Hawaii offers some of the best beaches you can imagine, along with sunny days, thrilling water sports, Hula dancing, and the promise of a glorious, laid back vacation. The capital, Honolulu, is Hawaii’s most popular city and is filled with exotic activities, restaurants, and shops. Its vibrant nightlife scene calls for a sampling of the best nightlife in Honolulu, and we have done just that. So, enjoy your trip with some of these amazing nightlife attractions the city has in store for you!
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1. Live Music Experiences in Honolulu
One of the great things about a trip to Hawaii is its relaxing and laid back atmosphere. What could be more serene than a nice tropical cocktail while listening to some soothing live music. Honolulu has ample options to make this wish of yours come true. No matter what genre of music you love, the city offers it all.
If you haven’t imagined dancing the Hula while in Hawaii, you haven’t thought enough about coming to Hawaii. It is impossible not to have some time reserved for Hula dancing while in Honolulu. Banyan Court is one of the best beach bars in the city. The most attractive aspect of this open-air bar is the live music. Imagine sunset and hula dancing to live drumbeats and sipping tropical cocktails. Your trip couldn’t be summed up better.
If you love Irish Whiskey or Coffee with a taste of live music, you should check out Kelley O’Neil’s. They have different artists every day of the week, and are known for their friendly staff and lively atmosphere. Combine the foot-tapping music with your favorite beer, cocktail, or bar food, and you’ll have a fun night to yourself. If you’re looking for a place with a local vibe, where you won’t see a lot of tourists, this is the place to go.
2. Sunset Tour Via Boat
No trip to Honolulu could be complete without experiencing one of the city’s spectacular sunset boat tours. You will not only witness the most panoramic sunset you have ever seen, but you will be offered a variety of high class amenities. You can sip on unique, Hawaiian cocktails, eat some of the freshest seafood, enjoy a hula show, or gaze at the Friday night fireworks. It is the perfect way to relax. You might even have an intimate time with your special someone or discover it’s the perfect location to propose to them for eternity.
Some tours offer a high end, three course dinner and an open bar, while shorter tours might offer appetizers and happy hour drinks. One of the most sought-after cruises is the Ocean Joy Ko Olina Island-Style Sunset Dinner Cruise & Snorkel Tour, which includes snorkeling in the afternoon, followed by one of the most beautiful sunsets alongside a scrumptious dinner and cocktails.
3. Best Bars & Drinking Spots In Honolulu
Tropical cocktails and beach bars will always be a must when experiencing the best nightlife Honolulu has to offer. One of Honolulu’s unique offerings is the Party Bike Brewpub Tour, an exciting pub-crawl on Hawaii’s only 15 passenger beer bike. This is a once and a lifetime experience beer lovers won’t want to miss! You’ll bike through the downtown art districts and visit three of the city’s most popular bars. Your included tour guide can recommend each pub’s best food and drinks and will also share a lot about the history of the area. If you book your tour at night, you’ll also get to experience the Waikiki district’s nightlife! Whether it’s your bachelorette, birthday party, or first vacation in Hawaii, you should definitely enjoy this unique way of bar-hopping.
If you’re searching for gorgeous sunset views, live music, and the ocean just a breath away, look no further than the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Unwind with one of their unique cocktail creations, such as the Vic’s 44, a twist on a classic Mai Tai. Frequent customers also highly recommend the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai. As you enjoy your drinks, take in the beautiful scenery and listen to the gentle wash of the ocean waves. This is one of the best places in the city to try some exotic tropical cocktails, enjoy the best meal you’ve ever had, and be awe-struck by the amazing view. It is a true Hawaiian experience!
4. Best Food Spots & Eateries In Honolulu
If you’re searching for a restaurant with traditional, local food, Helena’s Hawaiian Food is the place to go! This cash only Hawaiian comfort food restaurant is known for some of the best Hawaiian food on the island. With cheap prices, delicious local staples, and a James Beard Award to brag about, Helena’s is a must visit while on Oahu! Don’t forget to bring cash and expect a bit of a wait when searching for parking as this place is always popping!
Honolulu is also host to some amazing cuisines from around the world. 1938 Indochine prepares mouth-watering southeast asian cuisine. With exotic dishes such as glass noodle shrimp and spicy lemongrass fries, everything on the menu will take your breath away. If you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine, try Istanbul Hawaii, an authentic middleastern restaurant located in the heart of Honolulu’s Kaka’ako district. Their most popular items are the lamb tenderloin or the mezze platter, for those who’d rather try an assortment of dishes in small portions. Don’t forget to order a drink from their craft cocktail menu! For our gluten-free and vegan readers, Istanbul Hawaii has many eating options and is a great choice when in the Honolulu area.
5. Assorted Nightlife Venues In Honolulu
Honolulu has some unique, nighttime attractions. If you’re lucky enough to be traveling around the first Friday of the month, then we highly recommend joining Honolulu’s First Fridays in the downtown area. It is a carnival affair with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques that come together to celebrate and welcome you for a lovely celebration. There’s no admittance fee; you simply pay for what you buy. You might even end up watching some amazing entertainment from a local street artist. You won’t forget this lively atmosphere and special, Honolulu experience.
Another great place to enjoy Hawaiian nightlife is the Karaoke Hut. You can mingle with the crowd and showcase your singing talent or book a private karaoke room. This bar lets you do both, all while holding a drink in hand. You can sing the night away, and no one will stop you! Head here and live your life to the fullest.
Finally, we’ve saved the best for last! If you’re looking for a bar with Hawaian vibes, live music, amazing food and drinks, and dancing, Cuckoo Coconuts Waikiki is the place for you! Guests rave about their delicious cocktails that are served in real pineapples and coconuts. We recommend trying their pina colada, served in a giant, fresh pineapple. You can come to Cuckoo Coconuts to dance the night away or to simply sit at a table and relax with friends. They have an amazing staff and large groups rave about their exemplary service. This bar has the best of it all and is our TOP recommendation when looking for the best nightlife in Honolulu. You do not want to miss this amazing bar!
Wrapping Up The Best nightlife in Honolulu
Although Honolulu is never-ending, we have tried to compile some incredible experiences in this best nightlife in Honolulu guide. We hope you will have the time of your life experiencing some of these unique attractions. We recommend that first time visitors spend at least a couple of days here to enjoy the nightlife thoroughly.
If you are already dreaming of tropical cocktails and hula dancing, check out some excellent Honolulu accommodations on our platform Rental Trader. We have a vast selection of vacation rentals, hotels, homestays, and more. If you want to know more about these accommodations, fill out the webform below, or feel free to contact us via the Contact Us page on our website.
