Going out in Hawaiʻi: nightlife basics

Hawaiʻi's nightlife is busiest in Honolulu (Waikīkī, Chinatown and the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako area); on the neighbor islands it's mostly live music at bars and resort lounges that wind down by 10 or 11 p.m. You must be 21 with a photo ID to drink, most bars close at 2 a.m., and a few licensed clubs stay open later.

• Age: 21+ to drink; clubs check ID at the door, and many are 21+ only. Bring a passport or driver's license.
• Hours: most bars and clubs close by 2 a.m.; a few cabaret-licensed clubs can stay open until 4 a.m.
• Dress: resort casual works almost everywhere. Some Waikīkī clubs and rooftop bars don't allow slippers (flip-flops), athletic wear or tank tops for men after about 10 p.m.
• Getting home: use a rideshare, taxi or TheBus. Hawaiʻi's DUI laws are strict, and open containers aren't allowed in cars.
• Where to go: Waikīkī for beach bars and clubs, Chinatown for cocktail bars and live music, and Kapiʻolani Boulevard near Ala Moana for the big dance club and concert hall. On Maui, Kīhei is liveliest; on the Big Island, Kailua-Kona; on Kauaʻi, Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe and Hanalei.
• First Friday: Chinatown's art-and-music night on the first Friday of each month is a good free night out.
• Music nights, covers and hours change often; check the venue's website or social media before you go.

Sources: AlohaCalendar: Waikīkī nightlife guide 2026 · Honolulu Magazine: Best of HONOLULU 2026, entertainment

Last checked Oct. 31, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.