12 Hawaii Live Music Spots That Bring Island Vibes To Life – Worth Flying Back Just to Experience Again

There’s something magical about experiencing live music in paradise. As someone who has called Hawaii home for years, I’ve swayed to slack-key guitar under starlit skies and danced to reggae beats with sand between my toes. The islands’ music scene blends traditional Hawaiian sounds with contemporary genres, creating experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

From intimate jazz clubs to open-air amphitheaters, these 12 spots represent the very best of Hawaii’s live music scene. Let me take you on a rhythmic journey across our beautiful islands.

Blue Note Hawaii

Stepping into Blue Note Hawaii feels like entering the jazz world’s tropical outpost. The intimate setting inside the Outrigger Waikiki creates an acoustical experience that’s both warm and precise. Last month, I watched jazz legend Kenny G perform just ten feet away, his soprano saxophone notes floating through the room as I sipped a perfectly crafted lychee martini.

What makes Blue Note special is their commitment to musical diversity. While jazz is their foundation, you’ll find everything from Hawaiian slack key guitar masters to R&B legends gracing the stage. Their two nightly shows (6:30 PM and 9 PM) offer different vibes – earlier shows feel more relaxed, while later performances often have more energy.

Pro tip: Book Premium seats for the best views, especially for popular artists who sell out quickly. The venue is intimate enough that even standard seats offer great acoustics, but sight lines can be challenged from certain angles.

Price range: $$$$ | Best for: Jazz enthusiasts and music aficionados | Dress code: Smart casual

Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 777-4890 | Website: bluenotehawaii.com

Kani Ka Pila Grille

Kani Ka Pila Grille embodies the Hawaiian tradition of “kanikapila” – impromptu musical gatherings where friends share songs and stories. This poolside venue at the Outrigger Reef creates a setting that feels authentically Hawaiian without being touristy.

The warm evening air carries the sounds of award-winning Hawaiian musicians playing nightly from 6-9 PM. The restaurant’s expanded stage and open-air seating create a connection between performers and audience that feels like being at a friend’s backyard party. I’ve watched visitors become so moved by Kawika Kahiapo’s slack key guitar that they spontaneously dance hula alongside their tables.

Pro tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure prime seating near the stage. Order the pulehu (grilled) steak with kimchi butter and a Kani Mai Tai for the perfect pairing with traditional Hawaiian music.

Price range: $$ – $$$ | Best for: Authentic Hawaiian music experience | Dress code: Resort casual

Location: 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 924-4990 | Website: outrigger.com/hawaii/oahu/outrigger-reef-waikiki-beach-resort/activities/live-music

Tahiti Nui

This North Kauai institution might look unassuming from the outside, but Tahiti Nui delivers one of the most authentic musical experiences in the islands. The wooden-walled, memorabilia-covered bar gained Hollywood fame in “The Descendants,” but locals cherished it long before George Clooney ever set foot inside.

Every night from 6:30 PM, talented Hawaiian musicians play everything from traditional slack key to contemporary island songs. Friday afternoons feature special Hawaiian Slack Key guitar sessions starting at 4:30 PM. The Nui feels wonderfully frozen in time – I once watched an 80-year-old musician play ukulele while telling stories about meeting Elvis during his Hawaii film days.

Pro tip: Their Mai Tais are famously potent – pace yourself if you plan to stay for the entire performance. For the best experience, go on a Friday when Uncle Kelii Kanealii often performs slack key guitar.

Price range: $$ | Best for: Authentic Kauai nightlife | Dress code: Very casual

Location: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714 | Phone: (808) 826-6277 | Website: thenui.com

Duke’s Waikiki

Named after Hawaii’s legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront institution offers more than just great food and stunning views. The Barefoot Bar at Duke’s features live music daily, with a special tradition on Sundays when Henry Kapono performs from 4-6 PM – a tradition that’s been going strong since 1993.

The experience of sipping a refreshing beverage while watching the sunset over Waikiki Beach as talented musicians perform just feet from the sand defines what many visitors hope to find in Hawaii. The atmosphere balances upscale dining with laid-back beach vibes perfectly.

Pro tip: For Henry Kapono’s Sunday sessions, arrive by 3 PM to secure a good spot – these performances have been drawing crowds for 30 years. If you can’t make it in person, they stream the Sunday sessions live on Facebook from 5-6 PM.

