Spotlight Extras » Live Hawaiian Music on Oahu

Hawaiian music is alive and being played at these and other venues around the island. Some of it may be traditional, with hula dancers, others may be more contemporary.

Call ahead to confirm performers and times as schedules and acts often change without notice.

Songs of old Hawai‘i are presented in a postcard-like setting, with Diamond Head in the background, at Halekulani's House Without A Key (photo left). Enjoy the Hawaiian songs of a steel-guitar trio and the graceful motions of a lovely hula dancer from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. daily. 2199 Kalia Rd. (see Waikiki Map, 9-F), call (808) 923-2311.

Hawaiian music that emphasizes vocal duos can be heard from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. nightly at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Performers, all with a hula dancer, often include the Ka‘ala Boys, DeLima ‘Ohana and others throughout the week. More island music is played from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. daily and from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. nightly. 2353 Kalakaua Ave. (see Waikiki Map, 13-D). (808) 922-3111.

From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. nightly at RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, musicians such as Kamuela Kahoano, Johnny Helm, Ellsworth Simeona or others perform on different nights of the week. 2255 Kalakaua Ave. (see Waikiki Map, 10-F). (808) 921-4600.

Enjoy live Hawaiian music nightly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Moana Terrace in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. George Kuo plays Hawaiian slack key guitar classics on Sundays while the Keawe ‘Ohana, with Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman (left), granddaughter of the late Aunty Genoa Keawe, are Thursday regulars. Mel Amina, Butch Baduria and Soulbucket are also scheduled during the week. 2552 Kalakaua Ave. (see Waikiki Map, 16-E). (808) 922-6611.

Duke's Canoe Club ((808) 922-2268), beachside in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel (see Waikiki Map, 12-D), presents "Concerts on the Beach" from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with Maunalua most Fridays, Henry Kapono most Sundays, and other bands on Saturdays. There are also solo acts in the Barefoot Bar throughout the week.

Hawaiian music and hula is presented poolside at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. by different musical group and dancers nightly. Bands include Kaimana Band, De Lima ‘Ohana, Ka‘ala Boys and others. Also, solo acts perform from 8:30 p.m. in the Pikake Lounge. 120 Ka‘iulani St. (see Waikiki Map, 13-D). (808) 922-5811.

Hilton Hawaiian Village® Beach Resort and Spa (see Waikiki Map, 4-G) features "The Rockn' Hawaiian Rainbow Review" Fridays at the Super Pool ((808) 949-7877, $), with fireworks to follow, and Olomana at the Tapa Bar on Fridays and Saturdays ((808) 949-4321).

Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar in the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 2169 Kalia Rd. (see Waikiki Map, 9-F), offers sunset views and Hawaiian music nightly from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. (808) 922-2887. The Kani Ka Pila Grille, poolside at the Outrigger Reef, spotlights Hawaiian music from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. nightly. Slack key guitar master Cyril Pahinui (left) often plays on Wednesdays.

The Mai Tai Bar in The Royal Hawaiian (see Waikiki Map, 11-E) features free Hawaiian music and hula from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Groups rotating during the week are Kapala Duo, DeLima ‘Ohana, Kamada Duo, Puuhonua Duo, Eric Lee Trio or others. For details, call (808) 923-7311.

Edge of Waikiki, next to Sheraton Waikiki's Infinity Edge pool, offers "Vint-Edge" cocktails with a great view. Hawaiian music and hula is presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a break for a fireknife dancer at 7:30 p.m. (808) 931-8883.

Waikiki Beach Walk's Sunday Showcase spotlights Hawai‘i's up-and-coming groups and established favorites in a free hour-long concert from 5:00 p.m. On Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Ku Ha’aheo, To Cherish with Pride, features adult and keiki (children) hula, uniquely blending island traditions, cultural beliefs, music, and history. Both shows, weather permitting, are on the Plaza Stage of Waikiki Beach Walk, 226 Lewers St. (808) 931-3591.

On Tuesday to Friday, Royal Hawaiian Center presents a free hula show from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Saturday hula show runs from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and is followed at 7:30 p.m. by an hour-long Hawaiian music concert. On the first and third Thursdays of most months, the Royal Hawaiian Band performs Hawaiian classics at 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Royal Grove. (808) 922-2299.

One active spot for Hawaiian music outside of Waikiki is the Aloha Tower Marketplace at Honolulu Harbor. Chai's Island Bistro, (808) 585-0011, presents beautiful Hawaiian music during dinner by Jerry Santos, Robert Cazimero solo, or with his brother Roland as The Brothers Cazimero, Danny Couch, Melveen Leed, Robi Kahakalau and others. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, (808) 599-4877, often has Hawaiian music and is a popular site for CD-release parties.

The Willows, 901 Hausten St in Moiliili, welcomes Pakele Live! hosted by Tony Solis most Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and richness of Hawaiian music, language and hula in person. (808) 952-9200.

The Royal Hawaiian Band also performs at ‘Iolani Palace most Fridays from noon to 1:00 p.m. and at Queen Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on most Sundays. For the band’s current schedule, call (808) 922-5331.

Native Books Na Mea Hawai‘i in Ward Warehouse presents "Na Mele Nei First Sunday Concert Series" from 1 to 3:00 p.m. at the stage adjacent to the store. The show, on the first Sunday of the month, features Gordon Frietas & Local Folk with a celebration of the music, people an dance of our islands. (808) 596-8885.