Entertainment Overview

Oahu is the best of all the islands for nightlife. The locals call it pau hana but you might call it "off the clock and ready for a cocktail." The literal translation of the Hawaiian phrase means "done with work." On weeknights, it's likely that you'll find the working crowd still in their casual business attire sipping a few gin and tonics even before the sun goes down. Those who don't have to wake up in the early morning change into a fresh outfit and start the evening closer to 10 PM.

On the weekends, it's typical to have dinner at a restaurant before hitting the clubs around 9:30. Some bar hoppers start as early as 7, but partygoers typically don't patronize more than two establishments a night. That's because getting from one Oahu nightspot to the next usually requires packing your friends in the car and driving.

You can find a bar in just about any area on Oahu. Most of the clubs, however, are centralized to Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Downtown Honolulu. The drinking age is 21 on Oahu and throughout Hawaii. Many bars will admit younger people but will not serve them alcohol. By law, all establishments that serve alcoholic beverages must close by 2 AM. The only exceptions are those with a cabaret license, which have a 4 AM curfew. Most places have a cover charge of $5 to $10, but with some establishments, getting there early means you don't have to pay.

Luau

The luau is an experience that everyone, both local and tourist, should have. Today's luau still adhere to traditional foods and entertainment, but there's also a fun, contemporary flair. With most, you can even watch the roasted pig being carried out of its imu, a hole in the ground used for cooking meat with heated stones.

Luau cost anywhere from $56 to $195. Most that are held outside of Waikiki offer shuttle service so you don't have to drive. Reservations are essential.

Note: The Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel does a Wednesday evening luau in summer only comparable to those at the Sheraton-Waikiki's sister hotel, the Royal Hawaiian.