In celebration of being young and restless, here’s an unofficial guide to spring break hot spots (in no particular order), written by an expert — a real college kid. For the complete list, visit honolulupulse.com.

Duke’s Barefoot Bar

Unlike its pricier restaurant component, the affordable Duke’s Barefoot Bar is a popular spot for college kids throughout the year, but especially during spring break. Located beside the sands of Waikiki Beach, the Barefoot Bar makes for a convenient post-beach replenishing stop where bikinis are welcome. Because of its quality, affordability, cas­ual atmosphere and amazing salad bar, it’s also a hot date spot. Duke’s has live local music on the weekends and was named Hawaii’s Most Popular Nightlife Venue by Zagat Survey.

Where: 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 116
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight daily
Contact: 922-2268, dukeswaikiki.com

The Sandbar

Parties at the Sandbar are the epitome of spring break. These "surprise" parties, organized at the last minute via Facebook, text messages and Twitter, bring an invasion of boats and other floatation devices for a wild day of beach, barbecue and uninhibited craziness. As boomboxes blast, each boat serves as a party booth, and flirty party girls hop from station to station. Sometimes there are even bands performing live! But even on quieter days the mesmerizingly blue waters at the Sandbar make it a hot spot for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the ocean.

The Shack Waikiki

The Shack, a sports bar and grill, has become one of the hottest venues in town for the young crowd. With live bands and dancing, this is one affordably fun place to spend the evening. And from cheeseburgers to Philly cheesesteaks, the grill offers a great selection of American foods to help keep you going all night long.

Where: 2255 Kuhio Ave., Waikiki
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily
Contact: 921-2255, shackwaikiki.com

Waimea Bay

The entire North Shore is a beauty, but Wai­mea Bay, in particular, tends to be a magnet for college students during spring break. Perhaps it’s because it’s one of the world’s most famous surfing beaches or maybe it’s because of its insanely fun jumping rock. And its touristy vibe gives it that extra vacation flair.

Where: 61-031 Kame­ha­meha Highway

V Lounge

What’s a vacation without pizza? V Lounge, as always, will be packed this spring break with all the "academics" — that is, students who know what’s up — craving authentically Italian wood-fired pizzas.

Educated in pizza-making in Northern Italy, Venezuelan chef Ale­jan­dro Bri­ceno’s pizza creations have become the city’s obsession. In fact, V Lounge recently Tweeted about an order for 500 pizzas from the "Hawaii 5-0" crew. Tasty as heck, these cheesy creations are made of only the best, healthful, natural ingredients.

Where: 1344 Kona St.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. (closed Sundays)
Contact: 953-0007, vloungehawaii.com

Haiya Sarwar is a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and associate features editor at Ka Leo.