THE HONOLULU BAR scene can be as fickle as an Oahu beach break in summertime. Just when you think you’ve found the sweet spot, the wave passes by and you’re left paddling in vain for the next big one.

Shopping malls don’t usually harbour hot nightspots, unless your idea of a raucous time is an afternoon at a franchised theme pub. But the Mai Tai Bar in the Ala Moana Center, where the honeyed, bronzed and desirable locals are congregating these days, is doing the unthinkable: making shopping malls cool once again.

“This is the place to go right now, and for some reason it’s still mostly a local hangout,” says Dominic Aki, a youthful, 46-year-old tour guide and Honolulu nighthawk.

Far enough from Waikiki Beach to discourage all but the most adventurous all-inclusive package tourist, Mai Tai Bar rocks seven nights a week. Live bands invariably trend towards the “Jah-waiian”—traditional Hawaiian slack guitar, oozing with laid-back island vibe and dressed up with some heavy Jamaican reggae influence.

DÉCOR “I know it’s in a mall, but it’s upstairs and the open-walled concept lets the trade winds blow in. The couches are great for kicking back, and there’re lots of big screens showing surf videos.”

DRESS “Anything but surf shorts, T-shirts and the occasional flower print Hawaiian button-up would be pretentious around here.”

DOOR “There’s no cover and there are always live bands. I guess that explains the lineup that winds out the door every night, so get here early.”

DRINK “I like to keep it simple with a mug of Kona Brewing Co. Longboard Lager. It’s our beer in Hawaii.” 

Mai Tai Bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

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