40 Best Things To Do In Oahu At Night

Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and is world-renowned for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant city life. From the lush rainforests and majestic mountains to the world-class surf breaks, Oahu offers an array of outdoor adventures and natural wonders.

However, while it may seem like everything in Oahu is only available during daylight hours, that’s far from the case. In fact, when the sunsets, Oahu comes alive with a whole host of incredible things to do.

Beach & Outdoor Activities

1. Watch The Sunset At Waikiki Beach

Oahu is home to the world-iconic Waikiki Beach, which is one of the most incredible spots to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Every evening when the sun sets below the horizon, the sky becomes filled with an amazing pattern of warm colours.

It’s a truly magnificent sight that will leave you in unforgettable awe and the best way to end a day in Oahu on a high note!

2. Have A Picnic On Waikiki Beach

If you’re looking for an affordable dinner with friends, family or a loved one then consider picking up some picnic supplies from ABC Stores and then heading down to Waikiki Beach for a picnic.

From the comfort of a blanket here you can watch the sunset on the horizon while also dining on some delicious food and relaxing together.

3. Sunset Hoverboard Tour

After a long day enjoying the beauty of Waikiki Beach, you can also experience the breathtaking view of the island at sunset from a unique perspective while on a hoverboard!

Luckily, you can find plenty of hoverboard rentals in the area, which can provide up to 2-hour tours with knowledgeable tour guides to keep you safe and offer tons of information about the local history of the beach.

4. Hawaii Sunset Tour

Although Oahu’s beaches are astonishingly mesmerizing all day and night, their beauty peaks during sunset when the Waikiki skyline is covered with the golden rays of the sun reflecting from the Pacific Ocean. One of the ideal ways to enjoy the beauty of this moment is through the popular “Hawaii sunset tours”.

These tours are in the form of mini cruises that depart from the piers of Honolulu port and sail through East Oahu, passing through some of the most picturesque landmarks around the island. If you’re interested in photography, you’ll be able to capture some of the most attractive photos to add to your collection while on this tour!

5. Magic Island Glide At Sunset

The Magic Island Glide is one of the most popular tours around Hawaii beaches, especially in Oahu. This one is a complete tour that helps you get a taste of life in Oahu from the comfort of a segway personal transporter!

These tours are surprisingly affordable and range from 60 to 90 minutes. They usually start with a quick lesson if you’ve never used a segway before, and once you’re ready to glide, you can join the touring group along the gliding-friendly Ala Moana Beach Park pathways.

6. Sunset Beach Park

Speaking of parks, Oahu has some of the most beautiful beach parks in all of Hawaii, including Maunalua Bay Beach Park, Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park, Wawamalu Beach Park, and more!

These parks are excellent spots for hanging out and enjoying the beautiful weather of Oahu. They also have plenty of trailheads with beautiful beachside views, making them ideal for hiking and trail running, whether you’re looking for an easy or a more challenging one.

Cultural Experiences

7. Experience A Luau

If you’re looking for a truly immersive Hawaiian experience, there isn’t a better way than experiencing a Luau. A Luau is a traditional party-like feast that celebrates the rich local culture and history of the Hawaiian islands. It’s also a great way to get introduced to the authentic Hawaiian way of life!

A typical Luau will involve eating delicious food from the island, such as Hawaiian poi, Kalua pork, Laulau, haupia, lomilomi salmon, and Molokai sweet potatoes. In addition to food, you can also enjoy the entertainment element of the feast, which involve hula dancing and fire spinning.

8. The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most iconic tourist attractions near the north shore of Oahu. The living museum is located one hour away from Waikiki but is well worth the ride. The Polynesian Cultural Center stretches across 42 acres of land, with tons of activities and experiences to explore.

The place is extremely family-friendly and is split into six different villages, each featuring the unique theme of the culture it represents, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Tonga, and Fiji.

9. Old Honolulu Walking Tour

Honolulu’s history is quite fascinating. However, some of it can be somewhat spooky! If you’re into all things paranormal, you should miss out on the Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour located downtown Honolulu.

In this 30-minute tour, an experienced guide will walk you through some of the most iconic mysteries of Hawaii and share the tales associated with them. These tours usually meet at King Kamehameha Statue and pass by various landmarks, such as the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and the Punchbowl Cemetery.

10. Toa Luau

Although you can experience a Luau in a variety of spots around Oahu, Toa Luau is one of the most recommended places for good reason. The dinner theatre offers a variety of packages for a wide range of visitors and different levels of budget.

