Nobody tells you how wild Oahu gets after dark. While tourists pack up their beach bags, the island’s real energy kicks in. One minute you’re catching the sunset at Waimea Bay, the next you’re diving into Honolulu’s Chinatown, where the best bars hide behind unmarked doors and local chefs serve up late-night poke that’ll ruin you for mainland fish forever.
Ready for the best things to do in Oahu at night? From secret beach bonfires to Waikiki’s hidden gems, these are the nights you’ll actually remember!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this authentic luau experience at Oahu’s Waimea Valley! They take you through lush gardens to a sacred waterfall for swimming, plus access to traditional ceremonies and fire knife performances. You also learn what makes Hawaiian culture magical from locals who know the real traditions beyond the tourist shows. This luau is absolutely a must-do on a Hawaiian itinerary in my opinion.
Best Things to Do in Oahu at Night: 2025 Guide
Want to experience Honolulu’s nightlife? The whole of Oahu comes alive after dark! From swaying hula shows and moonlit beaches across the island to buzzing markets packed with local treasures, we’re talking serious island vibes here. And speaking of Hawaiian attractions, just wait ’til you taste what’s cooking at those food stalls from North Shore to Waikiki. Here are all of the best things to do at night in Oahu!
1. Dance the night away at Mai Tai Bar
Mai Tai Bar is honestly the most touristy spot on this list, but it’s touristy for a reason. The drinks are actually solid and the location can’t be beat. Right on Waikiki Beach at the Royal Hawaiian hotel, you’ll pay around $18 for cocktails, but they know how to make a proper Mai Tai here (they’ve been doing it since 1953).
The vibe gets pretty lively after 6pm when the live music kicks in until 10pm. I’ve been here multiple times and yeah, it’s crowded with tourists taking selfies, but honestly? The sunset views and beachfront setting make it worth dealing with the crowds. The truffle fries are surprisingly good for $17, and you can’t argue with sipping drinks literally steps from the sand.
Just know what you’re getting into – this isn’t some hidden local gem. It’s the quintessential Waikiki experience, complete with all the tourist energy that comes with it. Open daily 11am-11pm, and you can walk right up from the beach. Sometimes the most obvious choice is obvious for good reasons.
2. Hike the Ka‘ena Point Trail and go stargazing at Oahu’s darkest corner
If you’re craving stars instead of city lights, Kaʻena Point Trail is your move. Located on Oahu’s northwestern tip, this coastal hike offers some of the darkest skies on the island…perfect for stargazing, especially on clear, moonless nights.
The trail is a flat, 5-mile round trip (2.5 miles each way), taking you along a rugged lava shoreline with zero artificial light once you’re past the first half mile. It’s an old railroad path, so the terrain is easy to follow even in the dark. Just bring a headlamp or flashlight for the hike in and out.
There’s no official closing time, and entry is free, but parking is limited at the end of Farrington Hwy (Mokulē‘ia side) or Keawa‘ula (Yokohama Bay) on the west side. Most hikers use the Mokulē‘ia entrance, especially for stargazing. Once you reach the Natural Area Reserve at the point, lay out a blanket and let your eyes adjust. On a good night, you’ll see the Milky Way stretch across the Pacific. There’s also a good chance of spotting monk seals or hearing seabirds nesting nearby. No crowds, no noise…just waves and stars. It’s wild, peaceful, and absolutely worth staying up for.
3. Attend Paradise Cove luau
Paradise Cove is the real deal when it comes to luaus, and I actually think it’s worth the drive out to Ko Olina (about 40 minutes from Waikiki). Yeah, it’s touristy, but it’s the kind of tourist experience done right. Gates open at 5pm and the whole thing wraps by 9pm.
I’d skip the basic package ($150) and go for at least the Orchid level ($175) – you get better seating and more drink credits. The Deluxe ($240) includes table service, which is clutch when you don’t want to deal with buffet lines. The activities before dinner are actually fun – spear throwing, lei making, canoe rides – and the imu ceremony where they dig up the pig is pretty cool.
The sunset views from this beachfront location are incredible, probably the best you’ll get during a dinner experience on Oahu. The food is solid luau fare, and the Polynesian show with fire knife dancing is legitimately impressive. Just book transportation ($35 extra) unless you want to deal with driving in the dark after a few Mai Tais.
