Where to hear Hawaiian music and see hula today (Oʻahu)

Free and easy ways to hear real Hawaiian music: the Royal Hawaiian Band at ʻIolani Palace most Fridays at noon; the free Kūhiō Beach Hula Show in Waikīkī (6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on scheduled evenings); sunset Hawaiian music and hula at House Without a Key at the Halekūlani (no cover); and contemporary Hawaiian bands most nights at Duke's Waikīkī. For the biggest hula event of the year, it's the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

• Royal Hawaiian Band: free, most Fridays noon to 1 p.m., ʻIolani Palace grounds.
• Kūhiō Beach Hula Show: free, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the hula mound by the Duke statue, 2453 Kalākaua Ave.; check gohawaii.com for the current dates.
• House Without a Key (Halekūlani): Hawaiian trio and hula at sunset every evening; no cover; arrive early for a table.
• Duke's Waikīkī (Outrigger Reef): contemporary Hawaiian music most nights.
• Blue Note Hawaiʻi often books Hawaiian headliners (tickets).
• Merrie Monarch Festival: Hilo, the week after Easter; tickets by mail request, and it's televised live.
• Schedules change; check each venue's site before you go.

Sources: GoHawaii: Kūhiō Beach Hula Show · ʻIolani Palace: Royal Hawaiian Band concerts

Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.