Romer House Waikīkī, Oʻahu’s Only Adults-Only Hotel, Welcomes Beloved Honolulu Cocktail Bar, The Lei Stand

Romer House Waikīkī—the island’s only adults-only hotel—adds a final flourish to its clubhouse-style oasis with the arrival of The Lei Stand, Honolulu’s treasured cocktail bar, now open on property.

Photos by Brooke Fitts

Launched in tandem with Hawaiʻi’s iconic “May Day is Lei Day” celebration, the opening honored the lei as a timeless symbol of love, aloha, and community.

After debuting in June 2024, Romer House quickly became a neighborhood hub where local character, mid-century charm, and laid-back luxury meet. Now, with The Lei Stand taking up residence, the hotel is fully realized as a grown-up escape with soul. More than just a bar, The Lei Stand Waikīkī redefines what a hotel lounge can be—an intimate destination for travelers and locals alike to gather, sip, and celebrate under the spirit of aloha.

Founded in 2022 by Hawai‘i-born Emmy-winning producer Ryan Kalei Tsuji and former Universal Music Group brand strategist Tara Kanani Shimooka, The Lei Stand was created by friends, for friends. Its move from Chinatown to Waikīkī brings beloved cocktails and a tight-knit community vibe to an exciting new chapter.

“With an emphasis on highlighting local neighborhoods and paying homage to Hawai‘i’s beloved customs, the reopening of The Lei Stand at O‘ahu’s first-ever adults-only hotel is the perfect alignment of both brands. We couldn’t be more excited to invite our friends and visitors to ‘Get Lei’d in Waikīkī.” shares co-founder Tara Kanani Shimooka.

“The Lei Stand is more than just a bar; it’s a celebration of Hawai’i’s rich traditions and vibrant future. While our story will always be connected to Chinatown, we’re excited to embark on this next phase with the amazing team at Romer House Waikīkī.” adds co-founder, Ryan Kalei Tsuji.

Inside, the reimagined bar pays tribute to Chinatown’s iconic lei shops with a floral entry arch, lush tropical foliage, and glowing neon. Guests can settle in at the bar or sprawl into cozy lounge seating, all wrapped in a warm, after-hours island vibe.

Behind the bar? Familiar faces—and fresh leis crafted by local artisans, available for purchase with every pour. Summer programming brings The Lei Stand’s signature magic to Waikīkī, including lei-making workshops, live DJ sets, and spontaneous singalongs. Some traditions are too good to change, and the bar continues to serve the best lei in town.

Open to walk-ins, with priority access for Romer House guests, The Lei Stand Waikīkī invites everyone to drink, dance, and unwind.

What’s on the Menu?

Drinks are playfully organized by:

Blooms (cocktails)
Bark (beer & a shot)
Hop Vine (craft brews)
Grape Vine (wine)

Signature cocktails include:

Soup Soup – a clarified coconut-tequila mix kissed with pineapple, falernum, and absinthe
Clifton’s Curse – a tiki-inspired blend of local rum, house orgeat, amaro, cognac & sherry, in honor of the co-founder’s father

Pupus range from nostalgic to playful, including:

House Chex Mix
Edamame hummus with taro chips
House “crack dip”

Guests can also explore

855-ALOHA: Romer House’s indoor-outdoor restaurant offering bold local flavors with a wink. Think grilled chicken teriyaki, braised pork belly, and butterfish reimagined with modern flair. Inspired by Hawaiʻi’s iconic phone booths and neighborhood nostalgia, the space features murals by local artist Solario and lush Japanese-inspired design elements. A new menu launches in early June.
The Backyard: A tropical retreat tucked behind carved masks and native palms. Features include a heated wading pool, daybed cabanas, and a bar slinging poke bowls, canned sake, local beer, and a spirit-free spritz bar. Murals by artist Cory Kamehanaokalā evoke a sense of place and peace.

“We are honored to be a part of The Lei Stand’s story, as we welcome a neighborhood favorite bar to Romer House Waikīkī. Expanding the guest experience with local authenticity, the two brands have the same culturally conscious values, and share a commitment to Hawaiian traditions and joyous celebrations.” says Romer Houses’ Mayor of the Block, Ramona Sidlo.

With three distinct spaces to drink, dine, and unwind, plus cultural programming like floating sound baths and sunset hula classes, Romer House Waikīkī offers the ultimate kid-free island escape—just steps from Kuhio Avenue and Waikīkī Beach.

The post Romer House Waikīkī, Oʻahu’s Only Adults-Only Hotel, Welcomes Beloved Honolulu Cocktail Bar, The Lei Stand appeared first on Chilled Magazine.