Top Entertainment Options in Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki: What Travelers Need to Know About Things To Do
'One Clear Winner of the People's Choice: While Honolulu boasts four magic shows, one stands out with thousands of consistent 5-star reviews on both TripAdvisor and Google: The Magical Mystery Show!'— John Goodman
HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES, June 22, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- With so many activities competing for attention in Waikiki — from boat cruises and luaus to live music and magic shows — visitors to Oahu often struggle to choose wisely. While glossy brochures and social media ads promise unforgettable evenings, the reality can sometimes fall short. Safety concerns, unexpected costs, or underwhelming experiences have prompted travelers to seek trusted reviews and verified recommendations.
A closer look at popular entertainment options reveals both opportunities and red flags:
Luaus: Know What You're Paying For
Many Oahu luaus have faced rising costs, leading to reduced food quality and scaled-back offerings. Guests report that while some shows still impress, the dining experience may disappoint. Some, like MELE Luau, offer a lower-cost 'show-only' ticket option for budget-conscious visitors. Rock-A-Hula adds a rock-and-roll twist with an Elvis impersonator, though volume levels are high, and some walking is required. Always check parking costs, terrain, and mobility access before booking.
Live Music: Blue Note Honolulu Remains a Trusted Option
Located in the heart of Waikiki, Blue Note Honolulu continues to offer world-class music performances in a safe, upscale environment. With show-only or food-included ticket options, it remains a solid pick for couples and music lovers. Upcoming performers and tickets are available at www.bluenotejazz.com.
Boat Cruises: Weather and Seasickness Are Real Considerations
Sunset cruises can be breathtaking — but also unpredictable. Many operate in open ocean, not calm harbors, and seasickness is a common complaint. Rain or wind can lead to last-minute cancellations. Travelers are advised to book same-day, weather-dependent, when possible. While Ko Olina Ocean Adventures receives strong reviews, others like Star of Honolulu can exceed $200 per person.
Magic & Comedy: The Magical Mystery Show! Takes Top Honors
Among several Oahu magic shows priced under $99, one performance consistently outranks the rest. The Magical Mystery Show!, located at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, is currently rated the #1 Theater and Nightlife Experience in Honolulu on Tripadvisor.
Housed in an ornate, Victorian-Hawaiian theatre with valet access, the show stars Shoot Ogawa, a Grand Champion of Magic internationally renowned for close-up illusions and engaging comedy. Audience members consistently describe the experience as 'astonishing,' 'interactive,' and 'unlike anything else on the island.'
With adult tickets ranging from $69 to $89 and children's tickets starting at $49, it's a family-friendly favorite that combines world-class entertainment with luxury, comfort, and convenience. For official details and best pricing, visit www.Hotel-Magic.com.
Circus and Acrobat-Themed Events: Scale and Expectations
While national-brand circus acts are present in Oahu, they are generally smaller in scope than their mainland counterparts. Some visitors are surprised by the modest scale and intimate setting. Full clown makeup may be unsettling for children. Check production size and visuals in advance to avoid surprises.
Travel Tips for Safer Entertainment Choices in Waikiki:
• Book day-of for outdoor events to avoid cancellations due to rain or wind.
• Choose venues with valet or on-property access to minimize walking at night.
• Bring rain ponchos and extra clothes for luaus without covered seating.
• Read online reviews and check for consistent safety and quality feedback.
Conclusion: Honolulu's Best Things to Do Include a Clear Standout
While Oahu offers many entertainment choices, not all are created equal. For a safe, intimate, and world-class performance consistently praised by audiences worldwide, The Magical Mystery Show! continues to set the standard.
Whether planning a romantic night out, a family activity, or a one-of-a-kind magical experience, visitors can count on this highly rated performance as one of the best things to do in Waikiki, Honolulu, and all of Oahu.
For more information, visit www.Hotel-Magic.com or search 'Best Magic Show Oahu' online.
