Top Rated Nightlife in Honolulu

Set in one of the nicest hotels on Waikiki Beach, this is a great place to start or end a day in paradise. The breakfast buffet is huge and lavish. A la carte lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of tasty sandwiches, salads and hot dishes. You'll dine al fresco under the shade of a native Kiawe tree, enjoying picturesque ocean views. Needless to say, the sunsets here are exquisite. Live Hawaiian music at sunset is a long-standing tradition.

Legend has it, the Mai Tai was either invented or perfected here. Fact or fiction, it doesn't really matter. This is a great place to have a drink and relax. Other creative tropical libations include Planters Punch, Navy Grog and the Royal Hawaiian Special. The bar is set in the magnificent old Royal Hawaiian Hotel. From 5:30p to 8:30p each evening, you can relax and take in the mellow Hawaiian music provided by the house band.

Most people know this bar for its friendly music and killer sunsets. Sure, it is typically filled with tourists who are staying at the Outrigger Hotel where it is located, but don't let that deter you, you're probably a tourist yourself. This is also the eponymous restaurant of the famed 'surf hero' and prodigal son, Duke Kahanamoku. The music is contemporary Hawaiian and you will always find the ukulele. The food includes fresh fish, burgers, salads, sandwiches and the breakfast buffet has some of the best made-to-order omelets in Waikiki. The atmosphere offers a great beach setting where guests will always find that ubiquitous Hawaiian friendliness, or "Pono" throughout the restaurant. Also, the adjoining bar is a fantastic place to have a drink before heading back to the beach or up to your hotel room if you're staying at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.

This is a favorite spot for all steak lovers. The menu however, ranges beyond the expected pork chops and meatloaf. There are ample sea-food appetizers to choose from. There is the popular 'New York Strip' and 'Fillet Mignon and Crab Oscar,' which is a tender beef fillet and blue crab cake served with a complementing sauce and asparagus. The alluring strawberry cheesecake is a great finish to a satisfying DK Steakhouse meal at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

This modest, elegant eatery is located in the vibrant Beachwalk area of Waikiki. Classy and modern, Taormina features indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that lends a contemporary twist to traditional Italian cuisine. Selections include Tuna and Bottarga “Peperoncino”, Truffle Carbonara, and Porcini Risotto, among other delectable dishes. Pair the delicious food with wine of your choice and round off your meal with delightful and decadent desserts. The restaurant also makes provisions for private events and offers catering services.

This cafe/bar hybrid is just another sign that the rebirth of Honolulu’s Historical Chinatown district is progressing, even if it’s ever so slowly. The morning will find the espresso machine humming the familiar tunes of mocha and cappuccino and the lines of area workers politely declaring their skinny and foam preferences. However, in the afternoon, the sounds of the post-work crowd sing a tune that is more festive. The sounds of beer bottles, martini shakers and crushed ice signal another workday has come to a close. Folks gather to celebrate or analyze the events of the day. -Lottie Tagupa