Whether dancing to energizing Hawaiian-reggae beats or sipping on a Mai Tai while listening to the soothing sounds of the slack key guitar, the island of Oahu offers numerous opportunities to enjoy free, first-rate Hawaiian music throughout the year.
Every Sunday, Ala Moana Center's Keiki Hula Show graces the mall's Centerstage from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the talented keiki (children) of Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala and music of Kanilau.
Chai's Island Bistro presents Hawaii's best entertainers every night for an unforgettable evening of food and music. The Thai-inspired fusion cuisine and elegant ambiance create the perfect atmosphere for Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners The Brothers Cazimero, Melveen Leed, Jake Shimabukuro, Makana, Hapa, and 2008 Grammy nominee Raiatea Helm.
A beachfront location, lively atmosphere, fresh fish, and juicy steaks have made Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach one of the most popular gathering places on Waikiki Beach. Located on the site of the original Outrigger Canoe Club, the restaurant honors Hawaii's great ocean sportsman, Duke Kahanamoku. The restaurant and bar features live Hawaiian music nightly by acclaimed artists such as Kapena and Ka'ala Boys.
The Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk offers several opportunities for visitors to enjoy live music. Outrigger's Na Mele No Na Pua concerts are held monthly on the last Saturday of each month, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the Grand Lanai of the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk hotel. Each concert is free and open to the public while seating allows. Recent headliners were Melveen Leed, Amy Hanaiali'i, Maunalua, and Ledward Ka'apana, all top-notch performers in Hawaii. In addition, the poolside Pakini Bar invites visitors and locals to enjoy free live entertainment and tasty libations every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Every Friday night the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Super Pool transforms into the perfect tropical stage for King's Jubilee. King's Jubilee offers Hawaiian entertainment and a beachfront fireworks show, featuring the music, song and dance of the Polynesian Islands and the exciting Samoan Fire Knife Dance. The grand finale of the evening features a stunning beachfront fireworks display that lights up Waikiki Beach.
Immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, House Without A Key at the Halekulani is a popular indoor/outdoor gathering spot for informal breakfast, lunch, cocktails, appetizers and entertainment. Every night at 5 p.m., House Without A Key presents free island entertainment, ranging from Pa'ahana to Po'okela to the Sunset Serenaders. As part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Hawaii's commitment to continuing the legacy of Hawaiian music, Sheraton Waikiki offers nightly poolside entertainment by some of the island's top performers, including Sam Kapu III Trio, Ka'ala Boys, Kanilau, and others.
Set on the docks of Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, Kona Brewing Company invites visitors to enjoy its local entertainment featuring traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, guests can listen to the sounds of Naluhoe, Boogie & Friends and Grammy Award winner Ledward Ka'apana. The chefs serve up tasty appetizers, fresh fish entrées and delicious pizzas with pints of fresh beer from one of the 24 taps at the bar.
The Mai Tai Bar at Ala Moana Shopping Center is especially popular with locals for its award-winning happy hour specials and nightly contemporary Hawaiian and reggae music. From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. guests can enjoy the relaxing sounds of Corey Oliveros, John Fearey and others. Between 9:30 p.m. and 12 a.m., crowds gather to dance to reggae bands such as Hot Rain, Epic Session and One Drop.
Some of the island's most talented artists perform nightly at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, Waikiki's first luxury resort. Featured entertainers include Ka'ala Boys, Nohelani Cypriano, Kelly Boy DeLima 'Ohana, and Awana Salazar.
The Pakele Lounge at the Ala Moana Hotel offers diners a casually elegant way to relax with a cool cocktail. Once a week, the Pakele Lounge hosts a live, two-hour concert featuring the best of Hawaiian music, including well-known local entertainers such as Justin, Na Kama and Pilioha.
