When the sun goes down, the fun and excitement on Oahu ramp up. Here are seven great activity options that clients should consider.
Ghost Tours, Mysteries of Hawaii
Tales of Portuguese "feiteceira" (sorceresses), Japanese "inugami" (dog demons), Filipino "aswang" (shape-shifting creatures) and “night marchers” (ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors) are among the stories Lopaka Kapanui might tell during a Mysteries of Hawaii tour as he leads visitors around haunted sites in Honolulu. The anecdotes he shares about some of the groups that make up Hawaii’s melting pot are gleaned from his extensive research and conversations with elders versed in Hawaiian history and culture.
Lopaka Kapanui’s Ghosts of Old Honolulu Tour pauses in front of the famous statue of Kamehameha the Great in front of Aliiolani Hale in downtown Honolulu.
Credit: 2023 Tanya Kapanui
HoMA Nights, Honolulu Museum of Art
On Fridays and Saturdays, Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) invites visitors to view exhibitions, listen to live music and savor sips and bites at its open-air cafe until 9 p.m. On Friday evenings, they can channel their creativity by participating in a make-and-take art activity that’s suitable for all ages. Movie enthusiasts will want to catch a flick at HoMA’s Doris Duke Theatre, Hawaii’s largest independent arthouse theater.
HoMA Night attendees admire a bust in the Portrait Gallery.
Credit: 2023 Honolulu Museum of Art
Lewers Lounge, Halekulani
Night owls can enjoy live contemporary jazz, savory plates, luscious sweets (the signature coconut cake is a must), fine wines, classic spirits, rare whiskeys and imaginative cocktails and mocktails at this chic lounge at Halekulani, which seats 50 guests. Heads up: There’s a strict dress code — elegant resort attire is required for the ladies, and a collared shirt, dress slacks and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for gentlemen.
The chic, intimate Lewers Lounge features contemporary live jazz from 8:30 to midnight Tuesdays through Thursdays and until 12:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Credit: 2023 HalekulaniMoonwalks, Waimea Valley
Waimea Valey is renowned for its cultural, historical and botanical treasures. From May through October, visitors can walk two-thirds of a mile to its 45-foot waterfall by the light of a full or nearly full moon. Learn the significance of the moon to Hawaiians, see the site where a high priest and his family lived long ago and inhale the fragrance of tropical and subtropical plants, including native and endangered species.
On Moonwalk evenings, visitors can tour an authentic Hawaiian living site and learn learn about the life of Hawaiians who lived there centuries ago.
Credit: 2023 Waimea ValleyStargazing, Stars Above Hawaii
Astronomer and NASA ambassador Greg McCartney offers a fascinating tour of the night sky at Ko Olina Resort using a laser pointer and powerful computerized telescopes.
Depending on the season, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s colorful bands and the interior of the moon’s craters are among the deep-space phenomena participants might see. Guests will also learn how the early Polynesians navigated by the stars, and the myths associated with planets, constellations and other celestial bodies.
Astronomer Greg McCartney uses powerful computerized telescopes for his star shows.
Credit: 2023 Greg McCartneyTwilight Tour, Honolulu Zoo
During this guided after-hours walk at the Honolulu Zoo, clients will see its amazing residents in a different light — literally. Moxie, the lioness, will likely be lounging and chuffing by her pool. The cheetah sisters Nagini, Fawkes and Pickett will be playing tag. Mari and Vaigai, the elephants, sleep just four hours each day, so they’ll no doubt be wide awake, eating and dust bathing.
Two of the zoo’s three female cheetahs
Credit: 2023 Honolulu Zoo SocietyYoga on the Ocean, Yoga Floats
As night falls, yogis of all levels head to the calm waters off Waikiki to perfect poses on stand-up paddleboards lit with brightly colored LEDs. The glittering skyline, the moon and stars overhead, and the gentle rocking and soothing song of the sea promote peaceful meditation and a mindful practice. On Fridays, the Yoga Floats class concludes with a front-row view of a spectacular fireworks show.
