Home Worldwide Hits

The 2026 Blue Note Waikiki Schedule: 5 Must-See Shows And Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

• minute read
Contents

Planning a trip to O‘ahu in late 2025 or early 2026? One of the most essential stops for any music lover is the iconic Blue Note Hawaii, nestled inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. As of today, December 24, 2025, the venue is gearing up for a spectacular holiday season and a massive start to the new year, featuring legendary hip-hop artists, local Hawaiian talent, and world-class jazz musicians. The current schedule is packed with high-profile names and intimate performances that promise to deliver the quintessential Waikiki live music experience.

The Blue Note Hawaii is not just a jazz club; it's a premier, year-round live music venue that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Honolulu entertainment scene. Part of the internationally renowned Blue Note family—which includes clubs in New York, Tokyo, Milan, and Nagoya—the Waikiki location offers an intimate, 326-seat showroom, making every performance a close-up, unforgettable event. From Grammy-winning artists to rising local stars, the calendar is a vibrant mix of genres designed to satisfy every musical palate.

The Hottest Upcoming Shows: Blue Note Waikiki's 2025/2026 Calendar Highlights

The transition from 2025 to 2026 is set to be one of the venue's most exciting periods, anchored by a New Year's Eve show that crosses musical boundaries and a highly anticipated performance by a local sensation. Securing tickets early is highly recommended, especially for these marquee events.

  • New Year’s Eve with Big Daddy Kane With Live Band (December 30 & 31, 2025): The hip-hop legend, a pivotal figure in the golden age of rap, will headline the New Year's celebration. This multi-night engagement is a rare chance to see the Brooklyn native perform his classic hits with a full live band, an epic way to ring in 2026. The December 31st show includes a late-night set and a New Year's After Party, making it the most sought-after ticket of the season.
  • Iam Tongi (January 1 & 2, 2026): The young, soulful Hawaiian singer, who captured the hearts of the nation on American Idol, returns for a series of highly anticipated shows. Tongi's performances are a powerful blend of local pride and heartfelt acoustic music, often selling out instantly. This is a must-see for fans of contemporary Hawaiian music and rising stars.
  • Sammy Johnson (Late December 2025): A staple of the Polynesian R&B and reggae scene, Sammy Johnson brings his smooth vocals and island rhythms to the stage. His shows are known for their high energy and feel-good vibes, perfect for a Waikiki evening.
  • Thunderstorm Artis (Late December 2025): Another artist with a strong connection to the islands and a national profile from The Voice, Thunderstorm Artis offers a blend of folk, soul, and pop. His intimate performance style is perfectly suited for the Blue Note's close-quarters setting.
  • The Magical Mystery Show! (Ongoing): For a unique twist, this popular show combines magic, comedy, and music in a theatrical setting. It's a fantastic alternative to the pure music acts and runs on select dates, offering a different kind of entertainment experience.

Venue Essentials: Tickets, Seating, and The Culinary Experience

Attending a show at Blue Note Hawaii is an immersive experience that goes beyond the music. Understanding the venue's logistics, from the ticket structure to the acclaimed dining options, is key to maximizing your visit to this premier live show venue.

Decoding Blue Note Hawaii Tickets and Pricing

Ticket prices at Blue Note Hawaii are dynamic and depend heavily on the performing artist, the day of the week, and the seating section. The range is quite broad, reflecting the caliber of the talent.

  • Price Range: Tickets typically start around $17 for local or less-known acts, but the average price hovers near $128. For major headliners like Big Daddy Kane or internationally renowned jazz stars, prices can soar up to $665.
  • The Minimum Charge: There is normally a $10 per person food and beverage minimum at the Blue Note. However, this minimum is waived if you purchase a special dinner or drink package in advance, which can often be a more cost-effective and convenient option.
  • Seating: The venue operates on a reserved seating system. The showroom’s intimate, 326-seat capacity ensures good views from most areas. Group reservations for parties of 10 or more are available and often come with an elevated food and beverage minimum.

