There is a sacred moment in time when islanders clock out of the work grind and slow down to celebrate the end of another day. Now, if you are thinking this honorable hour I’m referring to is golden hour— think again. Although I am a sucker for a good sunset, nothing compares to that special occasion where food is half off and drinks specials are priceless.
That’s right, I’m talking about happy hour, or “Pau Hana” as the locals like to call it.
(Pronounced Pow-Ha-Nah) This island term translates to “finished work” which is typically a time to relax, decompress, and enjoy a well-deserved drink. Whether you are looking for a place to gather with your girlfriends, grab some beers with the boys, or even take your next tinder date, we’ve got you covered!
Amp up your afternoon with some of Honolulu’s hottest happy hours.
1. Moku Kitchen: If you are a longtime fan of Monkeypod, then you are sure to love its sister store Moku Kitchen. Found in the heart of Downtown Honolulu this chef-driven concept stays true to its island roots, by using fresh ingredients sourced by local farmers. Happy hour deals include 50% off their Small Plates, $10 brick oven pizzas, and discounted signature cocktails. If the farm-to-table concept isn’t enough to get you going, I’m sure the live music will!
Experience their uptown country vibes, downtown from 3:00 to 5:30 PM and late night from 10:00 to 11:00 PM
2. Herringbone: Catered to the seafood lover, Herringbone offers its award-winning bites at discounted prices during their two buck shuck Oyster Hour. That’s right! Just $2 for half-shell oysters served with Maui sweet onion mignonette, chili pepper water, and wasabi cocktail sauce. But if you could care less about the fancy cocktail sauce, and are just looking to get sauced, allow me to suggest their Rye Old Fashions for only $7 a pop!
Stop in the bar and lounge from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and again at 9:00 PM to close.
3. Doraku Sushi: I love sushi, but I love sushi even more when it is priced at $6 a roll. Doraku’s menu is a mix of popular Japanese cuisine and more inventive fusion dishes, making it one of the best happy hour menus on island. Come in for the discounted sake or signature lychee martini, and stay for the tempura brownies (Disclaimer: the brownies are excluded from happy hour, but I promise they are worth every penny).
Served in the sushi bar from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
4. Hula Grill: Happy hour in Honolulu doesn’t get more local than the ono grindz found at Hula Grill. After munching on the Crab Mac Nut Wontons, Coconut Crusted Calamari, and Kalua Pork Tacos you will understand why they refer to their happy hour as “Aloha Hour”. Located on the second level in the Outrigger Hotel, their ocean view makes the perfect place to grab a Mai Tai at sunset and play tourist!
Taste the aloha daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM
5. Yard House: After hustling half yards for 5+ years I might sound biased on this one, but Yard House is more than a place with a solid happy hour, it’s a place that brings people together. I know from experience because this Honolulu hotspot is actually the place Tina and I met way before her real estate days! With the largest selection of craft beer on island, an epic playlist of classic rock, and a legendary waitstaff that is always happy to help don’t act surprised if you feel the urge to ask for an application!
Join the #YardieParty Monday-Friday from 2:00 to 5:30 PM or late night Sunday-Wednesday 10:00 PM to close.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you choose to get your pau hana on because Honolulu is home to some of the best happy hours on Oahu. So really, the only thing that matters is enjoying yourself, being in good company and getting your order in before last call!
