Hugely popular thanks to great music and incredible views of Waikiki Beach, this hotel nightclub is a sure bet any night of the year. Yet it's more than just a night club, you can also stop in for a few great cocktails before moving down the road. RumFire serves terrific European-Pacific cuisine, from fresh island fish and a grilled filet mignon to a wealth of flavor-packed tapas. Terrific cocktails and vintage rums add to the appeal, as does the daily happy hour, which often features DJ mixes and live bands. The atmosphere is upscale but friendly, and people often come with a group of friends for the most fun.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: RumFire has all the ingredients for an amazing bar-slash-restaurant, including being ocean front, great live music, and a hip and beautiful decor.
Jade's expert tip: If you drive to RumFire, ask for parking validation.
Sushi, sushi, and more sushi - all made from locally caught fresh fish and seafood can be found at the North Shore's Banzai Sushi Bar. And yes, there's definitely a full bar boasting a varies amount of beers, wine and specialty cocktails. Live music happens throughout the week and it's best to check beforehand what's going on that night. In addition to the delicious menu and casual Hawaiian ambiance, Banzai Sushi is also a hot spot for nightlife. From a mellow bar scene to wild dance parties boasting unique and fun themes, Banzai Sushi is an all around fun place.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Although it's a bar, Bar 35 serves amazing food in private rooms, till the wee hours.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is 5 to 6 p.m. daily and they don't take reservations on Friday and Saturday.
A longtime favorite with Hawaii's gay community, this relaxed bar has welcomed folks for more than a generation. Granting views of Kapiolani Park and the ocean beyond, the comfortable club also offers a terrific bar scene, and patrons frequently hang out, just enjoying the ambiance and the company. Other attractions include drink specials, a pool table, dancing, volleyball competitions, go-go dancers, and regularly scheduled special events. It's a fun place to go for live entertainment, and there's usually a fair blend of locals and visitors alike. Hula's is unique from any other venue in Honolulu, and is a very welcoming place.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Duke's is famous for serving delicious regional dishes and tropical cocktails in a beautiful, oceanfront location.
Jade's expert tip: Call ahead for special events.
Beer connoisseurs can find haven in Honolulu when they visit Bar 35. Situated in downtown Chinatown, this casual, upscale bar presents over 150 brews from over 20 different countries. Belgian to American, lager to porter, there is something that will suit every taste. Also, sake and a creative list of classic and house specialty cocktails are available. If you are daring, try their signature Cherry Bloom Princess or Red Lantern. Local DJs and live music keep the atmosphere upbeat and animated while catering to a mixed crowd. Happy is awesome here with exotic cocktails for just a few dollars, and the happy hour is actually hours.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Bar 35 is a fun Chinatown venue that serves delicious and affordable drinks, as well as bar food that actually really good.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is 4 p.m. till closing on Mondays, 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 6 to 10 on Saturday.
If you're longing for authentic Hawaiian ambiance, there's no better way to satisfy the craving than at this charming bar. Its beach locale, terrific panorama of Diamond Head, and relaxed clientele all contribute to an ideal experience, and the fantastic tropical drinks - especially the lush mai tai's - ensure that your mood remains upbeat. A host of other beverages can also be found, along with food offerings and local entertainment in the evenings. Weekends nights often feature live bands, and any sports events are broadcasted on several flat screen televisions to a busy crowd of sports lovers. Any night of the week draws a solid and friendly crowd to this popular Waikiki bar.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Mai Tai's (as it's been dubbed by the locals) is one of those places to catch live music or kick back and just talk story.
Jade's expert tip: Late night happy hour is from 8 to 11 p.m.
This glittering club, adorned with Egyptian accents and jewel-tone colors, spared no expense with decor and technology. As a result, it pulls in an upscale crowd, who come to be immersed in light, color, and energy. Music runs the gamut from hip-hop and trance to house, techno, and top 40, so it's certain that all tastes will be met. The club also offers comedy shows, salsa dance lessons, and other special events. A VIP room is available, and with an 800-person capacity, you may want to book it as a private getaway! Located in the heart of Waikiki, it's nestled amidst all the action and crowds of the city.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Zanzabar is the quintessential huge club with loud base and dancing all night long. Be ready.
Jade's expert tip: Be ready for a dark club with loud music for wild dancing!
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual bar and restaurant in the Outrigger Waikiki offers patrons a wealth of island culture. Memorabilia, live Hawaiian music, fruity cocktails, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Food is served all day, and the bar scene is constantly hopping, populated by lively barkeeps and folks from all walks of Jlife. Celebrities occasionally make an appearance too, and the ocean side setting just seems to make mingling that much easier. This is a great place to feel the Hawaiian vibes and dance, eat and drink.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Duke's is famous for serving delicious regional dishes and tropical cocktails in a beautiful, oceanfront location.
Jade's expert tip: They've dubbed happy hour "aloha hour."
For a wild, exciting night in Hawaii, head to Fusion Waikiki, the only gay bar in Waikiki. Open seven days a week, the party never stops with karaoke on the week nights and live DJs and shows on the weekends. This club attracts many of the island's hottest young people, plus there are drink specials every single night as well as plenty of pool tables to get your game on. Food is served here late in the night and the drinks are strong. Fusion isn't only for dancing. Really great drag shows happen a few nights a week, as well as other male reviews and singing.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This is one of those places to drop in to find fun music to really let loose on the dance floor.
Jade's expert tip: Check ahead of time for the times the drag shows are on.
Always a good bet for nightlife, Surfer, the Bar is Turtle Bay Resorts new endeavor into nighttime entertainment. Opening at 6 p.m. daily, Surfer is part bar, part restaurant and part night club. Great happy hour cocktails are offers along with the full bar and classic Hawaiian cocktails such as the lava flow and the mai tai - their strongest drink. Live music is offered on a regular basis and karaoke happens every Sunday night. Other forms of entertainment like "Talk Story" on Wednesdays offer guests an inside look at the life of people in the surf industry via live interview. Call ahead of time or check the website for nightly happenings.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: As the North Shore's premier place for nightlife, Surfer, the Bar offers great live music and other entertainment.
Jade's expert tip: Happy hour is from 6 to 7 daily for appetizers and drinks.