Honolulu Nightlife Guide: 15 Best Bars & Clubs in Hawaii
This is my ultimate Hawaii nightlife guide featuring 15 bars, rooftop patios, speakeasies, date spots, cocktail lounges and nightclubs which I carefully selected including places such as Mai Tai Bar, Kiki’s Upstairs, Duke's, Arnold’s Beach Bar, Buho Cocina y Cantina, Shorefyre, Royal Arcade Bar, The Blind Ox and a Hawaiian Luau dinner party.
- Why: A tropical nightlife adventure in the Pacific
- When: All-year-round
- Last Call: Bars & nightclubs stay open until 3am
- Best Honolulu Happy Hours: Tiki's Grill & Bar
- Best Honolulu Cocktails: Mai Tai Bar
- Best Honolulu Bar: Arnold's Beach Bar (Friday night)
- Best Honolulu Nightclub: Kiki's Upstairs (Saturday night)
- Best Honolulu Experience: Ka Moana Luau Dinner & Show ($129 USD)
- Accommodation: You'll find the cheapest hotels on Booking.com
- Book Now: Honolulu History Pub Tour ($45 USD)
Buy Tickets for Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii's most vibrant city, invites you to experience its dynamic nightlife. With 340,000 residents, Honolulu is not just about stunning beaches and water sports; it's also a hotspot for night-time entertainment, especially in areas like Waikiki and Downtown. For a perfect start to your evening, head to the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Sip on their iconic Royal Mai Tai for $20 USD while enjoying the oceanfront ambiance.
Honolulu Map Download
Attractions • Restaurants • Rooftops
Bars • Nightclubs • Walking Routes
and Bonus Tips.
Best Places for Nightlife in Honolulu
1. Mai Tai Bar
Excellent stop for your first drink in Hawaii, located on the beach front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Try the signature Royal Mai Tai for $20 USD
2. Duke's Waikiki
Down the beach from the Mai Tai Bar and is considered a local classic. Expect live Hawaiian music every single evening from 4pm until midnight, cocktails are around $15 USD
3. Tiki's Bar & Grill
Known for their great happy hour deals. You can expect quesadillas and coconut shrimp dishes for just $6 USD, Margaritas just $11 USD. Live music from 3pm to 5pm daily.
4. Cuckoo Coconuts
At night time I suggest venturing into the heart of Waikiki and grab eats and drinks at Cuckoo Coconuts, an old fashioned Tiki bar with live music every single night.
5. Arnold’s Beach Bar
My favorite bar in Waikiki! Expect a down-to-earth crowd and cozy atmosphere. Tucked away on a side street right of Kalākaua Avenue. Beers start around $5 USD, cocktails $9 USD
6. Buho Cocina y Cantina
Go here for one of the best parties in Waikiki with a gigantic rooftop patio, multiple bars, a large dance floor and primarily a young crowd. Try their spicy margaritas and loaded mojitos. Entrance is free!
Just a stroll away is Duke's Waikiki, a favorite among locals. Here, you can enjoy live Hawaiian music from 4 pm until midnight, with cocktails priced around $15 USD. Another great spot for early evening vibes is Tiki's Bar & Grill, where happy hour delights include $6 quesadillas and coconut shrimp, with margaritas for just $11 USD. Music livens up the place from 3 pm to 5 pm daily.
7. Kiki's Upstairs
The best nightclub in Waikiki can be found at Kiki's Upstairs. You can expect a large dance floor, a fun party atmosphere, a young good-looking crowd, solid beats and open until 3am!
8. SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
Upscale rooftop experience on the 19th floor with great views overlooking Waikiki Beach. The venue is divided in 2 parts, a large lounge and a vibrant nightclub, including a private karaoke room. Entrance $20 USD on Friday night.
