Looking for some fun on your Maui vacation? I’ve got you covered! Karaoke is one of the best ways to relax and let loose after a day of exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and scenic spots.
Maui offers several excellent karaoke venues where you can show off your singing skills while enjoying tropical drinks and meeting new friends. Whether you prefer singing in front of a crowd or just want to watch others perform, there’s something for every level of karaoke enthusiasm on the Valley Isle. Let me share some of the best places to grab a mic and belt out your favorite tunes.
PONI LOUNGE
I recently discovered PONI LOUNGE in Wailuku and it’s quickly become my favorite karaoke spot on Maui! Located on Lower Main Street, this bar offers a refreshing take on the karaoke scene with a vibrant atmosphere that’s both welcoming and exciting.
The song selection at PONI is impressive, with everything from classic hits to today’s top charts. I was blown away by the sound system quality, which makes even amateur singers like me sound pretty decent! The staff is super friendly and helps create a supportive environment for all singing abilities.
What makes PONI LOUNGE stand out is the mix of locals and tourists who gather here. I’ve made new friends while waiting for my turn at the mic, and the crowd always brings positive energy. The drinks menu complements the experience perfectly, with creative cocktails that helped calm my stage fright.
I love that PONI feels like a hidden gem. It’s not overwhelmingly crowded like some tourist spots, but still buzzing with enough energy to make each night memorable. Whether you’re a karaoke pro or first-timer, I highly recommend giving this place a try on your Maui visit!
Rating: 4.9 (50 reviews)
Location: 1063 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 868-2924
LAVA’S Sports Bar& Karaoke
I recently visited LAVA’S Sports Bar & Karaoke in Wailuku and was blown away by the fun atmosphere. This hidden gem on Lower Main Street offers the perfect mix of sports viewing and amazing karaoke nights.
The karaoke setup is top-notch with a great song selection and quality sound system. I was impressed by how the staff makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a karaoke pro or first-timer like my friend who finally worked up the courage to sing.
The sports bar element means you can catch your favorite games while enjoying drinks with friends. I love that it’s not just about the singing – it’s a complete night out with good vibes and friendly locals.
During my visit, the place had a steady crowd but never felt too packed. It’s definitely become one of my favorite spots to unwind and have some fun on Maui. If you’re looking for a place where you can both watch the game and show off your vocal skills, this is it!
Rating: 4.6 (51 reviews)
Location: 1088 Lower Main St Unit 2, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 446-3128
South Shore Tiki Lounge
I recently visited South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei, and it’s become one of my favorite karaoke spots on Maui! The laid-back tiki bar atmosphere creates the perfect vibe for letting loose and singing your heart out.
Their karaoke nights are always packed with locals and tourists alike. I love how the friendly staff makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a seasoned performer or it’s your first time grabbing the mic. The crowd is supportive and fun, cheering on even the shakiest singers.
While waiting for your turn to sing, you can enjoy their delicious food and drinks. I recommend trying their award-winning pizza and one of their creative cocktails. The Pau Hana (happy hour) specials are a great deal if you arrive early!
What makes this place special is how it balances being a great restaurant, bar, AND karaoke venue all in one. I’ve visited many times, and the energy is always positive and upbeat. It’s definitely worth adding to your Maui karaoke adventure!
Rating: 4.4 (1468 reviews)
Location: 1913-J S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 874-6444
Website: Visit Website
Kahale’s Maui’s Local Dive Bar
I recently visited Kahale’s, Maui’s oldest dive bar in Kihei, and it was a karaoke lover’s paradise! The laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for singing your heart out without judgment.
When I stepped inside, I found a friendly crowd of locals and tourists enjoying the longest happy hour on the island. The bar has been a Maui fixture since 1994, and you can feel that history and community spirit in every corner.
Karaoke nights at Kahale’s are legendary. I grabbed the mic and belted out a few tunes while sipping on one of their specialty cocktails. The supportive crowd cheered everyone on, making even shy singers feel comfortable.
Besides karaoke, they offer live music and sports on TV. I loved that they’re open daily from 10am to midnight (and they open at 8am on Sundays for football!). Whether you’re a karaoke pro or a first-timer, Kahale’s welcoming vibe makes it a must-visit spot for anyone over 21 looking to have fun on Maui.
