The Hawaii Traveler

Photo by Flickr-Creative Commons by eye of einstein

If you want to crack up about the difference between the Hawai’i of the ’60s and the Hawai’i of today, watching the movie Riding Giants ought to do it for you. It’s not only a kicking surfing film that’s interesting to surfers and non-surfers alike, it documents the dramatic contrast between Hawai’i then and now.In case you didn’t know it, old Oahu is not your grandmother’s vacation anymore. It’s a major hub of business, culture, entertainment, and excitement. What is there to do on Oahu at night? Everything! And, as far as I know, it’s got the only strip clubs in the state. If you’re bored at night on Hawaii’s “gathering place,” it’s you.If you’re looking for night time entertainment after the sun sets on the other islands, your offerings are a little more limited. Some of us like it that way; others, not so much. If you’re happy taking in some local music, you’re in good shape. If you’re in for down-and-out excitement on the outer islands after 8:00, you may have to hop an interisland flight to Honolulu.

I’m not aware of any big-time attractions on Lana’i or Moloka’i besides having a nice, private dinner on a resort or at home. Those with an interest of fleeing for a night, though, might consider one of the ferry services to Maui.

Maui:

The sushi restaurant Sansei is packed at night, so make your reservations well in advance if you want to eat. Even the bar is standing room only on most nights, but you might get lucky with sushi bar seating if you’re willing. The reason: Their locations (there’s one on Oahu too) are in popular places, and they serve exceptional sushi and other Japanese dishes. Call 808-669-6286 or visit them online.

Kihei Town Center in South Maui has a 24-hour supermarket some restaurants, and low-end snack and drinks.

Across the street from Kalama Beach Park, the Kukui Mall has a triplex movie theater.

Walk along Front Street in West Maui and see what’s shaking. Ditto for Ka’anapali, where you can kick off your night watching a cliff diver at Black Rock after the torch ceremony.

Kaua’i:

If you played your cards right during the day, you’re too pooped to peep after nine, but let’s say you consolidated your mid-afternoon and late afternoon naps, and want to do more than rearrange the silverware drawer.

If you want to see a movie, try Kukui Grove Cinemas at 808-245-5055 for times and features. Or, the Coconut Marketplace Cinema/Hollywood Theaters can be reached at 808-821-2324.

Take in a lu’au at Smith’s Tropical Paradise, the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i, the Sheraton Poipu, or the Princeville Hotel. Call ahead; the resorts don’t usually offer their lu’aus every night. The only lu’au on the island that opens every night is Hiva Pasefika, at the ResortQuest Beach at Maka’iwa. (808) 822-3455.

The Big Island:

After all that Kona coffee, who can sleep? In May, there’s the Big Island Film Festival in Waikoloa, which includes some evening merriment. The East Hawaii Cultural Council, and theater, dance, and Shakespeare in the Park are some of the performing arts programs held there.

Whatever island you’re on, you can always take a nighttime stroll in the moonlight and wonder, as my dad used to say, “What the rich people are doing right now.”

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