What Does All Oahu’s Nightlife Have To Offer You?
Hawaii boasts a magical tropical paradise no matter what island you visit. With each special in its own way and with its own way of life, you can’t go wrong. However, Oahu may just have its own special magic, with a mix of urban vibe in the bigger cities and the same laid-back, slow country life you might find in sleepy towns in more rural areas even in the continental United States. Even with this, though, the nightlife in Oahu can’t be beat, with its exciting, varied, and never ending “beat” that goes on long after the sun sets.
Honolulu Beachfront Bars
The Waikiki beachfront bars give one an ample opportunity to see amazing Hawaiian sunsets from a unique vantage point. At the regal Halekulani Hotel, House without a Key has been frozen in time forever, in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel. Here, crowds still gather for cocktails at sunset, with two hula dancers who dance gracefully, both previously crowned “Miss Hawaii.”
Another favorite nightspot, Duke’s Canoe Club at the Waikiki Outrigger Club, has music by popular Hawaiian musicians of contemporary mode even as you sip your favorite cocktail along with other vacationing comrades.
Visit the Aloha Tower, and you can see live musicians play rhythm and blues at the waterfront’s Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant. If you visit Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, drinks are one to five dollars off, and happy hours during this time offer tasty snacks like tapas, mini pizzas, or egg rolls. On weekends, listen to live musicians play contemporary Hawaiian rock.
Great Food, Wonderful Music
When you dine at Chai’s Island Bistro, you will understand why it is one of the hottest spots in the Oahu nightlife. Where else can you get exceptional East-West cuisine and a stellar lineup of Hawaiian musicians such as the Makaha Sons, Cazimero Brothers and Nathan Aweau of Hapa? On weekend nights, it doubles up as a disco till the early morning hours.
Oahu after dark is just as hot as it is during the day under the hot sun. Warehouse turned disco Pipeline can fit club hoppers who are 18 or over, many of them who surf all over the world. Partygoers here can try playing pool, darts, or can dance at concerts while they listen to exceptional musicians like Ziggy Marley, Evanescence, and the Black Eyed Peas.
Oahu Jazz
No matter what your tastes are, you can find something in the Oahu nightlife for you. If you like traditional music, there is Hawaiian singer Mihana Souza, who brings her own flavor of island music on Thursdays, but for the rest of the week, listen to contemporary jazz at Lewers Lounge, in the Halekulani. You can also sip cocktails made from exotic tropical flavors like guava and lychee.
If after lying on the beach all day, you are up to dancing all night, Anna Bannanas is the place for you. Still going strong after 30 years, it is a much loved Oahu hangout for its cheap drinks specials. Clubbers converge on weekends to dance to the music of rock and reggae bands. You can also hang loose at Lulu’s Surf Club. It has a retro-surf atmosphere and a priceless view of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Steps away from the beach, you can have great food and drinks from 7am till 4am.
Not to be compared with Los Angeles or New York, Oahu’s nightlife is a bit more casual and laid-back. However, don’t think you won’t have just as much fun. And with that glorious Pacific sunset to greet you, this incomparable tropical paradise always keeps the night young.
