Perhaps best known for its sun, beaches and water-sports, the Hawaiian island of Oahu offers a variety of options for after the sun goes down. From live music at hotel bars to lively Waikiki nightclubs and intimate Chinatown lounges, Oahu offers nighttime entertainment every day of the week.
Rum Fire
Rum Fire, which is in the Sheraton Waikiki hotel, is the only beachfront nightclub in Waikiki. Seven days a week, the club opens in the early evening for Happy Hour, snacks and live music, while DJs play later in the night. The club features special events, such as the "Phoenix" gay night on the last Sunday of every month. Rum Fire's extensive cocktail list makes use of its 101 bottles of rum.
Pearl
Pearl is inside the Ala Moana shopping center 10 minutes west of Waikiki. The club, which is open all week, features a Happy Hour and live music in the evening and offers guests a private seating area with its VIP bottle service, which includes a waiving of the cover charge. Pearl also offers a party catering service.
Zanzabar Nightclub
Open since 1981 and popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties, Zanzabar Nightclub is large enough to accommodate up to 1,000 people. The club is inside the Waikiki Trade Center in the heart of Waikiki. On most nights DJs play current chart hits with go-go dancers performing on podiums, but the club also hosts occasional theme nights that include "SalsaTuesdays." Zanzabar Nightclub offers VIP, birthday and group packages.
Thirtynine Hotel
Thirtynine Hotel is in Chinatown, a former red-light district that now has a burgeoning art and club scene. The club has a large lanai (patio) that fills up with locals during the early evening Happy Hour. Thirtynine Hotel has live DJs Mondays through Saturdays and features special nights including Thursday night's "Prohibition," a speakeasy-themed night for which visitors need to provide a password to enter -- you can find the password by calling the club.
Soho Mixed Media Bar
Located in Chinatown, Soho Mixed Media Bar was named Best Nightclub in 2010 by the Honolulu Metromix website. One of Soho's most popular events is Wednesday's 1980s-themed "Acid Wash" and it throws special parties and promotions for the monthly Chinatown First Friday Art Walk.
Tags: Happy Hour, live music, Thirtynine Hotel, Zanzabar Nightclub, early evening, early evening Happy