What could be better than great food and music! The lounge at Island Studio has quickly become a…read morefavorite location for excellent live music in an intimate setting on the water in Hawaii Kai. Important to book ahead as the word is out and the venue sells out quickly! Apart from there not being a bad seat in the house....the kitchen here is turning out some amazing dishes perfect for sharing. We LOVE being able to order and pay using a QR code. Service is always super friendly and efficient. Don't miss their speakeasy The Velvet Monkey, one floor above...an even smaller venue featuring local and upcoming artists. Island Sound Studio is a full working professional recording studio that has hosted the likes of Elton John, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Eddie Vedder just to name a few! It's no wonder they have delivered a world-class live music venue.

Even more cozy and intimate than Blue Note, this local gem, located right on the water in Hawaii…read moreKai, is a lovely venue with great acoustics that provides quality entertainment for locals so you don't have to deal with traffic, parking, or the crazy crowds in Waikiki. There are actually 2 separate spaces in the same locale. The Lounge is the larger of the two with indoor and some outdoor seating. The Velvet Monkey is their "speakeasy", an even tinier and more intimate space tucked away upstairs in the corner. Both offer live music, beautiful cocktails, and delicious food created by Chef Karol. They also claim to have the best recording studios on the island. Tix were $30 for the event which you should order ahead of time especially if you want to get in and sit inside. It was booked so we got outdoor seating which was still nice but we had a semi obstructed view. We had P3 featuring Michael Piranha, a group of local rock musicians with a great sound and sense of humor. You order everything on your phone which is supposed to expedite service, one couple in our party had to wait because their order got lost. The staff was very apologetic and at the end, the chef personally came out to make it up to them. DRINKS: With the trend in creative cocktails these days, I often have difficulty deciding because so many look good and I love trying new things. I finally decided on the coconut mojito which was a new take on this minty favorite. It had toasted shredded coconut which added interesting texture and flavor. A little on the sweet side for me but I enjoyed it and it paired well with the venue. A lot of the drinks were accessorized with fresh flowers and pearl picks that made them IG worthy and very attractive! Loved how they were all different too! Our friend had a pretty pink lychee martini with a turberose garnish whereas mine came with a lavender orchid. FOOD; My friend and I both had the fresh catch, a mahi-mahi served in a butter sauce with asparagus. Fish was a little overcooked but the flavors with the texture with the toasted almonds were great! Our friends had the ahi carpaccio and chef's special flatbread which was like a pizza. DESSERT: Tiramisu was possibly one of the best I've had! It was a nice balance of cake and cream sprinkled with bits of chocolate on top and and served with raspberry and chocolate sauce and some fresh fruits. Pastry Chef's Kiss! SERVICE: Warm, friendly and very personable, they make it a point to check on the guests to make sure everyone is getting the best experience possible. The super chill, relaxed vibe and great sound, combined with perfect weather and a clear view of Venus and Mars in the night sky, made for a lovely evening out ! Will definitely check it out again!

This was a great venue with an intimate setup to have a great view of the musicians…read more The show was short at only about an hour, but it was packed with great music from Iam Tongi's band. The food was less than average and quite pricey so I would recommend eating beforehand!

Rating the FOOD only!! Expensive and subpar quality…read more The poke nachos were decent. The bbq ribs were DRY! Like super dry. Daughter choked on it trying to swallow it because it was so dry. Husband couldnt even finish his dish and he usually is not picky with foods. The short rib loco moco was okay. The gravy tasted very "cheap". Thats the only word I can think of to describe it. The short rib was decent (wouldnt say it was good, but it was edible). The favorite part of this dish was the white rice which was soft. I like the venue but unfortunately I wouldnt go back since its $20 minimum per person for purchasing food/drinks.

If you're looking for a real nightlife experience in Honolulu, The District Nightclub is easily one…read moreof the best spots to go out. The energy is unmatched. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've stepped into a mainland-style club, something you don't always get in Hawai'i. The space is huge, with multiple rooms and bars, so it never feels too cramped even when it's packed. What really stands out is the music. The DJs do a great job blending hip-hop, Top 40, and dance tracks, and the vibe naturally builds as the night goes on, starting chill and turning into a full-on party by late night.

The events here are always amazing. From Madea for Halloween to Gatsby for New Years 2026. The DJ's…read moreare always on point. The place does get packed around midnight. The lines are pretty fast unless packed and the drinks are expensive. There is one side that has huge dance floor bar and sections. The parlor located in the back has a second bar and dance floor. The bathrooms are located back there as well. Looking for an event theme or not place to have fun check it out. You can check the Eventbrite or IG for events and DJ. There is parking and street parking available able.

