2 Best Nightlife in Big Island, Hawaii

You know you're in the right place when you climb the stairs to this little gem and notice that the steps are painted like piano keys. With a location in the heart of town, including a perfect view of Kailua Bay, this open-air club presents an incredible variety of music (jazz, Latin, country, classical) and special events such as dance lessons, wine tastings, and themed dress-up parties. One of the proprietors is a renowned jazz musician and plays with his own group or guest musicians. The menu of crepes is straightforward and a tad overpriced. A small cover charge helps pay the musicians a living wage. Note that Gertrude's is closed Monday and Tuesday. 

Jazz, Island, and classic-rock bands perform here nightly, and outside you may see people dancing in the sand. It's best for a tropical cocktail and an appetizer such as a poke bowl or kalua pork quesadilla. The location, on the waterfront right next to their flagship restaurant, doesn't get any better than this in town. Happy hour is 3 to 5.