Waikiki Nightlife Guide: Bars, Luaus, and Live Music
There is a range to the nightlife in Waikiki. You can enjoy casual beachfront bars, rooftop lounges, as well as full luau shows and live Hawaiian music. A majority of these nightlife spots are walkable from most hotels in the area enabling you to create an evening around the vibe you’re after.
There is a misconception that Waikiki nightlife is just about clubbing. There is a wide range of nightlife activities such as having low-key sunset drinks and full cultural shows. An evening out typically starts with happy hours in Waikiki. Many bars transition from discounted drinks into their full menu. We’ll cover some of the top bars and lounges, luaus, live music, and how to plan an evening that fits with your budget.
Quick Answer
Waikiki offers a variety of nightlife options including oceanfront and rooftop bars, luau shows with dinner, and live Hawaiian music at beachfront restaurants and lounges. Many venues are within walking distance of each other. Planning an evening can include a few stops with sunset drinks and a late-night show.
Key Takeaways
- Waikiki nightlife covers many options including casual bars, rooftop lounges, luaus, and live Hawaiian music
- Many bars and lounges transition from happy hour into full evening service
- Luaus typically require advance booking since they have specific showtimes
- Live Hawaiian music is often free to enjoy at beachfront restaurants and bars
- Since Waikiki is walkable, bar-hopping between a few spots in one night is possible without a car
Bars and Lounges
If you want to drink with sand between your toes or you want to watch the sunset while listening to live jazz, Waikiki has a variety of options to choose from.
Beachfront Bars in Waikiki
Arnold’s Beach Bar
If you’re wanting reasonably priced drinks in an open-air tiki dive bar, Arnold’s Beach Bar is what you’re looking for. They serve cheap tropical drinks and offer live music.
- Address: 339 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $
Duke’s Waikiki
A top beachfront location is Duke’s Waikiki. The vibe gives high-energy surf culture with a bit of nostalgia. Duke’s is famous for their Mai Tais.
- Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $$
Mai Tai Bar
For a more upscale location, you may want to check out Mai Tai Bar. You can enjoy front-row ocean views at “The Pink Palace” (The Royal Hawaiian Resort).
- Address: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $$$
Rooftop Lounges
HIDEOUT
This rooftop lounge offers a trendy, stylish, and laid-back vibe complete with fire pits and hanging swinging chairs.
- Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave. 1st Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $$
DECK
For unobstructed views of Diamond Head, check out DECK. It offers open-air and breezy scenic views.
- Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $$
SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
Located 19 stories up, SKY is a high-energy club/lounge offering a sleek and dressy atmosphere.
- Address: 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Price Tier: $$$
Luau Shows
One of the most popular activities when visiting Waikiki is to attend a Luau. Luaus typically include dinner, cultural performances, and a welcome drink. Almost all luaus require advanced booking because they have set showtimes.
Most luaus cost $100+ per person and tend to run higher than a casual night out due to the dinner-and-show format.
Top Oahu Luaus Location and Pricing
Queens Waikiki Luau
Most convenient luau in Waikiki with a fast 2.5 runtime.
- Location: International Market Place (rooftop/mall courtyard)
- Address: 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Pricing: $129-$169
Waikiki Starlight Luau
This luau offers pre-show activities such as interactive hula lessons and live music.
- Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village (green lawn)
- Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Pricing: $129-$229
Ka Moana Luau
Enjoy a farm-to-table menu of organic greens, local fish, Kalua pork, and haupia dessert. This location will require driving/rideshare/taxi.
- Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace (Honolulu Harbor)
- Address: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Pricing: $159-$229
Live Hawaiian Music
Two specific venues stand out in Waikiki for world-class dedicated music programming.
Kani Ka Pila Grille
Located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, this venue is open air and considered the premier spot on Oahu for live, traditional Hawaiian music. You can enjoy award-winning local artists and contemporary Hawaiian musicians every night from 6 pm – 9 pm.
Table seating is for those dining in and is available on a walk-in basis. Keep in mind that it fills up quick by 5:30 pm. Valet parking is available and can be validated up to 4 hours with a minimum purchase.
- Location: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
- Address: 2169 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Blue Note Hawaii
You’ll find this venue at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. It is a world-class, intimate showroom modeled after the New York jazz club.
They host live performances nightly between 6 pm and 9 pm. Programming includes international jazz, blues, reggae, and top-tier local Hawaiian artists and comedians.
You will need to purchase tickets and a digital menu is available for food and drinks during the show.
- Location: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
- Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Planning Your Night Out
Since getting around Waikiki doesn’t require a car, it is easy to plan a walkable route between 2 and 3 stops. Start with a happy hour spot, move on to dinner and/or live music, and end your evening with a late-night spot.
Luaus typically work better as a standalone night out since they last for several hours and have a fixed schedule. Be aware of dress codes for the different venues. Some are beach-casual while more upscale locations may require business casual.
Waikiki Nightlife by Type
| Type | Typical Cost | Best For | Advance Booking Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bars/lounges | $-$$ | Casual drinks, flexible plans | No |
| Rooftop bars | $$-$$$ | Elevated views, date night | Recommended for peak times |
| Luau shows | $$$-$$$$ | Cultural experience, dinner and show | Yes |
| Live music venues | $-$$ | Free entertainment with a meal/drink | No |
FAQ Section
Yes. Waikiki is highly walkable with most bars, lounges, and music venues within walking distance of each other.
Yes. Luaus are ticketed events and have fixed showtimes. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel season.
In most cases, yes. Many beachfront restaurants and bars feature live music without a separate cover charge. However, purchasing a meal or drink is typically expected.
Most shops and restaurants close between 9 pm and 10 pm.
Final Thoughts
Nightlife in Waikiki offers a variety of fun options. Everything from oceanfront and rooftop bars to dinner and live music. It is easy to plan a fun evening out that is walkable from your hotel in Waikiki. When planning to attend a luau, you may want to keep that plan as a separate event as they can last for several hours.
Last but not least, you’ll want to check what the dress code is for the venue you want to attend. Most are casual while upscale locations may require business casual attire.
