From traditional Hawaiian musicians to contemporary local bands, these are the best places to enjoy live music in Waikīkī tonight and every night!

Live music being performed at The Beach Bar under the banyan tree in purple lighting at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort in Waikīkī.
Live Music at The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider.

One of the things we adore about our Waikīkī neighborhood is how many restaurants and bars wholeheartedly support live music, shining a spotlight on our talented local artists.

Music is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, and some of Waikīkī’s most memorable moments come from dining with live performances where Hawaiʻi entertainers leave lasting impressions.

In this post, we share our local recommendations on where to find the best live music in Waikīkī.

Table of Contents

1. Kani Ka Pila Grille

Waikīkī’s number one destination for live Hawaiian music nightly.

📍 2169 Kālia Rd, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3-5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily 6-9pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Live music performance at Kani Ka Pila Grille in Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, featuring a guitarist entertaining diners in an inviting outdoor seating area under navy blue umbrellas.
Live Hawaiian music at Kani Ka Pila Grille.

2. Tiki’s Grill & Bar

Famous for its live music, breezy Pacific Ocean views and tiki drinkware.

📍 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3-5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily 1-3pm & 5:30-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

A performer on the lanai (balcony) at Tiki's Grill & Bar in Waikīkī.
Live music at Tiki’s Grill & Bar.

3. Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu

Pair some of Waikīkī’s best burgers with late-night beats.

📍 280 Beach Walk, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-6pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily 8pm-Close
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

4. The Beach Bar

Waikīkī’s go-to spot to: Eat. Listen to live music. Beach. Repeat.

📍 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 5-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

Musician performing with a guitar and singing at The Beach Bar of Moana Surfrider, a beachfront venue on Waikīkī Beach, with a backdrop of clear blue sky, ocean waves, swaying palm trees, and a glimpse of Diamond Head in the distance.
Beachside entertainment in The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider.

5. Duke’s Waikiki

Duke’s delivers daily live music, plus the iconic Duke’s on Sundays event.

📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 4-6pm & 7pm-12am
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

A view over Duke's on Sundays, Duke's Waikiki's live music event in action every Sunday afternoon.
Duke’s on Sundays, a live music event in Waikīkī.

INSIDE TIP: If you can’t make Duke’s on Sundays in-person you can watch it live for free! Tune in from 5-6pm Hawaiʻi time on Henry Kapono’s Facebook Page to watch and enjoy the “good time together.”

6. The Hideout

One of the coolest rooftop bars for live music in Waikīkī.

📍 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3:30-5:30pm
🎵 Live Music: Mon-Fri 6-9pm, Sat-Sun 5-8pm & 8:30-11:30pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

7. Mai Tai Bar

Live tunes under pink umbrellas in a lush garden oasis steps from Waikīkī Beach.

📍 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 6-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

Live music under the pink umbrellas at The Royal Hawaiian resort in Waikīkī.
Live music at The Royal Hawaiian.

8. RumFire Waikiki

Socialize to soft background tunes surrounded by the glow of firepits.

📍 2255 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 4:30-5:30pm & 8:30-9:30pm
🎵 Live Music: Mon-Thu 6-9pm & Sat-Sun 4.30-7.30pm & 8-10.30pm
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

9. Monkeypod Waikiki

Catch multiple daily live sets showcasing top local talent at Monkeypod.

📍 2169 Kālia Rd #111, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3:30-5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 12:30pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Two musicians performing with guitars at Monkeypod Kitchen in Waikīkī, creating a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere for guests enjoying the live music experience.
Live entertainment at Monkeypod Kitchen.

10. Secret Spot Honolulu

A hideaway where locals and visitors merge for intimate nightly concerts.

📍 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 7am-12pm
🎵 Live Music: Nightly
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

A six-member band performing at The Secret Spot Honolulu, with three guitarists, a keyboard player, and two drummers, all illuminated by vibrant fuchsia lighting as the audience watches the lively show.
Local band performs at Secret Spot Honolulu.

In summary, for the best daily live music in Waikīkī, explore our top venues offering everything from laidback vibes to lively performances.

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Ashlee & Keliʻi

We’re residents, business owners and superhosts inside Waikīkī’s 96815 zip code. When it comes to enjoying the best of Waikīkī, Honolulu and Oʻahu, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff you won’t want to miss! Follow travel advice from locals on our Waikīkī Beach Stays website and social media.

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