Things to do in Oahu at Night Time

From traditional Hawaiian luau shows, to twilight zoo tours and the best mai tai cocktails in town, we've found the best things to do in Oahu when the sun goes down!

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Night time skyline at Waikiki Beach on Oahu island, Hawaii

Nicknamed ‘the gathering place’, Oahu is hands-down the most popular island in the Aloha State, pulling in something like five million annual visitors thanks to bucket-list attractions like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Halona Blowhole, the Dole pineapple plantation and the epic Diamond Head crater. There’s bags of fun to be had in the sun here, and perhaps even more in the evening, when dazzling tropical sunsets herald thrilling after-dark activities that include traditional luau shows, bar-hopping, dinner cruises and night dives, though not necessarily all at the same time! Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Oahu at night time…

Give your Insta a Glow Up

Sunset at Ala Moana Beach on Oahu island, Hawaii

Oahu sunsets are among the most spectacular in the world, all deep burnished coppers, bronzes, golds and rust-reds. Be the envy of your friends back home by filling your IG to the brim with dusky snaps nabbed on a photo tour of Oahu’s glorious coastline. Most guided tours will include stops for photo opps at must-see Oahu hotspots including Hanauma Bay, Makapu’u Lookout and Halona Blowhole, and many will even come with expert guides who can tutor you in capturing the most Insta-worthy shots on your phone as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Sip a Sunset Mai Tai at Duke’s

Woman drinking a Mai Tai overlooking the Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach

With its citrusy blend of lime, sweet orgeat syrup, orange curaçao and mule’s kick of rum, the Mai Tai is a Hawaii must-try. The unofficial state drink is ubiquitous in the bars and resorts of Waikiki Beach. So hit up the legendary Duke’s for some of the best sundowners in town, accompanied by unparalleled views of Diamond Head and the bay. Booking is recommended!

Take in a Traditional Luau

Fire dancers at a traditional Hawaii luau show

Another popular night time activity in Oahu is the traditional Polynesian luau. You’ll see these vibrant shows advertised everywhere, with mega-resorts like Diamond Cove hosting the most lavish. These resort show are undoubtedly great for those with big families and deep pockets but can be a little OTT. For something a little less bombastic and a lot more authentic, seek out a family-run luau, where music, dancing, dinner, colorful costumes and aloha spirit take center stage. You’re also far more likely to get a chance to actively participate in the fun, making you feel like, well, a part of the family.

Kalakaua Avenue Adventures

Kalakaua Avenue street sign on Oahu island, Hawaii

Honolulu’s bustling main thoroughfare is a palm-lined riot of souvenir stores, street performers and shopping arcades. The atmosphere here is particularly electric at night, when the skyscrapers light up like Christmas trees and eye-popping neon signs beckon tropical-shirt-clad tourists into bars and restaurants. Take a stroll after dark to soak up the atmosphere and pause for the occasional refreshing Mai Tai or Blue Hawaii cocktail. After all, it’s important to stay hydrated in this heat.

Sunset Stretches

Woman meditating on a mountain at sunset

You don’t have to be a seasoned yogi to get a kick out of a sunset stretching session on the beach. Yoga is big business in Hawaii so there are plenty of beginner classes out there to choose from. Bust out your best downward-facing dog in the shadow of Diamond Head; do the bridge beneath the beach banyans; or corpse by candlelight on Kailua Beach.

