Chinatown Honolulu's Late Bars Are Better Than Waikiki's

Waikiki's club scene is the tourist loud. Chinatown east of Downtown is the bartender-owned, small-room, serious-drink version. Bar Leather Apron hidden behind Topa Financial Center is a 30-seat cocktail room that consistently ranks with the best bars in the Pacific. The Dragon Upstairs upstairs from Hank's Haute Dogs runs jazz six nights with legitimate players.

For dancing or bigger rooms: Manifest on Hotel Street, Fete at the corner, Encore Saloon nearby all stay open late. Chinatown after midnight is a different neighborhood than Chinatown at 10 AM — both versions are worth seeing.

The 2 AM state last call is enforced. Parking in Chinatown is a mess but cheap; walk or rideshare from a paid lot.