Despite popular preconceptions, pineapples are not a staple of Hawaiian cuisine. The local culinary delights are a fine mix of various influences, including traditional Hawaiian, American, Portuguese, and Asian delicacies. Restaurants are found across the archipelago’s tourist-rich areas, and range from five-star sushi joints to traditional Hawaiian barbecues called luaus. Prices can be expensive, but cheap dining options, such as plate lunch vans, are available. Various brew pubs operate in the state, providing unique tastes to continental US beers. Nightclubs and after-dark establishments are part of the modern Hawaiian culture and most tourist-centered areas contain plenty of night-time venues to choose from.

Bars and Pubbing in Hawaii

Your best bet for a lively night out include downtown Honolulu, Hawaii’s central commercial district; Waikiki, Hawaii’s tourist center; or Kailua-Kona, the Big Island’s biggest town.

Downtown Honolulu boasts a plethora of bars and clubs for guests, some of which continue buzzing until 4:00 a.m. Smith’s Union Bar (19 North Hotel Street, Honolulu) is a famous pub that boasts a fun, social atmosphere. A traditional Irish ambiance radiates from O’Toole’s (902 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu) and the Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Mai Tai Bar (1450, Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu) is the perfect downtown location for a happy hour drink in Hawaii.

Waikiki is crawling with nightlife. Similar to other parts of Honolulu, clubs and pubs regularly remain open until 4:00 a.m. Maddog Saloon (2301 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki) is one of the finest live music venues along Kuhio Avenue. Angles (205 Lewers Street, Waikiki) is a great spot for its drink specials every night of the week. For the best draft beer selection in Hawaii, visit The Yard House (226 Lewers Street, Waikiki).

Kailua-Kona’s nightlife doesn’t match the intensity of Honolulu’s after-dark establishments; the area is still popular for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic evening beauty. Pubs and clubs generally close earlier than those in Honolulu so start your night before the sun goes down. Huggo’s (75-5828 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona) on the waterfront provides excellent views of the ocean landscape or sample local brews at Kona Brewing Company (75-5629 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona).

Dining and Cuisine in Hawaii

Finding delightful food in Hawaii is simple. Honolulu is where many of the award-winning restaurants reside. Genki Sushi (1200 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu) is a traditional Japanese restaurant that is worth every penny. Top of Waikiki (2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu) is a revolving restaurant that provides picturesque views of the landscape. Traditional Hawaiian cuisine is available at the delicious Ono Hawaiian Foods (726 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu) restaurant.

In Oahu’s Kailua, restaurants are also a dime a dozen. The most romantic evening is perhaps Baci Bistro (30 Aulike Street, Kailua), which is an authentic Italian restaurant. Steak lovers can enjoy a large meal at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse (413 Kawailoa Road, Kailua) or Zippy’s (44 Oneawa Street, Kailua) is another recommended dining spot.

The largest city on the western coast of Maui is Lahaina. It boasts a list of fabulous eateries to sample. Located on Front Street, Moose McGillycuddy’s (884 Front Street, Lahaina) is a spot for both good food and drinks. Lahaina Fish Company (831 Front Street, Lahaina) offers succulent seafood option for customers. In addition, the Hard Rock Café (900 Front Street, Lahaina) is where tourists can unwind and catch the beach front views celebrating true Americana.