Cool Crepuscular Critters

Zebras and a giraffe at Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo is Oahu’s premier family attraction. First opened way back in 1877 (ostensibly to house King David Kalakaua’s bird collection), it’s now home to well over 1,000 critters and is the only zoo within about 2,400 miles (the next nearest being in California!). Take the kids on a fun twilight tour of the enclosures on Saturday evenings, when the daytime shift is winding down and the creatures of the night are just waking up. Expect to meet ferociously cute fennec foxes, majestic black rhinos, fearsome Burmese pythons, sleepy Aldabra giant tortoises and more on this two-hour guided adventure. 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Fireworks over Waikiki Beach

Live Hawaiian music and dancing, sensational views of the Oahu skyline and Diamond Head crater, and a lavish dinner of steak and seafood: a sunset cruise is one of the most pleasant starts to a great night out in Oahu. Sip colorful tropical cocktails on deck as your vessel bobs gently in balmy ocean breezes, with those technicolor evening skies providing the picture-perfect backdrop. Friday night cruisers will also catch the weekly fireworks display on the shore at Waikiki Beach.

Can’t Fight the Moonlight

Super-moon by the Koko crater on Oahu island, Hawaii

Oahu’s monthly full moon creates ideal conditions for night hikes, its startlingly bright glow bathing the island’s hills and valleys in buttery yellow light. Find a local guide who can take you on an after-dark adventure along the windward coast to the gleaming white beacon that is Makapu’u Lighthouse, with stunning moonlit views of Koko Head and the shimmering Pacific Ocean along the way. Or tackle Diamond Head itself, and gaze back down at the twinkling lights of Honolulu from the rim of its beautifully forested crater. For a truly memorable Oahu experience, join the monthly moonlight tour at the botanical garden in Waimea Valley, when a specialist guide walks you through flourishing tropical gardens to the crashing waterfall. Magical.

Deep Deep Down

Night diver in full scuba gear jumping from a boat

Certified divers, rejoice! Night dives in Oahu’s gin-clear waters are extremely popular, and give you the opportunity to spot reef sharks, Hawaiian green sea turtles, yellow tangs and eagle rays gliding among the coral reefs. Dive during the winter season and you might even be lucky enough to get close to a migrating humpback whale or two, their majesty undimmed in the underwater gloom.

Sample the Oahu Nightlife 

Tiki mug cocktail with mango and mint

There’s so much going on at night in Oahu that it’s difficult to know where to start. Hit up the tiki bars in Waikiki for sundowners and snacks, or check out the hipper-than-thou enclave of nearby Kaka’ako, with its colorful street art and lively dive bars (keep eyes peeled too for cool gallery lates and other arty events here). The Hawaii outpost of NYC’s legendary Blue Note brings live jazz and blues to the Outrigger resort nightly, while catching the awesome Rock-A -Hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Center is practically a rite of passage for Oahu vacationers.

Save on activities and attractions in Oahu

Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Honolulu panorama with Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head peak.
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Is Oahu Safe?

