Fun fact: Five-One-Six, the chic rooftop bar and lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, used to be a presidential suite. It was revamped to create a venue for both resort guests and non-guests, and officially opened to the public on July 3.
Located within the resort — you literally enter the venue through an unassuming pink door — Five-One-Six is open on a first-come, first-served basis from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. It's open to guests ages 21 years and older.
The venue can hold about 100 people. There’s a mix of comfy couches and lounge chairs designed for groups, along with several counter spaces. You’ll want to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.
No matter your vantage point, the views are stunning. You’ll see the resort’s pool and be sure to stick around for an impressive view of the sunset. Westside sunsets are known for their golden hues, after all.
On to the drinks. The menu comprises cocktails, zero-proof mocktails, spirits, wines by the glass and a few beer choices. Note that there’s no food on the menu; Five-One-Six is designed to be like a pre-game spot before dinner.
The pink-hued HI-State Margarita ($38) is currently the most popular drink. It comprises Clase Azul tequila, Cointreau, and a housemade hibiscus-calamansi foam. We’re told it also includes a hint of Hawaiian chili pepper water for some spiciness.
“It has a classic name to represent the state of Hawaiʻi,” explains mixologist Rico Lopez. “It’s made with Clase Azul, so it’s a higher-end cocktail. The hibiscus guava foam makes it sweet and tart together; it’s so delicious.”
We especially enjoy the drink’s balanced flavor. The foam can melt quickly, so don’t take too long taking photos of the beverage before sipping it.
Of the drinks we try, the Miso Banana Luxe ($29) is my favorite. It’s sure to please coffee lovers, since it’s the venue’s take on an espresso martini. It includes housemade Ka‘u cold brew and shiro miso, complete with a roasted banana garnish. I loved the coffee-forward flavor and rich, creamy texture.
The Moto Passenger ($30) is the venue’s version of a Sidecar cocktail. This spirit-forward concoction includes Buffalo Trace, Cognac, Curacao and lemon juice.
Other libations include the Mirror Mai Tai ($32), Pacific Garden No. 2 ($31), and Hunneh Baby ($29).
“We call it the Mirror Mai Tai because it’s clear,” Lopez says. “We clarify the Mai Tai; it basically goes through a process where we take out the impurities to give it a clear color. That also enhances its flavor.
“My personal favorite is the Pacific Garden No. 2 ($31),” he adds. “It has gin, green chartreuse, lime juice and pineapple, with a little bit of simple syrup. Green chartreuse is a liqueur made out of herbs; I really like that mix in a cocktail.”
Zero-proof options include Parrot Punch ($18) — a fruit-forward blend of POG, coconut cream and fresh pineapple juice — and Tigger’s Tonic ($21), a refreshing mix that includes lemon juice, bee pollen and spiced Wahiawā honey. While the Parrot Punch boasts a sweeter flavor profile, Tigger’s Tonic is more herbal and botanical.
While there’s no food listed on Five-One-Six’s menu, guests can enjoy a complimentary furikake snack made with Chex Mix. Its salty flavor and crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the sweeter drinks.
One tip if you visit this rooftop bar: Bring sunglasses. I won’t spoil all the details, but once you go through the dramatic entrance to the rooftop, shades are essential. Depending on the weather, it can get a little hot out there, but the views are worth it.
CONTACT
Five-One-Six
Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St., Kapolei
808-679-0079
fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/lounges/five-one-six/
Open 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
