Some of the best guides to Hawaii’s famous surf breaks aren’t found in a surf shop — they’re serving fresh seafood, pouring signature cocktails, cooking in the kitchen, and greeting guests with a smile.
Before their shifts begin, several members of the Tiki’s team are already in the water, surfing Waikiki’s iconic spots like Canoes, Queens, and Pops. Many plan their day around the waves, even trading shifts to catch their favorite breaks. They know the swell directions, the perfect tide for a mellow longboard ride, and the best time to paddle out to catch a set under the morning sun.
It’s this connection to the ocean that makes their service at our sunset beachfront restaurant so special.
From the Breaks to the Oceanfront Tables
After a morning in the waves, our surf-loving staff trade surfboards for trays and bar tools. They bring the same energy, focus, and aloha spirit from the ocean into every guest experience.
“When you spend your morning surfing with Diamond Head views in the background, it’s hard not to carry that joy into the rest of your day,” says one of our servers. “It makes serving guests at an oceanfront table in Waikiki feel like an extension of the beach.”
The Insider’s Guide to Waikiki
Guests often chat with our staff about the day’s surf report, which many check on Surfline, DeepSwell, or Surf News Network before work. You might get a recommendation for the best spot to watch the sunset after dinner — or even which beach to visit tomorrow morning for a calm swim or paddle.
The conversation flows naturally: one moment you’re talking about the texture of the poke, the next you’re hearing first-hand stories from the morning’s paddle out.
Sunset Dining with a Surfer’s Touch
Tiki’s Grill & Bar isn’t just about oceanfront dining in Waikiki — it’s about creating a connection to the place, the culture, and the ocean that surrounds us. Watching the sun dip behind the horizon while enjoying Pacific Rim flavors, live music, and lanai seating makes for a perfect Waikiki evening.
And if your server looks especially at home in that setting, it might be because just a few hours earlier, they were out there riding those waves…..