A Quick Guide to Honolulu’s Music Scene

AVANA

With life’s constant turbulence, everyone needs an outlet to enjoy some simplicity once in a while. Listening to live music is one of the best ways to meditate the mind while also supporting budding local artists. Hawai’i is home to a myriad of organic talent and has an abundance of places that offer the this easy pleasure. If you’re looking to kick it with a drink and a show, or indulge in a more interactive experience, downtown’s music scene fits any agenda.

Blue Note Hawai’i

Blue Note Hawai’i is a branch of the original Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan. They host jazz and other live music ranging from local artists to famous faces. If you’re craving a different kind of entertainment, they also frequent comedians regularly through their extensive schedule. The unique thing about Hawai’i’s location is their menu consists of local favorites such as poke and bao buns. https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/

Mai Tai’s at Ala Moana

If you’re looking for a more casual affair, Mai Tai’s is the perfect place to relax with a drink while enjoying Hawai’i’s raw talent. This venue is an open-air cocktail bar at Ho’okipa Terrace at Ala Moana shopping center, and provides a chill environment for guests and artists to enjoy each other’s company. As most of their entertainment consists of local artists and Hawaiian reggae, Mai Tai’s is the place to enjoy Hawai’i’s tropical ambiance. https://menus.menupoint.net/Mai+Tais+Bar+&+Grill/index.html

The Republik

O’ahu isn’t just dinner and drinks– this island also has a healthy nightlife scene that caters to those energetic concert conditions. The Republik is a nightclub venue that always offers an influx of musical artists. This venue has hosted familiar faces such as The Wallows, Keshi, Yung Gravy, and many more. Its open dance floor and multiple bars creates the ideal space for those in search of a a good ‘ol fashioned party. https://jointherepublik.com/

Hawaiian Brian’s

Hawaiian Brian’s is the ideal spot if you want a variety of activities to do while also having the option of enjoying live entertainment. There’s a billiard room, a sit down music venue, an open concert space for dancing, and various bars sprinkled throughout. This social club ranges from accommodating chill acoustic sets to providing vivacious raves. The concerts usually require guests to be 18 years or older, but the billiard rooms are open to all ages. https://hbsocialclub.com/

Check out this video clip from a recent show by Tavana at the Slack Key Lounge inside Hawaiian Brian’s:

Mirage Art & Coffee

This last place is a quaint coffee house in Pālolo Valley that holds lively open mic nights one Saturday every month, 7:00pm-10:00pm. Many smaller artists frequent this event in order to perform in front of friends, family, and strangers alike. This typically includes Arabian musicians and dancers that always engage audiences to dance with them, and a small band called, “Blue Tuesday” that often debuts their new songs here. Enjoy a cup of coffee while you experience this intimate environment hidden in the valley. https://mirageartcoffee.com/

Although Honolulu is world-renown for its colorful cuisine, beach culture, and shopping, this spirited city is also home to a well-sustained music scene. Hawai’i has its own musical identity through traditional mele and modern local reggae called, “Jawaiian”, but this place is home to a variety of moods and genres. Explore and enjoy Hawai’i’s melodic artistry through Honolulu’s extensive music scene!

by Vanessa Hathaway

As a writing intern for Honolulu Vibes, Vanessa Hathaway is passionate about creating quality content that allows audiences across oceans to collectively share her zest for adventure. Raised in Washington D.C and Las Vegas, Vanessa moved to O’ahu to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She spends her free time playing gigs with her band, Blue Tuesday, and surfing at the local longboard spots in Honolulu.

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