There are so many fun things to see in Hawaii during the day, but when the sun goes down, it’s time to explore the top things to do in Honolulu at night.
Honolulu is typically known for its wealth of daytime activities such as surfing, sunbathing, and sightseeing, but the city takes on a totally different vibe after dark.
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Located on Oahu, the most densely populated island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Honolulu offers visitors from the United States and the rest of the world plenty of options for a great night out.
Whether you’re looking for a night full of live music, delicious cuisine, or cultural exploration, this city will have you staying out from sundown to sunup!
Pssst, heading to Honolulu? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
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If you’re unsure where to begin for the best things to do in Honolulu at night, I’ve got your back with this complete Honolulu nightlife guide.
20 Fun Things to Do in Honolulu at Night
1. Dance the night away at Paradise Cove Luau
Paradise Cove Luau was the setting for one of my favorite nights out in Honolulu during my most recent Hawaii trip.
Luaus are steeped in traditional Hawaiian culture, featuring fire dancers, delectable food, and fun entertainment.
At Paradise Cove, you can dance the night away to live music and marvel at the performers as they twirl and spin with flames.
This luau is an exciting way to experience local Hawaiian music and dance once the sun sets.
2. Embark on a sunset cruise
For a romantic night out in Honolulu, join a Hawaiian sunset cruise.
You’ll be treated to amazing views while you sail around the island of Oahu, and some sunset dinner cruise options include food and drinks.
This is the perfect way to spend an evening with your loved one or even treat yourself to some rest and relaxation!
Plus, a sunset cruise is a perfect opportunity to get some amazing photos of the iconic Honolulu skyline painted in golden sunset colors.
3. Stroll down Kalakaua Avenue
At night, Kalakaua Avenue has an exciting vibe as neon signs light up the street with bright colors.
The shops along Kalakaua Avenue stay open well into the night so you can get in some late-night shopping and souvenir hunting.
Bursting at the seams with restaurants, bars, and shops galore, this bustling street is the perfect place to mingle with locals while discovering all that this vibrant area has to offer.
I recommend starting your journey at Ala Moana and continuing toward Kapi’olani Regional Park—you’ll never run out of things to do along Kalakaua Avenue!
4. Listen to music at Blue Note Hawaii
Calling all jazz fanatics—this one’s for you! Continue your night exploring Kalakaua Avenue by stopping into Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu’s most popular jazz bar.
Blue Note Hawaii offers a unique venue for live music performances that feature top jazz and blues artists from around the world.
This is the perfect spot to cozy up with a few drinks and an appetizer or kick back and enjoy the atmosphere.
The amphitheater-style stage allows everyone in attendance to get a great view of the performances, making for an unforgettable night.
5. Watch the sky light up with fireworks
Every Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a sparkling firework show that illuminates the entire neighborhood of Waikiki.
You can watch the dazzling show from the beach for free, making this the perfect budget-friendly nighttime activity.
For those staying at the Hilton, you have special access to even more spectacular views from the hotel’s poolside seating.
It might be a splurge to stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, but it’s worth one night to experience this nighttime event!
But of course, you don’t have to be a guest to see and enjoy the show. Another fun option is booking a fireworks cruise where you can admire the views from the water. I think this would be fun to add to a list of things to do in Honolulu with kids.
6. Head to Chinatown for live music
For music lovers, there’s no better place to be than Honolulu’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood.
This is the city’s live music hub with endless clubs and bars featuring everything from hip hop to indie rock, jazz, world music, and more.
Enjoy drinks at one of the many bars or lounge venues, and let the music take you away for a night of fun.
Visiting Chinatown after dark offers a great chance to explore some of Honolulu’s local culture.
7. Enjoy the sunset on Waikiki Beach
It might seem simple, but one of the best things to do in Honolulu at night is catch the sunset from Waikiki Beach.
There’s no better place to watch the sun dip below the Hawaii horizon than on Waikiki Beach.
Watching the sky change over Oahu from hues of pink and orange to navy blue is a mesmerizing experience that’s truly unbeatable.
Take a blanket and relax on the sand, or sit at one of the many beach bars and restaurants that line this iconic stretch of paradise.
I recommend packing a picnic to enjoy on the beach—bring a light jacket, some drinks, and a few friends for an amazing night out.
8. Sing some karaoke at Wang Chung’s
Wang Chung’s is the karaoke spot to beat in Honolulu, making it a can’t-miss place.
Each night, this karaoke joint gets packed with locals and visitors looking to sing their hearts out to their favorite tunes.
With over 5,000 songs in the catalogs, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Even if singing is not your forte, you can still have a great time hanging out with friends at Wang Chung’s, thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food options.
9. Go on a nighttime dive
If you’re a certified diver looking for an amazing experience, consider joining an Oahu nighttime scuba dive tour.
Your scuba guide will meet with you just before sunset and take you to the first dive site.
As you explore beneath the ocean surface, be prepared to come across vibrant coral reefs, spectacular shipwrecks, and various marine creatures like turtles and rays.
Night dives are only available for certified divers, but GetYourGuide has some daytime scuba dive options for all experience levels.
10. Indulge at Duke’s Waikiki
Experiencing the nightlife at Duke’s Waikiki, a beloved local restaurant, is a must when in Honolulu.
Duke’s has delicious food and a vibrant dance floor—what more could you need for an incredible night out?
Plus, Duke’s is located right on the beach, making it a great place to watch the sunset and settle in for a night of fun.
As you step through the doors, you can feel the authentic Hawaii vibes that make everyone feel welcome.
