Angelina's Bonus #3a-5a (#8-10): Hawaii

Here are the three new bars on Oahu. I didn't have pics at the bars, so I thought a pardise beach scene might be nice. Refer to Lan's posts for pics and a more detailed description, but I've made a few notes....

Duke's

2335 Kalakaua Ave., Ste 116

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 922.2268

Right on the beach in Waikiki. Your typical beachside bar, thus ordering a daquiri. And yes, we quickly added a 4th to our group with Scott from Florida by way of Georgia. Interesting, funny guy who had his loud, southern twang and incredibly drunk I thought he was going to fall over. But, he did buy us a round. (You can't take your drinks on the beach. You have to stay in their little sectioned area.)

Mai Tai

1450 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 3247

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 947.2900

As Lan said, this place is a little weird since it's at the mall. However, that being said, the place was packed and it's actually a pretty cool spot with good music. And, it's free with no cover. You just have to wait in line for god knows how long.

Once you're in, it's a little tricky maneuvering through the crowd (mostly big guys, and of course the group of girls doing the white girl dance up front). One, the floor is crazy sticky. Don't wear flip-flops. Two, lots of big mens as Lan mentioned, each carrying and sipping from their own pitcher in hand...forget the pint glass. I mean, who serves a rum and coke in a pint glass? Guess I shouldn't be complaining.

Anyway, too bad I was tired. Lan and I found a nice comfy couch where we could observe all the drunk people. Some huge guy was passed out on the couch beside us. So big his friends couldn't carry him and his poor girlfriend was at a complete loss. After managing to get through our drinks, Lan and I took off and left Joyce and Binh to get their groove on.

On to the last bar of the island...

Da Big Kahuna

2299 Kuhio Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 923.0033

Rain kept us in close proximity to the hotel for our last night. We're always ok when there are pool tables available and a dj (albeit at midnight).

We kept the drinks rolling and watched Joyce hustle. Made friends with a big black guy from the University who ended up being from LA. He was quite the dancer though. He tried to teach me how to step (the couple version, not stomping). Also, when we were dancing and he turned his back to me, it was a bit awkward because he was so big that his butt was at the boob level. Made for some interesting dancing. Fun guy though. Me, Binh and Chris got the dance foor going.

That's pretty much it...it's a restaurant turned bar in the evening. Lots of people walking in off the street so there is a mix of locals and tourists. Nothing grand, but not a bad way to end our 4 day escape to Hawaii.