For a hotel designed by one of the founders of New York’s famed Studio 54, you’d expect nothing less than a nightclub on premises that tailors to those who come to impress. Crazybox, the newest nightclub in Waikiki is part of the Waikiki Edition Hotel, a Marriot boutique hotel chain created by Ian Schrager, that Studio 54 tax guy.
Naturally, on our Staycation in Waikiki at the Edition (full article to come), we had to go. Besides, it was a friends and my joint birthday parties. Oh yeah, and we were on “the list,” so we had to make it out. Now, just being honest, I don’t usually frequent such classy establishments. My favorite place to go out in town is JJs, and even that can get a bit too crowded for my taste. But I was intrigued.
So we wondered down from our luxuriously simple rooms and headed into the Lobby Bar (full review of Edition’s Lobby Bar over here). After a few cocktails (check out our review on that one) we head down the side hallway towards the opening foyer of Crazybox. Looking from the outside you’d walk up to a line which has been wrapping around the street most nights.
At the door we were greeted by the house manager, beautifully and chic-dressed, and a doorman who was already alerted to our party being on the guest list. From what I’ve heard, you better be dressed nicely, and even still be prepared to wait. This isn’t your t-shirt and slippers kinda place.
Heading through the large steel doors you follow a cement staircase up until you open to a large, cool, dark room. It’s here that you put it together. Chic dressed hostess, New York underground feel of a walkway, and a very articulate yet simply designed interior. They hit Studio 54 feel on the head. (Although I can only say from video, no first hand experience at the Studio)
On one side of the dance floor is the bar, a 30 foot rusted slab, on the other side is an inviting cascade of seats adorned with candles, and those just looking to lounge. Above you are over 40,000 antique lightbulbs hanging ever so delicately as a light show eliminates them from above.
For those looking for the more intimate treatment, there is an exclusive VIP section at the far end of Crazybox overlooking the dance floor with plush silver leather lined seating. The section seems to flow on for ever as even on a busy night the club keeps it sparse with people holding on to the exclusivity of VIP.
The bar service is fast, the music is loud, and even late into the night the bouncer kept the crowd small. It was easy to move around, get to the bar, and dance, dance, like it’s the last, last night of your life…
If you’re looking for a departure from the everyday club and bar scene in Hawaii, spend the time to wait in line at Crazybox. You’ll be wowed.
Hi, Enjoyed the info provided here, but I think you mean the lightbulbs are illuminated from below, not eliminated.