Honolulu offers a variety of activities after the sun sets.
People typically come to the Hawaiian Islands for the sun and the surf and natural beauty that make this tropical paradise a one-of-a-kind destination. However, looking at scenery and playing in the waves is usually a daytime activity. Visitors to Honolulu on the island of Oahu are fortunate enough to have many options to occupy their nights as well as the days. There are a number of activities for tourists and residents after nightfall in the state's largest city.
Haunted Evenings
Many people coming to Hawaii are not aware of the many tales of spirits and haunting on the islands. The state is known for its beauty and charm more so than its creepiness. However, the state is rumored to be among the most haunted places one can visit, particularly in the areas around Honolulu.
The Honolulu City Haunts Night Walking Tour is a nighttime tour of the downtown area where supernatural events still happen on a regular basis. The tour includes a walking tour of Iolani Palace, the home of the last Hawaiian monarchs, as well as other reputed haunted sites. The tour guide will even walk groups to the scene of a particularly disturbing modern day murder.
There is also a van tour known as Orbs of Oahu that weaves its way into the more rural areas of southern Oahu to the islands most hunted places and scenes of historic and horrific events. This tour is considered very intense and is not suitable for children. However, adults looking for something unusual to do in Honolulu may find this to be a highlight of the trip.
Oahu Ghost Tours
1155 River Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
808-524-4944
oahughosttours.com
Art After Dark
Each month the Honolulu Academy of Arts hosts the Art After Dark event on the grounds of the academy. This event is popular with residents and visitors alike and costs only $10 for non-members to enter. The event takes place the last Friday of every month, with the exception of November, December and January.
The event runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and usually draws in excess of 2,000 people. The academy displays featured art exhibits, offers food and drinks and has live entertainment in the courtyard with dancing and lots of lively action. The event is the perfect end to a workweek or the start of a weekend partying in nearby Waikiki.
Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
808-532-8700
artafterdark.org
Luaus
Visitors to Hawaii should not go home without seeing a luau. While many of these dinner shows lack some tradition and authenticity, many of them are chock full of quality entertainment and great food.
A luau in Honolulu likely means a hotel resort hosted event. The Royal Hawaiian, known locally as the Pink Palace, or the Hilton Hawaiian Village among others have luau shows that are sure to please. These celebrations of Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures are a history lesson, party, dance exhibition, concert and incredible island buffet all in one. Guests are not likely to find these types of foods all in one place anywhere else unless they crash a family dinner on Sunday afternoon.
The Royal Hawaiian
2259 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-923-7311
starwoodhotels.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
808-949-4321
hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
Tags: Honolulu Hawaii, Academy Arts, After Dark, Hawaii 96815, Hawaiian Village, Hilton Hawaiian