Of the 137 islands that make up the Aloha State, Oahu is by far the most popular, pulling in as many tourists annually as the rest of the islands combined. No surprise perhaps, when you consider that it’s home to some of Hawaii’s biggest attractions – Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and the state capital of Honolulu among them. But is Oahu safe? We went undercover in Ray-Bans and our most eye-catching Hawaiian shirts to find out... How Safe is Oahu? Hawaii is among the safest places to visit in the United States, ranking in the lowest 25% for violent crime, well below other tourism hotspots like California, Florida, New York and Nevada. That Honolulu is frequently ranked as one of the planet’s safest big cities – as evidenced by independent studies like this one and this one – is also testament to Oahu’s low crime rate. None of which means you shouldn’t still keep your wits about you when visiting this remote Pacific archipelago, where data suggests that annual tourists outnumber residents by a factor of around six to one. That makes Oahu as much a paradise for petty thieves as it is for wide-eyed, sun-starved visitors fresh off the plane. Indeed, most of Oahu’s crime is theft-related, with pickpocketing, bag-snatching and car crime making up the majority of offenses. And, as inevitably as night follows day, it is you, the humble tourist, who is most likely to be on the receiving end, particularly around tourist hotspots where distracted punters and the anonymity of crowds provide easy pickings for modern-day Artful Dodgers. Even the very well-patrolled Waikiki Beach occasionally falls foul of opportunistic crooks. However, keeping your wits about you, understanding the warning signs and not brandishing cash, jewelry and expensive electronic gadgets wherever you go – you know, just like you wouldn’t back home – should make for a problem-free vacation. Here are a few common sense tips that will stand you in good stead for keeping yourself and your belongings safe in Oahu: Don’t carry large sums of cash around with you. Don’t leave valuable devices where they can be snatched easily – think restaurant/café tables, beach bags, jacket pockets, etc. Keep bags zipped and credit cards secured in tight pockets. Park your car in designated areas, lock it and make sure no valuables are left in sight. If you’re unfortunate enough to have your possessions nabbed, don’t give chase; instead report the incident to local police and let your insurance take care of the rest. Finally, in Oahu you’re probably more at risk from a nasty sunburn or riptide than a thief. Read on for our tips on avoiding Oahu’s natural dangers... Staying Safe in the Hawaiian Sun Hawaii’s string of volcanic islands are manna for nature lovers, all soaring peaks dense with tropical vegetation (and wildlife), sparkling blue seas, spectacular blowholes, craters and canyons, and glorious, glorious sunshine. It’s warm and sunny year-round in Hawaii, with average highs in the 80s and lows that rarely drop below the 70s. And hot sunny weather means one thing: sunscreen! Our advice? Stay out of the sun between 11AM and 2PM (great time for a long, lazy lunch in the shade, right?) and slather yourself liberally with a skin-suitable SPF at all other times. The last thing you want to bring back as a souvenir of your trip is a brick-red sunburn, a ‘hilarious’ anecdote about how you had to be treated for sunstroke – or worse. Respect the sun and you’ll have no such issues. Rather than stuffing your beach bag with thief-attracting electronic gadgets, pack plenty of factor 50, UV sunglasses and a great big floppy Audrey Hepburn sunhat. Who needs screentime with those epic ocean views anyway? Don’t forget to carry water, and plenty of it, to keep you hydrated. And yes, the occasional refreshing mai tai is also fine (and perhaps essential), as long as consumed in moderation during the hottest parts of the day. The sea here commands just as much respect, thanks to its potentially dangerous combination of inviting, balmy waters and pull-the-rug-from-under-your-feet riptides. Many Oahu beaches have lifeguards on patrol from morning to late afternoon. This includes Waikiki Beach where unexpected rips have been known to carry swimmers out to sea. Exercise caution and follow local guidance on swimming and surfing in risk-prone areas. Don’t swim alone, don’t turn your back on the sea and finally, don’t forget to reapply that all-important sunscreen after a dip. A common-sense approach is also advised when it comes to Oahu’s other natural attractions, including hiking trails and blowholes. There are dozens of spectacular hiking routes across the island, including the epic Moanalua Valley Trail with its sweeping panoramas of Honolulu and iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’, and the family friendly east coast Pu'u Ma'eli'eli Trail with its lush rainforest and awe-inspiring views across Kāneʻohe Bay and the Koʻolau Mountain Range. Dress sensibly and pack plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen, and plan to be home well before sundown. And always make sure to let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re heading off the beaten path. Last but by no means least, Hawaii’s extraordinary blowholes – of which Oahu’s Hālona Blowhole is the most famous – are as impressive as they are dangerous. Sure, get close, but not that close. The waters here are turbulent and unpredictable and you wouldn’t be the first selfie-taker to fall fatally foul of a rogue sea surge or particularly violent geyser. Oahu Nights Solo travelers and seekers of lively nightlife will find much to enjoy in the Waikiki tiki bars and lively Honolulu club scene. Again, Honolulu is safer than most cities, but use judgment and caution, especially when meeting new people. Buy your own drinks while you gauge the trustworthiness of new companions and stick to busy, well-lit areas rather than drifting to dive bars down dark alleys. Just like any other big city anywhere else on the planet, you probably don’t want to be staggering drunkenly around unfamiliar downtown streets at two o’clock in the morning. And especially not alone – it only serves to make you an easy moving target for even the laziest of criminals. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have fun; you absolutely should – and will – have buckets of fun! Remember: friendly locals and a solid police presence around downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach makes these areas largely very safe for tourists at night. All you need do to enjoy a worry-free experience is keep your wits about you, exercise caution and common sense and, ideally, get a cab home at the end of the night. Save on activities and attractions in Oahu Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Things to Do in Oahu in Summer 2020 - Attractions, Activities & More

