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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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As one of the best locations in Waikiki, House Without A Key is Halekulani’s popular indoor/outdoor gathering spot for informal cocktails, appetizers and entertainment each night at sunset. One of the favored traditions of the original Halekulani — cocktails and Hawaiian music under the century-old Kiawe tree — is faithfully preserved here. House Without A Key is known for its signature mai tai, a classic to be enjoyed any time of the day. Drink in memorable sunsets at our romantic restaurant in Honolulu. Nightly, our distinctive Hawaiian music is paired with graceful dancing of former Miss Hawaii winners.
Live Hawaiian dancing & music under the stars paired with inventive island cocktails & pupus.
Hours
| Thursday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7–10:30 AM, 11:30 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2199 Kālia Rd #1936, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-2311
Website: https://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key/
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Reviews
William “Bill” Owen
Amazing experience at House Without A Key! We began the evening on the oceanfront lawn with cocktails, including their house specialties — Mai Tai and Coconut Cake Martini — followed by entertainment with a band playing relaxing Hawaiian music and performances by hula dancers, while marveling at the sunset over the Pacific horizon. During the performance we enjoyed an appetizer of three types of sashimi and poke, all presented in different preparations.
After cocktails, we were seated in the open air dining area — still close enough to the show to be able to enjoy the outdoor performance.
Dinner was excellent as well. For our appetizer, we enjoyed a crab cake that was filled with real crab, not breading. Our main course consisted of the house catch of the day, a Hawaiian swordfish that was cooked to perfection.
Service at House Without A Key was impeccable, both in the cocktail area and in the restaurant. Highly recommended!
… moreAfter cocktails, we were seated in the open air dining area — still close enough to the show to be able to enjoy the outdoor performance.
Dinner was excellent as well. For our appetizer, we enjoyed a crab cake that was filled with real crab, not breading. Our main course consisted of the house catch of the day, a Hawaiian swordfish that was cooked to perfection.
Service at House Without A Key was impeccable, both in the cocktail area and in the restaurant. Highly recommended!
K Y
Gorgeous restaurant with the most amazing sunset and diamond head views. The food was delicious, and it seemed the pizza was very popular
We were celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary and did not received any sort of celebratory experience. Unusual for a nicer establishment, but I’m sure they get celebrations all too often
… moreWe were celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary and did not received any sort of celebratory experience. Unusual for a nicer establishment, but I’m sure they get celebrations all too often
The Official Critic
House Without a Key is a great date night location with beautiful ocean views and live music that creates a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for an evening out.
The food was good overall, though it was a little overpriced for what you receive. The ribeye steak was very good and well prepared. I was not a fan of the poi mashed potatoes, as they were not to my taste, but the soup of the day was excellent. The prosciutto Pizza was also very good and well executed.
One thing that detracted from the experience was the drink service. I understand that refills are charged, but it would be much better if staff clearly communicated this and asked if I wanted a drink when it gets low rather than avoiding refills altogether.
Overall, House Without a Key offers a great atmosphere, good food, and live music, making it a solid choice for a date night despite the higher prices. The ocean views are truly one of a kind and make the entire experience unforgettable.
… moreThe food was good overall, though it was a little overpriced for what you receive. The ribeye steak was very good and well prepared. I was not a fan of the poi mashed potatoes, as they were not to my taste, but the soup of the day was excellent. The prosciutto Pizza was also very good and well executed.
One thing that detracted from the experience was the drink service. I understand that refills are charged, but it would be much better if staff clearly communicated this and asked if I wanted a drink when it gets low rather than avoiding refills altogether.
Overall, House Without a Key offers a great atmosphere, good food, and live music, making it a solid choice for a date night despite the higher prices. The ocean views are truly one of a kind and make the entire experience unforgettable.
Randy Young
Unfortunately, the place is not great given all the reviews. The coconut cake is delicious because it’s not saturated on essence of coconut and takes like an actual non-sugar packed coconut cake. The views around the restaurant are great but not unique to the line of restaurants here in Waikiki. Between the stage, the hedge, and the crowd you can’t really see anything once seated either. The worst part is the inside bar, it is packed with people that just seem like they’re trying to drink and not dine. Which is fine for them, it’s the restaurants fault, not theirs. However, they’re incredibly loud drowning out the table conversation and the performance on stage.
The food and drinks were fine, but not great. Service was really good, and Jan was a delight to be around and offer great suggestions. It’s more the atmosphere mixed with the okay food than anything else.
… moreThe food and drinks were fine, but not great. Service was really good, and Jan was a delight to be around and offer great suggestions. It’s more the atmosphere mixed with the okay food than anything else.
Soham Adhikari
We celebrated our anniversary at House Without a Key and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. I had the Coconut Old Fashioned, which was perfect for someone who enjoys a classic Old Fashioned but prefers it less sweet — the coconut added a smooth, subtle twist that really worked.
Because the portions are generous, we skipped appetizers. I ordered the Hawaiian signature sea bass and my wife had the ribeye steak. Both dishes were outstanding and cooked to perfection.
The vibe deserves its own mention — simply amazing. Live Hawaiian music and a Hula performance created a beautiful cultural atmosphere, while keeping the mood relaxed and romantic.
It is on the expensive side (about $200 for two), but if you’re in Honolulu celebrating a birthday or anniversary, this place is absolutely worth it. A truly memorable dining experience.
… moreBecause the portions are generous, we skipped appetizers. I ordered the Hawaiian signature sea bass and my wife had the ribeye steak. Both dishes were outstanding and cooked to perfection.
The vibe deserves its own mention — simply amazing. Live Hawaiian music and a Hula performance created a beautiful cultural atmosphere, while keeping the mood relaxed and romantic.
