PoliticsGrade the president: Tell us how you think Trump did this week Hawaii & the South Pacific Honolulu's best cocktail bars are disguised as furniture stores and hidden in office buildings By the 29th hour of my weekend visit to Honolulu, I had developed a craving for a proper cocktail. The Post-it note-yellow concoctions my friend and I had sampled at Duke’s Waikiki were right for a couple of just-off-the-plane visitors, but now it was time to get serious about sipping. We found an outstanding cocktail bar hidden in a downtown office building and an excellent wine bar in a furniture store. That’s Honolulu — just when you think you know it, you don’t.The tab: Our weekend away came to $674.75 for three nights in two hotels, $227 for meals and $193 for cocktails. From LAX, American, United, Delta, Hawaiian and Virgin America offer nonstop service to Honolulu, and Hawaii, United and Alaska offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip airfares begin at $590, includes fees and taxes.
Five ideas for the perfect Hawaiian getaway » The bedWe stayed at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (412 Lewers St.; [855] 945-4082, from $177), a recently renovated boutique hotel about a half mile from the beach. The must-Instagram pool (the words “Wish You Were Here” are written in tile along the bottom) and the sleek Midcentury decor made us feel like cool kids. We paid $315.75 for one night, including taxed and a $25 hospitality fee, which made it pricier than some of the other hotels in the area, but the free snacks and nightly movie screenings at the pool were worth the higher price tag. We also spent $359 for two nights at the Aqua Palms Waikiki, a comfortable, budget-friendly hotel about one block from the beach (1850 Ala Moana Blvd.; The mealsWe had dinner at Side Street Inn (1225 Hopaka St., Honolulu; [808] 591-0253), a dive bar and restaurant and a much-needed antidote to Waikiki’s glossy chain restaurants. We ordered pan-fried, crispy island pork chops ($21.50);
fried rice with barbecued pork ($13); and tuna poke ($15). The next day we headed to Chinatown to the Pig and the Lady (83 N. King St., Honolulu; [808] 585-8255), a Vietnamese restaurant on flavor steroids. We ordered the pho French dip sandwich ($15), and we couldn’t resist licking our fingers after the Laotian fried chicken ($12). We were pleasantly surprised to find craft cocktails infused with lemongrass and ginger ($10-$11). The findI had looked up Bar Leather Apron (745 Fort St., No. 127A, Honolulu; [808] 524-0808) online, double-checked the address and made a reservation. But when we entered the Topa Financial Center, we thought we were in the wrong place. After a walk down a long hallway and up a short flight of stairs we found a dimly lighted room with a small lounge, a six-seat bar with an impressive selection of liquor and just two employees. Bartender Justin Park made two excellent off-menu cocktails ($12 to $18) after inquiring about our spirits of choice and whether we liked our drinks shaken or stirred.
essentials and accessories including futon mattresses, rattan furniture, outdoor furniture, and more. With a neat and engaging showroom, this furniture outlet offers Hawaiian residents everything they need for a comfortable and modern home, both inside and out.The design experts at this furniture store carefully select each piece of showroom furniture, giving customers a comprehensive and versatile range of both classic and contemporary designs. With an inventory of the top brands, including futon frames like Miwa and Otis, as well as the best warranty in the business, this interior design store is eager to help you and your family customize your living space. Each staff member prides themselves on style and design, and is happy to discuss your specific décor desires, themes, and how to create the right atmosphere for your home. Locally known as “Honolulu’s Futon Store,” Create Furniture Outlet proudly showcases its unparalleled selection of modern and classic furniture.
you are looking for futon mattresses, outdoor furniture, sofa beds, and rattan furniture, visit this unique design store for a fantastic selection. home, office, and apartment with the classic looks from Create Furniture Outlet and design a comfortable living space today. Call (808) 591-2833 for more info! HAWAII’S LARGEST IN-STOCK OFFICE FURNITURE DEALER We offer a wide range of furnishings to suit every budget whether for business or your home office needs. Find closet shelving, storage, file cabinets, chairs, computer desks, children’s room furnishings and more to completely furnish a classroom, business, or home office. Visit our main furniture showroom at our Mapunapuna location, downtown at Fort Street Mall, or at our Pohukaina Street store for the lowest prices on quality furniture products. We provide specialized services to meet the needs for our business and government clientele. Call us to schedule a free consultation with our Furniture Specialist.