In Toa Luau, you’ll get a beautiful flower lei and enjoy a live cooking demonstration along with a complete Polynesian show and Kava ceremony, which is both enriching and entertaining!

Nightlife & Entertainment

11. Bar Hop During Happy Hour

If you’re in the mood for a drink, there’s a huge variety of bars to visit in Oahu. There, you can enjoy special drinks along with a unique presentation and some stunning views of the pacific ocean!

Additionally, many bars in Oahu create their own cocktails with secret recipes, which makes bar hopping at a happy hour an extremely fun experience!

12. Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar

If you have a song in your heart and you want to let it out, Wang Chunk’s Karaoke Bar would be the perfect place for it!

This place offers one of the widest selections of songs to choose from. Not only that, but the bar can also find plenty of songs if you’re looking for something extra special. The bar is equipped with a top-line sound system and modern karaoke gear for a remarkable experience and unforgettable duets with your friends and loved ones!

13. Party At Duke’s

Duke’s Waikiki is a bar and restaurant located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu. The iconic landmark is named after the Hawaiian surfing legend and Olympic swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku.

The bar isn’t only popular among tourists but also locals, which adds a lot to its authenticity as a representative of the Hawaiian identity. Duke’s Waikiki Bar is located in a prime location, providing some stunning views of the ocean during sunset. Additionally, it serves an extended variety of delicious foods and drinks that you shouldn’t miss out on!

14. Dance At Honolulu Nightclubs

The bustling capital of Hawaii is a rich spot when it comes to nightclubs, each with its unique atmosphere, vibe, and music genres played. For instance, if you’re looking for an energetic nightclub, you should consider The Republik, Zanzabar, and Sky Waikiki.

However, if you want a trendy nightclub where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Honolulu’s night sky, you should consider open clubs like RumFire and Play Bar.

15. Watch A Show At Blue Note

If you’re looking for a special club where you can enjoy live music performances from a wide variety of local bands, you shouldn’t miss out on the Blue Note. The world-renowned jazz club, located in many capitals worldwide, is one of the most popular locations to visit in Honolulu.

The club hosts a variety of performances all year round played by local and national jazz artists. The Blue Note also has a large menu full of food and drink options, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town.

16. Attend A Rock-A-Hula Show

If you want to experience the best combination of the Polynesian Islands’ traditional culture and rich history, you should definitely consider the Rock-A-Show in Oahu! The award-winning show has been around for over 65 years, creating memories full of joyous dancing, colourful costumes, and world-class entertainment for the whole family!

Additionally, the event includes live tribute performances of historical music figures, such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, among others. In addition to tribute music shows, you can enjoy sessions of Tahitian and Hawaiian dancers and vocalists featuring authentic fire knife performances. Rock-A-Hula Show also offers upscale lounges and bars if you don’t mind splurging a little more for some white-glove treatment!

17. Mai Tai Bar At Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is a great place to go for a taste of Hawaii’s history and culture while on the Island of Oahu. As the name suggests, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Mai Tai Bar is the birthplace of the world-famous Mai Tai cocktail, so it’s the right spot to go to if you’re a fan of this delicious Tiki drink!

It’s also a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, with spectacular views of Waikiki Beach as well as the Diamond Head. Besides the broad spectrum of Mai Tai cocktails and tropical beverages that the bar offers, it also serves a light menu of snacks to enjoy alongside the drinks. Moreover, the bar hosts wonderful musical nights every night, making it an excellent spot to spend a fun night with your buddies!

18. Enjoy Music At Ginza Night Club

Ginza Night Club is Waikiki’s newest hotspot. With its slick and fashionable ambience,  cutting-edge sound system, and busy dance floor, the club is an ideal spot to let loose and have fun. If you’re into energetic and groovy music, this club will hit the spot for you, as the DJ is always playing the latest tunes to hit the billboards.

Additionally, you can enjoy delicious food in Ginza, ranging from quick bites to full-blown meals prepared by experienced chefs and served by a helpful and welcoming staff! If you have an upcoming event, Ginza Night Club is also an ideal spot to celebrate it and make your night unforgettable with its excellent atmosphere and great music.

19. Check Out House Without A Key

“House Without A Key” is an iconic open-air restaurant located in Halekulani Resort in Oahu, offering unforgettable nights under the stars to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Aloha!

