With swanky designer cocktails, microbrews, themed dance clubs, splashy interiors and art after dark events, Honolulu nightclubs prove there is more to fun than just sun in Hawaii.
From edgy hangouts in Chinatown, new urban hip venues in famous hotels, upmarket national chains and over-the-top faux tiki bars, after-dark in Honolulu has seen new light.
There’s a particular draw to a brewpub that pipes more than 100 ice cold beers through five miles of metal tubing. The proof is in the enthusiastic patrons that wait up to an hour every weekend just to get into brew chain Yard’s House on the Waikiki Beachwalk.
Join in with the buzzing throngs of twenty and thirty-somethings as they taste sampler beer six packs, or try one of more than 40 different specialty martinis between each delicious appetizer.
Hanging Out After Work (pau hana)
See and be seen at The Rumfire at Sheraton Waikiki. Previously decorated in dark interiors, the 7,000 sq ft beachfront lounge is now bathed in spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.
The pau hana (after work) crowd enjoys wallet-friendly happy hour drinks and $6.00 signature cocktails. But when the stars come out, move on to a drinks menu featuring more than 100 types of rum and high-priced high-style cocktails.
Honolulu?s Best
The hip and urban Pearl at the Ala Moana Shopping Center has been named as one of the best Honolulu nightclubs. It features private tables, well stocked bars, and a cocktail menu created by a master mixologist from Las Vegas. If you stay into the wee hours, it becomes a clubbing attraction until 4 am on Friday and Saturday nights.
ArtafterDark is an event that shouldn’t be missed, even though it’s not technically part of the Honolulu nightclubs scene. This first rate event takes place on most final Fridays of the month and is put on by the Honolulu Arts Academy. Recent exhibits have included Indian miniature paintings, Tibetan sand painting, and paintings on surfboards by Bhutanese monks.
Don’t be concerned about the early closing time; you’ll never be at a loss for somewhere to go with such a thriving night life. High end wine bars are quickly becoming a popular attraction in Honolulu nightclubs. The Amuse Wine Bar has over 80 distinct wines to try, and an innovative delivery system to boot. Guests purchase and swipe wine “credit cards” at high tech carousels that automatically dispense the wines you choose. Sunday nights offer a great deal, when you can nab double the amount in vintage blends for only $25.
Chinatown First Fridays
First Fridays in Chinatown are an experience every Honolulu traveler should enjoy. Modern and edgy art galleries open their doors and have a street party for art fans. Clubbers head on to Bar 35, where they sample delicious gourmet pizzas, enjoy specialty cocktails, taste beers from all over the world, and sip bubbly champagne in roof top and indoor bars. The entertainment is complete with live bands and hot DJs to get the party started and keep it going all night.
Popular among Honolulu nightclubs in Chinatown, converted warehouse Next Door serves up New-York loft-like brick walls and high ceilings. Nationally known DJs play hip-hop, house and techno while art films are screened during the week.
If you’ve still got energy left over after a day of soaking up the sun, try heading over to Zanzabar to hear the latest and greatest in house, hip hop, trance, techno, and top 40. Styled in Egyptian decor, the club hosts salsa dancing classes and improv comedy, and accommodates up to 800 people. With world class sophistication and plenty of variety, Honolulu nightclubs are the real deal.
