Top nightlife on Kauai, from sunset through the witching hour

Capture the laid-back spirit of the islands with an evening at this low-key restaurant, which boasts a comfortable lanai, gently illuminated by torches. It's a great place to catch live music and a delicious meal. The entertainment is usually traditional Hawaiian tunes, which can be heard on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

Having trouble deciding what to do with your night? Rob's is always a good choice, and you'll find plenty to occupy your time. Naturally, the bar can set you up with your favorite poison, and the bartenders will probably introduce you to a few island drinks you haven't experienced before. There's also food to munch, TVs to watch, karaoke to partake of, live performers to enjoy, and dancing to be done. Reasonable prices and sociable patrons add to the fun as well. Open late to satisfy the night owls.

One of the island's more popular clubs, this South Shore venue is located on the water and knows how to take care of its patrons. Folks especially like to hang out when the sun is setting and take in the gorgeous views. Depending on what night you're around, you'll find live music (often contemporary Hawaiian tunes) and catchy pop sounds spun by a DJ. Enjoy the melodies, or hop up and dance with abandon. You're certain to find a few folks ready to join in too.

The bar, like the restaurant at Duke's Canoe Club, takes advantage of the place's beachside locale and open-air ambience. It's a great place to hang out with friends or on a date or either before or after dinner upstairs. On weekends, local performers entertain guests with terrific Hawaiian music, and the place comes alive with folks grooving, dancing, and chatting. If you're enamored of the tropical experience but don't do alcohol, they also offer a menu of virgin drinks, full of island fruits and goodness.

Harking back to the days of its namesake author Robert Louis Stevenson, this refined bar has the feel of a Victorian gentleman's club, thanks to dark woods, upholstered sofas, books, and parlor games. Other diversions include billiards tables, televisions, and a player piano. Single-malt scotches are a specialty, along with cognacs and ports. Best of all, live jazz performers play nightly, regaling patrons with soothing, satisfying strains. Great ambience.

Illuminated by tiki torches and surrounded by trickling streams and tropical vegetation, this lively, open-air establishment proves irresistible to patrons. The welcoming ambience complements the menu, which boasts a wealth of fresh fish and steaks. Plus, Keoki's bar is a fantastic hangout for those who want to drink, socialize, and munch on appetizers and light fare. On weekends (usually Thursday to Sunday evenings), you'll catch live bands playing terrific Hawaiian tunes and folks dancing to the catchy rhythms. Fun and beautiful.

Although this casual restaurant serves food all day, it's also known for its nightlife scene. The venue holds court in a former schoolhouse, and it almost seems like sacrilege to enjoy loud music in the space. Still, patrons kick back at the bar and rock to live music, which is played several nights a week. The repertoire varies, so you may encounter jazz, island folk, or even rock when you come. Enjoy what's available, and if the munchies hit, take advantage of burgers, appetizers, fresh fish, and other light fare.

Hip, gleaming Bar Acuda is a chef-run business that has taken the island by storm. Intent on creating stylish atmosphere and scrumptious food, the North Shore place is a great destination for dinner and drinks with friends or with a romantic interest. Diligently searching out top ingredients, chef Jim Moffat crafts them into dishes like lobster-stuffed squid, roast chicken panzanella, and slow-braised beef short ribs. A carefully chosen wine list highlights vintages from western Europe and the western US, and a fantastic social scene is part and parcel of the goings-on.

This colorful, relaxed place provides a healthy dose of local style and an authentic taste of traditional Kauai. The comfortable hangout welcomes folks craving homestyle sustenance, as well as those who come to enjoy a tropical drink and great entertainment. Every night, there's some sort of activity, be it karaoke performances, bands playing local tunes, or impromptu dancing. Fun-loving patrons and a casual ambience guarantee its appeal in the eyes of North Shore natives and visitors alike.