Entertainment and Nightlife on KauaiBy Michael Huffman Kauai, the Garden Isle, has much to offer the visitor-vacationer-explorer. Here you will find the most beautiful beaches in the state; the magnificent Na Pali coast with its rugged cliffs and secluded sea caves, incredible rainforests, and the vistas and panoramas of Waimea Canyon. You might also experience a most breathtaking helicopter ride and tour of the extinct volcano Waialeale, resplendent with its cascading waterfalls.The nightlife all begins at sunset by taking the time at the end of an exhilarating day to watch that big yellow ball slowly descend into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. From Poipu to Polihale State Park to Kee Beach to the Na Pali coast, there is nothing more relaxing, rejuvenating and energizing, especially if you wait for that moment of the "Green Flash" that occurs when the sun kisses the ocean goodnight and sinks beyond the horizon. Are you ready to hit the town and check out the island's entertainment and nightlife? These the best places to go on the island: |
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| Nightclubs and After Dark Entertainment: |
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| The Lizard Lounge Bar & Grill at Kapa'a in the Waipouli Town Center next to Blockbuster is one of Kauai's popular local tropical sports bars. Pool - Electronic Darts - Video Golf - Satellite TV sports. Open for lunch & Dinner serving till 1am. Happy Hour 2 - 6pm. 808. 821. 2205 |
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| Shutter's Lounge - Hilton Kauai Beach Resort Open from 6 p.m. to midnight, featuring live music nightly, Specialty drinks and tasty appetizers. Sunday Darryl Gonzales 7-10pm - Contemporary Hawaiian Monday Billy Paul 7-10pm - Contemporary/Country Western Tuesday Jonah Cummings 7-10pm - Contemporary Hawaiian Wednesday Larry Rivera & Friends 7-10pm - Traditional Hawaiian Thursday Mike Smith & Shaun Mederios 7-10pm - Light Jazz Friday Darryl Gonzales & Jonah Cummings 8-11pm - Contemporary Hawaiian Saturday Michael Ruff & Trey Thompson 8-11pm - Contemporary Jazz 4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue. 808.246.5524 |  |
Cafe Portofino On the beach at the Kauai Marriott at Nawiliwili. Enjoy live music nightly with harpist Jovanni at "one of America's most romantic restaurants." Reservations recommended: 808.245.2121. |
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The Coconut Marketplace After you have finished your day of adventuring, sun bathing and surfing you should head on over to the Coconut Marketplace where the real fun is just beginning... On your way over to the Trade Winds and Hula Girl you can take in a free hula dancing show. Every type of Hawaiian, from the teeny-tiny little ones, youngsters to middle-age, even great-grandmothers join the show and hula for visitors. The ancient art of the hula is amazing, and watching so many different generations taking part is spectacular and very entertaining. |
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| The Trade Winds Bar and Grill is a typical "Polynesia" style bar. Here you will find some real local color and conversation. Located in the Coconut Marketplace in Kapa'a. 808.822.1621 | |
| Kauai Hula Girl Live Hawaiian Entertainment Nightly, Hula Girl Happy Hour. Stop by and you're likely to catch some of the incredible guest dancers. You never know who you might see perform. 4-484 Kuhio Hwy Ste B, Kapa'a, HI 96746-1430 (808) 822-4422 |
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The Hukilau Lanai Restaurant is a great place to start your evening as you can check out the live music on Sunday, Tuesday, andFriday; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.,depending on the restaurants schedule as occasionally it does change. Here you can sit back, relax, have a couple of cocktails and dinner, or just enjoy the music. With special treats like "20 Great Wines for under $20, nightly pu pu creations, friendly setting and weekly evening entertainment...you'll be tempted to never leave. Located in the Kauai Coast Resort just behind the Coconut Marketplace. 808.822.0600 |
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 Blossoming Lotus Restaurant in Kapa'a has live entertainment nightly. 808.822.7678. |
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| Keoki's Paradise in Poipu Here you can enjoy the fun with a mix of locals and tourists alike. The fun and lively Bamboo Bar features tropical cocktails, seafood and cafe bar, sumptuous appetizers, and live Hawaiian entertainment in the evenings Monday through Friday. Whether you are in the mood for a leisurely lunch, family-friendly dinner, or evening cocktails and music, Keoki's Paradise is simply paradise. Live music on Thursdays and Fridays with no cover charge. 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., Koloa 808.742.7534 | |
| The Point At the Sheraton Kauai Hotel is one of the most happening places on the island. Located right on the water, this adds to the vibrant atmosphere of dancing the night away.
