There's always something refreshing happening at Pakini Bar! Located on our Grand Lanai, this poolside favorite is the perfect place to kick back with a tropical cocktail, cool off between swims or toast another sunny day in Waikiki. This fall, we're serving up plenty of reasons to raise a glass, from our winning anniversary cocktail to pumpkin-inspired flavors and spooky sips. Here are four ways to make your next visit to Pakini Bar even more fun!
1. 20 Years, One Pour - 20th Anniversary Cocktail Competition
We're celebrating 20 years of welcoming guests to Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, and we are preparing for the May 2027 festivities with a little friendly competition behind the bar! Our 20 Years, One Pour cocktail competition brought together five of our longtime, expert bartenders, each creating an original drink inspired by the flavors, stories and spirit of our hotel.
After tasting all five creations, we are excited to announce that the Suite Refresher is the winner! Created by bartender Maile Shaw, this refreshing island-inspired cocktail will join the Pakini Bar menu throughout 2027 as part of our 20th-anniversary celebration.
Meet all five creative concoctions from the competition:
- WINNER — Suite Refresher — Maile Shaw (5 years of service): Tito's vodka meets strawberry puree, mango puree, ginger ale and fresh mint for a light, fruity drink inspired by Waikiki's tropical flavors. You can also enjoy it without vodka.
- ‘A‘ole Pilikia — Ethan Kimura (4 years of service): This cocktail blends Mount Gay rum, blackberry brandy, mango, sweet-and-sour mix and bitters, finished with soda water. Tropical mango, juicy blackberry and citrus make this an easygoing island favorite.
- Ocho-Ocho — Lewis Somera (20 years of service): A vibrant mix of Tequila Ocho Añejo, guava puree, calamansi juice and grapefruit soda. This refreshing creation celebrates Lewis's personal tastes and cultural heritage. Prefer a zero-proof option? Ask for the version without tequila.
- Hawaiian Pink — Keola Lasconia (20 years of service): Vodka, triple sec, Sprite, sweet-and-sour mix and a splash of cranberry juice come together in this bright, citrusy cocktail. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try the pink lemonade version.
- Waikiki Sunset — Dennis Yeomans (20 years of service): Kōloa coconut rum, sweet and dry vermouth, cassis, mango and passion fruit purees, and a champagne finish capture the colors of a Waikiki sunset. You can also ask for the non-alcoholic Waikiki Sunrise, made with tropical fruit, lime, ginger beer and grenadine.
2. Pumpkin in Paradise Cocktail
Pumpkin spice season gets a tropical twist with our Pumpkin in Paradise cocktail! Available at Pakini Bar through December 31, 2026, this island-inspired piña colada is topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crust, fresh pineapple and a cinnamon stick for a festive finish.
Enjoy it with or without alcohol, making it a delicious seasonal treat whether you're in the mood for a cocktail or a refreshing zero-proof sip. Pumpkin in Paradise was also featured in the inaugural Flavors of Waikiki Restaurant Week celebration from October 1-11, 2026.
3. 31 Days of Spirits
Ready for a little Halloween magic? Through October, our 31 Days of Spirits promotion brings three specialty cocktails and one spooky, alcohol-free creation to Pakini Bar. Pick your potion!
- Poison Apple: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple, cranberry juice, lime juice and club soda make for a crisp, tart sip with a wickedly fruity twist.
- Toxic-Tini: Tito's vodka, melon liqueur, sour mix and lychee puree combine for a vibrant, sweet-and-sour cocktail.
- Blood Bath: El Jimador Blanco tequila, triple sec, lime juice and Coco Reàl create a citrusy, creamy blend finished with a dramatic grenadine float.
- Hocus Pocus (Non-Alcoholic): Muddled blueberries and fresh mint meet sour mix, topped with Sprite for a bubbly, refreshing treat that's all magic, no spirits.
4. Grab a Spooktacular Souvenir Cup
Want to keep the refreshments flowing? Throughout October, pick up a Pakini souvenir cup for the special price of $15 and enjoy unlimited soda, juice and water refills throughout your stay. It's a fun little extra for poolside lounging and Waikiki adventures alike.
Make Your Way to Pakini Bar
From our winning anniversary cocktail to seasonal sips and Halloween-inspired creations, there's always a good reason to visit Pakini Bar. Settle into your favorite poolside spot, order something delicious and let us help you make the most of your Waikiki getaway. Cheers to good times, great sips and 20 years of aloha!