The best bars & nightlife in Honolulu

25 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 25 places · showing the latest additions first

Gaslamp

Nightlife

Gaslamp leans into the whole “A Hidden Escape, Created for Connection” vibe, giving Kailua folks a low-key spot to settle in, catch up, and…

26 Ho'olai St (Kailua)

Gaslamp leans into the whole “A Hidden Escape, Created for Connection” vibe, giving Kailua folks a low-key spot to settle in, catch up, and enjoy well-made cocktails without the bustle. Perfect for when you want conversation to lead and the clink of glasses to follow.

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Bottleheads

Nightlife

Bottleheads keeps Kailua evenings easy with a chill bottle shop and tasting room vibe, a by-the-glass lineup, and shelves of good beer and…

315 Uluniu St #102 (Kailua)

Bottleheads keeps Kailua evenings easy with a chill bottle shop and tasting room vibe, a by-the-glass lineup, and shelves of good beer and craft spirits. Grab a snack, join a wine or beer club, then linger like you meant to run just one errand.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 9, 2026

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The Boardroom

Nightlife

At The Boardroom, the menu rotates with local farms, so expect seasonal shared plates and cocktails built with fresh-pressed juices,…

44 Kainehe St (Kailua)

At The Boardroom, the menu rotates with local farms, so expect seasonal shared plates and cocktails built with fresh-pressed juices, house-made bitters, and clever infusions. It’s an intimate spot with an open-air lanai and that famous wave bench, perfect for low-key nights that still feel special.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Veteran-owned Ko'olau Distillery turns artesian water from the Ko'olau Mountains into island-ready spirits, from Old Pali Road Whiskey to…

905 Kapaa Quarry Pl Building 50 Unit 5014 (Kailua)

Veteran-owned Ko'olau Distillery turns artesian water from the Ko'olau Mountains into island-ready spirits, from Old Pali Road Whiskey to KaLā Vodka and Māhealani moonshine.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

94-797 Lumiaina St (Waipahu)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

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Casual chain with American fare, featuring burgers, a salad bar, cocktails & a convivial vibe.

46-056 Kamehameha Hwy (Kaneohe)

Casual chain with American fare, featuring burgers, a salad bar, cocktails & a convivial vibe.

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Maui Brewing Co. Kailua nails the brewery-to-table thing with locally sourced plates, a rotating tap list of Maui Brewing staples and…

573 Kailua Rd Ste 105 (Kailua)

Maui Brewing Co. Kailua nails the brewery-to-table thing with locally sourced plates, a rotating tap list of Maui Brewing staples and special releases, plus guest brews. Settle into the open-air interior or patio, catch live music or the game on TV, and grab a growler or crowler to keep the good vibes going.

From the Kaneohe newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Windward Bar

Nightlife

Swing by Windward Bar inside Whole Foods for an easy post-shop pint, organic wines, and draft microbrews, plus casual American plates that…

629 Kailua Rd Ste 100 (Kailua)

Swing by Windward Bar inside Whole Foods for an easy post-shop pint, organic wines, and draft microbrews, plus casual American plates that actually hit the spot. They’re also doing take-out from the taproom, so you can bring the good stuff home when laundry or surf checks win out.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 6, 2026

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With 30 beers on tap, seven rotating, Kailua Town Pub and Grill nails the English-style pub thing. Think Samuel Adams beer batter fish and…

26 Hoolai St #1100 (Kailua)

With 30 beers on tap, seven rotating, Kailua Town Pub and Grill nails the English-style pub thing. Think Samuel Adams beer batter fish and chips, a 10-ounce Gourmet Pub Burger, and the easy, heart-of-Kailua vibe you want after a long day.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Inu Island Ales is a small brewery in Kaneohe dedicated to defining the Island Ale style, with a vibe built on Share, Shakaz, Stories. If…

46-174 Kahuhipa St (Kaneohe)

Inu Island Ales is a small brewery in Kaneohe dedicated to defining the Island Ale style, with a vibe built on Share, Shakaz, Stories. If you’re into fresh, local craft that tastes like home, this is an easy go-to for pau hana.

From the Kaneohe newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Pepper Lamb Comedy has stand-up shows that actually feel built for Honolulu, with comics working the room and crowd energy high. When your…

1034 Queen St 2Nd Floor · ✓ checked Jul 30

Pepper Lamb Comedy has stand-up shows that actually feel built for Honolulu, with comics working the room and crowd energy high. When your week needs a reset, slide in for quick-hit sets and leave with a grin... maybe a shirt from their merch table too.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 4, 2026

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If your week needs a spark, Tapa's Waikiki keeps it lively with karaoke nights, a legit pool table hang, top-tier drag serving face, and a…

407 Seaside Ave 2nd Flr

If your week needs a spark, Tapa's Waikiki keeps it lively with karaoke nights, a legit pool table hang, top-tier drag serving face, and a kink-friendly rotating theme night, all in a welcoming LGBTQ+ space where you can relax, connect, and actually find your people.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Whether the week owned you or you owned it, Bar Leather Apron is an intimate Downtown Honolulu hideaway turning out meticulous, inventive…

745 Fort St #127a

Whether the week owned you or you owned it, Bar Leather Apron is an intimate Downtown Honolulu hideaway turning out meticulous, inventive cocktails that reward slowing down. Settle in, sip something balanced and beautiful, and remember why catching up in person still beats another group chat.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Smith & Kings

Nightlife

Elevated pub fare served in a cool, laid back space with a big chalkboard of craft cocktails, Smith & Kings is the kind of neighborhood…

69 N King St

Elevated pub fare served in a cool, laid back space with a big chalkboard of craft cocktails, Smith & Kings is the kind of neighborhood hang you hit when you want comfort food that still feels special and drinks with actual personality. Grab a seat, point at the board, enjoy.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Agave & Vine

Nightlife

Agave & Vine turns the mall food court into a legit hangout with craft cocktails, tequila, and cruvinet wine pours, meaning 16 wines on tap…

2nd level in Lanai Food Court, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #2280

Agave & Vine turns the mall food court into a legit hangout with craft cocktails, tequila, and cruvinet wine pours, meaning 16 wines on tap that actually stay fresh. It’s also the official Seattle Seahawks headquarters of Hawaii, with NFL on all day and 12 curated beers on draft if you’re more hops than grapes.