Besides the lovely music and the enjoyable ambience, it’s also a perfect spot to enjoy the stunning views of the glistening water of the pacific ocean during the sunset all the while savoring some classic Hawaiian cocktails and delectable local food!

20. Try Unique Beers At Bar 35

If you want a special spot with good beer and excellent happy hour prices, you should definitely put Bar 35 on your shortlist for Oahu’s nighttime fun. What makes this upscale pub unique is that it offers over 150 types of beer from over 20 nations across the globe, making it an incredible must-visit for beer and lager connoisseurs!

The bar is always clean and well-ventilated with a nice display of all kinds of beers available along with highly knowledgeable staff and bartenders with plenty of helpful tips and information if you can’t decide.

Besides the drinks, you can also enjoy a small menu of delicious foods and snacks to-go. You can also head out to the outdoor patio in the back for some nice fresh air, especially on a Friday night when the bar is extra busy.

21. Attend Concerts At NextDoor

NextDoor is a cinema lounge and a concert hall located in the Arts District of Chinatown, Honolulu. The venue hosts a variety of underground music events every day of the week but reserves the special ones for the weekends. This includes Hip Hop, Jazz, heavy metal, EDM, and much more!

The club is quite spacious and has an impressive warehouse-style design, coupled with state-of-the-art speakers and a lighting system to provide unmatched vibes for your nighttime entertainment needs!

22. Visit Duke’s Marketplace

Also known as “Dukes Lane Market & Eatery” this marketplace caters to all of your dining and shopping needs. The place has plenty of shopping stands and kiosks where you can buy anything from fresh food to unique Hawaiian souvenirs along with several eateries to grab a quick bite on the go!

The best thing about Duke’s Marketplace is that it has something for everyone, whether you’re craving Hawaiian cuisine, American dining, or something in between. Besides its vast food and retail opportunities, there’s always something special going on at Duke’s Marketplace including events and festivals throughout the year. 

23. Tiki’s Grill & Bar

With its laid-back atmosphere and delicious food, Tiki’s Grill & Bar is the ideal spot to relax and unwind after a long day cruising around Oahu. The restaurant’s menu includes both traditional Hawaiian cuisine and some more inventive options if you don’t mind trying out something new.

Drinks at Tiki’s are also quite special and refreshing, with the bar offering a remarkable variety of cocktails, such as pina coladas and Hawaiian Mai Tais.

Sightseeing & Tours

24. Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is a great stop for all the family with over 900 different animals residing within its borders, including lions, orangutans, elephants, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. It’s also home to some native species like the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the Hawaiian monk seal. 

Besides being an awesome place to spend the day in Oahu, it also features animal shows, educational programs, and playgrounds that are open during the night as well.

25. Sunset Helicopter Tour

If you’re ready to conquer the skies, you should consider booking a helicopter tour that flies you above Honolulu, showing you some of Hawaii’s most iconic attractions and landmarks. The duration of a typical helicopter-guided tour ranges between 20 to 90 minutes depending on the locations visited.

26. Honolulu Sightseeing Tour

With its rich culture and history, there are tons of unique locations and attractions to visit while in Honolulu. Luckily, many of these places are open to visitors after the sun goes down as well. For example, you can talk a walk at Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu’s main street 

You can also visit historical sites like the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Additionally, you can check out some of Honolulu’s cultural/educational attractions, including Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Byodo-In Temple, and Oahu Botanical Gardens.

27. Diamond Head Tour

Besides being the famous backdrop of Waiki’s beach, Diamond Head is easily one of the most well-known monuments of the Sun Kissed State of Hawaii.

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone rich in calcite crystals that look like diamonds, hence the name. It’s locally known as “Leʻahi”, which is derived from the word “ʻahi” (meaning tuna) due to its similarity to Tuna fish dorsal fins.

The iconic U.S. National Natural Monument peaks at around 762 feet, providing one of the coolest hikes in all of Hawaii with stunning views of Waikiki and the ocean!

However, you should know that some parts of Diamond Head are closed to the public, so it’s always better to head there with a guided tour, which also includes the Diamond Head Lighthouse.

28. Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art is one of the state’s most extensive fine-art museums, with approximately 55,000 works of art in its collection.

The museum features works of art from ancient Egypt to present-day America. You can also find a variety of Masterworks by Hawaiian artists on display as well as world-renowned artists like Van Gogh. The Honolulu Museum of Art also hosts many special exhibitions all year round to highlight both local and international artists’ work.

