Honolulu at night: 8 epic adventures after dark

As the sun sets over Oʻahu, the island’s capital of Honolulu becomes the place to be, with tiki torches along Waikīkī Beach, cocktails flowing in buzzing rooftop bars, and fireworks lighting up the Pacific. The Aloha Spirit shines through in every moment spent exploring this vibrant city.

Whether strolling through the Honolulu Harbor Night Market, gazing in awe at the luau fire dancers, sipping a mai tai at Duke’s Waikīkī, or learning about Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum’s After Hours, the excitement doesn’t end after dark. This is your guide to fun things to do in Honolulu at night.

Top ranked: Honolulu at night

Best attractions to visit at night: After Hours at the Bishop Museum

Best neighborhood for nightlife: Waikīkī for iconic nightlife, or Kakaʻako for artsy vibes and craft beers

Best way to watch the sunset: A sunset cruise

Best nighttime activities for families: A luau or watching fireworks over Waikīkī Beach

1. Enjoy Waikīkī’s iconic beachfront and rooftop bars

As the sun goes down, Waikīkī’s nightlife scene revs up, with lively Kalākaua Avenue buzzing with bars, restaurants, and street performers. Start your evening at Duke’s Waikīkī at the Outrigger Resort for dreamy ocean views, live music, and mai tais. For some laid-back fun, visit House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel, charming visitors with delicious cocktails and hula dancing beneath a 130-year-old Kiawe tree. For stunning views of Diamond Head and live music, check out Sky Waikīkī, a rooftop bar on the 19th floor of the Waikīkī Business Plaza.

Why visit at night?

Waikīkī’s low-key daytime vibes are very low-key, so these spots turn electric after dark with a buzzing bar scene, live music, and spectacular sunsets.

Address

Waikīkī, Honolulu

Opening hours

Varies by venue

2. Visit Kakaʻako for chill vibes and craft beers

Offering a more laid-back and artsy nightlife vibe than Waikīkī, the Kakaʻako Arts District draws more locals than tourists once the sun goes down. A fun place to visit in Honolulu at night, Kakaʻako is known for its colorful murals, art galleries, great dining options, and — with the island’s best breweries — a brilliant craft beer scene. Hit up Honolulu Beerworks and the Aloha Beer Company and spend a fun evening under the stars in their lively beer gardens.

Why visit at night?

Kakaʻako comes alive in the evening as friends gather after work to enjoy beers, great music, and unique foodie pop-ups come dinnertime.

Address

Kakaʻako, Honolulu

Opening hours

Varies by venue

3. Relax on a sunset cruise

A Honolulu sunset cruise is the perfect way to take in the city’s intoxicating beauty from the water. As the sky turns orange, the views of Diamond Head and Waikīkī’s glittering skyline are breathtaking. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and let stories from your crew bring this vibrant city’s history and culture to life.

Why do this at night?

A night cruise lets you experience Honolulu in more peaceful surroundings, with fewer tourists on the water. Not to mention the gorgeous sunsets, comfortable temperatures, and stargazing opportunities.

4. Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau

For one of Hawaii’s most unique experiences, attend a traditional luau, featuring a tasty local feast, high-energy performances, and live ukulele music. As Hawaiʻi’s cultural hub, Honolulu offers a variety of luaus at different venues and price points. Shows in Honolulu dive deep into Polynesian history and traditions and attract world-class hula dancers, fire dancers, and musicians. It’s also an opportunity to try Hawaiian dishes like laulau, kalua pig, and poi.

Why do this at night?

A luau at night offers a beautiful sense of community, Hawaiian culture, and food, enhanced by the sunset and magical glow of tiki torches.

Opening hours

Luaus typically start around 5:00 PM

5. Explore the Bishop Museum after hours

With an unrivaled collection of Hawaiian artifacts, the Bishop Museum is a must-visit at any time of day. But did you know it’s also one of the best things to do in Honolulu at night? Taking place once a month, the museum’s After Hours event lets you explore its fascinating exhibits with smaller crowds, a more relaxed atmosphere, and special events. Visit the Hawaiian Hall to discover impressive collections on Hawaiian gods and see Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s feather cape and helmet. Catch special evening stargazing shows at the J. Watmull Planetarium. Outside on the Great Lawn, enjoy food vendors, live music, and hands-on experiences like lei making.

Why visit at night?

At the museum’s After Hours events, you can enjoy a more relaxed and intimate experience, unique outdoor programming, and prime stargazing opportunities.

Address

1525 Bernice St, Honolulu

Opening hours

Second Friday of each month, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

6. Watch the Friday fireworks over Waikīkī Beach

Since 1988, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort on Waikīkī Beach has hosted a free fireworks show every Friday night, illuminating the sky in a cascade of colors reflected on the ocean. This beloved tradition is one of the most popular things to do in Honolulu at night. For the best views, arrive early to claim a spot directly in front of the Hilton Resort or head to Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park for smaller crowds. You can also book an evening boat cruise for a spectacular view of the fireworks from the water.

Why do this at night?

The fireworks are a thrilling way to cap off a day on Waikīkī Beach, lighting up the sky with stunning reflections over the Pacific.

Address

2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Opening hours

Every Friday night, around 8:00 PM

7. Go high for a dazzling sunset view of Honolulu

For one of the best sunset views over Honolulu, drive 15 minutes from Waikīkī up the winding, jungle-lined Round Top Drive to Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Park, home to the Tantalus Lookout. The scenic drive itself has a few pull-offs perfect for golden hour photos, but the real magic happens at the top. From nearly 1,000 feet up, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light over downtown Honolulu, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and the Pacific. In summer, the park stays open until almost 8:00 PM, perfect for a dreamy sunset picnic.

Why do this at night?

Nothing spells romance like sunset views of Honolulu and a cozy drive for two.

Address

2760 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822

Opening hours

September–March, 7:00 AM–6:45 PM
April–Labor Day, 7:00–7:45 PM

8. Experience Honolulu’s weekly night market

Every Friday evening throughout the year, Hakuone (Honolulu’s old Fisherman’s Wharf) hosts Honolulu Harbor Nights, a vibrant outdoor market loved by Hawaiians and visitors. One of the most fun things to do in Honolulu at night, this festive weekly event features a wide variety of Honolulu’s best food and drink vendors, offering everything from poke and Mexican cuisine to local wines and beers. You’ll also find locals selling handcrafted art that reflects the island’s rich heritage, along with live music and entertainment.

Why do this at night?

While the city has a few great markets, the backdrop of the harbor and Pacific, the fantastic variety of food vendors, and the packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment by local artists make this one of the best places to be on a Friday night in Honolulu.

Address

1099 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

Opening hours

Open every Friday, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM