Not generally sought as a destination for nightlife entertainment, the big cities of Hawaii offer excellent options for enjoyment outside of water recreation. Hawaii real estate has driven many to the islands for the purchase of seasonal homes. Travelers to the islands occasionally search for something to do in a more urban environment with big city-style night life. Though there are several medium-sized cities on the islands, Honolulu and Waikiki are clear leaders in the night life and entertainment categories. In addition to the ever present hotspots for a night on the town, Honolulu and Waikiki each host a number of concerts, seasonal activities and celebrations throughout the year.

Known as much for its expensive Hawaii real estate as its major metropolitan feel, Honolulu is a hub for night life and entertainment venues. There are choices for every type of partier, ranging from reserved wine bars to pulsating clubs pumping house music. There has been a steady demand for after hour activities on the islands due to the growing number of young visitors who search for something beyond a typical day at the beach. Vacationers who spend their time sunbathing or snorkeling often enjoy blowing off some serious steam in a casual, lively environment. Crowds looking for low-key entertainment can find local musicians and upscale entertainment in a number of premium clubs.

Relaxed dress codes and a culture of laid-back clubbing create a comfortable environment for the newcomer to the Honolulu or Waikiki club scene. With the steady number of new residents buying up Hawaii real estate, clubs keep their doors open with events and promotions encouraging new visitors. Most of the clubs in Honolulu are a 5 or 10 minute taxi cab ride away from the beach and major hotels, so those owning pieces of Hawaii real estate farther inland should consider their transportation options when the night is young. Dancing is the most popular form of entertainment among the bigger night clubs of Honolulu, and the attention to dancing is reflected in the popularity of the city's adult clubs.

Waikiki's laid back lifestyle is evident among its bars and night life events. Many bars in Waikiki specialize in rum drinks, with outdoor entertainment and seating. The atmosphere in Waikiki is different from that of Honolulu largely because the area is less congested, though there are still options for all types of entertainment. Most of the venues in Waikiki would be described as open-air lounges; with flexible dress codes, pools, views of the ocean and a focus on relaxation. Often, a lounge's size and style will be a direct result of any nearby resort or composition of Hawaii real estate in the area. Like-minded individuals tend to flock to the same types of venues for recreation and social activities

Honolulu's night life, in addition to the adult clubs and strictly-dance clubs, contains a variety of bars for both dancing and socializing. Similar to some of the bigger mainland cities, Honolulu's night spots reflect their neighborhood to a certain extent. Some of the more sophisticated, upscale venues are located within a close proximity to Honolulu's affluent enclaves. Hawaii real estate can serve as a bellwether for club owners looking to generate a desirable service. Densely populated downtown and urban areas contain clubs packed full of partying locals and tourists of the younger demographic in search of a night to remember.

Often, the hotels and resorts in Hawaii, including those in Honolulu and Waikiki, offer their own night life options. The abundance of pedestrian traffic in the region affords hotels and resorts the opportunity to generate a great deal of business by integrating space for entertainment and social recreation. Many of the classier hotels and resorts in Hawaii will offer drinks and dining options for guests, with regular rotations of entertainment. Musicians and comedians can be seen at entertainment venues in both Honolulu and Waikiki.