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Along with the beautiful beaches, Waikiki is renowned for its nightlife.
Living and working here in the vibrant Honolulu district, we like to enjoy it too, particularly the bars that host live music.
While it would be hard to call it “work,” delving into the fun after dark is a great way to experience a good sampling so that we can make recommendations to our guests at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII.
From enjoying soulful sounds performed by local Hawaiian artists strumming ballads while sipping cocktails and enveloped by warm island breezes
To jazz tunes in luxurious vintage settings and energetic bands playing upbeat rhythms to get you up on your feet, Waikiki’s live music bars can provide many unforgettable nights.
Get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of infectious energy and creativity at any one of these must-experience bars hosting live music in Waikiki.
Best Bars with Live Music in Waikiki
Blue Note Hawaii
A branch of New York City’s iconic music venue, Blue Note Hawaii is located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Society of Seven showroom.
It hosts big-name jazz and blues artists along with the occasional rock, folk, and reggae artists.
These performances can be enjoyed with delicious food including juicy prime rib and cocktails like the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with a full bar and dinner menu.
Lewers Lounge
Located within the oceanfront Halekulani Hotel, Lewers Lounge offers a distinctly different experience than the hotel itself.
The moody ambiance with velvety seating and wood-paneled walls is an ideal fit for the jazz artists playing every night of the week.
Light bites, including shared plates, desserts, and drinks are all on offer to enjoy while listening to the world-renowned musicians.
Sky Waikiki Raw & Bar
Located at the Waikiki Business Plaza in the heart of Waikiki just steps from FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII, the Sky Waikiki Raw & Bar offers a wrap-around rooftop deck.
Here you can look forward to sipping handcrafted cocktails while taking in a glorious sunset.
Enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes, and, on Friday and Saturday nights, live music for dancing 19 floors above Waikiki Beach.
Arnold’s Beach Bar
Nestled along the shores of Waikiki Beach, the entrance to Arnold’s Beach Bar may be easy to miss, but it’s worth searching for.
One of the best “hole-in-the-wall” kind of bars for enjoying old-school tiki bar vibes and live music, on offer most days of the week.
Local musicians play a variety of genres, including traditional Hawaiian melodies and acoustic tunes.
The drinks are affordable and the bartenders are friendly.
Duke’s Waikiki
Duke’s is a popular spot for dining and nightlife as one of the most famous Waikiki restaurants along the beachfront.
Many enjoy dinner and stick around for the fun after dark, with a classic Hawaiian atmosphere and a lively crowd.
Typically, there are local musicians playing Hawaiian music in the late afternoon that can be enjoyed with views of iconic Diamond Head.
Afterward, it’s all about contemporary artists and pop tunes at the Barefoot Bar.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar
A fabulous oceanside spot at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Tiki’s Grill and Bar offers live music every night of the week.
Some of the popular artists frequently hosted here include KaiRoots, an energetic alternative rock reggae band.
Ellsworth (Simeona) performs Hawaiian, country, oldies rock, and contemporary hits.
Acoustic folk rock artist Johnny Helm is another regular performer.
There’s an outstanding dinner menu with everything from steaks and chicken to seafood.
The drinks menu includes something to complement every meal.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Located along the waterfront at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Monkeypod Kitchen is a local favorite.
It offers the ultimate ambiance for enjoying local flavors, from the live Hawaiian music to the food and drinks, including signature cocktails and locally sourced spirits.
Enjoy it all with a panoramic view of magical sunsets and the Pacific followed by a brilliant starry sky.
Tips for Enjoying Live Music in Waikiki
To experience the best Waikiki live music, explore online event calendars for the dates you plan to visit.
There are many apps and websites listing events in the district, such as WaikikiGetDown.
You can also follow the venues that interest you most on social media, including Instagram and Facebook.
Dressy-casual is the common attire for most venues in the evening, such as sundresses, polo or aloha shirts with khaki pants or shorts.
Experience the Best Live Music in Waikiki
Whether you plan to spend much of your vacation relaxing on the beach, enjoying scenic drives, or taking part in a wealth of outdoor adventures, experiencing some of the best live music in Waikiki’s top bars is sure to enhance your time on the island.
