20 Things To Do In Hawaii At Night

Hawaii has stunning beaches, a tropical lifestyle and delectable cuisine, making it a fantastic destination for a vacation. The state has eight major islands, seven of which are inhabited. Honolulu, the largest city and capital, is home to some of Hawaii’s most popular attractions and activities, so whether you enjoy wildlife encounters and moonlit strolls or more luaus and cultural events, you’ll find plenty to do in Hawaii night and day.

In addition to daytime activities, Hawaii offers a variety of entertaining nighttime activities. Everyone can find something to do, whether listening to live music while sipping cocktails at a bar or club or spending time with the family on the beach. Here are the 20 best things to do in Hawaii at night to help you plan your trip.

Hawaii At Night

20 Things To Do In Hawaii At Night

1- Go On A Sunset Dinner Cruise

A sunset dinner cruise around the city is an enjoyable evening activity in Hawaii.

This scenic sunset dinner cruise in Maui is a fabulous experience in which you will enjoy a colourful Maui sunset from the water while eating a delicious meal.

Ride the waves in comfort on a steady ship with an outdoor setting with a private table on the deck for you and your family, friends, or partner.

Dinner includes appetisers, a locally grown salad, a choice of entrées, dessert, and a selection of drinks and cocktails.

The ambience of this memorable experience is further enhanced by the inclusion of island-style music and open sea views of Maui’s picturesque coast, where you might also get to see dolphins, turtles, and whales.

Another cruise for history buffs is this historical dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay.

2- Snorkel With Manta Rays

Snorkelling with manta rays is the best thing for most visitors to experience at night when in Hawaii.

On this tour, you can experience a magical nighttime scene with manta rays gracefully swimming through the water in their natural habitat.

You’ll see several manta rays up close as they glide below you, feeding and interacting with other marine life.

After your fantastic snorkelling experience with these calm rays, relax and enjoy the cruise with drinks and snacks provided.

Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera.

3- Go On A Guided Ghost Tour

Going on a Honolulu ghost tour is one of the most entertaining things to do at night in the city for those interested in paranormal activities.

On this chilling guided ghost tour, you can learn about the dark past of this idyllic island paradise.

During this walking tour of the historic downtown, you’ll see a few of the haunted sites on the island.

Along the journey, you’ll also learn more about some of the terrifying supernatural occurrences in these areas.

These include a story about a postal worker who reports for his duty from beyond the grave, an encounter with the legendary Night Marchers, and other thoroughly researched stories.

4- Enjoy A Sunset Hoverboard Tour

A hoverboard tour is an eco-friendly way to explore the city and enjoy the thrill of gliding on a hoverboard while taking in the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Visitors can learn about Hawaii’s nature and history and listen to traditional Hawaiian music as they glide from place to place.

On this hoverboard tour, you can see the best of Waikiki and learn about Hawaii with a small group of people on all-terrain self-balancing hoverboards.

Experience the best of Waikiki in style on this entertaining and highly informative tour highlighting Hawaii’s natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture.

Visit popular landmarks like Kapiolani Park, Kaimana Beach, Diamond Head Lighthouse, and more.

5- Go On A Pub Crawl

There are many fantastic pubs in the Waikiki district in Honolulu, but it can be difficult to decide where to go, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

This guided pub crawl allows visitors to explore the best Waikiki bars with an expert guide, ensuring a memorable night out in Hawaii.

On this pub crawl, you’ll also learn about Hawaii’s forgotten stories, from ancient tales to modern heroes.

You can pick between two ticket options. Choose the Happy Hour option to drink four draught beers, one from each pub. Or do the Dry Run tour if you want to buy your drinks as you go.

This experience is one you should consider because you’re sure to have a great time drinking and laughing with other travellers from all over the world.

6- Take Part In A Traditional Luau

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party, and participating in one while visiting Hawaii is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local culture and sample local cuisine and music.

This luau party with an open bar and buffet meal is the most popular on Kauai.

Visitors can enjoy a Luau buffet dinner with local favourites and exciting theatrical performances, which include an opportunity to get a photo with the cast after the show.

Watch traditional Hawaiian hula dancing and entertainment, fire poi balls and traditional fire knife dancing.

There’s also a craft fair that showcases the work of local artisans.

When visiting Hawaii, you should never forget to include a luau party in your itinerary, as it is usually a fantastic experience. Here are some other options:

• Big Island Voyagers Of the Pacific Luau with Buffet
• Honolulu Waikiki Sunset Luau
• Honolulu Queens Waikiki Luau
• Ka Moana Luau

7- Go On A Cocktail Cruise

A cocktail cruise is a perfect way to enjoy both nightlife and the sunset’s natural beauty, as you may sip a few cocktails while admiring the beautiful colours in the sky.

