HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Sept. 17, Nectar turned one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved family restaurants into something no one expected.
Zippy’s Kahala, known for its late-night comfort food and plate lunches, became a packed dance floor for a one-night-only rave.
The event, called Nectar Radio, marked the debut of Nectar’s newest project. It was also the launch of Nectar SoJuice, a real fruit juice soju cocktail.
Guests traded in saimin and chili rice for pulsing lights, bass drops and banquettes for a DJ booth.
Lines wrapped around the block as locals and visitors joined in the new party scene being cultivated in Kahala.
Music in a plate lunch space
Headlining the night was Mr. Carmack, the Filipino-Hawaiian DJ with deep island ties. He was joined by subtoll, a Japanese-American artist who represents Oʻahu’s rising local talent.
Entry was RSVP only, and capacity was kept limited. This made the rave feel like a hometown house party in an unlikely spot.
The sets were more than entertainment. They also served as the first recordings for Nectar Radio which is a new digital platform where the brand plans to showcase Asian and Asian-American DJs.
The mixes will drop on YouTube and social channels in order to highlight artists who rarely receive that stage in the United States dance music scene.
Hawaiʻi at the center
The decision to launch in Hawaiʻi was strategic. Since Nectar’s viral debut in 2022, the Islands have been one of the brand’s strongest markets.
Hawaiʻi is now the #3 state for Nectar’s hard seltzer, and this has been due to support from a large Asian-American community that connects to the flavors. Signature releases include Passionfruit Orange Guava, Li Hing Pineapple and Lilikoi Passion.
Zippy’s, independently owned for nearly 60 years, offered the perfect backdrop. With 22 locations across Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, it has been a gathering place for generations.
By transforming the Kahala restaurant, Nectar tied its Pacific Island celebration to a place rooted in community.