Choose Your Night: What Kind of Evening Are You After?
Not every night calls for the same energy. Here’s a quick way to match your mood to your plan:
| Vibe |
What to Look For |
| Laidback |
Rooftop bars, beachside lounges, acoustic sets |
| Live Music |
Intimate venues, hotel bars, weekly residencies |
| Dance Floor |
Clubs and late-night DJ sets along Kalākaua and Seaside |
| Culture Focused |
Hawai‘i Theatre, lū‘au performances, cultural showcases |
| Date Night |
Cocktail lounges, fine-dining restaurants, sunset views |
| Late-Night Eats |
Saimin spots, ramen, 24-hour plate lunch, and desserts |
Live Music in Waikiki: Where to Find It & What to Expect
Waikiki has a thriving live music scene. Much of it is rooted in the traditions of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, ukulele, and contemporary island sounds, alongside jazz, reggae, and covers that keep the energy going all night.
Where to Look
Hotel bars and open-air lounges are your best bet for consistent nightly programming. Many venues along Kalākaua Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard feature resident musicians several nights a week. Check venues’ social pages or websites before you go, as sets can rotate seasonally.
Here at Prince Waikiki, the Hinana Bar hosts SunSets LIVE every Friday through Sunday — a fun and convenient way to ease into your evening with upbeat sets from favorite local artists. R3mix features live DJs with DJ KK taking the pool deck every Saturday and DJ Jem every Sunday. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and the kind of place where you show up for a beverage (and end up staying for a few more).
Tips for a Good Experience
- Arrive early for popular sets. Good seats at intimate venues go fast, especially on weekends.
- Check for cover charges. Many hotel bars are free with a drink minimum, while standalone venues may charge $10 – $25.
- Minimum spends are common at higher-end lounges, typically $20 – $30 per person.
- Hawaiian music nights tend to draw a knowledgeable local crowd; ask our Prince Waikiki concierge and staff for their recommendations.
Cocktail Lounges: Elevated Drinks & Great Ambiance
Honolulu has a sophisticated cocktail scene, and Waikiki is home to some of its finest. No matter if you’re after a classic mai tai made perfectly or something more inventive with local ingredients, you’ll find it here.
What to Look For
The best cocktail bars in Waikiki tend to distinguish themselves through locally sourced ingredients — think Hawaiian sea-salt rims, lilikoi (passionfruit) infusions, fresh sugarcane, and spirits made on O‘ahu. Many lounges offer menus that rotate with what’s in season, which has become a point of pride across the island.
Right here at Prince Waikiki, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar offers a daily Happy Hour from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, complete with food and drink specials. Enjoy a Lychee & Peach martini, a Lilikoi Sunset spritz, or a signature Aloha x Prince Waikiki jibiru lager before heading out for the evening.
When to Go
Weeknights between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM tend to offer the best atmosphere without the weekend crowd. Sunset hour (roughly 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, depending on the season) is the peak time for ambiance at ocean view bars, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Dance Floors & DJs: Where to Dance in Waikiki
For those who want to move, Waikiki has a handful of reliable options ranging from hotel nightclubs to more intimate dance bars.
What to Know Before You Go
- Dress codes vary by venue. Most Waikiki clubs are smart-casual — clean sneakers are generally fine, but beachwear, flip-flops, and overly casual attire are often turned away after 10:00 PM. A few higher-end spots lean toward dressy.
- Peak hours don’t kick in until 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM. In general, if you want to avoid lines entirely, aim for 10:00 PM –10:30 PM.
- For cover charges, expect a $10–$20 cover at popular spots on Friday and Saturday nights. Some venues offer guest list options through their websites or hotel concierge connections; it’s worth asking about before you go.
- Where to look: The Kalākaua Avenue corridor and the streets just off it (Seaside Avenue, Royal Hawaiian Avenue) are the heart of Waikiki’s nightlife. For the latest information on where to dance the night away, be sure to check in with our Prince Waikiki concierge.
Hawaii Theatre & Cultural Entertainment
O‘ahu’s performing arts scene is genuinely world-class, and a night out at a cultural showcase can be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
Hawai’i Theatre Center
The historic Hawai’i Theatre Center in downtown Honolulu is one of the most beautiful venues in the Pacific. The restored 1922 National Historic landmark hosts everything from Broadway touring productions and classical concerts to stand-up comedy and film screenings. Check their calendar before your trip and book in advance for popular shows.
Cultural Showcases & Lū‘au
Several venues around Waikiki offer evening lū‘au experiences featuring hula performances, Hawaiian music, and traditional food. These range from large resort productions to more intimate cultural showcases. Look for events that involve Hawaiian cultural practitioners, as the authenticity of the performance makes a significant difference.
Comedy & Live Performance
The Honolulu comedy scene has grown in recent years, with regular showcases at dedicated venues and pop-up events at bars and clubs. View local sites like the O‘ahu Events Calendar and Honolulu Magazine local events, or connect with our concierge to see what’s on during your stay at Prince Waikiki.
Three Quick Itineraries
Not sure how to structure your evening? These three itineraries cover the bases; pick the one that matches your mood.
Sunset-to-Starlight Date Night
- 5:00 PM – Start at Hinana Bar at Prince Waikiki for SunSets LIVE. Grab two seats poolside before the set begins and order something cold.
- 7:30 PM – Head to 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar or one of Waikiki’s fine-dining Honolulu restaurants for dinner. The stretch along Kalākaua has options for every budget, from inventive Hawaiian-fusion to classic steak and seafood.
- 9:30 PM – Settle into a cocktail lounge for a nightcap. Pick one with a rooftop or ocean view if you can; the city at night from above is something else.
