I was lucky enough to attend a Lei Day event at Waikiki Shell featuring live music and hula, and…read morethe setting could not have felt more perfect for it. The venue immediately reminded me a little of the Hollywood Bowl, but on a much smaller and somehow even more charming scale. With Diamond Head rising in the background, the views are absolutely spectacular and give the whole experience a distinctly Hawaiian sense of place. I was also impressed by how good the acoustics were, especially in an outdoor venue. It's very easy to access from the main Waikiki hotel area, which makes getting there surprisingly convenient. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the scenery, it ended up being one of those memorable Honolulu evenings that really sticks with you.

Shelling out for an event…read more.. Honestly the last time that I've been back to the Waikiki Shell is my graduation o_O woah....though I could be wrong but sadly I don't get out very much but thanks to Nadine who asked if I was interested in a concert which I really was made me so happy to return and experience it all under the stars. Parking is always an issue but luckily we got there early...early enough to find one right away as it fills up quickly which you'll have to park at the next lot which can be a distance that we didn't want. What I wasn't prepared for was the wait as the time to enter was delayed by 30 minutes I did wished that I knew you could bring your own water just as long it's in a plastic bottle though there was lots of food options there it was spread out so far I wished there was just a single place to order but I was already exhausted from waiting that all I wanted to do was find our seats. Nadine selected great seats right in the center and close enough that we're able to see the concert well, bathrooms are at the front gate and I noticed there was another one on the opposite side as well, it's nice to have an open air atmosphere gave it a nice relaxing vibe. Thank you!

The Studio At Hawaiian Brian's Let me start off by saying-…read moreI'm trying to be helpful. I'm not a write 1 negative review and never come back to Yelp- I do have over 500 reviews as of writing this- so I would appreciate not having negative comments coming back to me as this is only my humble opinion both as a reviewer and a aficionado of great music. I like the space, it is unique in that it is so small. That isn't negative- it lets the audience be right there with the band and the band can clearly see the reactions of faces of fans and hopeful fans. This is a real confidence raiser for those on open mic night to be able to see a crowd enjoy their music. Did I mention it is small? Even as small as it is- there is a large bar facing the bandstand. In a way - it is hard for fans to get used to, There are 2 large eye focuses. The bar or the bandstand. I don't know why there are two focal points- is it to keep people for going in and out during a concert? There are other smaller mobile bars that they have in other areas -like Crossroads. But it is a large bar compared to the stage. Do be aware though of what kind of band you are paying for in advance. It can be disappointing if you pay what I would consider full price for a show and it is less than you expected. Google/ Facebook/ Amazon the band and then you should have a better idea of the bands quality- because they are playing in a realllllllly small venue. If you don't want to pay for a small venue show -then wait. I have been to about 50 different music venues in Austria and Germany and seen many different types of shows- from classical to modern music, and the venue really does influence your experience. Depending on the band- I like having a small small venue to hear them- it is not a coffeehouse feel where there is a phsishhhshshsh sound every 2 minutes so the sound quality is better than coffee houses - but has the feel of a coffee house where you can drink. I think the Safehouse/ Republik is a better venue - comparing Honolulu venues to Honolulu venues. My advice is still to know what band it is you are going to see and enjoy the band you are going to see- regardless of the venue because supporting local artists is a wonderful way of promoting local music.

Calling all 18+ -- Here's a place you can come to check out your awesome friends who are in great…read morebands and even make more friends who like the same music as you. The Studio is a small bar located as the first door on your right once you enter Hawaiian Brians. You don't need to go passed security checking your ID so it's definitely good for those who aren't legal. Did I mention it's really small? I was here for an EP Release party, another band and an independent musician and his friend opened up for them that night. This was a great example of the talent Hawaii has to offer. If you really like to be in an intimate settings where you can be as close to the band as possible without possibly hurting your ear drums this is the place. The space is very chill, people come and sit at the tables, grab a drink at the bar, stand. It probably won't be as intimate if your friend's band is extremely popular. If that were the case you should tell your friends to consider the Crossroads which is the larger venue in Hawaiian Brians. If you don't like live music, or people, or need your space at all times, I don't think these places are for you. If you're into live music, like people and have the opportunity to catch a conversation with the people making music you like than definitely stop by. There's always these kinds of events happening at the Studio and at Hawaiian Brian. I suggest you check out if you want to get into the Hawaii music scene, this place is a start.

Great karaoke place, my favorite part is that you can play Youtube videos if you don't find the…read moreoptions on their menu. The service is good as well. They help you with any needs. The rooms are very spacious and nicely decorated as well, I felt like I was in Korea again!

Service was amazing, it was only my first time here but it was so easy to order and finding songs…read morewas easy too! They have their own system and you can play videos from YouTube as well. You can change the color lighting of the room to fit your ambiance you want I didn't try the food but the drinks are amazing! I def recommend coming here with friends/family if it's their first time! I'll be back with my friends again!

Wow what a space! Amazing ambiance and elevated vibes. TV's all around for sports in the day time…read moreand visuals for live events. They serve a special late night food menu till 12am! Just went twice in the last week for two concerts, Lewa's full band & High Watah and it's so cool to see the space transform into an elevated music venue! The lights & High Watah visuals on the screens going around the entire venue was amazing. They have a big bar inside and a conveniently located satellite bar outside in the patio area! Can't wait to see the next live show at AM!

