Where To Find Great Live Music In Honolulu, Hawaii

Recognized worldwide as a fixture on the Waikiki scene, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is known more importantly as a cultural icon and a welcome refuge for Hawaii’s gay community. Jack Law, owner of the bar as well as president and founder of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, created the place with the vision of somewhere reminiscent of the Waikiki that was for everybody, where both gays and non-gays could have a great time. Over the years, celebrities like Elton John, Adam Lambert, Claire Boothe Luce, Dorothy Lamour, and Dolly Parton have all come through, and the bar usually has a good mix of both tourists and regulars despite being in the center of the tourist hub that is Waikiki. People know it as a great place to hang out, make new friends, and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and Diamond Head. They’ve got Open Mic on Mondays, during which all performers receive a free beverage, and great live music on other weekday nights, playing acoustic island and old school songs.

Proclaimed as the ‘Pride of the Pacific,’ the beautiful Hawaii Theatre Center has been entertaining Hawaii’s audiences for over 90 years with everything from vaudevilles and plays to silent films, musicals, ballets, and concerts. Its popularity has only grown over the years, and today it continues to charm eager show-goers and curious audiences alike, all of whom want to take a step back in time and experience the best of both worlds in the beautifully restored multi-purpose arts center. Visitors have enjoyed performances including Stomp, the Narcissus Queen pageant, local shows, and The Goodwill Mission Tour from Taiwan with two performances of the Taiwanese opera, just to name a few. The gorgeous marquee in front of the theater, the balconies, the mosaic artwork on the ceilings, the wooden stage surrounded by gold paint and leafing, and the embroidered cushioned velvet seats, along with a recently updated sound system, provide the perfect environment for enjoying Hawaiian music, hula concerts, comedy shows, acrobatics and more. Patrons love the history that the quaint little building embodies, making it an iconic spot in the heart of downtown Honolulu.

With past performers including Childish Gambino, Prie, Bleachers, Tigers from Niger, Yellowcard, Mayday Parade, and All Time Low, it’s no wonder that The Republik is considered by many to be the best concert venue in the area. It admits people of all ages, though those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is small and intimate, perfect for fans who want to get up close to their favorite bands. It has an open floor rectangular layout with three open bars allowing for easy access when it gets crowded, in addition to a popular adjoining lounge called The Safehouse, which serves great food and drinks. Patrons also like that the place is always clean and classy, and the staff are always friendly. One of the few venues on Oahu that features mainland and international artists, The Republik is the go to spot of many locals and visitors looking for a great concert with a popular band. It is located next to Ala Moana mall, so many people choose to park there when coming to the shows because the valet service at the venue tends to fill up quickly.