If you’re looking for a happy hour spot with live music, discounted dishes and a relaxed vibe, Kaimana Beach Hotel’s new pau hana fits the bill.
The new pau hana menu launched at the beginning of February and is served from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays in the hotel’s bar/lounge area. The space accommodates more than 30 customers.
The hotel’s restaurant, Hau Tree, is closed during this time, but after 5 p.m., customers can order off Hau Tree’s regular dinner menu — and stay to enjoy the restaurant’s stellar sunset view.
The herb french fries ($8) are a must-have dish. They’re nicely seasoned — love the parmesan — and you can’t have just one.
If you’re craving something lighter, go for the miso Caesar salad ($16). The baby gem lettuce-and-kale medley consists of Pecorino and a savory crumble. The miso dressing takes the place of anchovy, according to Haʻaheo Zablan, general manager at Kaimana Beach Hotel.
The Kaimana Beach burger ($20) is the most popular menu on the pau hana menu, according to Zablan. It features a local beef patty, American cheese, house pickles and Kaimana sauce. Lettuce and tomato are available upon request. Adding bacon ($4) is an additional charge, but it adds more umami flavor.
The fried chicken sandwich ($20) — fried chicken with Gochujang glaze, basil aioli and pickles in a brioche bun — is another customer favorite. The Gochujang glaze is flavorful but not too spicy, and the crispy chicken is offset nicely by the pillowy brioche bun.
Different specialty cocktails will be featured every month for pau hana, according to Zablan. The current selection ($13 each) is made with Fid Street Gin. Choose from the Fid 75 — Fid Street Gin, French sparkling wine and lemon — gin gimlet (Fid Street Gin, lime and sugar) and San Souci Fresca, a refreshing combo of Fid Street Gin, elderflower, mint, cucumber and sparkling lemonade.
A rotating lineup of local artists are featured during pau hana. This month, guests can look forward to performances by Sierra Lucia, Zaysha, Johnny Suite, Lina Robins and more.
The pau hana menu may evolve based on customer feedback, according to Zablan, who says more snack dishes — like sliders and chips — may be added in the future.
Guests who dine during pau hana can also take advantage of complimentary valet parking.
CONTACT
Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu
808-923-1555
kaimana.com
Instagram: @kaimanabeach
Complimentary valet parking during pau hana
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
