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Best places for karaoke

In Honolulu, we've got lots of options to showcase our vocal talents

Metromix

September 11, 2008

4 comments | Add Your Own

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(Credit: Advertiser library photo)

We've got lots of options in Honolulu when it comes to karaoke. If we're feeling shy or insecure about our vocal abilities — or lack of abilities — private singing rooms are widely available. If we want the the roaring approval of a crowd, we can display our talents in public at various karaoke bars. We can even dig into amazing eats while we're rockin' out at karaoke-oriented restaurants. The choices are vast, but to help you navigate, here are our favorite places to hit when we're in a singing sort of mood. If we're missing your favorite spot, let us know by adding a comment below.

Karaoke Room 2

1680 Kapiolani Blvd. - Honolulu

808-949-2644

Karaoke Room 2 has the karaoke thing down - private rooms with couches, tables and the all-important sound equipment. Pretty basic stuff... until you see the songbook. Nobody who works here has any clue how many titles it has, but the thing must be the size of three Oahu phone books. The drill here is to gather a group, reserve a room and bring in your own food and alcohol. Then go ahead and sing, eat and drink to your heart’s content. Everyone on staff can sing and will perform at parties for tips.

Cappucinos Cafe & GS Karaoke Studios

320 Lewers St. - Honolulu

808-921-3534

Two birds with one stone. To get the chit-chat going, stop by Cappucinos for a mixed drink, dessert or snack. Then, when it's time for action, head to GS Karaoke Studios upstairs. You'll definitely take it to the next level with your rendition of the Door’s hit, “C’mon--c’mon--c’mon--c’mon, now TOUCH me, baby!” GS Studios stays open till 4 a.m. and has a full bar. Food can also be ordered from Cappuccinos. It's a fun, comfy place to be late at night.

Karaoke Hut & Lounge

909 Kapahulu Ave. - Honolulu

808-734-7771

You can sing in public or private at this laid back joint. Half the place is a dark bar where the mic gets passed around from table to table. The music is a crazy mix of whatever people feel like singing, from heavy metal to sappy pop to Hawaiian. The quality of the singing varies wildly, but the friendly local crowd applauds good performances. There are also private rooms for those who don't want to subject themselves to the musical whims of the masses.

Side Street Inn

1225 Hopaka St. - Honolulu

808-591-0253

When you want ono eats and karaoke, Side Street Inn is the place to go. They've got karaoke every night, except on big sports nights like when the Rainbow Warriors are playing. (All eyes are then tuned on the tube.) They don't have private rooms, but the good-fun, local crowd makes anyone who takes the mic feel like a star.

Aku Bone Lounge

1201 Kona St. - Honolulu

808-589-2020

If you spend even five minutes at Aku Bone, you'll quickly discover what the place is all about - pupu. Here, you'll find that kind of terrific, only-in-Hawaii menu of grinds that instantly waters the mouths of anyone born local. Miso salmon and butterfish? Got it. Sauteed prawns? Yup. Laulau, poi, chop steak and Alaskan king crab? Yes to all four. Just bring an appetite and your singing voice – they've got karaoke too.

Krazy Karaoke

98-199 Kamehameha Highway - Aiea

808-484-0269

Unleash your inner-American Idol at this popular Aiea karaoke spot. They've got comfy private rooms of all sizes, lots of song choices and a good party vibe. It's definitely a fun place to come with a large group. There's a town location if you don't want to drive to Aiea.

Krazy Karaoke

1308 Young St. - Honolulu

808-591-8843

Two stories of karaoke, and you can bring your own food, drinks and props into the room at the Young Street location. Sounds like a party! There's ample room to sing, and lots of song choices, so come with a few friends or a big crew. Mondays are 50 percent off. Parking can be an issue at night, but if you can't squeeze into the lot, there's street parking.