Try the world-famous hula pie, made with a chocolate cookie crust and indulgent macadamia nut ice cream.
11. Get spooked on a Honolulu ghost tour
Horror and paranormal lovers who want to get in touch with Honolulu’s spooky side should spend an evening on a guided ghost tour.
You’ll get a whole new appreciation for the dark and mysterious side of Honolulu while hearing haunted tales and stories from locals.
As a bonus, ghost hunters who join a Honolulu nighttime tour will also learn some unique nuggets of local history and culture.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that will have you looking over your shoulder all night long!
12. Grab a drink at Mai Tai Bar Waikiki
No trip to Honolulu is complete without enjoying happy hour or a nightcap at Mai Tai Bar Waikiki. It’s known for being the OG spot where the mai tai was invented!
Mai Tai Bar Waikiki always offers fun drinks and food specials, and this spot provides gorgeous views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
If you’re feeling peckish, try a plate of delicious and aesthetic Pink Palace Pancakes, or order a Cheese Board to share.
This bar serves some of the best drinks in town, with tasty mai tai cocktails that will have you wanting to try them all—and why not? You’re on a Hawaiian vacation, after all!
13. Catch a Rock-A-Hula Show
Experience the vibrant culture of Hawaii by catching a Rock-A-Hula Show at the Royal Hawaiian Theater.
This mesmerizing performance pays homage to traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and culture.
Learning about the history of Hawaii through mesmerizing music, dance, and storytelling is an experience like no other.
As a bonus, your ticket to the Rock-A-Hula Show not only grants you entry to the performance but also includes a yummy buffet dinner and drinks for you to enjoy.
14. Dine at House Without a Key
One of the best things to do in Honolulu at night is dining at House Without a Key.
House without a Key, nestled in the majestic Halekulani Hotel, is an exceptional bar and seafood restaurant famed for its gorgeous sunset views, live music, and top-notch cuisine—count me in!
There isn’t anywhere else on the island quite like House Without a Key, and while it’s on the pricier side, I can tell you it’s worth the splurge.
15. Hit the dance floor at Nextdoor
When it comes to an unforgettable night out in Honolulu packed with good vibes and even better music, there’s no place like Nextdoor.
This concert hall hosts some of Honolulu’s most popular DJs, as well as live acts that will keep you dancing all night long.
With its massive dance floor and extensive bar area, you can easily make Nextdoor the highlight of your night on the town.
16. Visit the iconic Scarlet Honolulu
Home to the world-famous pineapple stage, Scarlet Honolulu is an iconic local spot for fun nights out.
I actually learned about Scarlet Honolulu from a cab driver who recommend it, and I’m so glad I decided to check it out!
This crazy fun entertainment venue hosts the best drag shows in Honolulu, and the atmosphere is everything you could want in a night on the town.
If you want to turn your evening up a notch and explore the vibrant downtown scene at night, make sure to swing over to Scarlet Honolulu.
17. Sip on a cocktail at Bar Leather Apron
If your Hawaii vacation needs something outside of the ordinary, Bar Leather Apron is the perfect nighttime destination.
With a wide range of cocktails and drink options to make sure everyone has something to enjoy, it comes as no surprise that Bar Leather Apron is one of Honolulu’s top-rated bars.
This speakeasy-style bar may be pricy, but its incredible food and drink creations justify the price.
18. Taste some brews at Honolulu Beerworks
If you love the vibes at Maui Brewing Company, located on the second largest Hawaii island of Maui, make sure to check out Honolulu Beerworks.
Honolulu is the perfect place to spend a relaxed evening with friends, and this beloved local brewery offers a laidback, all-American beer bar atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of seating for any size group along with a bar that serves up tasty handcrafted brews.
Craft beers are the star of this show, and you can pair them with their delicious bar foods like soft pretzels and pizza.
This neighborhood brewery is a great spot to spend a lowkey evening catching up with friends and family—Honolulu Beerworks also has a killer happy hour menu!
19. Head to Eat the Street
On the last Friday of every month, Eat the Street—a mouthwatering food festival—is held in downtown Honolulu.
This festival is a great way to explore cuisines and dishes from local vendors, such as Japanese street food and traditional Hawaiian eats, like loco moco, poi, and haupia.
Not only that but there’s also live music and fun activities for all ages at Eat the Street.
Plus, this festival offers free admission so you don’t have to worry about hurting your wallet.
20. Explore the Honolulu Zoo after dark
Make the most of your weekend in Honolulu by taking one of the Twilight Tours offered at the Honolulu Zoo on Friday and Saturday nights.
You’ll get the chance to see wild animals like rhinos, elephants, and giraffes getting ready for bed while others are just awakening for nocturnal activities.
Experienced guides will share all kinds of fun facts about these captivating creatures while also educating visitors on the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Honolulu Zoo also hosts a stargazing event on Fridays where you can explore the sky with telescopes while learning about astronomy.
There you have my top 20 recommendations for fun things to do in Honolulu at night!
Tag me on Insta (@wtfab) if you check out any of these activities so I can see what adventures you get into.
Heading to Honolulu? Be sure to explore more of my Honolulu travel guides here.
9 Best Food Trucks in Honolulu
9 Tastiest Honolulu Chinese Restaurants
FAQs
Yes, Honolulu is home to some incredible nighttime activities.
I recommend the Honolulu Zoo Twilight Tours or a Rock-A-Hula Show.
Bar Leather Apron, Bar 35, and Nextdoor are popular Honolulu bars.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
