Visitors to the island of Oahu enjoy nightlife that's a step above that found on the other Hawaiian islands. For a more sleepy scene, Kauai, and especially the Big Island, are ideal. Oahu is the place to go whether you want action night after night or just a few memorable evenings out. Famous Waikiki nightlife adds a layer of definition to evening fun on Oahu. The enormous range of bars, clubs, shows, restaurants, and other things to do once the sun sets is more than enough to attract crowds of all ages looking for a good time. One of the best things about Oahu nightlife is the sweeping variety of choices.

Oahu clubs are great venues for dancing and mingling, especially for younger crowds. The large assortment of bars on Oahu caters to many ages and provide a host of different atmospheres, so finding the right tone to your night is relatively easy. From friendly neighborhood pubs to exotic seaside wine bars, there is a great selection of Oahu bars available. Getting your fill of the action in Waikiki is simple, and anyone staying right in the area will appreciate the accessibility of Oahu nightlife options. Comedy events, dinner shows, concerts at Kapiolani Park, action-packed nightclubs, and plenty of cultural shows are a few top choices for evening entertainment in Waikiki.

Honolulu comes alive at night and is another excellent area offering scores of entertainment venues for both locals and visitors. Downtown Honolulu is lit up vibrantly at nightfall, taking on a special appeal with a diverse array of things to do. Some of the most popular waterfront Oahu clubs in Honolulu are concentrated around the Aloha Tower Marketplace and Restaurant Row, where dining options are unparalleled. The clubs and bars in Oahu that are around Honolulu offer everything from top DJs to a variety of live music, from traditional Hawaiian music to contemporary rock bands. Bars in Oahu, especially in Honolulu and Waikiki, cater to many crowds. Sports bars, wine bars, jazz bars, grills, cocktail bars, beachfront bars, and more are some of the choices for the bar scene.

Oahu Map

For anyone looking for a more refined experience, nightlife in Honolulu is not limited to Oahu clubs and bars. The historic Hawaii Theatre plays host to a large array of shows and events, including the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, theater performances, and variety shows. Most major concerts and productions on Oahu are showcased at the theater. Honolulu's Neal Blaisdell Center is another energetic venue providing entertainment through many special events and concerts such as the Hawaii Opera Theatre, the Honolulu Symphony, home shows, martial arts events, and Arena Football.

A vast number of Honolulu hotels and other Oahu resorts offer their own entertainment, often booking popular gigs to attract crowds to their internal bars, jazz clubs, and wine bars. Often these are great places for aficionados to try the latest in wine trends, taste the finest scotches, and listen to great blues and jazz. The bar at Kahala Resort is a well-known spot for the 40-plus crowd looking for jazz and dancing. There are also numerous restaurant and bar venues specializing in blues and jazz music that book great acts night after night. Many hotels and resorts also host popular luaus, an experience not to be missed when visiting Oahu.

Many lobby bars in Oahu hotels and resorts are filled with the sounds of traditional Hawaiian music. The Hilton Hawaiian Village, Moana SurfRider, and the Waikiki Outrigger are well-known for regular acts performing the best of island music and hula. One of the best ways to enjoy Oahu nightlife is also the simplest: Watch the sun set softly into the gleaming Pacific Ocean anywhere along the leeward side of the island, where Honolulu and Waikiki are located. At Kuhio Beach there is a free torch-lighting ceremony and hula dancing each night. Watching sunsets is one of the best ways to appreciate the real appeal of Hawaii and all the natural island elements that are the true tourist magnet.