In Hawaii at night, various tour operators offer multiple cruises, giving you a wide range of options.

One of the most exciting aspects of a cocktail cruise is watching the sunset over Waikiki and Diamond Head while sipping your drink.

Some cruises also provide options for appetisers or dinner.

So if you want to make the experience particularly special, consider making an evening of it and having dinner as the sun goes down.

8- See The Fireworks On Waikiki Beach

Hawaii has several major tourist attractions, including the fireworks display near Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach.

Since 1988, a free fireworks display has been held on the beach every Friday night. This experience is a fantastic opportunity to see fireworks up close.

The show usually starts at 8 pm and lasts for about 15 minutes. Visitors can watch it while sitting on the beach.

Depending on what you have planned for the rest of the night, this is a great way to start or end your evening.

You wouldn’t want to miss seeing this incredible show, so include it in your itinerary when visiting Hawaii.

9- Have Fun At A Karaoke Bar

Visit a karaoke bar if you’re looking for something entertaining in Hawaii at night. 

For those who enjoy it, Hawaii has a variety of karaoke venues to choose from, including charming dive bars and lounge-style karaoke bars with signature drinks and shots.

Wang Chung’s is a favourite among both tourists and residents.

Here, you can sing or watch others perform while sipping cocktails or various other drinks.

There is also an extensive food menu if you get hungry.

If you want to spend a fun, carefree evening with mouthwatering delicacies and some of Hawaii’s best cocktails, Wang Chung bar is the place to visit.

10- Experience Eat the Street Festival

The Eat the Street Festival held once a month at the Kaka’ako Waterfront, just south of downtown Honolulu, is one of Hawaii’s biggest and most spectacular festivals.

This festival offers a diverse range of local food trucks specialising in anything from sea salt caramel mini-doughnuts to lemongrass chicken banh mi to brisket tacos.

With 40 vendors and over 7,000 attendees on average, this popular event is ideal for a great night out with family and friends.

Each event has a unique theme, live music, retail shops, and kid-friendly activities like waterslides, face painting, and balloon art. Live “art battles,” incredible DJs, and ukulele jams have also all been included at Eat the Street festivals.

11- Listen To Jazz At Blue Note Hawaii

Blue Note Hawaii is one of the best places to spend a night in the centre of Waikiki and offers nightly live music and cool signature cocktails.

The Blue Note Hawaii, widely recognised as Hawaii’s best live music venue, hosts two concerts every night with world-class performers.

Visitors will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the venue, which hosts events in a variety of genres, including jazz, pop, rock, reggae and traditional Hawaiian music. 

The place also has a bar and a complete dinner menu, so you can enjoy food and drinks while watching a show.

This is an excellent spot to go if you want to listen to music with your family, friends, or partner while enjoying delicious Hawaiian food.

Bluenote is open daily until 10 PM at 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.

12- Explore The Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art, located near Downtown Honolulu, is Hawaii’s largest general fine-arts museum, with an extensive collection of more than 55,000 exhibits.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also houses innovative exhibitions, an independent art house theatre, a café, and a museum shop, all of which visitors can explore.

The Honolulu Museum also presents ARTafterDARK, a themed art event held on the last Friday of every month from January to October, as a new and enjoyable way to visit the museum.

Each ARTafterDARK event has a unique theme inspired by art, is frequently centred on an exhibition, and includes music and performances. Be sure to check the theme for the dates of your visit.

Honolulu Museum of Art is open until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays at 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States. Save money on entrance fees with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass that will give you access to 55+ attractions.

13- Have A Beer At Maui Brewing Company

If you’re wondering what else to do in Hawaii after dark, stopping by Maui Brewing Company is a terrific idea.

The Maui Brewing Company is based in Maui but also operates bars in Kahana (Maui) and Waikiki, as well as a production brewery and tasting room in Kihei.

Visitors to the Kihei Tasting Room can take advantage of a VIP guided tour that includes a tasting and an up-close look at a brewhouse, cellar, and packaging line.

The ambience is similar to that of a traditional American beer pub, and there are various foods to go with your drinks, such as pizza, guava BBQ pork sliders, and fish and chips.

If you’re on vacation with your friends or family, you should check out this place because it’s one of the most entertaining things to do in Hawaii at night.

14- Enjoy A Picnic On Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, located on the South Shore, is a man-made beach that comes alive in the evenings and provides an opportunity for visitors to relax and unwind.

