Reggae Music in Honolulu – The Best Places to Hear it
Check out our guide to the best places to hear reggae music in Honolulu. From popular clubs to open-air concerts, we’ve got you covered.
Reggae in Honolulu
Honolulu has a few great places to hear reggae music. If you are looking for a great place to enjoy some reggae music, then you should check out the following places.
The history of reggae in Honolulu
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae derives from the word ska, which was an earlier form of Jamaican music. Reggae is typically characterized by a 4/4 time signature, offbeat rhythms, and organizations based on Rastafarian religious beliefs.
The first wave of reggae in Honolulu began in the late 1970s with the rise of Hawaiian-based reggae bands such as Country Comfort and Natural Vibrations. The following decade saw a resurgence of interest in reggae music with the formation of new bands like Iron Butterfly and Hot Rain. The 1990s witnessed a renewed popularity of reggae music in Honolulu, aided by the rise of local radio stations that played reggae music 24 hours a day.
The 21st century has seen a continued growth in the popularity of reggae music in Honolulu, with new bands forming and old ones gaining newfound popularity. This has led to the city becoming known as a hotbed for reggae music, with many locals and tourists alike enjoying the vibrant scenes at clubs and bars across the city.
The best places to hear reggae in Honolulu
Reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term initially denoted the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae”, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican danceable music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae has spread to many countries across the world, often incorporating local instruments and fusing with other genres.
The best places to hear reggae in Honolulu are:
1) The Wave Waikiki – This bar and nightclub is one of Honolulu’s most popular places to hear live reggae music. The Wave Waikiki features local, national, and international acts performing nightly on their stage. They also have a full bar and kitchen, so you can enjoy some food and drinks while you listen to the music.
2) Bourbon Street Hawaii – Bourbon Street Hawaii is another great place to catch live reggae music in Honolulu. They feature local talent performing nightly on their stage, as well as regular happy hour specials.
3) Downbeat Lounge – Downbeat Lounge is a great place to relax and listen to some good reggae tunes. They offer a wide selection of drinks and snacks, as well as free WiFi for their guests.
4) Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand – Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is a popular Waikiki nightspot that features live Hawaiian music seven nights a week. You can also catch some great reggae tunes here on occasion.
5) Shoreline Hotel – The Shoreline Hotel is one of Honolulu’s best places to hear live reggae music. They offer nightly performances by local, national, and international acts on their stage by the poolside deck overlooking Waikiki Beach
The Best Reggae Clubs in Honolulu
If you’re in the mood to hear some great reggae music while in Honolulu, you’ll want to check out some of the best reggae clubs in the city. Reggae clubs are the perfect place to relax, have some drinks, and listen to some great music. Here are a few of the best reggae clubs in Honolulu.
The Mai Tai Bar
The Mai Tai Bar is one of the most popular reggae clubs in Honolulu. It is known for its great music and its friendly atmosphere. The Mai Tai Bar is located in the Waikiki Beach area and is open every day from 5pm to 2am. You can find more information about the Mai Tai Bar on their website or by calling them at (808) 946-6274.
The Rum Fire
The Rum Fire is one of the best places in Honolulu to hear reggae music. The club has a great atmosphere, and the music is always top-notch. The Rum Fire is located in the Waikiki Beach area, and it is one of the most popular clubs in Honolulu. The Rum Fire is open every night, and it usually has a live band playing reggae music.
The Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand
The Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand is one of the most popular reggae clubs in Honolulu. The club is known for its lively atmosphere and its ability to attract some of the most famous reggae artists in the world. The Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand has a strict dress code that includes no tank tops or shorts for men, so make sure to bring your best island attire.
The Best Reggae Festivals in Honolulu
Honolulu is home to some of the best reggae festivals in the world. From the annual Hawaii International Reggae Festival to the smaller weekly gatherings at local bars, there’s always a great place to hear reggae music in Honolulu.
The Hawaii Reggae Festival
The Hawaii Reggae Festival is one of the best places to hear reggae music in Honolulu. The festival features some of the best local and international reggae artists, and it is a great place to dance and enjoy the music. The festival takes place every year in June, and it is a great way to experience the culture and music of Hawaii.
The Honolulu Reggae Marathon
The Honolulu Reggae Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is one of the largest reggae festivals in the world, attracting over 10,000 people each year. The marathon is a 26.2-mile race that starts and ends at Queen Kapiolani Park. The race course takes runners through some of Honolulu’s most popular tourist destinations, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, and the Hawaii Convention Center.
The marathon is not only a popular event for runners, but also for spectators and music lovers. The race is usually accompanied by a large street party that features live reggae music and local vendors selling food and drink. After the race, many of the participants and spectators head to one of Honolulu’s many nightclubs or bars to continue celebrating into the night.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend of running, dancing, and good vibes, then the Honolulu Reggae Marathon is the perfect event for you!
The Jamaica Me Crazy Music Festival
The Jamaica Me Crazy Music Festival is one of the most popular reggae festivals in Honolulu. It takes place every year on the first weekend of December. The festival features a wide range of local and international reggae artists, as well as food trucks, craft vendors, and a kids’ zone.
