Listen to Local Live Music on Oʻahu at These Off-the-Beaten-Path Venues

Love live music? Oʻahu has a slew of venues, from dive bars to upscale hotel restaurants. Here are several local favorites, some of which you may not find in guide books.

Ala Moana

You may know this area by its sprawling beach park and outdoor mall. Located right outside of Waikīkī, it’s easily accessible by both public transport and taxi and is even walkable from many hotels. 

Hawaiian Brian’s Slack Key Lounge

Hawaiian Brian’s Social Club is a massive space located inconspicuously in a parking structure on Kapi‘olani Boulevard. With a pool hall, 500+ person concert venue, and speakeasy there’s no shortage of entertainment possibilities. The Slack Key Lounge has a quaint and intimate feel despite its busy surroundings. The venue hosts regular events from singer songwriter sessions to jam bands and album release parties. This is a great place to post up for an entire night of entertainment. Shows are generally Wednesday through Saturday, and often ticketed events so make sure to check the calendar. slackkeylounge.com, @slackkeylounge

Tropics Beach Hut

Located at the tail end of Waikīkī near Ala Moana Center, this dive bar has a small stage that hosts solo acts and bands on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Acts tend to be high energy reggae and rock making this spot a great place for casual drinks with lively entertainment and no cover charge. tropicswaikiki.com, @tropicswaikikipub

Chinatown

Known for its markets, arts district and support for all things alternative, Chinatown graces most visitor bucket lists. If you walk down Hotel Street, you’re likely to find a spot to vibe in, but make sure you check your calendar because most places are only open Wednesday through Saturday.

Dragon Upstairs

Nestled above the dive-y Hanks Café Honolulu, this cozy club plays a diverse range of music. What started as a jazz club has branched out to acts of all varieties; With live jazz and rock as well as regular DJs playing everything from EDM to motown, this eclectic venue has a fun and moody atmosphere. @dragonupstairs 

Manifest 

This café transforms into a bar at night highlighting local musicians from punk, jazz and surf rock. While most of the shows take place on the busier weekend nights, it also host events during the week. There’s usually no cover, but check out its website or Instagram to keep up to date. manifesthawaii.com, @themanifest

Nextdoor

 

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Featuring a variety of local bands as well as acts from the mainland and worldwide, this bar just celebrated its 19th anniversary. Its commitment to providing a space for local rock bands has brought countless shows over the years such as emo socials and Motown Valentines. Depending on the night Nextdoor may have one dedicated event or an early and late show—but regardless, this venue is a regular platform for talented musicians. nextdoorhi.com, @nextdoorhi

Kaka‘ako

This eclectic up and coming urban area has street art, shopping, breweries and plenty of restaurants. A great spot to find events like night markets with live music, this district is a hipster hub you shouldn’t miss. 

Aloha Beer Co.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key on the weekend, this brew company has live music in its beer garden every Friday night, and the speakeasy upstairs has separate music acts Friday and Saturday as well. This casual spot has plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate most parties and, as a plus, it’s family- and dog-friendly! alohabeer.com, @alohabeerco

The Gatsby

Inside The Gatsby.
Photo: Julie Stanley

Previously known as WorkPlay, this location recently underwent a change of ownership and full revamp. It not only has one of the most consistent live music line ups in all of Honolulu but also carefully crafted cocktails and a gorgeous aesthetic that will have you snapping pictures all night. Open Wednesday through Sunday, with themed nights such as Live Band Karaoke Wednesdays, Country Thursdays, Reggae Fridays and late night DJs this spot has something for everyone.  thegatsbyhawaii.com, @thegatsbyhawaii

Waikīkī

Waikīkī has no shortage of live music to enjoy, from the renowned Blue Note Hawaiʻi to restaurants with daily lineups of local musicians. The greater Honolulu area tends to slow down during the week, but Waikīkī has something to enjoy every night.

Hawaiian Aroma Caffe

Outside Hawaiian Aroma Caffe in Waikīkī.
Photo: Julie Stanley

Located on the second level of the Beachcomber, this cafe turns into a live music venue every night. The trendy spot features some of the most popular local contemporary artists. With weekly regulars ranging from duos to full bands, this is a great spot to vibe for hours with either your favorite mixed drink or a cafè latte.  hawaiianaromacaffe.com, @hawaiian_aroma_caffe

Kani Ka Pila Grille

Nathan Aweau performing at Kani Ka Pila Grille.
Photo: Courtesy of Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort

One of the only restaurants on this list, Kani Ka Pila Grille in the Outrigger Reef has nightly live music. The phrase itself kani ka pila is a phrase referring to a backyard jam session. This bar and restaurant features local Hawaiian music nightly from 6 to 9 p.m., and is a great option for a relaxing night immersed in a range of traditional and more modern Hawaiian music. outrigger.com, @kanikapilagrille

Lewer’s Lounge

This upscale lounge in the Halekūlani provides live jazz music Tuesday through Saturday. Their resident pianist and singer, Maggie Herron, plays jazz standards as well as some originals and blues covers. Even those not familiar with jazz are sure to be mesmerized by Herron’s raspy passionate voice. There is a dress code, so be sure to check its website for further information. halekulani.com