10 surprising ways to explore Hawai‘i at night

Much of Hawai‘i’s bustling nightlife takes place in touristy Waikīkī, with a sprinkling of trendy breweries and cocktail bars making a splash in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Kakaʻako, and Kaimukī.

And while nightclubs and concert venues might be scarce on Kaua‘i or Hawai‘i Island, that doesn’t mean the party ends at dusk. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, the fun continues after sunset. From a twilight zoo tour in Honolulu to night dives with manta rays in Kona, here are 10 unexpected nighttime activities in Hawai‘i.

At day’s end, as the crowds depart and the gates close, nocturnal animals at the Honolulu Zoo are just waking up.

On Saturday evenings, the zoo offers a private 2-hour twilight tour in which guests witness the livelier side of tigers, lions, and wild dogs. A guide is on hand to answer questions (“How many bones are in a giraffe’s neck?”). 4:30–6:30 p.m. September–March; 5:30–7:30 p.m. April–August. Adults, $25; kamaʻāina and military, $20.

Zip-lining is even more exhilarating when experienced at night. At Kapolei’s Coral Crater Adventure Park, guests navigate a series of walkways before feeling the wind in their faces as they fly past the forest’s treetops.

From sunset and into the evening, soar along 3 zip lines ranging from 300 to 900 feet long. The 1- to 1½-hour Night Zipline Tour ends, for an additional charge, with s’mores over a campfire. Prices start at $129.99. 

The ongoing eruption at Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is a sight to behold. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 24-7, and one of the best night views is via Devastation Trail. Parking is limited (only 30 stalls) but there’s usually quick turnover, so you probably won’t have to wait too long for a space.

From the parking lot, the wheelchair-accessible trail (1 mile round-trip) is mostly paved and relatively easy to navigate, even in the dark. Twinkling stars blanket the sky as you walk the trail. Proceed approximately 300 yards over rocky cinders before reaching the lookout point. There, you’ll witness the lava glowing brilliantly amid the stark landscape. $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.

Kona is one of the few places in the world where you can swim alongside manta rays. Evening is the best time to see these fascinating fish in action, especially as they hunt for food. Local diving and snorkeling operators such as Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii sail out from Honokōhau Harbor or Keauhou Bay each night.

At the dive sites, LED lights placed at the ocean bottom or overhead on custom light boards attract plankton, the microorganism upon which the manta rays feed. Submerged in the water, you’ll witness the rays’ graceful movements. If you’re nervous about entering the ocean at night, you can opt to ride in a double-hull canoe with Anelakai Adventures and see the rays without being submerged. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii, $135; Anelakai Adventures, $150.

In addition to being a spiritually sacred place, Mauna Kea is also one of the world’s best sites for stargazing. Situated at 9,200 feet above sea level, the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station is open 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. daily.

Accessing the summit—located past the visitor station—is best left to approved tour operators such as Hawaii Forest & Trail, which departs from Kailua-Kona, or Hilo-based Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures. Excursions typically include watching the orange-hued sun dip below a blanket of clouds, listening to stories from a knowledgeable guide, and stargazing. Hawaii Forest & Trail, $295; Arnott's Lodge & Hiking Adventures' prices start at $240.

The historic town that inspired Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is even more magical at night. Every Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., the community hosts Hanapēpē Art Night.

Enjoy performances by local musicians, watch fire dancing, eat ‘ono grindz from food trucks, and shop for art and jewelry. Most stores along Hanapēpē Road, the main drag, remain open for the event. Shop for a good read at Talk Story, Kaua‘i’s only general-interest bookstore.

Talk star story and learn about Polynesians’ wayfaring traditions at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort Lanai. As part of the Kilo Hoku Experience, the resort’s cultural practitioner shares the history of ka lani paa—the fixed celestial sphere—and how that knowledge guided early voyages in the Pacific.

Afterward, resort guests head to the 2-story Lanai Observatory for a close-up look at the moon, star clusters, nebulae, and planets through a 40-inch telescope. Also open to Lānaʻi residents and students; reservations required. $50 per person for up to 6 guests; $300 flat rate for private group of up to 4 guests.

Camp on the slope of the famed Haleakalā volcano at Haleakalā National Park’s Hosmer Grove Campground, a drive-in campground located just below the 7,000-foot elevation. Reservations are required. Each of the 6 sites has a picnic table and grill, as well as access to the communal water station and vault toilets, but no showers or electrical outlets.

Bring a camp chair and sit back to marvel at the spectacular Milky Way. It gets chilly—between 32 and 65 degrees—up on Haleakalā, so pack warm clothing. Haleakalā National Park entrance fee, $30 (valid for 3 days), and $5 per night for camping (3-night maximum). Entry between 3–7 a.m. requires a reservation.

The Pacific Ocean takes on an otherworldly vibe after the sun sets. Beneath the still, dark waters, marine creatures glide through coral reefs in search of food and shelter.

Maui Diving Scuba & Snorkel Center offers night dives off Black Rock on the northern end of Kāʻanapali Beach. Guided by experienced instructors and armed with a flashlight, you’ll encounter a wide array of sea life, from octopuses and green sea turtles to eels and white tip reef sharks. Adults, $139.

Rachel Ng is a travel and food writer based in Volcano, where she can see Kīlauea’s glow from her home office.