Night Clubs in Waikiki (Honolulu)

Duke's Restaurant & Barefoot Bar

The biggest reason everyone gathers at this beachfront restaurant is the music and the patio sunsets. The sound is "Contemporary Hawaiian" and appeals to a youngish demographic. Groups that often play here are Kapena, Makana and Lilikoi Sisters (Friday through Sunday evenings). The food includes fresh fish, burgers and a tasty club sandwich. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting with traditional Hawaiian friendliness. There is a breakfast buffet (USD9.95) and lunch buffet (USD10.50). The adjoining bar is a good place to have a drink before heading back to the beach.

Buzz's Steak & Lobster

Relaxed and fun, this place does its best to assure that patrons have a good time. There is a wide selection of entrees and a good salad bar. The staff is pleasant and laid-back. Children are welcome, and there's live music every night. While steak and lobster are the main menu items, there's plenty of variety. Fresh local seafood is always a good bet. The salad bar features locally grown produce.

Angles Waikiki

Crazy, loud and fun, this is the hub of the Honolulu alternative lifestyles scene for tourists. It features nightly drink specials and live shows, complete with female impersonation and rowdy hijinks. There is also nightly dancing to a very eclectic music mix; live music is featured on the weekends. They have a nightly contest that's hilarious; if you participate, be prepared to be ribbed and teased mercilessly. The "Eye Opener" special, served on weekdays, offers pastries and coffee drinks for $1.50. There is no cover charge. Call for a complete schedule.

Nashville Waikiki

Git on up at this down-home country style saloon. There is live entertainment five nights a week. In addition, there are pool tables, dart boards and free country dance lessons from 7p-9p. This is one of the few night spots in Honolulu that has an after-hours license; the place stays open and serving drinks till 4a each night. The live bands are mostly from the mainland and offer good, authentic country music. Occasionally a minor country star shows up to perform. There is no cover charge.

The Hanohano Room

Perched 30 stories up in the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, the Hanohano Room boasts a commanding view of the Waikiki beach and the surrounding area. Noted for its elegant setting and live entertainment (8pm-11pm nightly), Hanohano is a great choice for a business dinner or a lively date. The cuisine is contemporary; some dishes have an Asian influence while others are continental. Floor to ceiling windows accentuate the breathtaking panoramic view from the elegantly appointed dining area. Make reservations early for Saturday morning's live radio show and breakfast.

Zanzabar

If you like outrageous decor, check out this extravagant $7 million nightclub decked out like a high-tech Egyptian pharaoh's tomb. It is a lavish place that features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, a soundproof VIP room, dance-crazy DJs and live stage performances. Zanzabar's collection of Egyptian art is more substantial than some museum collections;and it is everywhere. The place caters mostly to the younger set, although, older folks have been known to stop by for the ambience and entertainment.

Esprit Lounge

If you are in the mood for an elegant yet lively dance club, this one is for you. It is perhaps the best-known of Waikiki's nightclubs, maintaining a steady reputation for having great entertainment and atmosphere. Located in the posh Sheraton Waikiki hotel, it offers young patrons a great venue to in which to strut their stuff. The diverse spectrum of music is presented by live bands and DJs. Everyone who parties here dresses to impress, so ransack your wardrobe before sashaying up to the threshold.

Scruples Beach Club

The velvet rope might be an institution in some cities, but it hasn't become too prevalent in Honolulu yet, and certainly not here. The only requirements at this relaxed Waikiki dance club are that you be ready to party and have a good time. Women can wear sundresses or shorts; men can show up in flip-flops and t-shirts. The music is Top 40 and techno, the crowd is mixed, and the waitresses are often scantily clad.

Wonder Lounge

The hottest new hotel in Honolulu now boasts one of the most cutting-edge nightspots. This bar, nicknamed "Bar With the Bed" because of is unique decor, is adjacent to the Diamond Head Grill. Superstar entrepreneur Rande Gerber was one of the design consultants. The bar serves creative cocktails and gourmet nibbles. Try a Mai Tai Martini and Ama Ebi Spring Rolls. As you enjoy your decadent tropical libations, the smooth jazz sounds of David Swanson will entertain. After hours, Honolulu's serious scenesters show up in droves.

Hula's Bar & Lei Stand

Set amidst scenic and idyllic location, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand is a perfect bar to chill-out. Beach-bar and disco is the perfect tag-line that describe the place. Keeping in sync with the Hawaiian culture, this place truly has a warm ambiance. Be it the live DJ or gay-themed club, Hula has always been the first to 'have it all' in Hawaii. Be it a party or a themed night, Hula's does it with style and class. So be there and enjoy the beach with the babes.

Pakele Lounge

If you are in Honolulu, Pakele Lounge, located in Ala Moana Hotel, is the perfect destination for a night out. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as you sway to Hawaiian music played by renowned entertainers. The decor is chic and elegant with professional hi-tech electronic sound systems. Every Wednesday night, the lounge hosts a two-hour music concert which is aired via internet across the world. So relax and lounge around.

Red Lion

With live bands and good DJs, wide-screen TVs and several pool tables, this place has something for everyone. Happy Hour begins at 11am and lasts until the chief bartender decides to end it. This is generally around 9:30pm, and may be later if he's in a good mood. The drink specials rival any in town for price and size. Three out of seven nights, live music is featured. The spacious dance floor allows you plenty of space to shake your legs. The cover charge varies, but it's always low;about USD3 on weekend nights.