Romer House Waikīkī welcomes The Lei Stand – Honolulu’s beloved cocktail bar – as the final touch to its adults-only clubhouse experience.

Built by friends, for friends, The Lei Stand was founded in 2022 by Hawaiian natives – producer Ryan Kalei Tsuji and former Universal Music Group brand strategist Tara Kanani Shimooka.

Now relocating from its original home in Chinatown, The Lei Stand brings its signature cocktails and easy-going vibe to Waikīkī. At the heart of Romer House, the new bar space pays tribute to Chinatown’s lei shops, with an arched doorway entrance leading into a world of glowing tropical plants and neon installations.

Guests can sit at the bar or relax in cosy lounge seating, all wrapped in a laid-back, late-night island feel.

Familiar faces are behind the bar, where guests will also find fresh leis from local makers, sold straight from the counter. This summer, there will also be the return of Lei Stand nights – live music, lei-making, and even the odd singalong.

Signature drinks come with playful stories. Soup Soup is a coconut-clarified mix of quality blanco tequila, pineapple, falernum and absinthe. Clifton’s Curse is an ode to the owner’s father – a bold twist on tiki cocktails with local rum, house-made orgeat, amaro, cognac and sherry.

The food menu brings a local spin to bar snacks. Think house-made Chex Mix, famous edamame hummus with taro chips and crack dip.

“With an emphasis on highlighting local neighbourhoods and paying homage to Hawaii’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,” shares Shimooka. “We couldn’t be more excited to invite our friends and visitors to ‘Get Lei’d in Waikīkī.”

“The Lei Stand is more than just a bar; it’s a celebration of Hawai’i’s rich traditions and vibrant future,” adds Tsuji. “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.”

“We are honoured to be a part of The Lei Stand’s story, as we welcome a neighbourhood favourite bar to Romer House Waikīkī.” concludes Romer Houses’ Ramona Sidlo. “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.”

Photography: © Brooke Fitts