Oahu’s Hawaiian Music Renaissance

Whether it’s dancing to energizing Hawaiian-reggae beats or sipping on a Mai Tai while listening to the soothing sounds of a slack key guitar, the island of Oahu offers numerous opportunities to enjoy free, first-rate Hawaiian music throughout the year.

1. Ala Moana Center

The Ala Moana Center features daily Hawaiian music from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on their Ewa Wing Stage, along with a daily hula show from 1 – 1:20 p.m. on their first floor Centerstage. Both activities are free to the public and provide perfect opportunities to celebrate Hawaiian culture while shopping at the largest mall in the state.

2. Duke’s Canoe Club

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. This restaurant honors Hawaii’s great ocean sportsman, Duke Kahanamoku, and features live Hawaiian music nightly from 4 – 6 p.m. and 9:30 – midnight by acclaimed artists such as Kapena and Ka’ala Boys, along with their weekly Duke’s On Sunday concerts with Henry Kapono from 4 – 6 p.m.

3. Waikiki Beach Walk

The Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk presents several opportunities for visitors to enjoy live music. Outrigger’s Na Mele No Na Pua concerts occur once a month on Sundays, 5 – 6 p.m. on the Plaza Stage outdoor lawn. Each concert is free and open to the public, with past headliners including Melveen Leed, Amy Hanaiali’i, Maunalua, and Ledward Ka’apana. Additionally, on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 6 p.m., music and hula dancing are led by renowned kumu hula, Blaine Kamalani Kia.

4. Hilton Hawaiian Village

Every Friday night from 7:15 – 8:00 p.m., the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Super Pool transforms into an ideal stage for their Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue. This show presents Hawaiian entertainment featuring the music, song, and dance of the Polynesian Islands, culminating in an exciting Samoan Fire Knife Dance. The evening ends with a stunning beachfront fireworks display lighting up Waikiki Beach.

5. House Without A Key at the Halekulani

Immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, House Without A Key at the Halekulani serves as a popular venue for informal breakfast, lunch, cocktails, appetizers, and entertainment. Every night at 5 p.m., it presents free island entertainment featuring artists such as the Pa’ahana Trio and Kapalama.

6. Kona Brewing Company

Located on the docks of Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, Kona Brewing Company invites visitors to experience local entertainment featuring both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Music is featured on Fridays & Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., as the chefs serve up delicious appetizers, fresh fish entrees, and tasty pizzas paired with a selection of beers from 24 taps at the bar.

7. Mai Tai Bar

The Mai Tai Bar at Ala Moana Shopping Center is particularly popular with locals for its award-winning happy hour specials and nightly contemporary Hawaiian and reggae music. From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., guests can enjoy the relaxing sounds of Corey Oliveros, John Fearey, and others. Later, crowds gather to dance to reggae bands such as Hot Rain, Epic Session, and One Drop from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

8. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort

The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, offers performances by some of the island’s most talented artists nightly. Featured entertainers include Ka’ala Boys, Nohelani Cypriano, Kelly Boy DeLima ‘Ohana, and Awana Salazar.

9. Royal Hawaiian Center

Taking place Tuesdays through Fridays, the Royal Hawaiian Center hosts a free Hawaiian show for all to enjoy on its Pa’ina Lanai. The lineup includes performances by Keohau, Pu’uhonua, Ku’uipo Kumakahi, and Josiah Kekoa along with members of Ten Feet.

10. Sheraton Waikiki

In line with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Hawaii’s commitment to continuing the legacy of Hawaiian music, Sheraton Waikiki offers nightly poolside entertainment with some of the island’s top performers like Sam Kapu III Trio, Ka’ala Boys, Kanilau, and more.

11. Tiki’s Bar and Grill

Situated on Waikiki Beach, Tiki’s Bar and Grill provides Hawaiian entertainment throughout the day with performances by artists such as Elllsworth Simeona & Piko, Vaihi Band, and KaiRoots. Check out the bar’s online music calendar to find performance times and featured artists.

12. Kuhio Beach Hula Show

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Nov-Jan), visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian music and enjoy hula performances by Hawaii’s finest dancers and performers on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. The show begins with torch lighting and the traditional blowing of the conch shell.

13. Turtle Bay Resort

At Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s renowned north shore, there are various ways to enjoy Hawaiian music. Surfer [The Bar] features local legends such as Kapena, Common Kings, and Katchafire. Additionally, live music is offered ocean-side at The Point: Sunset & Pool Bar. Check out the lineup for the entire resort on their website.