Along with watching the lovely sunset on the beach, visitors may enjoy an evening picnic with friends and family, relax on the sand, and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Picnic items can be purchased at various surrounding grocery stores, beachfront restaurants and cafés.

A romantic date night at the beach is another interesting choice for couples, as spending the night there is more romantic in a place like Hawaii.

15- Dine At Duke’s Waikiki

Duke’s is one of the top restaurants in Waikiki, providing a fantastic dining experience and fun nightly entertainment. 

Another great thing about this prime beachfront property is its authentic Hawaiian vibes, which leaves all customers satisfied.

This restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisines.

You can sample several Hawaiian delicacies and they even provide vegetarian options. So whatever your preferences, you will surely find something to cater to your taste buds.

With its nightly entertainment, Duke’s is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a live show or relax on the beach while admiring the iconic Diamond Head in the distance.

Duke’s is open until 12 AM daily at 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.

16- Enjoy Tasty Hawaiian Cuisine At Heavenly Island Lifestyle

Hawaii has so many distinct flavours to offer, and Heavenly Island Lifestyle is the place to enjoy them all.

This restaurant is an excellent choice for picky eaters sampling local food.

At Heavenly Island Lifestyle, all dishes are prepared using organically sourced ingredients, and everything is organised in a healthy manner.

Organic produce, including vegetables and meats, local fish, and locally grown greens, is used whenever possible to deliver unrivalled fresh flavours in every dish.

The restaurant also offers delicious selections for people following a special or strict diet.

So, whether you’re a strict vegetarian or vegan, or even on a gluten-free diet, Heavenly Island Lifestyle has something to satisfy your cravings.

Heavenly Island Lifestyle is open daily until 10 PM at 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.

17- Have A Drink At The Mai Tai Bar

The Mai Tai bar is an award-winning destination highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy Hawaii’s great nightlife.

Located on the popular Waikiki Beach, you can enjoy fresh tropical cocktails and tasty bar food while admiring the sunset and nighttime views of the famous beach.

The ambience is intended to have a traditional feel, and the fast service and hospitality make it even better.

This outdoor bar is well-known for its extensive selection of cocktails and fine dining, which includes the best seafood in the region.

The bar also provides live music in the evenings and hosts numerous music events throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy some of the best performances while sipping on their favourite drink.

Mai Tai Bar is open daily until 11 PM at 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States. Try this bar crawl.

18- Enjoy Dinner At House Without a Key

House Without A Key is a unique open-air classic bar and seafood restaurant in the Halekulani hotel.

The amazing sunset viewing setup, cocktails, snacks, and Hawaiian entertainment are the highlights of this restaurant.

The nightly Hawaiian live music is particularly enticing because of its quality, and exquisite dance performances by a group of former Miss Hawaii winners complement it.

Visitors who want to avoid crowds should surely go here.

It is the ideal venue for preserving the time-honoured tradition of cocktails and Hawaiian music under the stars and by the sea.

This location is ideal for a romantic date night away from the kids or a romantic dinner with a partner.

House Without a Key is open daily until 8:30 PM at 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.

19- Stroll Through Kalakaua Avenue

Kalakaua Avenue is Honolulu’s main street, stretching from Ala Moana to Kapiolani Regional Park.

After the sun goes down, Kalakaua Avenue is a fun experience you won’t want to miss because there are many attractions to check out.

Kalakaua has towering hotels, delectable restaurants, glitzy boutiques, and bars.

The area is transformed into a lively, urban gathering place throughout the year by visitors who come here to shop, eat, relax, or take the events available.

The main draw is the renowned Waikiki Beach, which features a sandy shoreline bordered by swaying palms.

Other things to do in the area include taking in the beach views and Diamond Head at night, attending performances at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, and stopping by a few beachside bars for a drink or two.

20- Dance The Night Away 

Hawaii has a thriving music scene, and there are always live performances on the islands.

From traditional Hawaiian music to modern bands and DJs, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

Many bars and restaurants have live music at night, so you can enjoy some tunes with your dinner or drinks.

Going to a nightclub in Hawaii is a must if you plan on staying out late.

Nextdoor is a reasonably priced nightclub in Downtown Honolulu with amazing acoustic and visual experience, and it is the only venue in town with a 16-foot theatrical screen.

The strategically placed lights and live entertainment make this location difficult to overlook.

This venue also hosts concerts, live performances, travelling DJs, and special events.

It offers visitors various musical genres, including jazz and hip hop, electronic dance music, heavy metal, and everything in between.

A terrific spot for a fun night out in Hawaii, Nextdoor is open until 2 am (Wednesday to Saturday) at 43 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States.