PHOTOS: Experience Honolulu’s 4 OG bars

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Did you know there are bars in Hawaiʻi that are older than statehood? Some of them are nearly 100 years old!

KHON2.com did a deep dive to find out where these bars are located and what they have to offer. So, let’s take a look.

1. Arnold’s Beach Bar

Arnold’s has been in operation since 1933. Tucked behind the rows of hotel towers, it holds a unique place in Waikīkī as a laid-back, tiki-lit gathering place. Known for its low-cost drinks and loyal regulars, the bar has become known as “Waikīkī’s Cheers”.

The vibe is casual, but the history runs deep. Arnold’s continues to draw a mix of locals and travelers, drawn by the same things that made it a fixture from the start: a good drink, easy company and a place where people come back.

2. Smith’s Union Bar

Smith’s Union Bar opened in 1935 and is often called the oldest sports bar in Hawaiʻi. It still looks and feels much like it did in its early days. The bar is known for its no-nonsense atmosphere and its link to a past era.

There are no flat screens lining the walls. Rather, there are lots of pictures of Smith’s World War II past and the veterans that have sustained the business for decades. The bar is packed with regulars who show up to talk story and watch a game. Despite changes outside, Smith’s has stayed nearly the same for close to a century.

3. Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand

Hula’s began in 1974 under a sprawling banyan tree on Kūhiō Avenue by Tony award winning Broadway musical playwright Eaton “Bob” Magoon and Jack Law. Known as Waikīkī’s original LGBTQ+ bar, it grew into a world-famous cultural anchor. When it moved to the 2nd floor of the Waikīkī Grand Hotel in 1998, it brought its legacy with it.

The setting changed; but the music, dancing and views of Diamond Head kept it alive in spirit and name. It remains one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ bars in the United States and holds a rare place in Hawaiʻi nightlife.

Brian Navarette, the general manager called Hula’s a shared experience. He said, “I started as a daytime bartender in 2002 and worked my way up. It began in an old house under a banyan tree. Now it’s an iconic Waikīkī landmark for both visitors and locals. We’ve always been able to become just a welcoming spot where we’ve created that sense of belonging for a many different peoples.”

One customer we interviewed loves Hula’s because of its welcoming environment. “I just love coming in here. Like, when I first came, I just felt accepted, like, I’d found my people.”

4. Irish Rose Saloon

Opening in 1985, the Irish Rose Saloon rounds out the group. While not the oldest, its consistency and character place it among Waikīkī’s long-timers. It’s tucked away and easy to miss, but those who know it come for live music, Irish flair and a neighborhood feel.

The Irish Rose has stayed open seven nights a week and still packs a crowd for shows and stiff drinks. In a town built on turnover, staying open this long speaks for itself.

Locals love the Irish Rose, and one customer explained why he loved it so much.

“My dad and uncle used to come to the Irish Rose; so, I grew up watching them come here. I started coming in once I was older. It’s just a place where I feel at home,” he said.

“This place helped me find my place in here,” said bartender Kayleigh. “It’s a really fun, community based Irish dive bar. We were first located on Lewers Street,.” And like Hula’s, the Irish Rose was able to keep their customers after moving to Ena Street.