Best of Honolulu 2015: Fun and Fitness

The 31 editorial and reader picks for the hottest entertainment and best fitness favorites from our Best of Honolulu 2015 issue.

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Editor's Pick 

Best LGBT Nights Out, Women

Photo: Courtesy of Christa Wittmier

Because we all need a place to call our own, The Safehouse at The Republik hands over every first Thursday of the month to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang—a program for women by women, with DJs that include DJ SuperCW and DJ Ace. 

1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., 10 p.m.–2 a.m., 941-7469, jointherepublik.com 

Best LGBT Nights Out, Men

It’s easy to start an evening at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, then move over to Wang Chung’s for the no-holds-barred karaoke. But Fusion Waikīkī is where you want to be when the other clubs close. Party people roll in from 1 a.m. until the 4 a.m. closing, already warmed up and ready to dance. 

2260 Kūhiō St., 924-2422, fusionwaikiki.com

Best Spot for Downtown Meetings

Photo: David Croxford 

Finding a quiet spot to meet in Downtown Honolulu can sometimes feel like an impossible mission, so imagine our joy when we discovered the tiny refuge that is Brue Bar. It’s a coffee shop owned by the people behind Honblue, a print and design shop, and it’s obvious the place was designed with working and meeting in mind. Thoughtful touches abound, like the side of sparkling water that comes with your espresso, the beautiful little spoons with which to stir your latte and the wide selection of loose teas for those not looking to get jacked on java. It’s such a hospitable nook, we find ourselves drawing out our meetings, even the business ones, to make the experience last longer. There are other Brue Bar locations, including a new one opening up on Bishop Street, but the original is still our favorite.

119 Merchant St., 441-4470, facebook.com/BrueBarHI 

Best Live Music by Night

With live music like this happening all over town, why are you limiting your nights out to the weekends? Get a life! No more excuses!

Monday

Jazz Mondays at The Veranda Lounge at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort rotates groups such as the Honolulu Jazz Quartet (first Mondays); elegant, affordable (no cover, good pūpū), al fresco.

7:30 to 10 p.m. 5000 Kāhala Ave., 739-8888, kahalaresort.com 

Tuesday

Hot Latin Tuesday at Rumours Nightclub, making feet happy for over a decade, taps Eddie Ortiz & Son Caribe plus DJ Da Lion of Judah. 

8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive, 955-4811, alamoanahotelhonolulu.com 

Wednesday

Photos: Courtesy of Outrigger hotels and resorts

Cyril Pahinui at Kani Ka Pila Grille is a no-cover, local-friendly Hawaiian music institution at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach.

5:30 p.m. on. 2169 Kālia Road, 923-3111, outrigger.com 

Thursday

Jazz/Fusion/Soul at Jazz Minds Honolulu, rotating lineup for those who like it edgy.

1661 Kapi‘olani Blvd., 945-0800

Friday

Jazz & Blues at Medici’s at the Mānoa School of Art has top performers, plus a salad bar and pizza by the slice, free parking, $10 cover.

Mānoa Marketplace, 2754 Woodlawn Drive, 351-0901, honolulumusicatmedicis.com

Saturday

O‘ahu Song Writers Group at Hank’s Café, hosted by Barefoot Bob or Ev Fox, is the closest thing to Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café. Come hear songwriters from Nashville, Australia, Texas and home.

1038 Nu‘uanu Ave., 526-1410, hankscafehawaii.com

Sunday

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS

Henry Kapono at Duke’s Waikīkī.

4 to 6 p.m. Outrigger Waikīkī, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., 922-2268, outrigger.com