Just in Time for Lei Day, This Cherished Cocktail Bar Reopens in Waikīkī

Waikīkī is welcoming a new addition to the neighborhood—just in time for Hawaiʻi’s annual “May Day is Lei Day” celebration on May 1. 

Tucked in the Romer House Waikīkī, The Lei Stand Waikīkī pays tribute to the legacy of local lei shops and the timeless symbol of aloha, all while embodying modern Island style. From the arched doorway surrounded by vibrant lei to the vintage photos adorning the wall, the cocktail lounge embraces retro touches and local charm. Mix these details with glowing foliage, neon installations and sleek cocktails, The Lei Stand Waikīkī is effortlessly chic.  

Tucked in the Romer House Waikīkī, The Lei Stand Waikīkī is effortlessly cool.
Photo: Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels

And the cool cocktail bar created the perfect home at Romer House Waikīkī, the sole adults-only hotel on Oʻahu. Tucked off Kūhiō Avenue, the 179-room boutique hotel offers a grown-up getaway right in the heart of Waikīkī. 

Romer House Waikīkī debuted in June 2024 after a complete transformation. Kelly Sanders, President of Highgate Hawaiʻi, explains the building originally housed University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students back in the day. The dormitory eventually turned into the Pearl Hotel Waikīkī. Since being added to Highgate Hawaiʻi’s portfolio, the property has been entirely reimagined. Today, Romer House Waikīkī celebrates the spirit of Waikīkī through local artwork and exudes a warmth from its colorful Mid-Century Modern design. The Mayor of the Block (aka vibe curator), Ramona Sidlo adds that hotel guests can enjoy unique wellness offerings like sound baths and tarot card readings, check out bikes (which are included in the hotel fee) and of course, find a cozy spot at The Lei Stand Waikīkī. 

Ryan Kalei Tsuji and Tara Kanani Shimooka, founders of the bar, agree it fits seamlessly into Romer House Waikīkī. 

The Lei Stand first opened in Chinatown in 2022. The spot was an homage to the neighborhood’s iconic lei stands and rich history. Celebrating the vibrant culture of Hawaiʻi through clever cocktails and cuisine infused with Island flavors, the Lei Stand quickly became a favorite for locals.

The Uncle China cocktail celebrates the life of China Uemura, a longtime Waikīkī Beachboy and surf contest organizer.
Photo: Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels

“We’re excited to share lei culture and lei history,” Tsuji says, as the bar makes its move to Waikīkī, reaching new customers. While still honoring the history of lei shops in Chinatown, Tsuji says they’re also stringing together the stories of Waikīkī. For example, the Uncle China cocktail celebrates the life of China Uemura, a longtime Waikīkī Beachboy and surf contest organizer. The drink is akin to an old fashioned but made with tequila instead of whiskey. 

Tsuji also assures The Lei Stand regulars that they brought back all the best-selling cocktails like the Wow Lau Lau, Soup Soup and the Clifton Curse—an ode to Tsuji’s dad—and popular bites like the local-style chex mix and karaage.  

A best-seller at the Chinatown location, the Clifton Curse is an ode to Tsuji’s dad.
Photo: Courtesy of Romer Neighborhood Hotels.

Plus, you can pick up fresh flower lei here, too. Every week, the lei cooler will be restocked with couture lei by Island Boy. “This is really one of the only places to buy fresh flower lei in Waikīkī,” Shimooka points out.  

Now located at Romer House Waikīkī, Tsuji and Shimooka say they’re excited to join the neighborhood of businesses like Green Lady Cocktail Room and the Secret Spot that are breathing a new spirit and energy into Waikīkī. 

414 Nāhua St., Honolulu, getleid.co, romerhotels.com/romer-house-waikiki