The Pacific Rim Dining & Cocktail Menu

Unlike many concert halls, Blue Note Hawaii offers a full dining experience right at your table. The menu is inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine, blending local Hawaiian flavors with international influences. This allows patrons to enjoy a full dinner, small plates, or hand-crafted cocktails throughout the performance.

Signature items often include the popular Okada Crab Cake Sliders, a nod to the local culinary scene. The full food and beverage menu is available for all shows, meaning you can arrive early, settle in, and enjoy a complete dinner and drinks service before the music starts. This focus on both world-class music and fine dining is a hallmark of the Blue Note experience.

A Legacy of Legends: The Blue Note's Global and Local Impact

The Blue Note brand carries significant weight in the music world, and the Waikiki location is no exception. Since its grand opening, it has hosted a staggering array of musical talent, solidifying its reputation as a serious music destination in the heart of the tropics. This commitment to both global legends and local Hawaiian musicians is what gives the venue its unique topical authority.

Past Notable Headliners

The list of famous performers who have graced the Blue Note Hawaii stage is a testament to its prestige. These artists represent a diverse range of genres, from jazz and soul to R&B and pop:

  • Jazz Icons: The late, great Chick Corea, Kenny G (who played the grand opening), and the legendary Al Di Meola.
  • Soul & R&B Stars: Chaka Khan, Lisa Fischer (known for her work with the Rolling Stones), and Johnny Stimson.
  • Local Favorites: The venue consistently features top-tier local Hawaiian talent, including groups like The Green, Landon McNamara, Tj Fevella, and the Mike Lewis Big Band, ensuring the local music scene is well-represented.

The club’s international presence, with sister venues in cultural hubs like Tokyo and Milan, means it is a key stop on world tours for major artists, bringing a level of talent to Waikiki that is truly world-class.

Practical Visitor Information: Location and Logistics

The Blue Note Hawaii is conveniently located on Level Two of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Kalakaua Avenue, right in the heart of Waikiki. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike.

  • Dress Code: There is no strict dress code, but the venue recommends smart casual attire. Given the quality of the dining and the caliber of the performers, most guests opt for a slightly more polished look than typical beachwear.
  • Parking: Validated parking is available to patrons. The most common options are discounted valet parking at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort itself, or validated self-parking at the OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER® Hotel, which is just a short walk away.
  • Show Times: Most evenings feature two shows: an early set and a late set, which allows visitors to plan their night around a pre-show dinner or a late-night cocktail. Doors typically open an hour before the showtime to allow for dining and seating.

Whether you're looking to catch a global superstar like Big Daddy Kane, support a local hero like Iam Tongi, or simply enjoy a night of world-class jazz and Pacific Rim dining, the Blue Note Waikiki schedule for 2026 offers an unparalleled entertainment experience that is both fresh and deeply rooted in musical excellence.

blue note waikiki schedule
blue note waikiki schedule

Detail Author:

  • Name : Lilian Stoltenberg
  • Username : bosco.luisa
  • Email : turcotte.myrtis@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1985-10-11
  • Address : 1102 Maurine Camp Apt. 832 East Lillyport, GA 01447-3923
  • Phone : 952.433.2788
  • Company : Medhurst PLC
  • Job : Separating Machine Operators
  • Bio : Eos quia velit animi veritatis enim blanditiis quis. Aliquid rerum corrupti inventore quaerat voluptates explicabo. Qui est aut reiciendis.

Socials

linkedin:

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/gertrude8670
  • username : gertrude8670
  • bio : Itaque sit autem eligendi ea sit natus repudiandae. Quae dolorem impedit voluptatum.
  • followers : 3373
  • following : 2831

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/gertrude_real
  • username : gertrude_real
  • bio : Molestias ut fuga laudantium eum reiciendis assumenda. Aperiam ea hic nihil laborum qui vero. Est sapiente qui quaerat non.
  • followers : 1992
  • following : 521

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@gertrude_xx
  • username : gertrude_xx
  • bio : Corporis qui sunt autem facere aut nobis voluptate. Atque ad enim quia omnis.
  • followers : 6470
  • following : 1160

Random Posts