Those of us who inhabit the downtown Honolulu nightlife scene saw the approaching dates with a sort of awe and wonderment. Could one urban core handle so much merriment?
Well, we're about to find out. And lucky you, visitors, if March 4, 8 and 17 happen to dovetail with your vacation. Come on down!
First Friday: March 4
The monthly soiree in the Arts District features live music and comic performances, art exhibits, wine tasting, the Shop Bop & Grind swap meet on Chaplain lane and tons of the cool kids packed into the area's restaurants and bars celebrating pau hana (the end of work). Our First Friday site has a list of recommended spots to hit, but people watching through the streets is often entertainment enough.
Mardi Gras: March 8
Fat Tuesday in Hawaii? Oh, yes — Hawaii's got a rather sizable Brazilian expat community, plus the locals like a good party. Nuuanu Avenue and side streets will shut down to make way for live bands, parade floats, batucada and samba lines (feel free to join in) and plenty of food. You will find yourself unable to keep your hips still. Video: Scenes from last year's party.
St. Patrick's Day: March 17
Not Irish? Not a problem. Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day. While we won't dye our rivers green to mark the occasion, we nevertheless throw down with an epic block party at the intersection of Murphy's Bar & Grill and O'Toole's, at the foot of Nuuanu Avenue where it meets Nimitz Highway. Live bands inside and outside the bars and enough beer to flood Kahoolawe (the smallest of the eight-island Hawaiian chain). Proudly wear your green. Video: Scenes from last year's party.
Recommendations:
Bring Cash. Not that your credit's no good, but the block party vendors outside will work with nothing else. There are a few ATMs in the area but they often get overwhelmed during the block parties.
Take a cab. If you must park, try the Chinatown Cultural Plaza and walk to the party — it's not far.