4. Take a catamaran night sail from Waikiki
Nothing beats watching the Honolulu skyline light up from the water, and the sunset catamaran options from Waikiki Beach are actually pretty great. I’ve tried several operators, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with most of them.
Na Hoku offers the best deal at around $30 for an hour sail with open bar – seriously, that’s cheaper than three drinks at most hotel bars. Holokai Catamaran runs longer 90-minute sunset sails for around $50, and their “Holokai Hooch” cocktail is dangerously good. Kepoikai II has been doing this for 48 years, so they know what they’re doing.
Most boats depart right from the beach (you’ll get your feet wet boarding), and the views of Diamond Head and the coastline are unbeatable. The open bar aspect makes these trips pretty social – I’ve met cool people on every sail I’ve done. Just bring a light jacket because it gets breezy once the sun goes down. The Friday night fireworks cruises are especially fun if you time it right with the Hilton Hawaiian Village show.
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5. Explore Chinatown’s bars and galleries
Honolulu’s Chinatown after dark is where locals actually hang out, and it’s way more interesting than the Waikiki hotel bar scene. The area really comes alive during First Friday (first Friday of each month) when galleries stay open late with free drinks and music, but honestly any weekend night has good energy.
Bar 35 has over 100 beers and stays open until 2am – it’s been the anchor spot for years. The Manifest (open Fri-Sat 5pm-2am) is more of a club vibe with dancing. NextDoor is the artsy venue with live music and weird performances. Red Bar has comedy nights on Mondays and whiskey specials on Wednesdays.
I like starting at Tchin Tchin, their rooftop wine bar, then working your way through the block. The neighborhood can feel a bit sketchy if you’re not used to urban areas, but it’s generally safe if you stick to the main drags like Hotel Street. Street parking is free after 6pm if you can find a spot. This is where you’ll find the real Honolulu nightlife, not the resort version.
6. Watch movies on the beach at Sunset on the Beach
Sunset on the Beach at Queen’s Beach in Waikiki is one of those free activities that’s actually awesome. They set up a massive 40-foot screen right on the sand, and you can literally watch movies with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background.
The events happen periodically throughout the year (check their schedule), and it’s genuinely a great scene. People bring blankets, grab food from the vendors, and it becomes this whole community vibe. I’ve watched everything from recent releases to classic films here, and the setting never gets old.
The best part? It’s completely free, and the location right in Waikiki means you can easily walk from your hotel. Shows typically start around sunset, and there’s usually live entertainment beforehand. Bring a beach chair or blanket, maybe a light sweater for when it gets breezy, and just enjoy the most unique movie theater experience you’ll probably ever have. It beats paying $15 for a regular movie theater, that’s for sure.
7. Night Zipline Adventure at Coral Crater Adventure Park
If you’re looking for something more adventurous than a luau or sunset cruise, Coral Crater’s Night Zipline Adventure in Kapolei is your move. It’s about 45 minutes west of Waikiki and offers a rare chance to zipline in the dark…through the treetops with headlamps and string lights lighting the way.
The tour includes three ziplines ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet, plus a cozy post-zipline campfire session with s’mores. It’s a fun, adrenaline-filled way to shake up your Oahu nightlife, especially if you’re traveling with friends or looking for a memorable date night. It runs on Saturday evenings only, with tours typically starting around 6 PM and wrapping up by 7:30 PM, depending on the schedule.
Caveat: This isn’t a late-night option. You’ll be done shortly after sundown, so plan dinner or drinks nearby afterward if you want to keep the night going.
You’ll need closed-toe shoes, a decent sense of adventure, and maybe a light jacket depending on the season. It’s one of the most unique nighttime activities you can do on Oahu, and it beats standing in line at a bar.
8. Browse Kaka’ako Night Market
The Kaka’ako Night Market is a monthly event (usually first Saturday) that’s actually worth planning around if you’re in town when it happens. This isn’t some cheesy tourist market – it’s where Honolulu’s food scene and local artists come together in the Kaka’ako district.
I’ve been to probably six of these over the years, and the food game is always on point. You’ll find everything from local Hawaiian plate lunches to trendy fusion stuff from Honolulu’s best food trucks. The craft beer selection is solid, and there’s usually live music that doesn’t suck.
The market happens at Our Kaka’ako community space, and it’s got this cool urban vibe with street art and industrial buildings as the backdrop. It gets pretty crowded (like, shoulder-to-shoulder crowded), but that’s part of the energy. Parking can be a nightmare, so I’d honestly recommend Ubering or taking the bus.
