Hanalei has some action, primarily at Sushi & Blues, in Ching Young Village (tel. 808/826-4105). Reggae, rhythm and blues, rock, and good music by local groups draw dancers and revelers Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8:30pm on. The format changes often there, so call ahead to see who's playing.

Across the street, Hanalei Gourmet, in the Old Hanalei Schoolhouse, 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy. (tel. 808/826-2524), has live music every night. Down the road, Tahiti Nui (tel. 808/826-6277; www.hshawaii.com/vacpalnner/kvp/clients/tahitinui/index.html) is a great place to "experience" old Hawaii. Stop by for an exotic drink, and "talk story" with the owner, Louise Marston, who actually is from Tahiti. The restaurant/bar is family-friendly and someone always seems to drop in and sing and play music, just like they used to do in the "old days."

The Princeville Resort has several nightlife spots. Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki St. (tel. 808/826-6522; www.hanaleibayresort.com), is a music-lover's gem, with a Sunday Jazz Jam in its Happy Talk Lounge from 3 to 7pm Sunday, and contemporary Hawaiian music in the same lounge Monday through Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Al Jarreau and Quincy Jones are among those who have stopped by the Sunday Jazz Jam, and the evening crowd has had its share of well-known Hawaiian jammers. On Saturday evening, Kenny Emerson, a fabulous guitar and steel guitar player, performs with Michelle Edwards; if they play "Hula Blues" or any other 1920s to 1940s hits, you'll never leave.

Over at the Princeville Resort Kauai, 5520 Kahaku Rd. (tel. 808/826-9644; www.princeville.com), in the main lobby, the Living Room (filled with comfy, overstuffed furniture) has a range of nightlife activities, such as a Hawaiian ceremony of chanting; dancing; and an entertaining talk on Hawaiian culture, from 6:30pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Other island-related entertainment is offered from 7 to 11pm on the other nights.

As close as you can get to a neighborhood pub is Amelia's, located in the old Princeville Airport, 5-3541 Kuhio Hwy. (tel. 808/826-9561). The pub serves food and is open 8:30pm to 1:30am; there's live music on the weekends. The live satellite TVs are always tuned to sports (which makes for some interesting watching in the late hours).