Each of the Hawaiian islands is special. Each has its special draw and a different way of life. Certainly, there is nothing like Oahu, which has not only an exciting urban vibe in Honolulu but also a slower life in the country along its north and windward coasts. But one thing is for sure. The Oahu nightlife is hot, varied and exciting and picks up speed when the sun sets.

Honolulu Beachfront Bars

Beachfront bars at Waikiki offer ample opportunities to view the glorious Hawaiian sunsets. House Without A Key at the splendid Halekulani Hotel was immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel. Crowds gather for sunset cocktails, Hawaiian music and graceful hula performed by two dancers who were previously crowned Miss Hawaii.

Another long-time favorite in the Oahu nightlife is Duke’s Canoe Club at Waikiki Outrigger Club. Here you can listen to music by big name contemporary Hawaiian musicians while sipping mai-tais in the company of other vacationers.

Onward to the Aloha Tower where diners tap to live musicians playing rhythm and blues at the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant by the waterfront. Contemporary Hawaiian rock musicians play on weekends. Otherwise, from Monday-Wednesday, you can get between $1-$5 off your drinks and martinis during happy hours while noshing on delectable yet cheap pupus of egg rolls, tapas or mini-pizzas.

Great Food, Wonderful Music

Chai’s Island Bistro is one of the hottest spots in Oahu. It offers contemporary and popular Hawaiian musicians like the Cazimero Brothers, the Makaha Sons, and Nathan Aweau of Hapa. And if you like to disco, you can do so until dawn on the weekends.

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

The Oahu nightlife caters to all tastes. Lovers of jazz should watch out for nightly jazz at Duc’s Bistro except on Thursdays when Hawaiian singer Mihana Souza brings her own rendition of island music to the mike, and Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani for contemporary jazz and cocktails made from scratch with fresh juice and exotic tropical flavors such as lychee and guava.

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.

It’s not Los Angeles or New York; instead, Oahu’s nightlife is distinctly more casual and laid-back. However, it’s just as much fun if not more, with the tropics, the glorious Pacific sunset to enjoy, and the beautiful scenery, all there to give you a night to remember.

Tags: Hawaii

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