Best nightlife in Honolulu: top-rated clubs and live venues

TL;DR:

Honolulu clubs cluster in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Chinatown.
The District is the late-night dance hub with VIP tables.
SKY Waikiki runs a rooftop nightclub on Friday and Saturday.
The Republik and Blue Note bring touring acts most weeks.
Hula’s and Scarlet anchor inclusive LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Choose by vibe first. Waikiki is scenic and dressy. Ala Moana and Kaka‘ako skew clubby. Chinatown leans indie, artsy, and late. Friday and Saturday run hottest. Many venues post weekly schedules. Check the week of your visit.

Quick picks table

Your goal	Go here	Why
Big-room nightclub with VIP	The District	Multiple rooms, LED wall, VIP tables, late hours.
Rooftop party with skyline views	SKY Waikiki	Nightclub Fri–Sat, 9 pm to 2 am, central Waikiki.
Touring bands and themed dance nights	The Republik	Ticketed shows, EDM and indie parties on a pro stage.
Inclusive drag, DJs, and dancing	Scarlet Honolulu	Big weekends, two dance floors, shows and parties.
Ocean-view LGBTQ+ landmark bar	Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand	Daily events, DJs to 2 am, long-running happy hour.
Intimate jazz lounge	Lewers Lounge	Nightly live jazz with posted set times.
Chinatown late-night shows and parties	NextDoor	Local bands early, DJs late, regular ticketed nights.

Top rated Honolulu clubs and live rooms

The District

This is Honolulu’s modern nightclub, minutes from Ala Moana Center. Expect a towering DJ booth, a 36-foot LED wall, and a “club within a club” hip-hop room. VIP tables ring the dance floor. Thursdays feature salsa in the Parlor, while Fridays and Saturdays run full nightclub programming into the early morning. Address and parking info are on the site. Book tables for birthdays or group trips.

Vibe tips: Dress smart-casual or better. Arrive before 11 pm to avoid the peak line.

SKY Waikiki

SKY doubles as a raw bar and a rooftop nightclub. The view looks across Waikiki and the ocean. The venue states its nightclub runs every Friday and Saturday from 9 pm to 2 am. Expect open-format DJs, bottle service, and plenty of photos at golden hour before the party starts. Reservations help for sunset seating.

Vibe tips: It is a rooftop. Heels or clean sneakers work, but leave beachwear for the day.

The Republik

This is the city’s reliable live-music room. Touring acts, tribute shows, and dance parties hit most months. The official calendar lists set times and age rules for each show. Look for special nights like Electric Feels or local headliners. If you like a big sound and a real stage, start here.

Vibe tips: Buy tickets in advance. Many shows are 18+ or all-ages, then flip to a late DJ night.

Scarlet Honolulu

Scarlet is a cornerstone for inclusive nightlife. Weekends stack drag shows, theme parties, and DJs across two rooms. Posts confirm Friday and Saturday hours with cover at the door and table options online. Come ready to dance and cheer for the performers.

Vibe tips: Lines form near showtime. Arrive early for a good spot near the stage.

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand

Hula’s is a Waikiki classic with a lanai view of Diamond Head. The calendar shows daily events, weekend DJs until 2 am, and regular live sets. It is friendly, social, and a must for visitors who want a relaxed party before a late club.

Vibe tips: Day-to-night works here. Shorts are fine. Expect a mix of locals and travelers.

Lewers Lounge

If you want a refined night, come here for cocktails and jazz. Halekulani lists live entertainment nightly with posted set times and lounge hours. The room is intimate, so consider a reservation. It is perfect for date night or a reset after clubbing.

Vibe tips: Dress nicely. This is a quiet room that rewards low voices and slow sips.

NextDoor, Chinatown

NextDoor anchors Chinatown’s late-night scene. Expect early live bands, then a switch to DJs and dance parties. The site and socials show frequent ticketed events and themed nights. It is a strong choice if you want an underground feel.

Vibe tips: Chinatown gets busy late. Use rideshare and plan a bar hop on Hotel Street.

Sample 1-night itineraries

Classic “view then dance”

6:30 pm, sunset bites at SKY Waikiki.
9:00 pm, stay at SKY’s nightclub.
12:30 am, head to The District for a late set.

Live music + club finish

8:00 pm, ticketed show at The Republik.
11:30 pm, walk downstairs to The District for the after party.

Inclusive Waikiki crawl

7:00 pm, sunset drinks at Hula’s.
9:00 pm, drag and dance at Scarlet in Chinatown.

Planning basics

When to go

Friday and Saturday are strongest for dance floors. Rooftops and lounges add Thursday programming in high season. Live venues like The Republik and Blue Note publish event calendars with exact dates. Check the week you go.

Dress code

Waikiki rooftops suggest smart casual. The District leans club chic. Chinatown venues are flexible, but closed-toe shoes are wise. Jazz lounges prefer upscale attire. These notes track venue guidance and recent listings.

Cover, tickets, and tables

Nightclubs may charge covers on weekends. The Republik, Blue Note, and NextDoor sell tickets per event. VIP tables at The District and SKY should be booked ahead. Prices vary by night and act.

Getting around

Use rideshare between Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, and Chinatown. Parking exists, but late-night garages can be tight. The District lists nearby paid lots if you drive.

Short checklist

Check the calendar for your date, then buy tickets.
Reserve tables for big nights at SKY or The District.
Carry a valid, physical ID. Hawaii bars are strict.
Dress for your venue, not the beach.
Use rideshare after midnight. Streets get crowded.

Why it matters

Honolulu’s nightlife is varied. You can dance late, hear touring artists, or relax with jazz. Picking by vibe gives you a smoother night and fewer lines. With clear hours and calendars, you can lock plans and spend more time on the floor.

Sources:

The District, About and hours, https://www.thedistricthi.com/ and https://www.thedistricthi.com/contact, accessed 2025-10-08
SKY Waikiki, Hours and nightclub details, https://skywaikiki.com/, accessed 2025-10-08
The Republik, Upcoming events calendar, https://jointherepublik.com/upcoming-events/, accessed 2025-10-08
BAMPPROJECT, The Republik event listings, https://bampproject.com/events, accessed 2025-10-08
Blue Note Hawaii, Shows calendar, https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/, accessed 2025-10-08
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, Home and Events, https://hulas.com/ and https://hulas.com/events/, accessed 2025-10-08
Scarlet Honolulu, Official site and Instagram hours, https://www.scarlethonolulu.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/scarlethnl/, accessed 2025-10-08
NextDoor, Upcoming events and Instagram, https://www.nextdoorhi.com/upcoming-events and https://www.instagram.com/nextdoorhi/, accessed 2025-10-08

Halekulani, Lewers Lounge hours and events, https://www.halekulani.com/dining/lewers-lounge/ and https://www.halekulani.com/hotel/events-calendar/, accessed 2025-10-08