Oahu is a tropical paradise year-round, but it's no surprise that it’s still a popular destination in the summertime. From sunny beaches with gentle waves to exotic ocean life, the great outdoors in Hawaii is a thing of beauty. This year, there are plenty of festivals, summer events, attractions, tours, and more to enjoy in addition to your quality beach time. If you’re planning to visit and are looking for things to do in Oahu in summer 2020, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including... Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran Picnic on the Pier at the Mighty Mo Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay Hike Diamond Head Crater Polynesian Cultural Center and more... Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Oahu 4th of July Weekend. Coming to the island over Labor Day weekend? Here are a few fun things to do in Oahu Labor Day Weekend - enjoy! Save on Summertime Activities Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Oahu tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Oahu pass. Honolulu Museum of Art Paradise inspires a lot of great art (just ask Georgia O'Keeffe), and the Honolulu Museum of Art sure has a lot to show for it. Featuring one of the best collections of Asian art and artifacts in the country, this museum includes over 16,000 pieces from China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and India. A visit here is another way to immerse yourself in local heritage and to expand your horizons. Some special exhibitions open during the summer include Presence: African American Artists from the Museum’s Collection (March 04 - July 05, 2020); O Kalani: Sean K.L. Browne and Imaikalani Kalahele (April 11 - August 09, 2020); and Utagawa Kunisada and the Spectacle of Kabuki Set Design (May 30 - July 26, 2020). Getting In: Honolulu Museum of Art tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass. King Kamehameha Floral Parade Waikiki June 13, 2020 This year marks the 104th anniversary of this favorite local parade. It celebrates the reign of King Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian Islands in the late eighteenth century. Enjoy vibrant floats, talented performers, amazing musical groups, and more. Stick around for the festival afterward! Getting In: The King Kamehameha Floral Celebration is free to attend. Prince Lot Hula Festival Iolani Palace July 18 - 19, 2020 As you may have guessed, this delightful festival is dedicated to the fine Hawaiian art of hula dancing. This is the largest non-competitive hula event in the state and is an excellent opportunity to see both modern and traditional iterations of this amazing art form. The event is held within the grounds of the historic Iolani Palace where troupes of hula dancers perform for spectators, showcasing their talents in this traditional dance. You’ll enjoy spotlights on Native Hawaiian culture through crafts, games, and more. A great family event. Getting In: The Prince Lot Hula Festival is free to attend. Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer ArtFest Haleiwa Beach Park July 2020 (Dates TBC) If you love art, then this is the event for you. It’s filled with locals artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers, artisans, and much more. Artists hail from Oahu, the other Hawaiian islands, the mainland, and beyond. You’ll be able to observe their works and even purchase unique pieces for your home or as gifts. Getting In: The Haleiwa Arts Festival is free to attend. Duke’s OceanFest Waikiki August 15 - 25, 2020 Duke’s is truly a summer event, dedicated to exciting watersports from around the globe, including the quintessentially Hawaiian art of surfing. This lengthy festival features a variety of exhilarating competitions, from surfing and swimming to standup paddling and beach volleyball. This festival is held in honor of the Olympian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, called the greatest Hawaiian waterman who ever lived. Getting In: Duke's OceanFest is free to attend, although registration is required to participate in certain sporting events. Let's Recap So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Oahu in the summer. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Oahu pass. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.
Katie Sagal
Ka Moana Luau
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