The Mai Tai here is billed as "The Best Mai Tai in Hawaii" and at a certain level this is a reasonable claim. The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 and the luxury and elegance of that time carry though to today.

The drink was served in a large old-fashioned glass topped with an orchid, pineapple, cherry, umbrella, and mint sprig. It was light yellow with a dark rum float. The $7.50 Mai Tai ($11 in a souvenir glass) was light yellow in color with a dark rum float. The taste was sweet but the rum had a slightly bitter aftertaste. The aftertaste did wane as we kept drinking however, and this was by far the best looking Mai Tai we've ever seen. Great presentation, and taste make this a very good Mai Tai.

We were curious about the recipe, so we asked about the recipe. The Bartender said that they use a light and a dark (Myers') rum, and "their" Mai Tai mix which consists of orange juice and the usual (Curacao, orgeat and rock candy syrups) ingredients. He said "we make it ourselves!" Hmm... I wonder then why this mix was poured out of a bottle with a Trader Vic's Mai Tai mix label? Very, very curious.

The Mai Tai Bar is right on Waikiki beach. We visited at night, when the mood is enhanced by tiki torches and candle-holders shaped like the Royal Hawaiian itself. The hotel is painted pink, which is nicer than you might think. There is an elegant feel and a quiet, classy clientele.

The bar is great. The front is lined with bamboo and high quality, polished wood lines the inside roof over the bar. The tables all had umbrellas. Palm trees lined the edge of the bar area and there is a grassy area that makes for a relaxing atmosphere.

Taste:
Atmosphere:
Date Visited: October 25, 1999
Reviewed By: Kevin Crossman