Four, Not-So-Trendy Bars, on the Island of Oahu

Sometimes living in a place for a long period of time, you frequent the same shops, eateries and watering holes....over and over again. "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" as my granddad used to say (frequently). I find that I am not alone in this tragedy of the mundane.

So, I took it upon myself to try out some new places on this Island of mine, Oahu. We get so used to sticking close to home, or to 'our' part of the island that we are frightened to venture out to the other side... "no venture, no gain", not sure if granddad used that one or not!?

Here are a few watering holes that you may want to give a try, if you are feeling a little adventurous:

Kemo'o Farms used to be a pig farm back in 1909; 1919 blossomed into a milk depot, coffee shop, and market. 1931 found it changing hands, and by 1934, the farm was gone and a dining room took its place. The rest "is history' so they say.

There are three different bars to choose from: The Pub, Lakeside Lanai or The Barn; each with its own originality. Happy hour is Monday thru Friday from 2:30-5pm, where you can get a cold one and get ½ off pupus!

Located at: 1718 Wilikina Drive, Wahiawa, HI 96786; phone: 808-621-1835.

The Irish Rose Saloon in Waikiki is the bar to go to for lots of fun! The bar is a classic rock bar and features live bands. The Rose dedicates itself to special events! Aside from the normal football parties, birthdays and wakes, they celebrate 'Halfway to St. Patrick's Day' in mid-September to name just a few.

The Irish Rose carries a wide array of beers: from Pabst Blue Ribbon draft at $2.75 a glass to Wyden's Pear Cider on tap for $6.50 a glass. Have a bottle of Bud for $4.75 or splurge and have a Bikini Blonde Ale for $6.

The Irish Rose Saloon is located at: 478 Ena Road, Honolulu, HI 96815; phone: 808-947-3414.

Hanks Cafe is located in Chinatown. It was originally opened by the owner, Hank Taufaasau, to display his paintings and prints. Hawaiian royalty and lovely modern island scenes adorn the walls. Hanks is a 'everyone knows everyone' type of place. Musicians of most ethnicities found in Hawaii play here and the crowds that jam into the place are a sign of the popularity.

Hanks has a wild décor, great music, a friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. The beer is priced right and you can get some pizza to go along with it.

Upstairs from Hanks is, "The Dragon Upstairs". This bar also features live music and is also owned by Hank!

Located at: 1038 Nuuano Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817; phone: 808-526-1410.

The Hula Bar & Lei Stand in Waikiki is a beach bar and disco. The Hula is also a cultural representation of the Gay community, yet it is a place that is and always has been very mixed. The Hula was one of the first clubs in Hawaii to offer live DJ's and it is considered to be the first disco in Waikiki among many.

They feature 'special events' throughout the year and hold many fundraisers for charities, i.e. the FoodBasket coming up in September. The Hula has a full bar and draft and serves food, too.

It is located at: 134 Kapahulu Ave. (2^nd Floor, Waikiki Grand Hotel), Honolulu, Hi; phone: 808-923-0669.

Now you have it! Some new, fun, different, non-trendy bars to go to. Enjoy!