still had a few burnt bits on it which I don't understand because they make the steak bitter. It was dark out and hard to see them until you taste them. For a NY Strip, it was a bit sinew, which surprised me given the price and it being a nice restaurant. Both steaks lacked flavor and desperately needed salt. Aside from the steak, the sides (potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts) were delicious.

We were sat on the balcony area, and after it got dark the sun shades were retracted. It had stormed earlier in the day so there was a ton of water sitting on top of them. When they closed them, it was like a waterfall- it dumped all over the guests, the tables, some peoples food. Our clothes, chairs, and shoes were soaked. So we had to finish our meal wet. Again, staff handled it well, mopped up the floor. They were apologetic about it. But sometimes saying sorry and being polite only gets you so far. I hope they offered to comp some of the bill for the other tables.

This was just an observation, but feels like it's worth mentioning as improvement is needed. As I said, I have years of experience as a server and working in restaurants, so these things stand out to me. The restaurant is accessible by wheelchair because there are elevators. I was glad to see folks with family members in wheelchairs making it up to the 3rd floor for a good meal. However, 2 separate times, there were parties being seated where someone was in a wheelchair, and staff did not move obstacles to accommodate fitting a wheelchair as they made their way to the tables. I watched one girl try to get to her table 2 different ways before we all shifted to the side so their wheelchair could fit through. Planters (movebale) were in the way for the other party. Same for a family exiting the restaurant as well. All the hosts watched as a family tried to navigate through the roped dividers and wet floor signs. Nobody stepped in to help, so I got up and rearranged things so they could fit through. This feels like basic customer service and awareness, and if there are 4 hosts standing there- this shouldn't be happening, especially for customers who are disabled.

A few unfortunate things stacked up made for a somewhat disappointing birthday dinner. However, I'd probably still give it another shot. My husband absolutely loved his meal- he got the ribs with and added a lobster tail to make it surf & turf. Our other friend got the lamb and he also really enjoyed it. They both also liked the alcoholic drinks as well. The sunset view is...

We chose Tiki’s for our final night in Oahu based on all the great reviews, but unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst dining experience of our entire trip.

To start, our appetizers took over 30 minutes to arrive—while we watched tables seated after us receive theirs much faster. Our server never once stopped by to acknowledge the delay or apologize. We eventually learned from a completely different server that the food runner had mistakenly delivered our apps to the wrong table. Still, our server said nothing and continued to ignore us, which was incredibly frustrating.

Before being seated, we stopped at the bar for a drink. Once at the table, we asked our server for another round. She requested IDs (understandable), but took mine and walked off without a word. When she returned, she told our entire table that management would not be serving us any more alcohol due to “a rising number of fake IDs from California.” Not only was this humiliating and completely unfounded, but I was never even given a chance to verify my age or have my ID scanned.

When I asked to speak with a manager, I explained that I was willing to have them scan my ID or even call the police to confirm. We are all over 21 and had planned a special last night together. The manager told us bluntly that we were welcome to “take our business to Lulu’s or anywhere else.” No apology, no effort to make things right—just complete dismissal.

I’ve never been treated so disrespectfully at a restaurant, especially after spending so much money to vacation here. If you’re over 21 but look young, beware—they may treat you like a criminal for it. We left Tiki’s feeling insulted and I absolutely cannot recommend it to others, made for an awful last...

An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Tiki’s in Waikiki

My husband and I had the most incredible evening at Tiki’s in Waikiki, and it far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, everything flowed seamlessly. We were welcomed quickly and seated at a perfect table on the edge of the restaurant with a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Our server, Marisa, was an absolute delight. She was warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful in guiding us through the menu. Her recommendations were spot on!

We began with the Brussels sprouts, which were full of flavor. For our mains, my husband ordered the filet mignon with shrimp, which literally melted in his mouth, while I enjoyed the braised lamb with shrimp, paired with a lilikoi mint jelly that was a delicious and unique complement. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked.

Dessert was the perfect finale! My pineapple crème brûlée was light and tropical served in a pineapple, while my husband’s 20-layer crepe haupia pie was both artful and delicate.

The atmosphere at Tiki’s is part of the magic. The live music created the perfect backdrop—not too loud, not too soft—just right for conversation and enjoying the moment.

This evening was especially meaningful for us since we caregive for two Moms, as it was our first real date night in two years. Tiki’s made it truly memorable. Between the extraordinary food, the spectacular view, the thoughtful service, and the welcoming ambiance, this restaurant has earned every bit of its outstanding reputation.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to treat yourself to an unforgettable evening in Waikiki, Tiki’s is the place to go. Ask for Marisa—you’ll be in...