It’s always five o’clock somewhere, and in Hawaii the best part about happy hour is the great deals on tasty pupus (a.k.a. appetizers) and tropical cocktails. This time is often associated with pau hana (translates as “done with” “work”). And for anyone traveling from the US mainland, the timing is basically dinner time, win-win. Check out our favorite places for happy hour on Oʻahu.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Feature Photo: Moku Tacos
2280 Kalakaua Ave, #201, Waikiki
Founded by a father-son team in Canada in 1982, the Earls empire now includes a Waikiki restaurant among its more than 70 locations featuring eclectic menus with dollops of local flavors: Tomato and feta shakshuka, Nashville crispy chicken and waffles, spicy Calabrian pasta with fresh burrata and caramelized chorizo — there’s definitely something for everyone. That includes night owls, with a happy hour menu available in the lounge from 10 p.m. till “late” nightly.
675 Auahi St., Honolulu
Bevy offers a cozy vibe inside and an urban corner seat outside. Located in the up and coming Kakaako neighborhood, this ocean-friendly bar and restaurant has a team of bartenders who know how to concoct, shake and stir it. The happy hour is just as bangin’ as the music. Be sure to walk around the neighborhood to check out the graffiti art from this year’s Pow Wow.
10 North Hotel St., Honolulu
808.367.1656
Encore is a little mezcal bar has a gorgeous open-air back patio for enjoying your drinks and eats. The street tacos pair perfectly with their creative tequila drinks. They also serve beer, wine and other bites as well. This is the perfect spot to end a long day of being outside on the beach.
1170 Auahi St. Suite 140, Honolulu
808.593.2337
At Off the Wall, you’re the bartender! Choose from a rotating selection of 24 kocal craft beers, red & white wines, and ciders … and pour your own glass from the innovative, self-serve drink wall. Chef Jose Ramos has crafted a South American-style tapas menu.
3605 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
808.744.1992
The Surfing Pig Hawaiʻi is the 4th restaurant from Kono’s Restaurant Group, opened in early 2018. Also known as “Kono’s sexy big sister,” it is the first of its kind. Nestled in the heart of the Upper Kaimuki, its flavor is Americana with a bold, local twist. The interior design celebrates modern surf culture.
814 Ilaniwai St., Honolulu
808.457.1322
WorkPlay is Kakaako’s newest lounge, a place where great ideas start over cocktails and are perfected over coffee. Enjoy half-off wines by the bottle every Wednesday, stop by Sunday mornings for NFL games at 10 am (in season), and check out nightly live music featuring local Hawaiian artists in the “Artist’s Living Room.” The menu is Mexican-inspired, but they also have salads, prime rib, and surf ’n’ turf.
