4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Waikiki and Diamond Head, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor

Music lovers adore this intimate venue, which draws local and national acts—jazz, rock, reggae, pop, and more—throughout the year. Comedy acts take the stage, too. Acoustics are fantastic, and seating is at tables, all with excellent views. The atmosphere is sophisticated, and the food here is excellent, too, with small and large plates offered (there's a $10 per person food or drink minimum). It's worthwhile to find out who's performing while you’re in town so you can purchase tickets in advance, since the more popular acts sell out quickly. This 300-seat room is centrally located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, so you can grab a drink at Duke’s before or after the show.

Hawaii's oldest performing arts center offers a little of everything: musicals, dramas, and experimental productions. It opened in 1915 and is the third-oldest community theater in the United States.

Since the early 1980s, the Honolulu Zoo Society has sponsored hour-long evening concerts, branded the "Wildest Show in Town," that are one of the best deals in town. They're held at 6 pm on Wednesday, June–August. Listen to local legends play everything from Hawaiian to jazz to Latin music. Take a brisk walk through the zoo, or join in the family activities. This is an alcohol-free event, and there's food for those who haven't brought their own picnic supplies. Gates open at 4:35.

With a beachfront location in the middle of Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian’s Ahaaina luau is an exceptional, upscale event with hula, fire dancing, live music, Hawaiian-inspired and luau-favorite dishes, and more. Options range from "standard dinner and show" to "premium dinner and show." The three-hour event is held two nights a week (Monday and Thursday); be sure to reserve in advance during the high season.