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Sunset cocktails with music | Dress code: Beach casual

Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-2268 | Website: dukeswaikiki.com

La Mariana Sailing Club

Hidden away in an industrial area near Sand Island, La Mariana is a living museum of old Hawaii that happens to serve potent cocktails with a side of nostalgia. This last authentic tiki bar in Honolulu feels delightfully stuck in 1957 – the year it opened.

With glass floats and puffer fish lamps hanging from the ceiling, La Mariana offers nightly live entertainment where regulars often perform classic Hawaiian songs. The experience feels both authentic and slightly surreal – I once listened to an impromptu ukulele circle form during a summer rainstorm, with the tin roof amplifying both the rain and music.

Pro tip: Their Mai Tais and Zombies are legendary and strong – consider a rideshare if you’re planning to indulge. They’re open Tuesday-Sunday only, and getting there can be tricky – look for the small sign on Sand Island Access Road.

Price range: $$ | Best for: Classic tiki bar experience | Dress code: Casual

Location: 50 Sand Island Access Rd, Honolulu, HI 96819 | Phone: (808) 848-2800 | Website: lamarianasailingclub.com

Gertrude’s Jazz Bar

Located in downtown Kailua-Kona, Gertrude’s Jazz Bar brings sophisticated nightlife to the Big Island. This swanky venue features live music five nights a week, with talented local musicians typically playing three-hour sets starting at 7 PM.

The stylish interior features bold accent walls, exquisite artwork, and soft mood lighting that creates the perfect ambiance for enjoying jazz and other musical styles. What makes Gertrude’s particularly special are the picture windows overlooking Kailua Bay – reminding you that you’re enjoying world-class entertainment in paradise.

Pro tip: Try to snag a table near the front of the stage where you can easily get up to dance as the mood strikes. Their tapas-style menu is perfect for sharing while enjoying the performances. The venue tends to get crowded on weekends, so arrive early to secure the best spots.

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Sophisticated nightlife | Dress code: Smart casual

Location: Downtown Kailua-Kona, Big Island | Phone: (not provided in search results) | Website: (not provided in search results)

Nextdoor

When the sun goes down, Chinatown’s Nextdoor brings a completely different vibe to Hawaii’s music scene. This concrete-walled venue transforms from an evening performance space to late-night dance club, offering everything from intimate live sets to DJ-driven dance parties.

From 7-10 PM, you’ll find live bands spanning genres from jazz to reggae to rock. After 10 PM, the space shifts as DJs take over until 2 AM, playing everything from EDM to hip-hop. The industrial aesthetic and excellent sound system make Nextdoor feel like something you’d find in Brooklyn or Seattle, providing a nice contrast to Hawaii’s more traditional venues.

Pro tip: Mondays feature “Motown on Mondays” – a local favorite that draws a diverse, dance-happy crowd. Check their Instagram (@nextdoorhi) for the current week’s lineup as their schedule varies.

Price range: $$ | Best for: Night owls seeking an alternative scene | Dress code: Hip casual

Location: 43 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817 | Phone: (no public phone listed) | Website: nextdoorhi.com

The Republik

For a more contemporary concert experience, The Republik stands as Oahu’s premier mid-sized music venue. This Kapiolani Boulevard club hosts everything from established touring acts to up-and-coming local bands in a space that balances professional production values with an intimate feel.

With a capacity of 1,200, The Republik is large enough to attract significant talents but small enough that you’re never far from the stage. The sound system is exceptional, and the tiered floor ensures good sightlines from most positions. The venue typically features a mix of rock, electronic, hip-hop, and reggae performances.

Pro tip: Arrive early for popular shows as parking in the area can be challenging. The venue is standing-room-only for most concerts, so wear comfortable shoes. Check their website for age restrictions, as some shows are 18+ or 21+ only.

Price range: $$ – $$$ | Best for: Contemporary concert experience | Dress code: Casual

Location: 1349 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 | Phone: (808) 941-7469 | Website: jointherepublik.com

The Lounge at Island Sound Studios

This new gem in Hawaii Kai brings intimate live music experiences to East Oahu, saving locals from driving into Waikiki for quality entertainment. What makes The Lounge special is that it’s nestled within a professional recording studio, providing exceptional acoustics and an authentic musical atmosphere you can’t find elsewhere.

