Best of HONOLULU 2026: Entertainment & Leisure on O‘ahu

Editor pick

Place to Discover Up-and-Coming Artists

Opened by the Sig Zane Designs team team in December 2019, Chinatown community hub Kaiao Space was born as a venue for art installations, fashion exhibitions, creative collaborations and to showcase local artists on the rise. The space is an ode to the legacy of Edith Kenao Kanaka‘ole, the celebrated kumu hula and designer Sig Zane’s mother-in-law.

In support of artists, Kaiao offers exhibitors 70-30 splits, instead of the standard 50-50. And the experience is more akin to a pop-up than a traditional gallery show. “We give the artists full access and tell them, whatever you have a vision for, we encourage you to cover all the walls,” curator Aja Toscano says.

This summer promises an exciting lineup, including photographer Daeja Fallas, painter Yvonne Cheng, sculptor Lonny Tomono and muralist Koloikeao Anthony. —BT

1018 Smith St., kaiaospace.com, @kaiao_space

Reader pick

Club for Dancing

Long after most places have closed, the music’s still going at The District, the club across from Ala Moana Center, beneath The Republik. Three bars and two rooms offer different vibes until 4 a.m. every weekend. Fast and friendly bottle service comes highly recommended for big groups, especially if you want seating, but regular and guest DJs will keep you on your feet with hip-hop, R&B and EDM hits. If clubbing’s not your thing but you still wanna dance, The District also hosts Latin nights every Thursday, with free salsa lessons and performances. —KV

1349 Kapi‘olani Blvd., thedistricthi.com, @thedistricthi

Editor pick

Late-Night Vibe

Keep your eyes open for a dragon on the door, then head up a tall staircase for a lively evening of fun. Open from 4 p.m. to midnight (and till 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), The Dragon Upstairs is where late-night adventures in Chinatown unfold. The longtime lounge and live music venue is a great spot to cap a night out with friends with rounds of drinks while listening or dancing to punk, indie, rock and even folk bands. On days without live music, there’s usually karaoke or DJs spinning R&B, techno, reggae or Latin tunes.

Whatever night you go, there’s always a lively and welcoming vibe. And the eclectic décor, including neon lights and masks on the walls, make you feel like you’ve entered a secret world where you can let loose and groove to the music. —EB

1038 Nu‘uanu Ave., (808) 466-0864, dragonupstairs.com, @dragon_upstairs