It is on the expensive side (about $200 for two), but if you’re in Honolulu celebrating a birthday or anniversary, this place is absolutely worth it. A truly memorable dining experience.
Carmen Hall-Buchanon
House Without a Key was outstanding! From the moment we arrived until we left, the service was top-notch. They offer valet parking, and you can get your parking validated for 4 hours by the restaurant. Melissa greeted us and showed us to the restaurant. There was a short wait, but with the gorgeous view, perfect weather, and live music, it wasn’t a problem while we waited for our table. Once seated, Trey was our server, and he was fantastic. He went over the menu with us and recommended some of his personal favorites. We started with cocktails and an appetizer. We had the Lawai’a roll, Pulehu Pineapple, and Coconut Old Fashioned. They also brought out complimentary Taro Rolls accompanied by a tropical butter, which was a nice touch. I’m still thinking about that Lawai’a roll while writing this review! For our main dish, we split the Tutū Mā Asian Braised Short Ribs with roasted red potatoes and home fries–it was just the right amount and very tasty. While we ate, the Hawaiian music continued, and a hula dancer appeared around 6pm, adding to the vibe. To wrap up, Kevin helped us with our car and even handed us two waters. Honestly, we had an amazing time all around–definitely check this place out!
… moreRose
Let’s be very clear: these are the best cocktails in Waikīkī. Period.
I stand firmly on that.
House Without a Key sits under the Halekulani umbrella (locals still lovingly call it Earl’s), and while I can’t tag it separately, it deserves every bit of recognition. This is cocktail craftsmanship at its highest level.
The Coconut Old Fashioned? Absolutely stellar. Balanced, smooth, and elevated without trying too hard.
And the Mai Tai… listen. I’ve been coming to this property since I was a kid, and I’ve been drinking Mai Tais for 10+ years. I don’t know how I missed this one before, but this is hands-down the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had. Perfectly layered, not overly sweet, and respectful of tradition while still feeling luxurious.
Yes — they’re pricey. But this is one of those rare places where the quality, technique, setting, and experience fully justify it. You’re paying for excellence, and you get it.
Add the oceanfront setting, live Hawaiian music, and that classic Halekulani elegance, and this becomes a non-negotiable stop in Waikīkī.
100% recommend. Worth every sip (and dollar!)
… moreI stand firmly on that.
House Without a Key sits under the Halekulani umbrella (locals still lovingly call it Earl’s), and while I can’t tag it separately, it deserves every bit of recognition. This is cocktail craftsmanship at its highest level.
The Coconut Old Fashioned? Absolutely stellar. Balanced, smooth, and elevated without trying too hard.
And the Mai Tai… listen. I’ve been coming to this property since I was a kid, and I’ve been drinking Mai Tais for 10+ years. I don’t know how I missed this one before, but this is hands-down the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had. Perfectly layered, not overly sweet, and respectful of tradition while still feeling luxurious.
Yes — they’re pricey. But this is one of those rare places where the quality, technique, setting, and experience fully justify it. You’re paying for excellence, and you get it.
Add the oceanfront setting, live Hawaiian music, and that classic Halekulani elegance, and this becomes a non-negotiable stop in Waikīkī.
100% recommend. Worth every sip (and dollar!)
Angela Martinez
Great experience!
We got there 30 mins before the sunset cocktails/dinner time seating began.
We were a group of 5 adults and 2 children under 3 and we had an amazing time.
We did not have reservations and got great seats in their outdoor area. (But remember we got there early)
Music was lovely.
Service was great.
The view was beautiful.
Such a lovely scenery.
If you are visiting Waikīkī I personally believe this is a place you have to visit at least once. It truly was a cool Hawaii experience (especially if you are NOT into the lu’au scene like me).
It was a chill laid back dinner with cocktails and music experience. And yes the Mai tais were delicious.
FOR THE PARENTS:
They have a grassy area where the kids could run around and play and that was a HUGE plus for us since we have a toddler and a very active crawling 10 month old. So yes bring the kids and enjoy with the whole family.
Also I think we stayed for 3 hours. We had a blast.
… moreWe got there 30 mins before the sunset cocktails/dinner time seating began.
We were a group of 5 adults and 2 children under 3 and we had an amazing time.
We did not have reservations and got great seats in their outdoor area. (But remember we got there early)
Music was lovely.
Service was great.
The view was beautiful.
Such a lovely scenery.
If you are visiting Waikīkī I personally believe this is a place you have to visit at least once. It truly was a cool Hawaii experience (especially if you are NOT into the lu’au scene like me).
It was a chill laid back dinner with cocktails and music experience. And yes the Mai tais were delicious.
FOR THE PARENTS:
They have a grassy area where the kids could run around and play and that was a HUGE plus for us since we have a toddler and a very active crawling 10 month old. So yes bring the kids and enjoy with the whole family.
Also I think we stayed for 3 hours. We had a blast.
Gilbert Grape
Has been a bit since we have been here but we wish we were back. Hands down the best dinner we had in all our 9 days on 2 beautiful islands of Hawaii. A place so big and to have everything go so smoothly is just amazing. The music was so beautiful, server was busy but still we did not wait to long but once. Free dessert once again! Our food was phenomenal, everything was perfect.
… moreEd Rigsbee
I took a group of 10. Get there at 5 PM and seating close to the music is easy. Lovely sunset restaurant, at the water’s edge. Nightly sunset music. The night we went we experienced the current and 20+ past Miss Hawaii dancing hula. One can order from the cocktail & pupu menu or ask for the dinner menu…we opted for the dinner menu. The food is superior. This is definitely a “must do” when visiting Waikiki.
… more