I have always heard about this venue and was excited when I could finally check it out. I was…read moresuppose to have my college graduation here but was also pregnant with my daughter at the time and she decided she was ready to come out the day before we were set to graduate! Upon entry into this venue back in October 2025 for the Kolohe Kai concert I was very impressed overall with the organization and flow of foot traffic with all the vendors spread out, the bathrooms near the entrance and the food vendors all in the back by the lawn sitting area. The auditorium like venue was great in a sense that no matter where you sat (maybe save for the lawn location) you could get a good view. HPD was on site for the event and the sound quality was pretty good. Overall we had a wonderful experience here & even saw some friends along the way. Did I mention the beautiful view of Diamond head?

I almost can't express how grateful I am for the "Shell". I…read morelive in the area and am grateful for my closeness. I hear others in the Neiborhood complain re the concert noise level but I am grateful to have this snippet of joyous Hawaiian life in our Hawai'i nei. The food has been better in the past but I am grateful that some sort of food offering is there and the local vendors are fun loving and make the best of "fast food". I remember the last night the Cazimero Brothers played at the Shell. Everyone just stood there in the front and didn't leave. We were all sort of transfixed and couldn't move along. After about 20 years of premium entertainers and Robert and RolandmCazimero performing on clouds on some of tahe most beautiful Hawaiian nights to groups of approximately 10,000, it was truly over... But, I think Robert did perform one night again in particular with his lovely white piano! Robert announced that he is an "activist. We were all mesmerized. I used to check with Tom Moffat if I saw infractions in the neighborhood after a show and he would always put extra police on a trouble spot etc. Now they are all gone... But we are still here not to abuse our privilege to attend a concert at the "Shell" which is not in Waikiki BTW. The end of Waikiki Special District is at the corner of Monsarrat Av and Kalaukaua Av. by the "Wall". The City completed an upgrade of the Shell with new comfortable seats, a slimmer and higher reconfigured "stage" area, etc. and the local security get the long line thru in a hurry! When you go for an evening at the Shell, pls. don't parade back and forth on the WALKWAY in back of the "pool" (front) area and fronting the second set of seats, ESPECIALLY during a live performance! Everyone didn't attend to watch you blurring everyone's view So, the next time you are lucky enough to attend the Shell at night with hopefully a moon, it's beautiful swaying palm trees, stars, and Diamond Head in the background please count your blessings as the "Shell" is one of them!

Always have a good time here, good shows. Midget wrestling, concerts, comedy, etc. Bar staff…read moreusually good too. Parking - eh. Usually hit mall but now you can park under Republik too for a fee. Tonight, boyyyyyy - bartender betch pissed me off!!! Nasty ass attitude. Won't open her betch mouth but want to use her hands and throw em up at my son to get my attention. Trick. But it explains why you're bartending here and won't last long. Middle finger to ya.

Good room for sound. Was a little heavy on security but it's the time we live in. Plenty of…read morefriendly bartenders so no real wait there. There was a "pit" where a security guy was posted up in the middle of it all, which I thought was strange- but as show progressed it was obvious they were there to help people who fell or were in need to be taken aside even if they didn't know it yet. I'd go again

Good food, service and entertainment! Very relaxing and enjoyable!…read moreThe lineup of entertainment is good and we always have a good time.

Food and service was great! We attended the Valentine Dinner event. The buffet was delicious with…read morelots of variety. The entertainment was great, 2 local entertainers. Both performed with Don Ho back in the day. The tables were decorated for the occasion too.

Mahalo to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for another unique and educational experience! My +1 and I had a…read morechance to go to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall to see Ka'imi Hanano'eau who is the lead singer and guitarist for the band, HiRiZ. We got free validated parking across the street at the Dole Cannery parking structure! We waited in the lobby of the Castle & Cooke Building where our Escort checked our names off the list and led us to the 4th Floor. Along the way, the walls were filled with portraits of previous performers such as Jim Brickman and Na Leo Pilimehana. Impressive! After walking around to what seemed to be the back of the building, we entered a large living room full of sofas, ottomans, barstools and tables. We were warmly greeted and invited to partake in refreshments of shrimp platter, croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, pasta salad and bottled water. The Emcee, Kevin Jones of Star 101.9, kept things lively by introducing the band members, asking engaging questions , and adding interesting trivia. He really helped make this event a more comfortable and intimate one. My friends and I sat in the first row where we could check out the jewelry and shoes (and bare feet) of the band. We enjoyed watching them communicate through gestures and eye contact and how they pressed the buttons of the amplifiers with their feet! I truly enjoyed watching Ka'imi's fingers glide over the frets of his guitar so effortlessly. ..He's a very talented songwriter even though he sang songs from the Doobie Brothers, Prince, and the Pixies, too. I was also amused by his playfulness as he approached the electric fan which blew his long hair wildly around his face! We're grateful to be invited to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall. It's a very special place! Hope to get another chance to return!

