Lotus Soundbar

Photo by Sergio Goes

The Lotus Soundbar is still a work in progress, but it's fast becoming one of those rare reasons for locals to venture into Waikiki. The first-floor lounge--with its cozy couches, backlit bar and attentive servers--gets patrons warmed up for the night. Upstairs, club-goers groove to one of the Islands' most state-of-the-art sound systems, a $100,000 custom design by New York-based sound engineer Craig "Shorty" Bernabeu. Music varies by night, from hip-hop and R&B to downtempo and house.

Open Monday through Thursday, 9 p.m to 3 a.m., and Friday and Sunday, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

2301 Kuhio Ave., 924-1688, www.lotusoundbar.com.