Best Transgender Bars and Clubs in Honolulu
Honolulu's trans-welcoming nightlife is self-contained on O'ahu — there's no need to hop to a mainland metro. Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu have no shortage of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs, and while none currently bills itself as an exclusively trans bar, several venues have deep histories of welcoming trans patrons, hosting drag performers of all gender identities, and centering a genuinely inclusive LGBTQIA+ crowd. The scene is mid-sized, concentrated, and walkable once you're in Waikiki — manageable for both locals and visitors.
The Honolulu Trans Scene
Honolulu works well for LGBTQ+ nightlife because Waikiki keeps things simple — you can base yourself near the beach and have bars within walking distance. Queer locals and visitors mix easily, especially around Kūhiō Avenue. There is no single dedicated trans bar on O'ahu, but the cluster of LGBTQ+ venues in Waikiki and the adjacent Chinatown corridor functions as the de facto home base. Scarlet Honolulu and Velvet anchor the dance-and-drag end of things, while spots like Hula's Bar and In Between Waikiki fill out the more relaxed, neighborhood-bar side of the spectrum. Honolulu Pride, which typically lands in October, anchors the calendar year, and smaller drag nights and pop-up parties run throughout the year, often centered in Waikiki.
Top Transgender Bars and Clubs for Honolulu Locals
Scarlet Honolulu
Type: LGBTQ+ dance club and drag venue
Location: 80 S. Pauahi St., Honolulu, HI 96813
Features: Hawaii's largest nightclub and one of the top gay bars O'ahu has to offer, with DJs and gogo dancers; connected to the dance floor is a Tiki Bar with Scarlet's Pineapple Stage that features drag shows every Friday and Saturday. Scarlet is widely regarded as the quintessential hub of Honolulu's LGBTQ+ community. Cover is $20; 21+ only. Scarlet also serves as the official venue for the Honolulu Pride Opening Party.
Website: https://www.scarlethonolulu.com
Velvet Nightclub
Type: LGBTQ+ dance club
Location: 1726 Kapiolani Blvd, Fl. 2nd, Ste. 201, Honolulu, HI 96814
Features: Velvet was built as an LGBTQIA+ friendly space in Honolulu dedicated to vibrant nights, genuine connections, and the freedom of full self-expression. Open Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 PM–2:00 AM, it draws a high-energy crowd for dancing and themed events. Velvet is also the venue for the Saturday night Honolulu Pride main club event, featuring guest DJs and a crowd-forward atmosphere.
Website: https://www.velvethawaii.com
Hula's Bar and Lei Stand
Type: Queer bar with drag events and live entertainment
Location: 134 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (2nd floor, Waikiki Grand Hotel)
Features: One of America's oldest and longest-running gay bars, set on the second floor of the Waikiki Grand Hotel across from the Waikiki Zoo, with stunning views of Diamond Head — open daily for beach bar, lounge, and nightlife with special events and shows. An iconic Waikiki gay bar with Diamond Head views, live music, open mic, DJs, and themed parties, with solid cocktails and a long happy hour. Hula's also hosts the official Honolulu Pride after-party.
Website: https://hulas.com
Bacchus Waikiki
Type: LGBTQ+ cocktail bar with weekly events
Location: 408 Lewers St., Honolulu, HI 96815
Features: Open daily noon to 2 AM, Bacchus Waikiki offers daily drink specials and live DJs on weekends, making it a reliable casual option. Karaoke, drag nights, and bear events fill the week, with lanai seating, a pool table, and a friendly, relaxed crowd at good-value drink prices.
Website: https://www.bacchushawaii.com
In Between Waikiki
Type: LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar with karaoke
Location: 2155 Lau'ula St. #B, Honolulu, HI 96815
Features: A best-kept secret among local O'ahu LGBTQ+ regulars, tucked away in an alley off of Lewers