Night Life @ Waikiki Beach, Hawaii:

My Recent travel to the Polynesian Island made me a night addict…I am not a kind of person who loves night clubs, live bands and Street Shows… But walking down in Waikiki is all different….So what is it about Waikiki that makes it so special? I went out late at 8 PM and walked down the streets with my Camera and heavy Tripod to capture the Night Action. It was so fun.. In my opinion it’s because there’s a certain energy there that can’t be defined, it’s like no other that I’ve ever experienced.

Look at this picture: street, sidewalk, sand and then ocean. How cool is that? I find it amazing to swim out and then look back to see not only the Waikiki skyline but also a majestic “mountain” to the right (Diamond Head). It makes for a beautiful sight, especially since the beach is lined with beautiful palm trees and other foliage. The beach (and Waikiki in general) is also an excellent spot for people watching. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent in Waikiki just hanging out and watching all of the interesting people go about their day (or night). Practically I don’t want to leave this place.. Compound all of these factors with the great nearby shopping venues, delicious food and drink options and the fact that it’s easy to navigate and you’ve got the perfect scenario. In addition, the beach is equally as attractive at night.  I spent almost one hour in midnight to capture the lights with a slow shutter when you are alone with sounding waves and cool breeze makes the perfect moment of the life. Finally, you can round out your night by enjoying all of the free nightly entertainment along Kalakaua Ave. I still can’t decide if I like Waikiki Beach better during the day or at night and I’ve spent a considerable amount of time there.

Oahu is the epicenter of nightlife in Hawaii. On every night of the week you can find good local food, live music and dancing in a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges from Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown.

You’ll discover live music at hotels and resorts throughout Waikiki. Club and bar venues like The Yard House in the Waikiki Beach Walk and RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki are popular spots for locals and visitors alike. With so many bars, restaurants and venues to choose from in Waikiki, it’s best to check with your concierge or with local weekly guides to see what’s happening during your stay.

There are also a variety of nightlife venues in the urban streets of Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown — if you know where to look. An influx of distinctive bars and nightclubs are breathing new life into the weathered lofts of Chinatown after dark. Whether you’re looking for a wine bar or a jazz club, Chinatown’s underground venues reward the adventurous bar-hopper. On Hotel Street between Smith and Nuuanu you’ll find DJs spinning and live music playing at Next Door, Bar 35, and thirtyninehotel just up the stairs. Nearby on Nuuanu Avenue, martinis are the drink of choice at Indigo restaurant. Across from the historic Hawaii Theatre you’ll find even more nightlife options. This cluster of cool brings a splash of New York style to Honolulu. To experience the best of Chinatown nightlife, visit during the First Friday art celebration. You’ll see why the downtown streets literally buzz with activity on the first Friday of every month.

When the night is over, Waikiki’s 24-hour restaurants and cafes are a great place for a late-night snack or an early breakfast. Bring your appetite to MAC 24-7 in the Hilton Waikiki Beach to take on their colossal, 14-inch pancakes. Eat up — You’ll definitely need your strength for another exciting 24-hours. Just know that on Oahu, some of your most memorable days may actually begin at night.

 

Sridar.com Tips :

1. Book a Hotel near by the Waikiki Beach Area – Make a Walk to the Beach Every Day.
2. Enjoy the spectacular view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head as you enjoy a tropical drink under the Hau Tree. Located Beachfront near Rainbow Tower.
3. I prefer to be right in the middle of Waikiki because it’s nearest to what I want to do the most. If you stay down at the east end (closest to Diamond Head) then you are further away from the decent shops and restaurants. If you stay on the far west end (furthest from Diamond Head) then you are right in the heart of the restaurant scene but you have to walk a bit for shopping and the best swimming spot.
4. Take your picture with “The Duke Statue”
5. Don’t Miss the International Marketplace : It  features over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands

Where to Stay
Honolulu’s best accommodations are found in the Waikiki area where most of them are beachfront. All of the hotels in this area are within walking distance to the city’s wide array of restaurants, attractions, nightlife and shopping. For those planning to spend their vacation exclusively in Waikiki, as many do, a vehicle won’t be needed. To enjoy the new and elaborate hotels about 30 minutes away in Kapolei, a car is needed to get there, as well as to access offsite restaurants and attractions.

What to Eat
Although great food can be found all over the island, the majority of Honolulu’s best restaurants are located in the heart of the city. The island’s cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of cuisines, and just about anything you could be craving can be found here. Well-known restaurant chains dominate the main strip of Waikiki, but it’s the smaller local eateries that are the culinary gems of Honolulu.

Things to See
Honolulu is home to a wide range of attractions, enabling visitors with diverse interests to be satisfied. Art, history and culture can all be explored in the city, but it’s the island’s gorgeous beaches that draw travelers. Head out to the North Shore to bask in the sun on the island’s best beaches, and to see some of the world’s best surfers tear up the waves.
Caution: Always be careful of ocean conditions.
Hot Tips: Watch the sunset at Ke Iki Beach.

Places to Party
Honolulu hands down has the most – and the best – nightlife in all of the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s all located right in the city. Most bars and clubs are in walking distance from any Waikiki hotels, and taxis are always available 24 hours a day. Honolulu nightlife ranges from wild dance clubs to western-themed bars to classy lounges, and just about everything in between.

Photography tips:

Try to have a all round Lens Ranging like 24 -105 and 200 mm will help. Carry light weight and a Tripod.
I used the 16 mm mostly in the night shots.