The museum is a terrific resource for learning about Hawaiian culture from a different perspective. It’s also an excellent spot if you want a change of pace while appreciating the beauty of art in general.

29. Jurassic Park Tour

If you’re a fantasy movie buff, you probably know that many scenes of the Jurassic Park Franchise were filmed in the Hawaiian islands.

The good news is that many of these locations now organize guided tours and helicopter tours that cover the most significant locations and film sets, such as Kualoa Ranch, Manoa Falls, Halona Beach, and Makai Research Pier.

Food & Drink

30. Ala Moana Center Night Market

The Ala Moana Center is an open-air shopping market where you can buy a wide range of items, including food, clothing, books, jewellery, and unique souvenirs from hundreds of vendors and sellers. The night market also hosts live events where you can enjoy traditional Hawaiian music and hula performances.

31. Roy’s Waikiki

If you’re willing to spend a little extra for a high-end dining experience, Roy’s would be the perfect restaurant. Located in the heart of Waikiki and owned by the world-famous chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant is the go-to choice if you’re looking for Hawaiian dishes with an international twist!

The atmosphere in the restaurant is pleasant for both adults and young ones, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, especially during sunset!

32. Marukame Udon

Marukame Udon is one of the largest Japanese fast food chains in the world with over 1,000 inside and outside of Japan. One of the iconic Marukame Udon’s branches is located in Honolulu where you can experience the iconic umami flavour of the Japanese noodle soup.

33. Bar Leather Apron

If you’re looking for a traditional bar with a wide selection of drinks to choose from, especially whiskey and cocktails, you should consider the Bar Leather Apron. The bar has a dimly lit swanky atmosphere that makes it a spot to chill and have a good time after an excitement-filled day in Oahu.

34. Heavenly Island Lifestyle

The Heavenly Island Lifestyle specializes in Hawaiian fare and cuisine, using local fresh ingredients. What’s great about this place is its open outdoor area with relaxed vibes. It also has traditional Hawaiian decorations with marvellous views of the Pacific Ocean.

35. Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise

The Pacific Star Sunset cruise is a 2-hour excursion where passengers get access to a buffet with an incredible variety of food to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise.

After the meal, the Pacific Star also hosts live contemporary events and shows to entertain its guests, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for all the family!

36. Paradise Cove Luau

A Luau is a great way to experience traditional Hawaiian food. However, if you want one that features an open buffet with all the options you might be interested in, you should consider the  Paradise Cove Luau. Besides its delicious food, the Luau also hosts fun-filled celebrations, feasts, and enjoyable shows for the guests!

37. Reef Pirates Diving

While surfing and Hawaii are a match made in heaven, you shouldn’t skip the beauty of the Hawaiian underwater ecosystem. The Hawaiian shores are home to a plethora of colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and green sea turtles. 

There are plenty of shops that offer scuba diving gear, but we highly recommend Reef Pirates because they offer great value for the money!

38. Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company is one of Hawaii’s largest craft breweries, known for its award-winning beers made from local ingredients. Besides the brewing business, Maui Brewing Company also has a dining area/restaurant that offers a variety of delicious meals to match their fresh beer!

Relaxation & Wellness

39. Night Yoga Session

After a long day of surfing, exploring, and enjoying the beauty of Oahu, there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a night yoga session. Yoga doesn’t only act as a de-stressor of the mind, but it also helps your body relax by stretching your muscles so you’re ready for the next day on the magical island!

Since yoga is pretty popular all across Oahu, you can enjoy yoga in a variety of places, including rooftop terraces and beachside studios. If you’re new to yoga and want some help from a professional yogi, you can also find plenty of yoga classes all across Honolulu’s beaches.

Although you can enjoy yoga any time of the day, the best time to enjoy the calming session is during the sunset at the beach. This remarkable atmosphere will help you achieve the maximum level of relaxation and gives you the energy and the good mood necessary to keep the party going all night long!

40. Teapresso Bar

The Teapresso Bar is a popular coffee shop chain in Hawaii, which specializes in making some of the most delicious organic boba milk tea all across Oahu. Although the bar was only founded recently in 2009, it managed to achieve remarkable success with over 20 branches across the Hawaiian Islands.

What we like the most about the Teapresso Bar is that it always has an incredibly welcoming staff and uses fresh ingredients for an unmatched flavour. In addition to flavoured boba milk teas, you can also order a variety of food and beverages, including coffee drinks, smoothies, juices, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and much more!