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| Seaview Terrace At the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1571 Poipu Road in Koloa. Catch the balmy ocean breezes from this open air, peaceful lounge. In the afternoon, SeaView offers early cocktails and a selection of pu pu's (appetizers) to begin your night of fun. As day turns to evening, be sure to visit The SeaView for one of the most stunning sunsets you'll see, accompanied by a traditional torch lighting ceremony, live Hawaiian entertainment and wonderful Hula demonstrations. Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 808.742.1234. |
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Stevenson's Library Robert Louis Stevenson never had it thisgood.If you're a jazz buff, stop in at Stevenson's Library in the Grand Hyatt, Kauai, where there's great listening every night. The warm woods and intimate seating areas of this classic lounge create a welcoming atmosphere. Take a seat at the 27-foot, hand crafted koa wood bar or select a table in the cozy booked lined room. Reminiscent of a Victorian-era gentlemen's club, Stevenson's Library boasts an extensive selection of Cognac and Port and plenty of entertainment. Enjoy a game of pool, backgammon or chess or just relax to the soothing sounds of the live Jazz. Stevenson's also offers a full menu of freshly prepared Sushi, served Friday through Monday evenings 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., daily. Minors are permitted in Stevenson's Library 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 808.742.1234. |  |
Cook's Landing Lounge at ResortQuest at Maka'iwa in Kapa'a has music most every night 7-9 pm. Call for scheduled performers 808.822.3455. |
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Caffe Coco has Live Music nightly in the Garden featuring: Hawaiian Thursday, Hula Friday and Jazz Sunday. Located at 4-369 Kuhio Highway in Wailua. 808.822.7990. |
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| Kintaro's Cocktails and pu pu's are served in a comfortable, attractive lounge, where you can sip a wonderful chi chi, sample elegant sashimi, or munch on crispy fried won tons from the owner's factory next door. 4-370 Kuhio Highway , Kapa'a: 808.822. 3341. |
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Brennecke's Beach Broiler Right on the beach" in Poipu. Happy Hour specials and a young local crowd. There's no music but the views are out of this world! 2100 Hoone Road, Poipu; 808.742.7588 |
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CJ's Steak & Seafood Besides great food at a reasonable price, you can also enjoy yourself in the Tsunami Bar with its colorful and descriptive views of Hawaii's many tsunamis. Live Hawaiian music every weekend. Weekdays 11:30 AM till closing - weekends 5 PM till closing. Located in the Princeville Shopping Center 808.826.6211. | |
Lighthouse Bistro In the Kong Lung Village Center, Kilauea features live music nightly. Call for scheduled artists: 808-828-0480 Fax: 808-828-0480, email finedining@lighthousebistro.com |
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| Hanalei Gourmet Life-After-Dark in Hanalei! Live Music, Selected Sports on Cable TV, Award Winning Tropical Drinks, Imported Beer on Tap, Great Food, Happy Hour 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m., Dinner 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m., Early Bird Specials 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. Located in the Old School Building at Hanalei Center, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy Space 5 Hanalei, 808.826.2524 | |
| Sushi Blues Easy to find in the heart of Hanalei Town, Sushi & Blues is upstairs in the Ching-Young Village shopping center. Features live Jazz, Blues and Rockin' Blues from 8:30 PM till closing. There is always soulful music, delicious food and drinks. 808.826.9701 www.sushiandblues.com |
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| Tahiti Nui A lot of people love the Nui, as it's known locally, for its old-fashioned Polynesian charm. The funky building definitely has character written all over it, harkening back to a time when Hanalei was much more laid-back and Auntie Louise ruled the roost. The bar, with its lethal mai tai's and local clientele, is usually hopping. Live entertainment and karaoke keep things lively. Tahiti Nui's bar features live entertainment and events nightly. Happy Hour is between the hours of 4:00PM to 6:00PM and there are different drink and menu specials. Kuhio Hwy. (Aku Rd.) Hanalei, 808.826.6277 |  |