Friends’ Night Out
- 7:00 PM – Get the energy up and dine at one of the more casual Honolulu restaurants near the main Waikiki strip.
- 9:00 PM – Bar crawl along Kalākaua and Seaside. Start with a local libation somewhere lively, then follow the music.
- 10:30 PM – Find a dance floor. Hit your stride around 11:00 PM when things get properly busy.
- 1:00 AM – Late-night bites to end the night (see below).
Low-Key Night
- 6:00 PM – Catch the tail end of sunset from a beachside bar. No rush.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner and an excellent beverage somewhere unhurried; a spot with outdoor seating, good food, and a view.
- 9:00 PM – Back to the hotel. In-room dining from Prince Waikiki’s room service menu, a good book or movie, and the sound of the ocean through the window.
Late-Night Bites in Waikiki
One of the great joys of a night out in Honolulu is what happens after midnight. The city has a fantastic late-night food culture that you’ll both anticipate and appreciate.
- Saimin & Ramen: In particular, saimin — a unique Hawaiian noodle soup with Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino influences — is essential late-night eating. Several spots near Waikiki serve it well into the early hours.
- Poke: Fresh poke is available at various spots around Waikiki, though hours vary. If you haven’t had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner yet, late night is your last chance.
- Plate Lunch Comfort Food: Manapua (Hawaiian-style steamed buns), loco moco, and plate lunch staples don’t disappear after sundown. Look for local spots just off the main Waikiki strip for the most authentic versions.
- Dessert Runs: Shave ice at night hits differently. Several spots on Kapahulu Avenue — including Waiola Shave Ice and Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice — stay open late and are worth the short walk.
- Grab-and-Go: Most convenience stores (look for ABC Stores, which are everywhere in Waikiki) stock musubis, snacks, and drinks for those nights when you just need something quick on the way back to the hotel.
Practical Information: Budget, Logistics & Getting Around
What Things Cost
- Cover charges: $0 – $25 depending on venue and night
- Cocktails: $14 – $22 at a decent lounge; $10 – $14 at casual bars
- Dinner at a mid-range Honolulu restaurant: $40 – $70 per person with drinks
- Rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Usually $8 – $15 for trips within Waikiki and to nearby neighborhoods
Getting Around
Most of Waikiki’s nightlife is within walking distance. The main strip is roughly a mile long, and most venues cluster within a few blocks of each other. Comfortable shoes are a genuine recommendation, not a polite suggestion. If you’re heading to downtown Honolulu for a show at the Hawai’i Theatre or venturing further afield, a rideshare is easy and affordable.
What Time Does Waikiki Nightlife Get Going?
Later than you might expect. Happy hour runs 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at most venues, but the evening really comes to life around 9:00 PM. Clubs and dance floors hit their stride closer to 11:00 PM. Plan your dinner and drinks accordingly — there’s no rush!
A Few Safety Tips to Remember
Waikiki is renowned as a very safe, well-lit, tourist-friendly area. That being said, here are a few common-sense reminders:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night in less-trafficked areas
- Stay hydrated. The combination of tropical heat, dancing, and drinks can catch you off guard. Drink water between cocktails and keep a bottle handy.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Waikiki’s sidewalks are forgiving, but heels at midnight after a long day at the beach is a recipe for regret.
- Have a plan for getting home. Know your rideshare app, know your walking route back to the hotel, and share your itinerary with someone if you’re going out solo.
- Keep valuables secure. A small crossbody bag or a hotel safe are your best friends.
Why Prince Waikiki Is the Perfect Base for Honolulu Nightlife
Location matters more than anything when you’re planning nights out — and Prince Waikiki puts you right in the middle of everything.
- Freshen up before you head out: There’s something about going back to a beautiful room to change and recharge before a big night. Prince Waikiki’s rooms and suites are designed for exactly that kind of easy luxury.
- Start the night right: Hinana Bar is on-site and ready — a proper opening act with poolside cocktails and live music before you’ve even left the hotel.
- A comfortable place to come home to: After a night out, nothing beats sliding into a well-made bed with the sound of the ocean outside. Prince Waikiki’s oceanfront rooms make the return trip just as good as the departure.
- Your concierge knows everything: The team at Prince Waikiki can point you toward the best events during your stay, help with reservations at Honolulu restaurants, arrange transportation, and flag anything special happening that week. It’s the kind of local knowledge that makes a real difference.
Whether your perfect Waikiki night is a quiet sunset cocktail or dancing until 2:00 AM, Prince Waikiki is the right place to start — and end — the evening.
Explore our latest offers and book your stay at Prince Waikiki today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waikiki nightlife like?
Waikiki offers something for every kind of night out — from laid-back beachside cocktails and live Hawaiian music to lively dance clubs, cultural performances, and late-night food runs. The main strip is walkable, safe, and buzzing most nights of the week, with the energy peaking on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where can I find live music in Waikiki?
Hotel bars are the most reliable source of nightly live music in Waikiki. Prince Waikiki’s Hinana Bar hosts SunSets LIVE every Friday through Sunday with local DJs and artists. Check venue social pages for current schedules before you go.
Is there a dress code for Waikiki bars and clubs?
Most bars are smart-casual. Clubs after 10:00 PM typically won’t admit guests in beachwear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire. A few higher-end venues skew dressier — check ahead if you’re unsure.
What time does Waikiki nightlife get started?
Happy hour typically runs 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Dinner crowds peak around 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Bars get lively around 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, and clubs don’t really hit their stride until 11:00 PM or later.
How do I get around Waikiki at night?
Most of Waikiki’s nightlife is within easy walking distance. For trips to downtown Honolulu or further afield, Lyft and Uber are reliable and affordable. Parking is limited and expensive; if you’re staying in Waikiki, leave the car behind.
