First time at a Swing Dance Club of Hawaii dance?
New here? Start here.
No partner needed — partners rotate during lessons. Here's what to expect, what to wear, and how to find us.
5:00–8:15 PM
Your first night
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5:00 PM
Doors open
The city opens the doors at 5:00 PM. Follow the short access road alongside the Waikiki Public Library straight into the free parking lot, then head up to the 2nd-floor ballroom.
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5:15–6:15 PM
Lessons — two levels
New & less experienced: geared for first-timers and those less experienced with West Coast Swing.
Intermediate & above: for dancers with competency in the basic 6-count patterns and the 8-count whip.
No partner needed — we regularly rotate students to new partners throughout the lesson. Partnerships that would rather not rotate are asked to stay outside the ring to help avoid confusion.
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6:15–8:15 PM
Open dancing
Mostly West Coast Swing, plus some East Coast Swing, Hustle, and Night Club 2 Step. Feel free to ask others to dance, whatever your skill level.
Dress & shoes
What to wear
The dress standard is a fairly casual night out — shorts are perfectly acceptable, especially on warmer days. This is a close-quarters, body-contact activity, so it's best not to come straight from the beach.
Suede-soled (ballroom) shoes are best and preferred; leather-soled or other smooth-bottomed shoes that can pivot also work well. It's best to avoid shoes without a heel or ankle strap, like sandals. Tennis shoes are perfectly acceptable, especially when you're just starting out.
Cost
What it costs
Guests pay $10 at the door — lessons are included. Pay at the door, and sign the waiver of liability on the paper sign-in sheet — guests sign it each time they come (read the waiver). Members sign the waiver once as part of the online membership form.
Planning to come more than once? Membership is $20/year and drops the entry fee to $5.
Good to know
Floor rules & etiquette
- No food or open beverage containers on the dance floor — sealed water bottles are fine. There's a water fountain by the restrooms.
- No dance wax or powder on the floor.
- No alcohol — this is a Honolulu Parks & Recreation facility. The L&L Barbeque on the first floor serves alcohol, but it can't leave the restaurant.
- Please feel free to ask others to dance, whatever your skill level.
Where to find us
Venue & parking
The Palladium
2nd floor, Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse
404 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Take the short access road alongside the Waikiki Public Library straight into the free parking lot, then go up to the 2nd-floor ballroom.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a partner?
No. Partners rotate during the lesson, so dancing solo is completely normal. If you come with a partner and would rather not rotate, just stay outside the rotation ring.
How much does it cost?
$10 at the door for guests, lessons included. Members pay $5. Guests sign the waiver on the paper sign-in sheet at the door each visit; members sign it as part of the online membership form. See membership & pricing for details.
What should I wear?
A casual night out — shorts are fine. Suede-soled dance shoes are best; tennis shoes are okay too. Best not to come straight from the beach.
Is alcohol allowed?
No — this is a Honolulu Parks & Recreation facility. (The L&L Barbeque downstairs serves alcohol, but it can't leave the restaurant.)
Is it all ages?
Yes — dancers of all ages are welcome, and it's an alcohol-free location.
When are dances?
Dances are held on Sundays, usually twice a month, on dates set by the City. Check the calendar for upcoming dates.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available — take the short access road alongside the Waikiki Public Library straight into the lot.