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Hawaii Nightlife Guide
Welcome to this comprehensive guide to nightlife in Hawaii. The archipelago of volcanic islands in the Central Pacific is a paradise every traveler should experience. But, most travelers don’t know Hawaii’s nightlife culture nearly as well as its beaches and culture.
Hawaii simply has some extraordinary nightlife offerings—from popular nightclubs to luxury lounges to unique events. We’ve boiled the best down to this nightlife guide so you can better explore the more vibrant side of the Islands of Aloha.
Sky Waikiki Rooftop Lounge and Bar
Sky Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s newest and hottest spots for nightlife activities. This open-air rooftop lounge and bar looks out over awe-inspiring views of the Waikiki skyline and beach. Sky Waikiki is a destination for creative craft cocktails, fine spirits, and some serious entertainment until 2am most nights.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and sophisticated way to spend a night out, Sky Waikiki is the perfect place. Make a tour of their signature tiki bars, spend time lounging on comfortable furniture, and dance the night away with expert beats from their top DJs.
Personal Opinion: Sky Waikiki has become one of our go-to places for spending a night in Hawaii. They set up a perfect atmosphere with amazing cocktails and decorations. The views at night you get of Honolulu are also incredible!
Sky Waikiki Rooftop Lounge and Bar
Mai Tai Bar
No nightlife tour in Hawaii is complete without a visit to the Mai Tai Bar. Located in Ala Moana Beach Park on the southern edge of Honolulu, it’s considered one of the best bars in America.
The Mai Tai Bar is focused one hundred percent on sophistication and luxury. Order drinks from their full-scale craft cocktail list, lounge around on their comfortable couches, and take in views of the beautiful ocean just beyond the bar. Each night, you can find a top-notch DJ setting up just the right vibe for the evening.
Personal Opinion: We recently visited Mai Tai Bar, and it’s an experience we won’t soon forget. It’s a great spot for relaxing, dancing, and soaking in the nightlife scene in Hawaii. Plus the drinks are top-notch!
Mai Tai Bar
Tin Roof Maui
Tin Roof Maui is one of the most renowned bars and lounges in Maui. They’re always hosting live music events with some of Hawaii’s best local artists and DJs. No matter what night you go, you can expect an authentically Hawaiian atmosphere with live music, great drinks at the bar, and plenty of room to get down on the dance floor.
If you’re looking for a unique spot to get an authentic taste of Maui Culture and nightlife, Tin Roof Maui is where you should be headed.
Personal Opinion: We really loved Tin Roof Maui for its fantastic atmosphere and memories we made dancing to live music!
Goofy Foot Surf Bar
Goofy Foot Surf Bar is perfect if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten-track than your standard nightlife experience. Located on Kauai’s east coast in Kapaa town, it’s an easy, laid-back spot to spend time gathering with friends, hearing some good music, and watching a big game. Their menu is filled with beach favorites, like burgers and tacos cooked on an open grill for maximum flavor. They also feature some delicious tropical cocktails to help set the vibe for a great evening.
Personal Opinion: Goofy Foot Surf Bar is not a flashy club or lounge – but that’s what makes it so great. They provide a nice atmosphere to kick back and relax and really enjoy the eclectic nature of Kauai’s nightlife scene.
Goofy Foot Surf Bar
Manao London Bar
Manao London Bar is the perfect example of combining culture and style in perfect harmony. As one of Honolulu’s only underground speakeasies, Manao London Bar has made quite a name for itself in recent years as one of the city’s premier bars. Enhancing their already successful combination of record-spinning guests DJs, craft cocktails, and small plates, this speakeasy has become well known for their impeccable atmosphere and friendly vibes.
Personal Opinion: Manao London Bar has such a unique atmosphere compared to anyplace else we’ve been to in Hawaii! The fun here comes from not only the bar staff but from meeting other cool people from all over the world here as well!
Manao London Bar
Downbeat Diner & Lounge
The Downbeat Diner & Lounge is Honolulu’s oldest full-service restaurant when it comes to nightlife. Located in Chang’s Fish Market Building next door to Chinatown, this Irie Vibes establishment has become well-known over the years for their magnificent jukebox selection, unbeatable vintage atmosphere, live roots-reggae music on weekends, and casual bar service from Wednesday through Sunday until 3am each night—which can make for some wild nights out there!
Personal Opinion: Downbeat Diner & Lounge definitely has a special ambiance that you won’t find just anywhere else in Hawaii. We’d recommend it if you’re looking for some fun that is just off the beaten path!
Downbeat Diner & Lounge
Honolulu Beerworks
This well-known establishment has grown to be one of Hawaii’s favorite craft beer breweries in recent years. Just steps away from downtown Honolulu at Kaka’ako Waterfront Park, Honolulu Beerworks offers some of the widest selections of local craft beer anywhere in Hawaii—20 beers on tap as well as special releases every now and again—making it one of Honolulu’s preeminent places for any beer-lover during the evening hours or late night hours!
Personal Opinion: We love Honolulu Beerworks! They always have interesting new brews on tap along with a great food selection to really complete your evening out! The atmosphere here is always super chill and welcoming too!