Location and parking was so convenient as they are located in Aloha Mamacita in kakaako. They…read morereally switched up the ambiance to where you'd almost forget they are an actual restaurant during the day! Food and drinks were super delicious! And I will definitely be back!

Checked it out for the first time on a Fiday night. Music…read morewas good and the food was excellent (had the almond Mahi Mahi). Staff were all very personable. Looking forward to going back again.

Went here to see the Kailua Moon local classics show. The music was overall good but had hoped for…read moremore hawaiian music, less classic rock and country. The guitar playing was the highlight. But the service was pretty much horrible. One of the tall male servers had terrible body odor. Female servers were inattentive. One of the staff said they were all models or actors, well, they should probably stick to those professions tbh. The only food item I got was a caesar salad and it was dry, not enough dressing, didn't eat half of it. Its clearly marketed as an upscale venue but it falls short. I doubt I'd return.

Revising my review from 11/2024: My friends and I were visiting from out of town and Scarlet's was…read morehighly recommended to us! We arrived later at night and the place was already packed! It was definitely shoulder-to-shoulder in some areas, but the energy was high and everyone was having a great time in the crowd! The performers were amazing, super entertaining and interactive with everyone. Even though I didn't spend much time on the dance floor, I had a lot of fun dancing with my friends and enjoying the vibe of the venue! Overall, this is a fun spot to checkout and feels like one of the go-to nightlife spots in Honolulu. The only downside for me was the experience with the bouncers. They came off rude when we talked to them. Still, if you're looking for a high-energy night out, this place is worth checking out!

The workers and the service here is top notch! They are so friendly and really know how to make…read moresure you have a great time. The whole experience from the music, the dancing, the drag shows, and especially the bartenders.

Love the theme parties here. Went to all white and black attire party. As well as some business…read moreselling events for small business owners. Both parties were amazing and I enjoyed finding new small businesses to support. There are always vendors selling food at their events. You will get to meet new friends and bring your current friends. The service is fast and servers are polite. They do have VIP sections available to purchase. Sometimes they have the ring light setup which is nice for creating your own video. Street parking is available however I highly recommend uber there. Unless in walking distance. You can find events posted on Eventbrite and their IG page.

I'm not really sure what Artistry is about now... From what I know, it used to be open as a regular…read morevenue (not sure about now). They might have just switched to a private event venue. Located on Cooke Street in Kakaako by SALT, parking seems to be on the street. I was at Artistry some months ago for a birthday party. The entire place had been rented out. It's very large and spacious inside! Lots of tables were set up with a big stage and bar. I can't say much about the food and service since the party hosts provided everything, but I could tell that place could be popping on a public night.

Sharing my experience for Cafe Den Mau, which I didn't know this place even exist. A hidden secret…read more Our plans for private karaoke room at our usual spot was filled so this is the reason we are here at Cafe Den Mau. I've been here twice and my opinion it was fun but very interesting place. Recommended by my older brother who frequents Cafe Den Mau often. Located at the Yee Hop Plaza on North King Street, same building as Hawaii Dim Sum & Seafood, (after our dinner there) we went straight up to the 2nd floor. Note getting to Cafe Den Mau is a little sketchy, scary in the building but once you arrive its not as bad after all. hehe. You will enter a long corridor, the 2nd floor looks abandoned, old, but there are other businesses in this plaza. The size of Cafe Den Mau is small but perfect, there are a few tables, even a stage with disco lights, drums, and piano. Kind of like in Vietnam although I haven't been but this is what I heard from another customer. husband Jimmy and wife team runs the karaoke spot from 9-2 am nightly. ( best to call if you plan to visit, have questions, or would like to reserve a table or private party.) limited drinks, mostly beer and wine are available, free to bring wine with a fee. ( $20.-30) per bottle. We brought 3 bottles during my first visit with my siblings. You can also bring pupus. Selecting songs are easy, all digital. All songs are available, both our visits, seems like we all were happy with selecting our song choices. We all enjoyed ourselves, first time experience. We even went up to the stage to sing, dance and receiving fake colorful flowers with $1.tip. Fyi, If you do receive flowers with tip, that will belong to the owners. It goes back in the bucket for the owners. hehe. We visited the 2nd time with friends ( 2 Fridays in a row) the same impression, getting to the Karaoke spot, seeing the impression on their faces ( sketchy) but they actually had a great time singing, hanging out, observing the other party that was there. We bought 4 bottles of beer this time, didn't BYOB but I brought chips, dips and some desserts to snack on. The Heineken were $6. and Corona were $8. All in all, first time visiting a Vietnamese Karaoke bar and we will def. be back! Parking available in the back of building's private lot, after hours no need to pay the meter or street parking I know you wouldn't want to park on the street due to the homeless situation at Chinatown.

My friends and I went here on a random weeknight after an event at another bar and it was SO MUCH…read moreFUN. The husband and wife that run it were super sweet. Getting there is weird - ya gotta go in a building, up an elevator, and down a hallway - but it feels totally safe inside. They answered the phone really quick when we called to ask if they were open. Definitely going to come back with my girls