Ah the Road Runner Music Hall, they renamed it, it's now called the Oceanic VIP Music Hall! Yeah…read moredifferent but i guess Road Runner wasn't fast enough. This has to be my FAVORITE part of Clear Channel! Posters on the wall from previous artists that have performed to the couches you can chill on, how can anyone not like it here? Sometimes it can get cold, it just depends. I don't know what else to say, if I had to pick watching an artist at the music hall or at a venue, I'd rather it be here. It's just cool like that.

We were just walking around and we saw the sign outside that said Happy Hour. We love a happy hour!…read moreAnd it said $5 for drinks. Say less. We got the chicken karaage and sliders. Omg the chicken karaage was so good!! It was nice and extra crispy on the outside, but so juicy and moist inside. Just how i like it! The sliders was nice too. I got a passion fruit margarita and he got his tequlia tonic. Both were great. It was such a nice and chill vibes. Had live music which is always a plus! The best part though was our bartender, Kama. He was extremely friendly and was prompt with everything. He even helped us by giving us some tips on places to go eat/explore while we are in town. He is the 5 star in this review!

We came here for happy hour ($5 drinks & $14 pupus) and there was almost nobody here on a Saturday!…read moreOur server was really nice but the hostess was a little cold. Our drinks were refilled constantly and the food came out really quick. Everything was delicious and the portions were perfect for the 6 of us to share! I'm surprised they weren't more busy since they validate parking and it's conveniently at IMP.

Ron Artis sadly passed away from a heart attack just a little over 6 months after I met him and his…read moregreat family. Rest In Peace, Ron. You have touched the lives of many, and will continue to do so through your wife and children.

You're in Hawaii... you're on the north shore...you go to Haleiwa because its a cool little…read moretown...and you MUST go see Ron and his family. First off, I am amazed at the parenting. They are great kids. They have been blessed with a great path and Ron is leading the way. Will they be famous? They already are. Do they need to be discovered? They already have been. I have since forgotten their names (except for Thunderstorm who blows a mean harmonica) but I will never forget their music. So put an hour away at their house and be prepared for a private concert by one of the best musical families you will ever see. Do not miss them.

Sooz and Richard are incredible…read more The Bayer Estate transports you back to old Hawaii, with a beautifully crafted historic home, sanctuary lawn, and an inviting atmosphere that embraces you with Aloha. You'll hear stories about Hawaii 5-0 filming on location, but the star-studded notoriety pales in comparison to the way Sooz and Richard make you feel at home, whether it's your wedding, special event, birthday party, or other intimate occasion. Steps from the water, you can hear and feel the ocean lapping at the shore while you enjoy the sunset on the sand or watch a movie under the stars. And be prepared to have fun, because Sooz and Richard know how to throw a party. The 60s party is one of our particular favorites! Finally, Yogi will be there to greet you, tail wagging and a gentle smile on his adorable face... This is our absolute favorite place for an event, with Auntie and Uncle we adore...We so recommend checking out the place for yourself!

Management and pricing and cleanliness. I never write reviews but I wanted to be candid with my…read moreexperience for future brides and grooms to be! So our wedding was a 5/5 experience but management is definitely old school and could use a lot of work. There is no texting, only a landline, and an email to work with. Good luck reaching anyone via email. To have a 6 hour wedding with 50 people, it costs roughly 10k for the space (about average when you factor in lighting, furniture and seating at other venues) but you have to pay for you own prep time. Only an hour is complimentary, so if you want to add any personal touches at all you basically need to pay for that time. Considering you're paying 10k, the fact that one is not allowed to leave decor at the venue is super unreasonable. There was no event going on the day prior except for our own rehearsal. So we were to bring everything we could on our own day of, and beg our wedding planner to help. They claimed it was for "liability purpose" yet I was allowed to leave my dress grossing 2800 at the venue and not my $10 box of flowers... and the lightning that was already hanging cost $750 to allegedly rehang. Who knows why that needed $750. There were claims that there was not enough space to leave any belongings or purchase enough chairs for my guests, but from what I can see it's just badly organized. There's a massive stack of CDs in front of the bridal room coated with so much dust you can barely read the titles. There's all kinds of knick knacks everywhere by the piano. The dust in the bridal room is bore line scary when you look closely, the chandelier had dead flowers and cobwebs. The frames are coated with dust. Again, the wedding itself was beautiful but for 10k you'd think someone could be paid $200 to come in there to clean. I sincerely have no idea what my 10k went towards since the Morgage on the house is non existent according to Zillow. Emails were rarely answered in a timely manner, which is tough if you're a bride organizing almost everything. and their sweet sweet dog who was advertised as a ring bearer apparently only performed this service one time prior and got side tracked and pulled my flower girl into the bushes. I love that kind of silliness and don't blame the dog one bit. But it certainly feels like false advertising to say that this dog is willing to do the service but come day of my planner told me of all the weddings she'd aided there, she's never seen it happen once. We had a great wedding, but it's massively overpriced for how little effort is going in on the home owner's end. A beautiful scam. 3 stars for my guest's wonderful experience but not to my own chaotic one.