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.

Since the Hawaii climate is pretty consistent throughout the year with only minor temperature changes, you can travel there any time of the year. While the humidity is pretty high, the constant tropical breezes keep the conditions pretty comfortable throughout the year. During the day you will be comfortable in a T-shirt or an Aloha shirt and a pair of sandals. Once the sun sets you will probably want to wear a light jacket since the temperatures can fall around ten degrees.

The mountains provide a range climate zones and differences in the weather at various elevations due to their shielding effect. The very distinctive micro climates are common in the interior valleys, mountains and beaches of Hawaii. Due to the warm surface temperatures of the ocean and Hawaii’s position at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii has only two seasons. Both the winter season and the summer season are warm, one with a bit more rainfall.

Hawaii Climate During Summer

If you visit Hawaii between April and November, you can expect warm and dry conditions. The average temperature during the summer season ranges from 75to 88. During these months the northeastern trades wind bring most of the rainfall to the leeward side of the islands. These rains bring a welcome relief from the normally hot and dry weather.

Where you are on the islands will depend how warm it is on any given day. For example, on the side sheltered from the wind i.e., the west and southern sides, temperatures are usually hot and dry. The east and north windward sides, which get the wind’s full force, are generally cooler and moister. So, if you want wet, humid, tropical jungle-type weather, go windward. For a more arid, sunbaked climate and go leeward.

The Hawaii Climate of Winter

During the months of December through March the temperatures are normally a little cooler. The average temperature is usually between 68-80 F. In Hawaii the winter months are considered the rainy season, with the heaviest down pours between October and April. During these months storms are common, but they usually pass through rather quickly with little incident. There will likely be more days that are cloudy which may interfere with you sunbathing, but it rarely rains for more than three consecutive days.

If you enjoy surfing you will probably want to visit during the winter since this is the surf season. If you are planning on doing some whale watching you will have the best chance of spotting these magnificent creatures from January to March.

The Mountains Influence the Hawaii Climate

In Kauai, you will find Mt. Waialele, which is the wettest area on the planet. This area receives an amazing 38 feet or 420 inches of rainfall annually. Just a few short miles away, Waimea Canyon is dry as can be and has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. On the Big Island of Hawaii you will find Hilo, which receives at least 180 inches of rain each year. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the country, but just 60 miles away you can find Puako which receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. If you want to discover some of the natural beauty that can be found in the higher elevations like Mauna Kea, be sure to wear clothing that is appropriate for cooler temperatures. The temperatures will drop by about 3.5 degrees for each 1,000 feet above sea level.

Watching the sunrise from the summit at Mt. Haleakala is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. While it is a great idea, be sure that you have bundled up with gloves and a scarf as the temperature can be as low as 30 F! Also, keep in mind that at such high elevations, there is less protection from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and bring sunglasses and a hat. In the mountains the climate can change from summer to winter in just a few hours so you need to go well prepared. This special Hawaii climate makes it possible for you to ski on Mauna Kea in winter and sun bathe on the Kona Coast, on the best beaches in Hawaii all on the same day.

Everyone has, at one point, dreamt of going to Hawaii. The warm sun on your skin, the festive mood of the islands, and of course, the amazing beaches: It is truly the paradise for many people.

Unfortunately, these same people are saddened when they realize the need to return to their normal lives. Unless they plan to start settling here permanently, they will have to return to normalcy. It is a shame to leave such a beautiful place without at least taking something back home.

What’s stopping you from buying souvenirs, though? There are a good number of novelty items to be found in Hawaii. There are so many crafts available, in fact, that the problem will be choosing the right souvenir to bring home.

Even so, I would dearly recommend having as wide of a selection as you possibly can when buying your souvenir. So if you’re in Hawaii, and you’re getting ready to go home, don’t just buy trinkets from the first shop that you see. Broaden your options; that way you can choose the most adequate one for you.

I would recommend something else instead; mainly, try going to a craft show in Hawaii. There, you’ll have a wide selection of things to buy, as the works of various craftspeople are showcased. Your eyes will brighten with the rich culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Now all you have to do is to find a craft show occurring near where you’re currently staying.

Do you want to find craft shows near where you’re staying? Then go online and search for Hawaii craft shows, I assure you that in no time at all, you will find a website that lists down all the craft shows occurring annually. Go to a craft show, and find the right souvenir to bring home.

Do you plan on going to Hawaii soon, preparing for the big trip? If this is the case, then go search for craft shows online as well. This time, though, you get the added benefit of preparing your lodging in such a way that will make it within the vicinity of the show.