Local Expert
Brenda Yun
I'm a surfer girl and freelance writer who can't seem to get enough out of life abroad. Despite my frequent travels, my life in Hawaii (namely, my six-year old pug Iris) keeps me grounded. Here…
I'm a surfer girl and freelance writer who can't seem to get enough out of life abroad. Despite my frequent travels, my life in Hawaii (namely, my six-year old pug Iris) keeps me grounded. Here in Honolulu, buildings pop up like tourists wearing tacky aloha shirts, shops come and go like the trade winds (but ABC stores never close), traffic is part of keeping Hawaiian time--there's no wonder the speed limit is 50, but the feeling of stepping off the plane and walking in the open air to the baggage claim is unmistakable.
I heart Hawaii. I heart spam musubi and plate lunch. I heart crowded line ups at Diamond Head and Straight Outs. I heart Bruddah Iz. I heart the feeling of shedding skin as I drive through pineapple fields in to Haleiwa. The pot of gold is found in the Rainbow State. Hop on over to the "Rock" and see.
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Happening Bars in Downtown
Downtown Honolulu is really the up and coming neighborhood for trendy nightlife and bars. If you're looking to have a fun evening in the most metropolitan part of the city, this is it. Girls: get dolled up; guys: don't forget to wear a collared shirt and covered shoes. Then chill out or get down at these three great nightspots -- all conveniently next door to each other on Hotel Street.
This first stop on your tour of downtown nightlife is Bar 35. This is a popular spot for after work and happy hour. There's a laid back feel to the place, as patrons can lounge in the comfy, black leather booths. The outdoor patio in the back is also a cozy spot to chat it up with some friends or meet new people.
Next door and upstairs is the trendier and classier white-themed bar and patio of thirtyninehotel. Evenings see performances by local musicians and artists, and people mill around inside or out on the pleasant woodsy patio.
Complete your evening at the indy hotspot, Next Door, which resembles an old cinema warehouse with its brick walls and lofty ceiling. Wednesday and weekends see an influx of socialites and dancing fiends ready to get their funk on.