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As the sun sets in Honolulu, the cosmopolitan capital city puts on its party shoes as it plays host to an eclectic entertainment scene like no other. Whether you're looking for a bite to eat or a boogie, Honolulu has it all.
Here are some of the city's best nightlife spots – hangover included!
Best bars for…dancing
Nextdoor
Nestled deep in the heart of Chinatown amongst noodle shops and indie art galleries lies Nextdoor – Honolulu's eclectic live music venue. This underground music haven plays host to a diverse line up of local and international talent, with events running most nights of the week. No matter the genre, you can bet Nextdoor have it, and it's that 'open-door' attitude that continues to draw in huge crowds each calendar event.
Salsamor Thursdays at District Nightclub
Dress to impress and get ready to samba the night away at Salsamor Thursdays! Held at the District Nightclub across from Ala Moana Shopping Center, patrons can get into the salsa spirit at the venue's specialised event.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, everyone can enjoy learning exotic moves at the 8pm – 9pm salsa class. Better yet, from 9pm, the dancing continues, allowing you to put those new moves to the test!
Sky Waikiki
On Friday and Saturday night take to the skies – or more specifically, 19 stories up! Come the weekend, premier rooftop bar Sky Waikiki transforms into a sky-scraping nightclub, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of Honolulu's city scene below, with drink in hand and dancing shoes on.
Best bars for…cocktails
Bar Leather Apron
Blink and you'll miss the entrance of Honolulu's most mysterious drinking joint, Bar Leather Apron. Only those in the know can find this elusive hideaway and, lucky for you, we do. Located on the mezzanine level of the Topa Financial Center on Bishop Street, Bar Leather Apron offers expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting. Settle into one of the plush booths and order the E Ho'O Pau Mai Tai – a drink voted the world's best!
Tchin Tchin!
Dripping in fairy lights, plush leather couches and exotic rugs, Tchin Tchin! certainly has the comfy home-away-from-home feel, making this drinking experience even more delectable. However, it's not just the comfort factor that draws in patrons – this drinking establishment also knows how to serve up some of the area's best cocktails. Take the Belleville Boogie for example. Comprising of banana liqueur, Caribbean syrup and native rum, you'll find it hard to sip this one slowly!
Bevy
Specialising in a farm to bar approach with a firm focus on utilising the best local produce the island has to offer, Bevy is a bar we can certainly get on board with. The artsy bar is located in the ever-so-trendy Salt Kaka'ako – a fairly new epicentre of dining, shopping and events. Here, guests can enjoy a heavenly selection of cocktails, all crafted with sustainability and seasonal produce in mind.
Best bars for…dinner and drinks
Mud Hen Water
Honouring Hawaiian tradition through its name Mud Hen Water (Wai'alae), chef Ed Kenney wanted to show diners exactly what the islands have to offer. However, it's not just Hawaiian fare you'll find here. With a dash of Japanese, sprinkling of Chinese and dose of Korean cuisines, Kenney has perfectly managed to bring his love for the East into everything he serves at Mud Hen Water. For a spicy snack before an evening of drinks and dancing, order the szechuan-spiced fried chicken with tamarind mustard.
ownbeat Diner
This next eating establishment is anything but downbeat. Focusing on American fare, you can expect to munch on classics such as chilli cheese fries, hot wings and Reuben sandwiches. You'll need something to wash it down with, of course. Thankfully, Downbeat Diner is next door to the Lounge. Here, guests can rock out to live music whilst ordering in from the extensive cocktail and beer menu.
Moku Kitchen
A place that serves mash potato tacos is a place worth visiting. The eatery in question goes by the name Moku Kitchen, and not only is it famed for its garlic-laden potato tacos, it's also a great place to snack and sip the night away. With a menu boasting the likes of pork and pineapple pot stickers, coconut corn chowder and garlic truffle oil fries, you'd be forgiven for staying until closing.
If you're thinking about heading to Hawaii for your next vacation, be sure to secure travel insurance before departing. You don't want to get caught without cover!