Elizabeth27

Hi, I am going to Oahu in September with a friend (both of us single girls) and we will be looking for some places to hang out at night...I don't think we'll be doing the dance club scene, but could anyone recommend some quality beachfront bars/lounges, hotel bars, or "upscale" lounges in Waikiki and Honolulu area? We are staying at the Halekulani, so will probably spend the nights in and around Waikiki. Thanks...

aloha

Hi Elizabeth. the Banyan Verandah at the Moana Hotel is a beautiful spot--outdoors under a huge banyan tree, right on the beach. there is live music every night. It is a classic paradise kind of place.
The Tiki Bar at the Aston near Kapiolani park has a fun Polynesian atmosphere, overlooks the beach. You can't miss it at night as it is on a 2nd floor balcony and they have large torches burning.

Elizabeth27

Thanks for the info......I appreciate it.

I will be sure to check out the Banyan at the Surfrider, as I am staying there for part of my trip.

I think I saw the Tiki bar's website someplace, it looks like a very fun place.

Also, I heard Duke's Canoe gets packed, especially at sunset. Is there a particular time or place to go when it may NOT be quite so crowded?

beachkomer

We went to Duke's for dinner at 6pm, not crowed, got right in. We went on Friday night, and it was packed packed packed!!! But it was fun. It seemed to be the hot spot. We waited for an hour for a table, but sat outside in chairs near the beach with our pager. It was good for people watching. A sailor just off the boat from Iraq had a Pamela Anderson look alike with him, and it was Clear as day they had just met....hmmmm, all I could think of was "hey baby, wanna 'date'? That was just a side note. Honolulu, Waikiki seemed pretty tame. It was like a clean, beachy Michigan Ave. (the main street that all the big hotels are on).
Have fun!!!

scigirl

The Halekulani actually has a nice beach front bar (poolside). It closes at 9pm and then an indoor lounge opens with a live jazz singer - very calm atmosphere, great drinks, and pistacio nuts on the table.

The 'W' hotel has a dance club - Friday nights used to be the busy nights. Saturday nights were mostly a 'hang out' night with very few people in the club (and not really any dancing - more sitting at tables, etc.). Another popular place is Indigo restaurant/bar (near Chinatown).

islandmom

Can't think of the name.... at the top of Ala Moana hotel always has an elite crowd with a nice view.

Patty

The Halekulani itself has one of the nicest oceanfront lounges in Waikiki. It's called House Without a Key and there's live music and hula in the early evening.

Dave_Tiki

Hi Elizabeth,

Go on a dinner cruise! It's cheap and fun. I like Dream Cruises - Island Grill Cruise.
It's only $50 per person. If you give them a call... 1-800-400-7300 they usually have discounts and specials.

If you go with someone who lives here, they give everyone a discount. If you go with someone in the military you get a bigger discount.

If you go on a Friday night you can see the weekly fireworks display at the Hilton. My wife and I take everyone who visits. Honolulu is beautiful from the ocean. It's usually the best part of the vacation.