John Goodman
Hawaii Dining and Entertainment Magazine
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We found an abundance of helpful organization on the interior of the bag: there are two dividers on each side of the bag with mesh pockets on each, clips to keep the dividers in place, Y compression straps on each side, and a cylindrical zip pocket on one side. We also noticed that the bag opens evenly as opposed to the 30/70 design that we typically see in other travel trunks. The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports. However, our favorite thing about the bag, as with all July luggage, was the handle which has 20 different heights and can be customized down to the exact millimeter. The one small drawback noted by T+L editor Hillary Maglin is that this carry-on tends to get black scuff marks from the baggage carousel conveyor belt after every trip. 'While most of the scuffs come off pretty easily using the included sponge, I noticed a few small scuffs are harder to get out,' she says. Aside from slight cosmetic damage that occurs with most hardside luggage over time, Maglin still attests that 'it's probably the sturdiest and most smooth-rolling spinner I've ever used.' The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Though these carry-on suitcases were strong contenders, they were just shy of making the list due to a few shortcomings. However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning. Rains Texel Cabin Trolley: We love the puffy exterior of this waterproof carry-on, though it does add bulk to the suitcase. We noticed that when fully packed, it just barely fit in the overhead compartment in our testing lab. Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket: This bag had slightly weak scores in the maneuverability category since it didn't glide as effortlessly as other carry-ons we tried. However, we appreciated its helpful features, like its protective front pocket for laptops and removable power bank. Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage: For under $300, this metallic option offers the sleek look of an aluminum suitcase without the heaviness. Upon first glance, the capacity seemed standard for a carry-on. During packing, we struggled to fit everything on our list. We also noticed that the laptop compartment protruded the more we packed it. Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: The durability on this suitcase was top notch. In fact, it's one of the most solid suitcases we've ever tested. Ultimately, we preferred the Rimowa bag in our main list for an aluminum option, and we wish this one had more internal organization. Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus: After toting the bag on trips over six months, we came to appreciate the built-in compression board that made it easy to pack in as many items as possible. Still, we would've appreciated an expandable feature here. Miamily Carry-on: We loved how easy it was to navigate a busy airport with a toddler placed on top of this ride-on suitcase. We just wish the luggage was lighter when empty. Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features. It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times. The Amazon Basics hardside spinner ultimately won as our favorite budget option because it offered slightly more in terms of organization, but this is another excellent affordable carry-on that will last for years. Frequently Asked Questions Accepted carry-on dimensions vary by airline, according to the TSA. However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines will differ give or take a few inches, which is why larger size carry-ons made this list. As a rule of thumb, always research your airline's carry-on rules before your flight to avoid having to involuntarily check your bag. Again, this varies. Some airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines currently don't have any weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while some international airlines limit carry-ons to 22 pounds. In our experience, carry-on weight limits are not always enforced as much as dimension size, but as a rule of thumb, your carry-on is likely too heavy if you can't lift it on your own. If you're concerned about the weight of your bag, grab an inexpensive luggage scale so you can check before heading to the airport. According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces. Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of. Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue. Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage. For GPS trackers that utilize a higher level of battery power, you should check with your individual airline to make sure it's allowed on board. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant covers luggage and travel accessories. She owns roughly 35 different suitcases, backpacks, and tote bags, and rotates between her favorites for different trips around the world. She is a carry-on loyalist and enjoys the challenge of finding creative ways to pack weeks worth of clothing into a compact suitcase. She frequently utilizes clever accessories like compression packing cubes, hanging toiletry bags, and travel pouches to maximize space. Right now, her favorite carry-ons come from brands Away, Dagne Dover, and Samsonite. Love a great deal? 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Gizmodo
an hour ago
- Gizmodo
Nebula's Netflix Licensed Outdoor Projector Hits Lowest Price, Flying Off the Shelves
If you're in the North East, that month-long wave of humidity seems to have finally broken. It's comfortably to be outside again. So why not get back the lost weeks of summer outdoors by hosting movie night in your backyard? Get yourself set up with an outdoor projector. Amazon has the Nebula Capsule 3, an outdoor projector officially licensed by Netflix, on sale for a solid 26% off. The projector is normally priced at $530, but after the reduction, you only have to pay $390. That works out to a savings of $140. That's not all though. Click the 'Redeem' button on the product page to receive an additional 15% off. This projector is designed for portability and outdoor use. It runs off a battery that will last you for two and a half hours of watch time. That should be enough to cover the length of most movies. Though if you're watching some long epic like Lawrence of Arabia, you can always plug it into a portable power bank to score some extra hours of use. A power bank is not included, you'll have to find one separately. See at Amazon You can also use the projector as a Bluetooth speaker. When doing so, you can enjoy 8W Dolby Audio and get a whole 8 to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge. Back to movie watching, you can stretch the projection to a massive image of 120 inches across. You'll capture the feeling of the cinema right in your own backyard with a screen that big. It projects with 200 lumens of brightness in gorgeous 1080p. Set up could not be simpler. The Nebula Capsule 3 projector uses a intelligent environment adaptive technology that can automatically adjust screen fit, keystone correction, autofocus, and obstacle avoidance in just a matter of a few seconds. Out of the box, the Nebula Capsule 3 outdoor projector supports a ton of your favorite apps. Netflix comes pre-installed and you can also watch content through Google TV, YouTube, and more. The stand is adjustable up to 180 degrees so you can position the projector at the best angle that fits your particular viewing area. The projector is nearly pocket-sized, making it easy to take with you to a friend's house or a weekend getaway and make your favorite movie or show part of the trip. For a limited time, you can pick up the Nebula Capsule 3 outdoor projector for a reduced price of just $390. Normally, you' find this projector selling for $530, so you'll save a whole $140. But again, that's not all. Click the 'Redeem' button on the product page to receive an additional 15% off. See at Amazon