HMC Karaoke Pearlridge

98-108 Lipoa Place - Aiea

808-488-1881

No need to drive into town for karaoke. HMC is a serious hot spot for karaoke, with an awesome sound system, high-tech gadgets and great leather chaises. They've got small private rooms and two large ones that can be rented for parties. It's BYOB, but everyone in the room must be 21. You can also buy karaoke sing-along CDs. You should call to reserve a room. This place can get crazy.

Star Karaoke Box

98-020 Kamehameha Highway - Aiea

808-484-2272

Get your song on at this popular Aiea karaoke spot. They've got a full bar, so there's no excuse not to sing. And with only one private room, this is not a place to get shy. If you're gonna choose from the 1,000-song selection, be prepared to perform before strangers. This is a fun, easy-going crowd, so you won't be intimidated. Food is also served, but the kitchen doesn’t open until later in the evening.

Chiko's Tavern

930 McCully St. - Honolulu

808-949-5440

Chiko's Tavern is a local neighborhood watering hole with drinks, pupu, karaoke and live music.

Blue Ribbon Bar & Grill

1831 S. King St. - Honolulu

808-945-0177

There's something a little futuristic about Blue Ribbon. Maybe it's the white pleather that makes it feel like a hyper-sanitized space capsule. But there are options at this karaoke bar. You can sing in the big circular main room that's lit with pink and blue pastel neon lights. Or you can grab one of the private rooms, which are also outfitted with all-white pleather banquettes. Early in the evening, the crowd tends to be a little older and gets progressively younger as the night wears on.

Toho Japanese Restaurant & Cafe

815 Keeaumoku St. - Honolulu

808-782-1048

They've got karaoke in vans, yes those passenger vehicles used to transport tourists. It's a quirky afterhours place. Come visit when you're in the mood for something different... very different.

Champions Sports Bar

1108 Keeaumoku St. - Honolulu

808-596-8878

They've got karaoke every night in side rooms or out in the main bar.

Red Lion Waikiki

2424 Kalakaua Ave. - Honolulu

808-926-5466

Red Lion is located beneath the Hyatt, and feels like a college bar in the heart of Waikiki. Catch live music here, or karaoke, or cheap food and drinks during happy hour. (Karaoke's only $1 a song.) There's a grungy feeling to this place, though. Maybe it's the smell of stale alcohol, or the baseball glove-shaped seats, or the drunk guys at the next table.

Club Queen Bee

747 Queen St. - Honolulu

808-591-0712

It's not a hostess bar. Instead, Queen Bee, with its friendly staff and quirky appeal is a surprisingly good, popular place among the younger crowd to grab a bite to eat (try the garlic steak with mushrooms and onions, or the boneless kalbi), kick back with friends or do some karaoke. Although the bar's open till 2, the kitchen closes at midnight, so order your food before then.

Indochine Cafe Karaoke

42 N. Hotel St. - Honolulu

808-534-0222

Indochine's menu includes items that don't have any business in a Vietnamese restaurant, like French fries, kalbi and steak. Yet it's obvious that Indochine doesn't want to be your average mom-and-pop Vietnamese eatery. A peek inside reveals a startling interior - bright colors and comfy red booths upholstered in a whimsical mod pattern. Karaoke has become such a focus that it's now part of the name. Hours here can vary from day to day.

What other people are saying...

4 comments | Add Your Own

chant808 from Chinatown - September 11, 2008 at 3:08 PM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! We'll check these places out for sure!

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Makiki from Makiki - September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM

I believed the best Karaoke is at 777 on Kapiolani right next 24hr fitness. They have the best sond sytems and stage. See it to believe.

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808flowmaster from Makiki - September 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM

How about some prices on the karaoke, especially the private rooms?

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markhil66 from Waikiki - September 11, 2008 at 1:23 PM

What about Sansei Seafood and Sushi Bar? Free karaoke on Friday and Saturday night, drink specials, and HALF OFF! all food and sushi from 10pm to 1...

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