Planning a night out in Honolulu requires balancing great food, cold drinks, and high-energy entertainment. Located right inside the massive Ala Moana Center at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Dave & Buster's Hawaii Ala Moana functions as a massive hub for arcade gaming, sports viewing, and casual dining. Whether you're trying to escape a rainy afternoon or looking for a lively weekend spot after shopping, this location packs hundreds of classic and modern games alongside a full restaurant and sports bar.
Navigating a massive entertainment complex goes smoother when you know what to expect before walking through the doors. This guide breaks down everything from the best weekly deals and menu highlights to parking tips and game card strategies so you can maximize your time and budget.
Location, Hours, and Access
Finding the venue inside Oahu's largest shopping center is straightforward once you know where to aim. The Honolulu location sits on Level 1 near the Ewa Wing of the Ala Moana Center.
Operating hours typically run from late morning through midnight or past midnight on weekends, though exact times fluctuate seasonally:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Parking at Ala Moana Center is free, but spaces near the Ewa Wing can fill up fast during peak weekend shopping hours. Aim for the multi-story parking structures on the Ewa side to minimize your walking distance. If you're staying in Waikiki, the venue is a short bus ride away via multiple City buses running along Ala Moana Boulevard.
The Arcade Floor and Power Card Strategy
The core attraction is the massive floor filled with state-of-the-art arcade machines, virtual reality setups, and classic ticket-redemption games. To play, you'll need a Power Card, which functions like a rechargeable debit card for the arcade.
- Power Card Pricing: You purchase chips loaded onto your card. Buying higher tiers usually yields a better value per chip.
- Half Price Games Wednesdays: Visiting on a Wednesday cuts regular arcade game prices in half all day long, making it the absolute best time of week to stretch your budget. Note that virtual reality and certain non-ticket amusements are typically excluded from this discount.
- Ticket Redemption: As you win tickets, they load digitally onto your Power Card rather than spitting out messy paper strips. Before you leave, head to the winner's circle prize counter to redeem them for everything from small novelty items to electronics.
Dining and Sports Bar Highlights
You don't have to leave the building to grab a substantial meal. The kitchen serves a large menu of classic American comfort food, ranging from smashed burgers and wings to loaded nachos and chef-crafted entrées.
- Popular Menu Items: The Dave's Double Cheeseburger features two smashed patties with secret sauce, while the Mountain O' Nachos works great for sharing with a large group.
- Happy Hour Specials: Weekday happy hours feature discounted select draft beers, house wines, and specialty cocktails like the Tres Tequila Rita.
- Sports Viewing: Massive high-definition TVs line the bar area, broadcasting major NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC events. It's a popular gathering spot for sports fans looking for a lively watch party atmosphere in Honolulu.
For official updates on current promotional combo meals, you can check the Dave & Buster's Honolulu Location Page. For center-wide details, reference the Ala Moana Center Directory.
Weekly Promos and Special Discounts
Timing your visit right can save you a significant amount of money. Beyond Wednesday game discounts, the Ala Moana venue hosts several recurring weekly events:
- College Nights: Bring a valid college ID on designated nights to secure extra game play incentives.
- Military and First Responder Discounts: Eligible personnel often receive percentage discounts off food and non-alcoholic beverages by showing a valid ID to their server.
- Play & Eat Combos: Look out for promotional packages that bundle a Power Card purchase with select entrées for a flat rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can minors visit Dave & Buster's Hawaii unaccompanied?
Minors are generally welcome, but underage guest policies often require visitors under a certain age to be accompanied by an adult aged 25 or older during evening hours. Check current local door policies before arriving with teenagers late at night.
Do I need to make a reservation for the restaurant?
Reservations aren't strictly required for the arcade floor, but securing a table ahead of time is recommended if you plan to eat during peak weekend hours or want prime seating for a major sports broadcast.
How do digital tickets work on the Power Card?
Every ticket you win gets automatically stored on the chip inside your card. You can check your current balance at any kiosk on the gaming floor or directly at the prize redemption counter before you cash out.
Is parking at Ala Moana Center really free?
Yes, general parking across the massive Ala Moana Center property is completely free, making it a convenient spot to park for an entire afternoon of shopping and entertainment.