From the Honolulu newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Tapa Bar

Nightlife

Slide into Tapa Bar at Hilton Hawaiian Village for tropical cocktails with smash burgers, pizza, crisp salads, and chicken wings. This…

2005 Kālia Rd

Slide into Tapa Bar at Hilton Hawaiian Village for tropical cocktails with smash burgers, pizza, crisp salads, and chicken wings. This week, stick around for live music by local artists and call it an easy win for pau hana or a low-key night that still feels like Waikiki.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Amuse Wine Bar makes tasting new bottles easy with electronic wine kiosks offering sips from 60+ selections, backed by a full bar, craft…

1250 Kapiolani Blvd

Amuse Wine Bar makes tasting new bottles easy with electronic wine kiosks offering sips from 60+ selections, backed by a full bar, craft beers, and shareable bites like Korean Fried Chicken, Kalua Pig Bao Buns, and truffle-y Stage Fries that somehow pair with whatever you end up loving.

From the Honolulu newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Whether you’re chasing fresh stand-up or testing your new five minutes, Tiny Shark Media Studios keeps the mic warm with casual shows, open…

1034 Queen St 2Nd Floor

Whether you’re chasing fresh stand-up or testing your new five minutes, Tiny Shark Media Studios keeps the mic warm with casual shows, open mics, and rotating events. They’re also building an event space and a streaming radio and podcasting setup, so keep an eye as the scene grows.

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Need a midweek reset that isn’t another beach walk? The Aloha Ha Comedy Club brings top headliners to town, anchored by Las Vegas comic Don…

1911 Kalākaua Ave

Need a midweek reset that isn’t another beach walk? The Aloha Ha Comedy Club brings top headliners to town, anchored by Las Vegas comic Don Barnhart, with comedians you’ve seen on Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central. Smart, punchy, a little fearless...

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 29, 2026

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From the Island Vintage Coffee crew, Island Vintage Wine Bar pours an award-winning list featuring rare allocations, 40 wines in tasting…

2301 Kalākaua Ave

From the Island Vintage Coffee crew, Island Vintage Wine Bar pours an award-winning list featuring rare allocations, 40 wines in tasting dispensers for easy sampling, and flights. Pair with fresh, local, farm-to-table dishes and let their friendly team steer you toward your new house pour.

From the Honolulu newsletter, September 22, 2026

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OENO Winemaking is Oʻahu's only winery since 2008, turning premium fruit from renowned wine regions worldwide into more than 150…

201 Kapaa Quarry Pl Ste 3105 (Kailua)

OENO Winemaking is Oʻahu's only winery since 2008, turning premium fruit from renowned wine regions worldwide into more than 150 handcrafted reds, whites, fruit and dessert wines. Swing by for a relaxed tasting or try the Winemaker's Experience to craft something personal.

From the Kailua newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Cafe by day, smooth saloon at night, Paniolo Bar & Cafe blends artisan coffee with equestrian-themed cocktails like the Broken Saddle and…

1696 Ala Moana Blvd

Cafe by day, smooth saloon at night, Paniolo Bar & Cafe blends artisan coffee with equestrian-themed cocktails like the Broken Saddle and Paniolo Punch, all in a relaxed lounge shaped by award-winning designer Becca Dailey... perfect for an easy after-work hang on Waikiki’s Upper West Side.

From the Honolulu newsletter, August 18, 2026

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If your usual beer-wine rotation needs a shakeup, The Honey Bar by Mānoa Honey & Mead pours honey-forward cocktails, sparkling and still…

1142 Koko Head Ave Ste 200

If your usual beer-wine rotation needs a shakeup, The Honey Bar by Mānoa Honey & Mead pours honey-forward cocktails, sparkling and still meads, plus tasting flights and light bites in Kaimukī. Locally made, award-winning, and genuinely fun to explore... it’s an easy go-to for a low-key night with friends.

From the Honolulu newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Comedy U

Nightlife

For a weekly serotonin boost that isn't another hike, Comedy U stitches together stand-up shows across Oahu, with rotating comics,…

2440 S Beretania St.

For a weekly serotonin boost that isn't another hike, Comedy U stitches together stand-up shows across Oahu, with rotating comics, occasional roast battles, and pop-ups that keep things fresh, founded by local instigator Jose Dynamite. Perfect when pau hana needs a punchline.

From the Honolulu newsletter, September 15, 2026

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The Nighthawk

Nightlife

The Nighthawk is slinging Chicago-style comfort in a cozy space with old brick walls, from legit Italian beef and Maxwell Street Polish to…

12 S King St · ✓ checked Aug 19

The Nighthawk is slinging Chicago-style comfort in a cozy space with old brick walls, from legit Italian beef and Maxwell Street Polish to loaded tots and their cult-fave Kung Fu Ham. When you need salty, saucy, and satisfying this week, this spot delivers.

From the Pearl City newsletter, August 28, 2026

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