Late night venues in Waikiki
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There is no question that Waikiki offers an abundance of nightlife options. Dining, cocktails, live music; Waikiki has all of it, and on practically every block. And sometimes, when you’re letting off steam on vacation, sometimes you want to carry on with the revelry beyond the standard 2am last call. Certainly, the men and women who work in the food and bar industry in Waikiki often seek a cocktail or two after serving hordes of sunburned punters until that last call.
Fortunately, Waikiki does have a few bars and clubs that cater to that late-night crowd. These bars stay open until 4am. Some feature live music until the lights come on. Last call is usually before 4am, because it sometimes takes a while to chase out stalwart drinkers, doddling musicians, and people making last-ditch efforts at love.
If you’re inclined to “fly it till the wings fall off” during your stay in Waikiki, keep in mind that, like most anywhere else in the world, more unsavory elements are out on the streets in the small hours. Waikiki is perfectly safe, of course, but anyone not paying attention to their surroundings can fall prey to morally adaptable people. Wandering aimlessly looking for a late night establishment is dangerous wherever you are. So, here’s a list of a few places to aim for on your quest for late night entertainment.
Kelly O’Neil’s
Kelly’s features live music until 4am every night of the week, always without a cover charge. Food is served until 9pm, typical bar fare with a nod to Irish corned beef. Nightly drink specials are quite reasonably priced for Waikiki standards, and there is always a monthly Irish whiskey special on offer.
311 Lewers Street
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 926-1777
Da Big Kahuna
Located on busy Kuhio Avenue, Da Big Kahuna is another spot that operates as a restaurant through dinner and becomes a late night spot after the dinner crowd fades. Da Big Kahuna also features live music nightly, and it also offers karaoke for those whose inhibitions have been compromised by drink.
2299 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-0033
The Play Bar
The Play Bar is a nightclub, strictly speaking. On any given late night, it will likely be filled with 20- and 30-somethings who want to dance. It offers nightly drink specials, which helps to offset the usual cover charge. It’s a dance club, so expect the deejay’s sound track to be loud and pulsing.
2310 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
Mac 24/7
Open 24 hours
They have a awesome Bar here (open till 4 AM) with great bartenders and it’s in the Hilton Waikiki Beach hotel on Kuhio so it’s one of the “safer” late night venues and a little more upscale than the others I have mentioned in this podcast. Always great anytime day or night for breakfast. I always enjoy the free style egg breakfast but we always get the Red Velvet Pancakes and share; you can’t go wrong!!.
2500 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Tsunami’s
Open until 4 AM
This is Waikiki’s answer to a Dive Bar. It
It’s hard to believe this place is here in the middle of all the glamour of Waikiki. This is the perfect place to sit back relax and enjoy the local color of Waikiki. No shortage of locals, you’re sure to meet some interesting people. The Bar is great too, reasonably priced for Waikiki and nightly drink specials.
2260 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
DownBeat Diner and Lounge
If you’re a Vegan this is the spot for you. Located in hip Chinatown in Honolulu, not only do they have a late night bar, but they also have Vegan dishes that are yummy and creative. I recommend the veggie chicken wings which taste exactly like chicken! The Burgers are awesome too! They have some interesting beers on the menu too, l like Hipster Ale, which pretty much sums up this late night Venue; Very Hip Baby!
42 N Hotel St
Honolulu, HI 96817