The Lounge features two distinct venues in one location – the main Lounge downstairs and the exclusive Velvet Monkey speakeasy upstairs. Each Saturday, they host four different performances across these spaces, with shows at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM in the main Lounge, and 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM in the Velvet Monkey. The lineup showcases Hawaii’s best talent, from Amy Hanaiali’i to Henry Kapono and The Makaha Sons.

Pro tip: The Velvet Monkey speakeasy upstairs is ultra-exclusive with only 20 seats, offering a more intimate jazz and acoustic experience. Look for the door with the lighted purple “V” to find this hidden gem. There’s a two-drink minimum, but the cocktails and food (try the poke nachos) make this easy to accomplish.

Price range: $$$ | Best for: Intimate, high-quality performances | Dress code: Smart casual

Location: Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (near Longs), Honolulu, HI 96825 | Phone: (not listed) | Website: theloungeatislandsound.com

Waikiki Shell

The Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell stands as an iconic outdoor venue where the music feels amplified by Diamond Head’s silhouette. This open-air amphitheater combines the best of both worlds – professionally designed acoustics with Hawaii’s perfect night air enveloping you.

The venue’s unique shell-shaped stage projects sound perfectly across both the seated section and sprawling lawn area. While visitors often opt for reserved seating, locals know the lawn is where the true magic happens. Bring a blanket, stretch out on the grass, and let the stars form your ceiling as you absorb performances that range from the Honolulu Symphony to major touring acts.

Pro tip: For lawn seating, arrive early with a low beach chair or blanket. Pack a light jacket as even summer evenings can get breezy. If rain threatens, don’t worry – the shell shape protects performers while most concerts continue through light showers.

Price range: $$ – $$$$ (depending on performer) | Best for: Outdoor concert lovers | Dress code: Casual

Location: 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 768-5400 | Website: blaisdellcenter.com/waikiki-shell

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

The MACC isn’t just a venue – it’s Maui’s cultural heartbeat. This world-class facility hosts everything from major touring concerts to traditional Hawaiian performances in multiple spaces, including the 1,200-seat Castle Theater and the 5,000-capacity outdoor pavilion.

What makes the MACC special is its commitment to both Hawaiian culture and bringing world-class entertainment to Maui. One night might feature traditional hula, while the next hosts a Grammy-winning touring artist. The sound quality is exceptional regardless of the venue area, and the grounds allow for picnicking during outdoor shows.

Pro tip: For outdoor performances, bring a low beach chair or blanket. The sloped lawn provides excellent visibility from almost any spot. Check their gallery schedule too – the Schaefer Gallery often features impressive local art exhibitions worth seeing before performances.

Price range: $$ – $$$$ (depending on performance) | Best for: High-quality performances in multiple genres | Dress code: Varies by event

Location: 1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 | Phone: (808) 242-7469 | Website: mauiarts.org

Hawaii Theatre Center

This historic 1,400-seat theater in downtown Honolulu offers a more formal concert experience in a beautifully restored venue. Dating back to 1922, the Hawaii Theatre has been lovingly preserved while being updated with modern sound systems and amenities.

Unlike smaller clubs, the Hawaii Theatre hosts larger productions and well-known performers in a setting that showcases the architectural beauty of Hawaii’s golden age. The 2025-2026 schedule includes performances by artists like Taimane and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, providing a diverse range of musical experiences.

Pro tip: While there are no age restrictions mentioned, this venue is perfect for those seeking a more refined concert experience. The central location makes it easy to combine with dinner in Honolulu’s Chinatown before or after performances. Check their website for the full schedule as they host a wide variety of events beyond just musical performances.

Price range: $$ – $$$$ (depending on performance) | Best for: Cultural and artistic performances | Dress code: Smart casual to formal (depending on event)

Location: 1130 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 528-0506 | Website: hawaiitheatre.com

Hawaiian Music’s Full Spectrum

Hawaii’s music scene offers something for everyone – from traditional Hawaiian songs performed poolside to cutting-edge DJs in urban venues. What makes these experiences special isn’t just the quality of the music but how it connects to place. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset paint Diamond Head while slack key guitar plays softly, or feeling ocean breezes mix with reggae rhythms on a warm island night.

Whether you’re seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience or simply want to enjoy great live performances in paradise, these venues deliver unforgettable musical moments. Remember that “island time” is real – most venues don’t get busy until slightly later than you might expect on the mainland, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Hawaii’s other pleasures before the music begins.

Let the rhythm of the islands become part of your Hawaii experience. As locals say, “E komo mai i ke mele” – come into the music!