What are the best nightclubs in Honolulu, Hawaii? (Nightlife article)

Last Updated on Aug 22 2023 by Bruddah Ron

Honolulu has the largest concentration of nightlife in all of the Hawaiian Islands, so this is the place to get the partying out of your system. From hot bars and restaurants, block parties, clubs and shows, Honolulu has it all when it comes to after dark entertainment. Nearly all of the nightlife is in the heart of Waikiki, which is convenient because this is where the majority of hotels are too along with plenty of taxis to ensure safe transportation. The nightclubs of Honolulu cannot be missed and they cater to various interests including dancing, live music by famous artists, DJ’s, drag shows and what not! These nightclubs leave no stone unturned in offering after – hours entertainment to its visitors.

The District Nightclub – Ample dance floor, 3 bars, and a latin night every week

The District Nightclub offers one of Hawaii’s most recent and exceptional nightlife encounters. Situated just a few minutes away from Waikiki and across from Ala Moana Shopping Center, this venue is easily accessible from any location in the city. the club features a huge dance floor, a DJ booth, 3 bars making it the best club! The visitors can have their best nightlife experience in here. The district provides more than just a space to dance & drink. Learn how to Salsa dance & watch weekly guest dance performances.  People with VIP members can access the vast lounge too. The live DJ performances are simply superb and lift up the mood easily.

Scarlet Bar and Dance Club – Vintage-inspired gay bar & lounge

Scarlet Bar and Dance Club offers an enthralling experience to its guests. It’s popular among the locals for its drag shows and amazing DJs. The club is filled with a fun atmosphere and is a great place to head to after a boring week. With a packed dance floor and state-of-the-art sound system, the club is designed to provide an immersive sensory experience that keeps the party till the clubs shuts down. It’s a place to be for happening nightlife!

Nextdoor – Waikiki’s Home For Live Concerts, DJ Events, & Art Exhibits

Nextdoor is a bar, dance club, venue, and event space. It is one of the hottest spots when it comes to the nightlife in Honolulu. It hosts concerts, has touring DJs and special events. The venue style is a warehouse-style with a full bar. There is no dress code at Nextdoor. Guests can wear whatever and anything they feel fashionable or comfortable in. Nextdoor accommodates private corporate events, holiday parties, and full-blown music concerts. The techno DJs, the bartenders, the dance nights, the music, the indie bands, and the cool interior makes Nextdoor constantly commended by the visitors and the local community. Nextdoor is host to many private party events, which are loved by the community very much. Belly dancing events are enjoyed a lot by the constant goers to this nightclub.

The Republik – Honolulu’s premiere concert and events venue

The Republik is an energetic nightclub situated in Honolulu. The dress code at this venue is casual. Guests are allowed to wear anything from comfortable clothing to fashionable personal clothing. The alcohol is served through a full-fledged bar at The Republik. The drink prices are reasonable for Waikiki. This place is also a host to live bands and performances featured in an open, general-admission setting. With a well-equipped music station at a regular dance night, the ground is shaking; the walls vibrate all from the music waves. The Rebuplik has a satellite bar type setup, and the numerous bars are a significant source of attraction. The Republik is also considered Honolulu’s premier concert and events venue. Valet parking is available at the scene. So, it is essential to make use of it because parking can get tricky at times.

RumFire – Unique cocktails, comfort food & coveted fire pits at beachside lounge

RumFire is a restaurant, bar, and nightclub with the perfect oceanfront location. Rumfire caters to lunch to late-night servings, meals, and entertainment. RumFire has a full-fledged bar, and a wide variety of alcoholic drinks are served. When it comes to music, RumFire provides its guests with exhilarating live performances daily at night! So it’s an absolute treat to dance and enjoy the melodies put together by the expert musicians. Club Nights are hosted only on Friday and Saturday starting at 9 pm. RumFire provides VIP tables and bottle services well. Validated parking is also among the many benefits of RumFire. This venue is well known for its beachside lounge with unique cocktails, delicious comfort food, and covered fire pits.

The Manifest – Café by day, Bar by evening and Nightclub at Night!

The club opened in 2009 in Chinatown, Downtown Honolulu. The club’s interior is aesthetically pleasing, with a Chinese mural at the entrance, brick walls, potted plants, string lights, and rotating art pieces. With Chinese artwork, Vietnamese and Italian dishes, and diverse music, The Manifest is a multi-cultural nightlife experience. Expect to dance to your heart’s content to ‘90s R&B, hip-hop, and electronic hits. The Manifest is an entertainment hub in its own right, featuring arcade games, a pool table, occasional comedy shows, and book-launching events. The Manifest Honolulu caters to a local, young, and fun-loving crowd.

Sky Waikiki – Sunsets and enchanting cuisine at Waikiki’s premier rooftop destination

SKY Waikiki is one of Honolulu’s hippest lounges. It’s safe to say it has it all, serving as a rooftop bar, rooftop restaurant, and nightlife. It is an open-air lounge on the 19th floor of a skyscraper that serves happy hour and light meals. The outstanding aspect of this Waikiki tower on the 19th level is the fantastic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Bright, modern, and open-air patio with comfortable lounge chairs where you can enjoy fresh seafood, upscale meals, crisp champagne, and handmade cocktails, all made with Aloha and enhanced by live music on weekends. Sky Waikiki has its own set of regulations.

Búho Cocina y Cantina – Mexican street party on a rooftop in Waikiki

 Buho is a festive and fun Mexican-style rooftop bar in Hawaii, tucked away in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Modern and vibrant, the large rooftop terrace comes with many different seating options, fire-pits and great views over the Waikiki skyline.

On the fifth of each month from 6-10pm, this buzzy Honolulu restaurant draws a hip crowd of locals and visitors alike to indulge in food and drink specials, live music and salsa dancing. A monthly Mexican street party on a rooftop in Waikiki

Buho’s chic ambiance brings Honolulu its first rooftop restaurant and bar offering the perfect space to enjoy the warm Hawaiian sun and cool ocean breeze or sip on one of Buho’s signature margaritas at sunset. The Buho rooftop terrace is a happening place and you can visit for Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays or Cinco de Buho, which is a large rooftop fiesta featuring live music and salsa dancing the 5th of every month. Or just visit any day for happy hour and live music or DJs.

With its vibrant and fun atmosphere, Buho is a popular and usually busy place. So try to make reservations, or just be prepared for a bit of waiting if you want to sit at a table and eat. Which is ok, you can use to the time to order a Buho Margarita and enjoy the views of Honolulu.