Jose Dynamite & Friends
"Looking for something outside of the typical Hawaii touristy activities? Jose Dynamite & Friends' comedy may be the perfect way to spend an evening! Located in O'Toole's Pub on Nu'uanu in downtown/Chinatown, there are tons of great options for dinner before the show, and places to drink afterwards. I must admit, since moving here I've experienced quite a few comedy shows, namely improv, and I wasn't impressed. Everything about Jose Dynamite was on the other side of the coin. My date Kristine C. and I both enjoyed laughing together! The strength of this show is the varied "& Friends" that change from week to week. As I've only been once, I only got to experience one group. I know I'll be going back to see more! I liked the different skill levels and backgrounds of the performers; they all had something to say and different ways of expressing their comedic views on the world. I loved the differences between the locals and transplants; they all see Hawai'i in such a funny way. I like how Jose himself gives different aspiring comedians a forum to practice with a live audience. The length of the show was also perfect; well worth the money, but not too long that we were ready to go before it ended. The host kept it flowing between comedians too, with his own brand of jokes.Jose Dynamite was hilarious. He had an air of professionalism and was naturally funny. I liked how he tried to learn the audience's names and where people were coming from. He, and the other comedians, were very approachable and friendly after the show. They were all clearly having a fun time. The room itself was very nice, located at the back of O'Toole's pub. They have bar service as the comedy show progresses, or you can bring your own drinks over from the bar. Unlike the main bar area, this room is non-smoking, so no need to worry about that if you aren't a fan. The air conditioning was comfortable. Restrooms are right outside the entrance door. It's an intimate setting, everyone gets up close with the comedians, which makes personal interaction part of the fun. Even watching the rest of the audience was entertaining: the quiet nervous people, the happy people, and the inevitable heckler.Take advantage of the Yelp deal if you're thinking of coming with a larger group. Also, use the free dessert coupon at Restaurant Epic up the street after the show. Street parking is free after 6:30pm, but it's a better and safer bet to use one of the public Chinatown garages that cost $3 flat for the evening. For tourists, it's also easy to get here by bus or cab. If you're a fan of the Irish pubs in town, use the free Shamrock shuttle from two locations in Waikiki to get here safely while you drink. This was a great date night, we can't wait to go back!"
Germaine's Luau
"Definitely the best luau on the island. Away from all the crowds with good parking and decent food. The dancers are the best out of several luaus we have tried with all the different friends & families that have visited the island."