Check their Instagram for exact dates because it’s not every month, and weather can cancel it. When it’s on, though, it’s probably the best representation of Honolulu’s contemporary culture you’ll find in one place.
9. Grab Late-Night Local Eats at Rainbow Drive-In
When you’re craving authentic Hawaiian comfort food after a night out, Rainbow Drive-In on Kapahulu Avenue is where locals go. This no-frills institution has been serving plate lunches since 1961, and it stays open until 9pm. Trust me, it’s perfect when you need something hearty to fuel your evening.
I highly recommend their famous Loco Moco: hamburger patty, fried egg, and rice smothered in rich gravy that’ll cure whatever ails you. Their mix plate gives you a taste of everything, including BBQ beef, boneless chicken, and mahi mahi with two scoops rice and mac salad.
The atmosphere is pure local dive, with picnic tables, walk-up window service, and zero pretension. You’ll probably see surfers grabbing dinner after a session and night shift workers fueling up. It’s not fancy, but after a day of beaches and a night of Mai Tais, nothing hits quite like a plate lunch from Rainbow’s. Just come hungry because portions are massive and totally worth the inevitable food coma!
10. Listen to live music at Blue Note Hawaii
Blue Note Hawaii inside the Outrigger Waikiki is the real deal for live music – this isn’t some hotel lounge with a guy playing acoustic covers. They book actual touring acts, from jazz legends to contemporary artists, in an intimate 300-person venue.
Tickets typically run $89-200+ depending on who’s playing, but you’re getting legitimate concert experiences. I saw Jake Shimabukuro here and the acoustics were incredible – way better than most venues this size. The venue has bar seating, table seating, and VIP options, and honestly, even the cheaper seats have good sightlines.
The food menu is surprisingly solid if you want to make it a dinner-and-show experience, though drinks are pricey (welcome to Waikiki). Shows usually start at 6pm and 8:30pm, with some single shows at 7pm or 7:30pm.
This is where you come when you want actual musical entertainment, not background music. Check their calendar before your trip because the lineup varies wildly – could be comedy one night, jazz the next, then some Hawaiian slack key guitar legend. Book ahead though, the good shows sell out.
- Read Next: 12 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Hawaii
11. Paddle through legends on the Lunar Legends Night Tour at PCC
If you want something peaceful, cultural, and 100 percent unique to Oahu, the Lunar Legends Night Paddle is a hidden gem. Offered by North Shore Explorers at the Polynesian Cultural Center, this 90-minute evening experience takes you across their quiet lagoon after the park closes for the day.
You’ll glide on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, guided by soft LED lights under the moonlight. The route takes you past recreated Polynesian island villages while a guide shares traditional legends and myths from the Pacific. It feels more like storytelling theater on water than a typical tour. No waves, no current, no ocean hazards…just calm water and warm night air.
The setting is perfect for couples or small groups looking for something completely different from luaus and beach bars. The paddling is beginner-friendly and super mellow, so no athleticism required. Just wear comfortable clothing that can get a little wet and bring your curiosity.
It’s offered most nights but spots are limited. Tickets start around $95 per person, and it’s one of the most peaceful ways to spend an evening on Oahu. You’ll leave feeling like you paddled through a dream!
- Read Next: 12 Amazingly Beautiful Places in Oahu
12. Take a ghost tour in historic Honolulu
Honolulu ghost tours are surprisingly entertaining, even if you’re not big on the supernatural stuff. Mysteries of Hawaii runs the most popular tour ($35) with Lopaka Kapanui, who’s been doing this for years and actually knows Hawaiian history and folklore. Honolulu Haunts offers similar tours for $32-35.
I’ve done the downtown tour twice (don’t judge me), and it’s genuinely interesting from a historical perspective. You’ll visit Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha’o Church, and various spots in the government district while hearing stories about Hawaii’s royal family, ancient Hawaiian spirits, and more recent hauntings.
The tours run nightly around 7-8pm and last about 90 minutes. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll learn actual Hawaiian history and see parts of downtown Honolulu you might otherwise miss. The guides are usually pretty good storytellers, and the night setting definitely adds atmosphere.
Fair warning – some tours can be hit or miss depending on your guide, and a few companies have reliability issues. Stick with the established operators, and manage expectations. It’s more history walk with spooky stories than actual ghost hunting.