Rating: 4.6 (264 reviews)
Location: 36 Keala Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 215-9939
Website: Visit Website
Tokyo Lounge
I recently discovered Tokyo Lounge, a hidden gem tucked away on Hookahi Street in Wailuku. This karaoke bar brings a perfect blend of Japanese karaoke culture with island vibes that really makes it stand out among Maui’s nightlife options.
The song selection here is impressive! I found everything from classic rock hits to current pop songs, with a surprising number of Hawaiian favorites too. The sound system is top-notch, making even my not-so-great singing voice sound decent.
I love the cocktails they serve – creative and strong without breaking the bank. The bartenders are friendly and quick with recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. While singing, I enjoyed their pupu platter which had some tasty Japanese-inspired snacks.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between energetic and laid-back. Small private rooms are available if you’re shy about singing in front of strangers, but the main area has a fun, supportive vibe where everyone cheers each other on regardless of singing ability.
Rating: 4.4 (45 reviews)
Location: 315 Hookahi St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 244-5656
Wai Bar
I recently discovered Wai Bar, a hidden gem for karaoke lovers in Wailuku. This lively spot on North Market Street combines the best elements of a dance club and traditional bar, creating the perfect atmosphere for singing your heart out.
The karaoke setup at Wai Bar is impressive, with a great sound system and an extensive song selection that includes both classics and current hits. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the microphones worked – no annoying feedback or muffled sound that you sometimes get at other karaoke venues.
When I visited on a Friday night, the place was buzzing with energy. The crowd was a fun mix of locals and tourists, all supportive and cheering each other on regardless of singing ability. The bartenders were friendly and quick with drinks, which helped calm my pre-performance nerves!
What makes Wai Bar stand out is its authentic Hawaiian vibe combined with modern amenities. If you’re looking for a place to belt out your favorite tunes while enjoying the local atmosphere, I highly recommend adding this spot to your Maui karaoke itinerary.
Rating: 4.3 (205 reviews)
Location: 45 N Market St # B, Wailuku, HI 96793
Haui’s Life’s A Beach
When I want to sing my heart out in Kihei, I head straight to Haui’s Life’s A Beach. This fun spot sits right across from Kalama Beach, making it easy to find – just look for the big concrete whale!
The vibe here is laid-back and welcoming. I love how it’s a place where both locals and tourists mix together. The airy, casual atmosphere makes everyone feel comfortable grabbing the mic, even if you’re normally shy about singing.
Karaoke happens six nights a week starting at 7pm. I usually arrive a bit early to enjoy their authentic Mexican food and grab one of their true 16oz draft beers or a tropical drink. Their margaritas and mai tais are particularly refreshing after a day at the beach!
While waiting for my turn to sing, I like to play pool, try my hand at Golden Tee Golf, or just watch sports on their TVs. The sunset views from their lanai are spectacular too, making this much more than just a karaoke spot.
Rating: 4.2 (545 reviews)
Location: 1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-8010
Website: Visit Website## Vibe Bar Maui
I recently had a blast at Vibe Bar Maui in Kihei! This place has become one of my favorite karaoke spots on the island. The atmosphere is super welcoming, and the staff makes everyone feel like a star when they get up to sing.
Their karaoke nights are packed with both locals and tourists. I love how they offer pupu platters that are perfect for sharing while waiting for your turn at the mic. The daily drink specials definitely help calm those pre-performance nerves!
What makes Vibe Bar special is their themed events throughout the week. Last time I visited, they had a 90s night that had everyone singing Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls hits. The sound system is quality too – it makes even amateur singers sound pretty good!
I recommend arriving early to get your name on the list because this place fills up fast, especially on weekend nights. The crowd is always supportive, cheering for everyone who takes the stage regardless of singing ability.
Rating: 4.4 (151 reviews)
Location: 1913 S Kihei Rd Ste H, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-1011
Gilligans Bar & Grill
I recently discovered a hidden gem for karaoke enthusiasts on Maui – Gilligans Bar & Grill in Kihei! Located at the Maui Nui Golf Club, this spot offers an amazing atmosphere with scenic views of the sunset, Pacific Ocean, and Haleakala volcano.
When I visited for karaoke night, I was impressed by the friendly staff and lively crowd. The mix of locals and tourists created a fun, welcoming vibe that made it easy to grab the mic and show off my singing skills.