| Happy Talk Lounge In the Bali Hai Restaurant at the Hanalei Bay Resort. If you're on the north shore, stop at Happy Talk Lounge for live jazz and nightly Hawaiian entertainment. Sunday - Jazz Jam 4:30-7:30pm Randy Carnevali, Michael Ruff, Tony Rodarte, Kirby Keough and the occasional sit-in guests play Jazz both standards and originals. Monday - Hawaiian Music 7:00-10:00pm Jonah Cummings plays guitar and sings Hawaiiaan Classics old and new. Tuesday - Hanalei Hula Show 6:30-9:00pm Ed and Vanessa Punua, Wally and Polei Palmeira delight the crowds with Hawaiian song and hula enhanced by steel guitar. Wednesday - Hawaiian Music 7:00-10:00pm Recording Artist Allan Thomas plays guitar and sings Hawaiian and Contemporary music Thursday - Hawaiian Music 7:00-10:00pm Recording Artist Norman 'Kaawa' Solomon plays guitar and sings Hawaiian and Contemporary music Friday - Aloha Friday Happy Hour (4:00-6:00pm) Contemporary Hawaiian Music 4:30-10:00pm Recording Artists Norman 'Kaawa' Solomon Daryl Gonzales and Jonah Cummings team up for a lively show of contemporary Hawaiian Music Saturday - Hana Hou Happy Hour (4:00-6:00pm) Contemporary 7:00-10:00pm The Trio of Randy Carnevali, Tony Lehoven, and Ed Sitzler Play jazz and contemporary originals and standards E komo mai! (Come & be our Guests) Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki Road, Princeville, 808.826.6522 Website: www.hanaleibayresort.com | |
Polynesia Cafe 1639 4-1639 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa'a. Live acoustic Hawaiian music at this family restaurant that features sushi, bakery and full bar. Open 7 am to 10 PM. 808.822.1945 |
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| Rob's Good Times Bar and Grill In Lihue is a fun, casual, "local" sort of establishment. Big on entertainment and low on price, here you can kick-back, enjoy a great beer or cocktail from the full bar...grab a bite to eat (great business lunch starting at 11 am)...watch the game on the ten TV's and the 10 foot projector television...listen to music and dance (live country on Wednesdays - DJ hosted popular music Thursday, Friday and Saturdays)...sing some karaoke (Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays,) shoot some pool on the two tables. Open from 11 am till 2am and at 8am Sundays during football season, you should be able to find some fun activities happening whenever you feel like partying. 808.246.0311 |
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Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center (www.kauaicc.hawaii.edu/arts.htm) - provides a wonderful venue for Hawaiian music and dance as well as a number of visiting performers. 3-1901 Kaumuali'I Hwy., Lihue. 808.245.8270 Kauai Concert Association (www.kauai-concert.org) - offers seasonal programs at the Arts Center. 808.245.7464. Kauai Film Commission (www.filmkauai.com) - sponsors various film festivals at the Historic Waimea Theater (www.waimeatheater.com) throughout the year. Annual International Film Festival (www.hiff.org) | |
The Historic Waimea Theatre Is a non-profit organization operated by the West Kauai Business & ProfessionalAssociationfostering economic viability with the involvement of community, business and government. Their mission is to develop effective, innovative and affordable solutions to improve the economic situation and the quality of life of the residents; to develop and enhance the environment; and to revitalize the business districts by retaining the visual character and heritage of the past as we move towards the future. The Waimea Theatre originally opened on September 2, 1938 featuring the 20th Century-Fox production, "Josette", with Robert Young, Simone Simon, and Don Ameche. Today the renovated Waimea Theatre seats 260 patrons. It features a small stage, big movie screen, state-of-the-art sound system, snack bar and rattan loge sections. Call 808.338.0282 for a recorded movie schedule. Box Office opens at 6:45 pm nightly, 808.338.3027. Located at 9691 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea. www.waimeatheater.com |
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Lihue Public Library Hosts various storytelling, music, and ars and crafts events. 4344 Hardy St., Lihue 808.241.3222. The Kauai Community Players (www.kauaicommunityplayers.org)- is a talented local group that presents plays throughout the year. Lihue Parish Hall, 4340 Nawiliwili Rd., Lihue. 808.245.7700. Kauai Village Theatre Presents six shows per season plus concerts and feature films in a 62-seat, air conditioned theatre. Kauai Village Shopping Center, 4831 Kuhio Hwy.,Kapa'a. 808.823.6789. Movie Theatres After you have partaken of all the islands after-dark offerings, you might simply wish to relax and watch a great film.
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Written by Michael Huffman, previously published by McGee Publishing, in the winter 2007 edition of the Kauai Menu Magazine www.kauaimenu.com