9. Play Bar
Laidback club with a funky colored dance floor. This is a great location if you like reggae and hiphop music. However, there is a strict door policy so do not show up intoxicated. Beers $10 USD, the entrance is also $10 USD
10. The Gallery Waikiki
A cool live music venue located on Kalākaua Avenue, the often have great live music during the early evening. Entrance is $10 USD
11. Shorefyre
Down the street you’ll find Shorefyre located atop the International Market Place This venue has a nice rooftop patio in the back with views overlooking Kalākaua Avenue. Latin nights on wednesdays along some great deals. Cover after 11pm is $10 USD
12. The Blind Ox
Most classy and popular speakeasy bar in Honolulu with incredible decor and a blinded ox located in the middle of the venue. Use their pay phone outside to be let inside.
Kiki's Upstairs at the Pupu House
For a quintessential tiki experience, visit Cuckoo Coconuts in the heart of Waikiki. This old-fashioned bar offers a lively atmosphere with live music nightly. Arnold’s Beach Bar, tucked away on a side street off Kalākaua Avenue, is the go-to for a laid-back crowd, offering beers from $5 USD and cocktails for $9 USD.
13. Royal Arcade Bar
Most fun bar in downtown Honolulu including multiple bars and a large games section with billiards, arcade machines and large screens with smash brothers. Beers start at $5 USD, cocktails $7 USD and the entrance is free!
14. The Dragon Upstairs
Famous house & techno club on Friday and Saturday nights. This place can be a hit or miss so check their instagram ahead of time for special events.
15. Luau Dinner
Now your hawaiian nights wouldn’t be complete without attending A Hawaiian luau. A luau dinner often features a feast of traditional foods like kalua pig, hula dancing and live Hawaiian music.
Don't miss the bustling scene at Buho Cocina y Cantina. This rooftop venue features a large dance floor and free entry, perfect for party-goers looking to enjoy spicy margaritas and loaded mojitos. For a dance-centric night, Kiki's Upstairs is the place to be until 3 am, offering a vibrant party environment and a young, trendy crowd.
Buho Cocina y Cantina in Hawaii
SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar elevates your night with its 19th-floor rooftop setting, offering spectacular views and a sophisticated lounge alongside a nightclub vibe. Entry costs $20 USD on Friday nights. Play Bar caters to reggae and hip hop fans, with a funky disco light dance floor and a strict door policy to maintain its chill vibe. Entry and beers are priced at $10 USD.
For live music enthusiasts, The Gallery Waikiki on Kalākaua Avenue is an ideal venue with an entrance fee of $10 USD. Nearby, Shorefyre offers Latin nights and great rooftop views, with a $10 USD cover charge after 11 pm. The Blind Ox, a popular speakeasy, provides an intriguing ambiance with unique decor and an exclusive entry process via a pay phone.
Renting a Ford Mustang to explore Oahu island in Hawaii
Royal Arcade Bar in downtown Honolulu is a lively spot with billiards and arcade games, where beers start at $5 USD and cocktails at $7 USD, with free entry. The Dragon Upstairs offers a niche scene for house & techno lovers on weekends, while a traditional Ka Moana Hawaiian Luau provides an essential cultural experience with hula dancing and local cuisine.
For a unique night activity, consider Manta Ray Night Diving at Kailua-Kona for an unforgettable underwater adventure. If you prefer cultural experiences, the free Kuhio Beach Hula Show teaches you the art of hula every Tuesday and Saturday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
View from the Tantalus Lookout
Navigating Waikiki is a breeze with Biki bicycles, available for rent at $4.50 per 30 minutes. For budget-savvy travelers, hawaiihappyhours.com lists all the best deals. Remember, nights in Hawaii often end early, making it perfect for those who plan to hit the beaches again at sunrise.
Oahu boasts a tropical climate with year-round warmth, featuring temperatures typically ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 85°F). The island has two main seasons: a drier summer from May to October and a slightly cooler, wetter winter from November to April. Despite occasional rain, showers usually pass quickly, allowing for continuous enjoyment of the island’s outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Aloha from Hawaii
Lastly, don't miss the comprehensive 6-hour Pearl Harbor Tour for $149 USD, covering historic sites and museums for a deep dive into America's wartime history. Whether you stay for a weekend or over a week, Honolulu's blend of natural beauty and vibrant nightlife promises a memorable Hawaiian adventure.
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