What makes Gilligans special is their perfect balance of restaurant and entertainment venue. I enjoyed some delicious food and tropical drinks before taking my turn at karaoke. Their Hawaiian-American fusion menu really hit the spot after belting out a few tunes.
Don’t miss their outdoor lanai area for karaoke with a view! I found the setup professional with good sound quality and an extensive song selection that satisfied everyone from classic rock fans to pop enthusiasts.
Rating: 4.2 (386 reviews)
Location: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 868-0988
Website: Visit Website
Da Babooze Bar
If you’re looking for a fun karaoke night on Maui, Da Babooze Bar in Wailuku is a must-visit spot. I recently spent an evening here and was blown away by the lively atmosphere and friendly crowd.
The bar has a great local vibe that really lets you experience the culture of Wailuku. Their karaoke nights attract both talented locals and tourists looking to share their favorite tunes, creating a diverse and entertaining mix of performances.
Beyond karaoke, Da Babooze offers pool tables and live music on certain nights. I found the staff incredibly welcoming and quick to serve drinks from their full bar. They’re open from noon until 2 AM every day, making it easy to fit into your Maui schedule.
While enjoying the music and atmosphere, I noticed how the bar balances being a sports venue and a music hotspot. The mix of activities means there’s always something fun happening, whether you want to sing your heart out or just enjoy others taking the mic.
Rating: 4.8 (85 reviews)
Location: 1234 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 446-3311
Website: Visit Website
History of Karaoke in Maui
Karaoke in Maui has evolved from humble beginnings to become a vibrant part of the island’s nightlife. I’ve seen it grow into a beloved activity for both locals and tourists seeking entertainment under the Hawaiian stars.
Origins and Influence
Karaoke arrived in Maui in the late 1980s, following its global spread from Japan. The first karaoke machines appeared in Japanese restaurants and bars around Lahaina and Kihului, catering primarily to Japanese tourists.
Local bars like what is now Lava’s Sportsbar & Karaoke were among the pioneers that helped popularize this form of entertainment. In the 1990s, karaoke expanded beyond Japanese establishments and became widely embraced by the diverse communities across the island.
The influence of Hawaiian music has created a unique karaoke scene on Maui. I’ve noticed that traditional Hawaiian songs are often part of the rotation alongside mainstream hits. This blend creates an authentic Maui karaoke experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Cultural Significance
Karaoke has become woven into Maui’s social fabric, bridging different cultural communities on the island. Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian, and mainland American influences all contribute to the rich karaoke culture.
Sansei Restaurant & Sushi Bar exemplifies this cultural fusion, offering Japanese cuisine alongside karaoke that attracts a diverse crowd. Their late-night karaoke sessions have become legendary among locals and visitors alike.
Karaoke venues on Maui range from upscale establishments with private rooms like Castle Karaoke to casual spots where singing happens in front of the entire bar. This variety reflects the different cultural approaches to karaoke.
The activity has special significance during celebrations and festivals. I’ve seen many birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings on Maui feature karaoke as a way to bring people together across cultural boundaries.
Tips for an Unforgettable Karaoke Night
Making the most of your Maui karaoke adventure takes a bit of planning and the right attitude. The island offers several venues with different vibes to match your singing style.
Choosing the Right Songs
When I visit places like Castle Karaoke, I always pick songs I know well. Nothing builds confidence like familiar lyrics and melodies!
I recommend checking the karaoke venue’s song list before you go. Many Maui spots update their catalogs regularly, but selection can vary between places.
Start with mid-tempo songs that match your vocal range. Fast songs can leave you breathless, while very slow ballads might drag on if you’re nervous.
I’ve found that island classics and Hawaiian tunes are always crowd-pleasers on Maui. When in doubt, go with familiar hits that everyone knows – they invite sing-alongs!
Engaging the Audience
I always make eye contact with the audience when I sing at spots like Stopwatch. This creates an instant connection.
During my favorite parts of the song, I make sure to make eye contact with the audience.
Moving around (within reason) keeps energy high. You don’t need elaborate dance moves – just show you’re having fun!
I’ve noticed that venues like Wang Chung’s have enthusiastic crowds who love participation. Ask them to clap along or join in on the chorus.
Timing matters! If you’re visiting Lava’s Sportsbar & Karaoke, arrive early if you want to sing multiple songs. The most popular spots fill up their request lists quickly.
Remember to cheer on other singers too. The best karaoke nights happen when everyone supports each other.
