Island nightlife isn't much different from the after-dark scene in any other city — unless you factor in Waikiki, big hula moons, the balmy evening air, and the rhythm of ukuleles strumming to the beat of the pounding surf. There are quiet cocktail bars, jazz clubs, rock and roll dance clubs, places that specialize in Hawaiian music, salsa and reggae clubs, karaoke bars, country dance halls, English and Irish pubs, stage extravaganzas and down and dirty pubs that stay open until 4 a.m.
Most Waikiki stage shows are family-style entertainment, filled with music, dancing, magic and high-wire acrobatics.
"Stars In Concert Hawaii," playing at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in the Ainahau Showroom, is another relatively new production. Vocalist Danny Couch, a veteran of Waikiki's club scene, is appearing in a show at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. And Cirque Hawaii Theatre's Cirque du Soleil-inspired circus continues its run at the Imax Theater on Seaside Avenue in Waikiki. This is a show without words performed mostly on a 70-foot-high aerial apparatus and showcasing the strength, balance, skill and grace of the performers.
At the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Merlin-award-winning magician John Hirokawa stars in the "Magic of Polynesia," a showy stage spectacular that transforms Hawaiian legends with mystifying illusions and special effects. Dinner and cocktail shows are staged nightly.
At the Outrigger Waikiki hotel, the Society of Seven, an all-male lineup of musicians with an outrageous sense of humor, has been drawing crowds for more than 30 years. This Las Vegas-style show is just a tad risqué, high energy, nostalgic, funny and totally entertaining.
A new show, produced by the creative team behind 'Ulalena, Maui's long-running hit, is in the works. It will be staged in an under-construction showroom on the fourth floor of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Waikiki clubbing presents a host of opportunities.
There are dozens of jazz spots. A Hotel Street top-of-the stairs club called thirtynine hotel is getting good reviews. Two step your way over to Nashville Waikiki in Ohana Waikiki West Hotel and enjoy a night of line-dancing. The Waikiki Beach Marriott continues to offer great Hawaiian music, as does Hank's Café on Nu'uanu Avenue. Rumours, a disco alternative well situated in Ala Moana Hotel near Ala Moana Center, features salsa Thursday, and oldies on Saturday night.
Zanzabar Nightclub, in the Waikiki Trade Center at the corner of Seaside and Kuhio avenues, is anything but mellow. The $6 million nightspot, with room for nearly 1,000 people, is all dance floor and amped up music. It's cutting edge, open every night, definitely the place to go when you gotta dance.
As long as you're in the Islands, try drinking awa, or kava. It looks like dirty dish water and doesn't taste much better, but if you're looking for mellow, try this ancient Polynesian brew. At the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar, it's served in coconut shells.
For the latest scoop on shows, clubs, and music, ask your favorite bartender or concierge. Here are the rules: Don't drink and drive, and if you're called on stage to sing or dance the hula, just do it.
