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Oahu is the best of all the Islands for nightlife. The locals call it pau hana, but you might call it happy hour (the literal translation of the Hawaiian phrase is "done with work"). On weeknights, it's likely that you'll find the working crowd, still in their business-casual attire, downing chilled beers even before the sun goes down. Those who don't have to wake up in the early morning should 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 transportation. Happily, cab services are plentiful, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft give Honolulu a San Francisco feel.
You can find a bar in just about any area on Oahu. Most of the clubs, however, are in Waikiki, near Ala Moana, and in Chinatown, near 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, although you might get lucky and stumble into a secret all-night party. The only exceptions are those with a cabaret license, which can stay open until 4 am. Some places have a cover charge of $5–$10, but with many establishments, getting there early means you don't have to pay.
Lanikai Brewing Company's taproom features its island-centric beer, including seasonal varieties that incorporate unusual ingredients like Surinam cherry, mushrooms, and white tea. It also serves Valentina's wood-fired pizza and sometimes has a food truck out front. In addition to beer, there are spirits from the brewery's distillery line, house-made sangria, Paradise Ciders, and other sips from which to choose. Kids are welcome, and board games are available for playing.
This chill bar gets its name from the Chinese expression “qing, qing” (which means “please please”), often used as a toast; soldiers returning from the Chinese Opium Wars introduced it in France and throughout Europe. With an extensive wine menu—by the glass and the bottle—plus a selection of single malt bourbon, whiskey, and scotch, it's an ideal spot for a drink or tapas-style food. The bar’s rooftop lanai, romantically lit with string lights and featuring a large living wall flourishing with ferns, is the best place to sit.
Tiki torches light the way to this fun restaurant and bar overlooking Kuhio Beach in the Twin Fin Hotel. A mix of locals and visitors heads here for happy hour and, later, to enjoy its kitschy cool, casual vibe. There's great nightly entertainment by contemporary Hawaiian musicians playing lively and popular cover tunes. The drinks menu is extensive and (not surprisingly) tiki-focused. Don't leave without sipping on the Lava Flow (rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, strawberry puree) or noshing on coconut shrimp, ahi poke, or macadamia-crusted fish of the day. And if you love the tiki vibe, you can purchase an array of whimsical merchandise, including the colorful tiki mugs. If you're here during the holidays, ask the host about the "Christmas bar."
This company not only brews its own quality craft beer but also serves delicious food. This is its second location—the original is in Waikiki at 1945 Kalakaua Avenue—and it always offers nine beers on tap, including the Skinny Jeans IPA and the Hana Hou Hefe, to which orange peel and strawberry puree are added before fermentation. You can also buy six-packs at the bar to go. Barbecue sauces accompanying some of the smoked meat selections are made with Waikiki Brewing beer. Stop by for brunch on the weekends.
Hawaiian bars should have two things: stellar views of the sunset over the ocean and equally stellar mai tais. This lounge of this restaurant has both, as well as live music, ranging from contemporary to Hawaiian, Thursday through Sunday. Come for sunset or for the late-night happy hour, but seats are scarce once the music starts at 6:30 pm, and an attractive crowd starts showing up around 8.
Dubbed the "Friendliest Bar in Waikiki," this charming karaoke joint is a must-visit on any trip to the island. The positive vibe comes from owner Dan Chang, who personally welcomes his guests to this LGBTQ+-friendly establishment. The bar is in the lobby of the Stay Hotel and has a full kitchen cranking out Asian- and Latin-inspired dishes. It's known for a lively late-night crowd and innovative cocktails. The list of karaoke songs is extensive, and the place gets jammed, so arrive early if you really want to add your name to the list and sing a song.
