*This story was originally published on Dec. 3, 2024, and updated in November 2025.
A languid afternoon, a tray of desserts, maybe a glass of Champagne.
That’s how I want to spend the holidays. And afternoon tea service, especially the ones on Oʻahu, offer all of that—and sometimes an ocean view.
Here are six places in Honolulu where you can indulge in mini sandwiches, beautiful desserts and a cuppa.
Dean & DeLuca Waikīkī
Dean & DeLuca relaunched its “Urban Picnic” afternoon tea in 2024, with a five-course menu that showcases artisanal breads and pastries crafted in-house. This year, all five courses have been completely revamped to offer a new spin on tea-time favorites with seasonal ingredients and exquisitely crafted sweets. You can indulge in the new menu at The Artisan Loft, located at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach Store.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, 383 Kalaimoku St., 1F, Waikīkī, (808) 729-9720, deandeluca-hawaii.com
Mugen Waikīkī
If you’re looking for something truly decadent and elegant, book a seat—there are only 12—for the afternoon tea service at Mugen Waikīkī. Thanks to popular demand, the tea service is now offered every Saturday and Sunday. This luxe experience includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé and your choice of teas—some rare—from around the world, all brewed and served in unique Japanese teapots. Past menus have featured an array of upscale bites, including mini spiny lobster rolls with smoked trout caviar and black truffle pearls, local chicken liver pâté with mango chutney on toast points, mini rum cakes with compressed pineapple, and black currant scones with clotted cream and house preserves.
Espacio, The Jewel of Waikīkī, 2452 Kalākaua Ave., mugenwaikiki.com
The Veranda at the Moana Surfrider
This is teatime with a view. The weekend-only Victorian-inspired afternoon tea service at The Veranda is set on the oceanfront lānai of the grand hotel, known as the First Lady of Waikīkī, with ocean breezes and views of the beach. The Moana Classic is perfect for a light nosh, with finger sandwiches, pastries and tropical sorbet. Or go all out—hey, it’s the holidays!—with the Royal Tea, which boasts everything in the classic tea plus soup or salad, berries and yogurt and a tea-infused mimosa flight. The Veranda also offers a keiki menu with kid-friendly fare, gluten-free and vegan tea service, and The Duke, which is served with a massive cheeseburger and local craft beer flight. Now you’re talking!
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach, 2365 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, (808) 931-8646, verandawaikiki.com
The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
Photo: Courtesy of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
The afternoon tea at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is a classic. Served on the open-air Veranda—and under the hotel’s iconic beach-glass chandelier— the service features exclusive handcrafted fine teas and sweet and savory bites like smoked fish baguettes, deviled egg sandwiches, scones and green tea mille crêpe. Relax in the comfortable lounge seating—and if you stay until 5 p.m., enjoy The Veranda’s popular happy hour and live entertainment.
The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., Honolulu, (866) 318-4579, kahalaresort.com
Orchids at the Halekūlani
If you’re looking for a classic, elevated afternoon tea experience, head to Orchids, the oceanfront restaurant at the Halekūlani. Relax on the veranda in the hotel’s garden courtyard and sip curated global teas—or Champagne—and nosh on tea sandwiches like house-made salmon gravlax on pumpernickel bread and sliced Bresaola beef on poppyseed bread, along with an assortment of currant scones, tea pastries and cakes. There’s a dress code, too: no beachwear, exercise attire or flip-flops.
Halekūlani, 2199 Kālia Road, Waikīkī, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com
Tea at 1024
Since 1999, this spot in the historic arts district of Downtown Honolulu has been the go-to for afternoon tea. It’s the only thing it serves! Its traditional service includes a house salad, scones and house-made clotted cream and strawberry jam, six assorted sandwiches and three petite sweets—all of which are seasonal. The tea selection is superb; you can even order wellness teas, hot cocoa and lemonade. There are vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and keto-friendly menus, too.
Tea at 1024, 1024 Nuʻuanu Ave., Honolulu, (808) 521-9596, teaat1024.com
Mele and Mimosas, a Kaimana Tea Party
Back in June, 2025, Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel launched its Muʻu and Mimosas, a Kaimana Tea Party. The monthly tea series celebrates Waikīkī’s golden era of style and culture, encouraging guests to don their best muʻumuʻu and aloha attire. Mark your calendar for Dec. 13, 2025, for Mele and Mimosas, which will feature Hobbs Tea from Kauaʻi, mimosas (of course!), Hau Tree’s signature cocktails, specialty iced tea featuring syrups by Pono Potion, house-made delicacies, a curated soundtrack of Island mele and more.
Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, kaimana.com
