Barfly Jason Genegabus

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Honey’s hosts living legends of Hawaiian music

You've got to wonder how many times Mike Kaawa's heard phrases like "Are you kidding me?" and "I must be dreaming" since he started playing at Honey's in 2004.

Honey's at Ko'olau Golf Club Location: 45-550 Kionaole Road Hours: 7:30 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and 7 a.m. Fridays to Sundays; closing times vary Call: 236-4653, ext. 231

There aren't many places left on Oahu where musicians can experience a true jam session. Sure, there are open mic nights. With a slick demo CD and a little luck, local bands can usually find someplace to play.

But a regular spot where those in the know always remember to bring an instrument of some sort? Where living legends kick back with rising stars and suck 'em up in a room full of aloha?

E komo mai, e noho mai, e wala'au. Welcome to Honey's at Ko'olau Golf Club.

THE HARDEST part about spending a Sunday afternoon with Kaawa and the rest of his band, the Hawaiian Boy Crew, is navigating the street that leads to the golf course. Kionaole Road is full of twists and turns, and it's even less fun to travel in the dark.

Once you've parked and found your way to Honey's through the expansive clubhouse, get ready for an exercise in brilliant simplicity. Kaawa sits barefoot in a chair borrowed from a nearby table, peering from behind dark glasses to give the local-kine eyebrow-raise greeting to friends and family.

To his left, bassist Analu Aina plucks away as he did alongside Uncle Moe Keale and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Peter Moon Band fans will recognize Ocean Kaowili, the Honolulu firefighter and accomplished slack-key guitarist who does most of the talking between songs. Paul Kim is the youngster in the group -- and resident yodeler.

An impressive mix of people make up the crowd here, and most are savvy enough to show up on time for the weekly gig. The advertised starting time is 3 p.m. on Sundays, and you'll be hard-pressed to find an empty seat if you get there any later than 4 p.m.

SOME OF you may be thinking to yourselves at this point, "OK, so it's a kanikapila at Honey's in Kaneohe. Isn't there a Don Ho connection somewhere in there?"

Bonus points if you know Ho's mother is in fact the watering hole's namesake; her portrait hangs prominently near the L-shaped bar wedged in a corner.

The rest of the walls here are lined with a who's who of the Hawaii music scene. Pictures of entertainers including Loyal Garner, Cyril Pahinui, Carole Kai, Melveen Leed and Brother Noland crowd the walls. You could easily spend a good half-hour examining them all, but then you'd be standing in the way of other people trying to enjoy the music.

And who needs pictures when you've got the legendary Eddie Kamae in the house? Uncle Eddie has the biggest table in the room, where he sits with friends before jumping in for a few songs alongside Kaawa and crew. He's also very gracious with fans, always stopping to shake hands and sign autographs while moving about the room.

THE CHICKEN-SKIN moments, however, don't start until 5 p.m. or so.

By then, Uncle Eddie has already played a few songs and is back at his table, sipping a glass of merlot. More often than not, a second band has arrived for the coveted between-sets slot, before the Hawaiian Boy Crew returns to play until last call at 7 p.m.

You'll find yourself sitting among Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners, waiting for a turn to jam, along with some of the most talented hula dancers in the state. Owana Salazar and Ledward Ka'apana arrived within minutes of each other one Sunday earlier this month, with Ka'apana's sisters Rhoda and Lei also making an appearance.

"That's the goal, bringing the picture wall to life," said one Honey's regular. "If they're still alive, then they've been here."

How much for a Bud Light?
The Barfly paid $3.25 for a bottle of Bud Light. Pitchers are also available for $12.

Get things to do?
If you're at Honey's on a Sunday afternoon, forget about the big screen on one wall and the smaller televisions scattered throughout the room. It's all about the music here.

What about the grinds?
Lunch is served until 4 p.m., an added incentive to show up early. Ahi sashimi ($11.99) and ahi poke ($8.99) are favorites, as is the Honey's Burger ($6.99) and mahi sandwich ($7.99). A limited pupu menu is available from 4 p.m. to closing.

And the help?
There aren't a lot of seats at the bar itself, but you're in for the ride of your life if there's one available when Uncle Flash is working. Yep, that's his smiling face on a plaque proclaiming him "Bartender of the Year," and he's got jokes for days. This guy is the kind of bartender who has probably seen and heard it all, and is more than willing to share his stories if you've got the time to listen. And all the while, he's paying attention to make sure your beer bottle never quite reaches empty. What a guy!

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NightCrawlers

Your weekend guide to nightlife and clubbing on Oahu

Boardriders Bar and Grill

201-A Hamakua Dr. / 261-4600
Jan. 27
"Menage Party," 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
Mister Meaner, 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Service Industry Night," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Red Stripe Reggae Night" with Maka and the I-Sight Band, 10 p.m.

Brew Moon

Ward Centre / 593-0088
Jan. 27
"Rockstar Fridays" with VJ Entertainment and the Stone Groove Family, 10 p.m. 18+
"Refresh" with DJs Revise, Ny$e, Jami, Abe1and Marloca, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: Andy Bumatai, 8:30 p.m. $10.

Chai's Island Bistro

Aloha Tower Marketplace / 585-0011
Jan. 27
Nathan Aweau, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 28
Azure McCall, 6:45 p.m.
"NJoy," 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
Na Palapalai, 6:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Jerry Santos, Hoku Zuttermeister and Brian Tolentino, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday: Robert Cazimero, 6:45 p.m.

Chez Monique

98-150 Kaonohi St. / 488-2439
Jan. 27
Kapena, 9 p.m. $5.
Jan. 28
Hulili, 9 p.m. $5.
Coming Up
Wendesday: "Oldies Night" with Wasabi, 8 p.m.

Detox Sports and Entertainment Club

1192 Alakea St. / 526-0200
Jan. 27
Missing Dave, 3SM and Zoundbox, 10 p.m. 18+
Jan. 28
The Crud, Malcognitas, Last in Line and MVA, 10 p.m. $5. 18+
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Deep," 10 p.m.
Thursday: "The Block," 10 p.m.

Don Ho's Island Grill

Aloha Tower Marketplace / 528-0807
Jan. 27
Guy Imoto, 5 p.m.
Jan. 28
Barry Choy, 5 p.m.
"Al Waterson & You Karaoke Contest," 6 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Iolani Kamau'u, 5 p.m.
Thursday: Alika Souza, 5 p.m.

Duke's Canoe Club

Outrigger Waikiki Hotel / 922-2268
Jan. 27
Maunalua, 4 p.m.
Jan. 28
Kapena, 4 p.m.
Jan. 29
Henry Kapono, 4 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday through Wednesday: Jonah Cummings, 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.
Thursday through Sunday: Haumea Warrington, 10 p.m. to midnight.

Eastside Grill

Puck's Alley / 952-6555
Jan. 27
Emerald House, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Wipeout Wednesdays" with DJ Troy Michael, 10 p.m.
Thursday: "Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.

Fashion 45 Nightclub

Waikiki Trade Center / 922-4599
Jan. 27
"Pussycat Lounge" with Matty Boy and Flash, 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Saturday Nights @ Fashion 45" with DJs KT, Sandman, G-Spot and K-Smooth, 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Refine," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Runway Wednesdays," 10 p.m.
Thursday: "Twisted Thursdays," 10 p.m.

Gordon Biersch

Aloha Tower Marketplace / 599-4877
Jan. 27
Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Eight-0-Eight, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
Resistor, 8 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Ben, Maila and Albert, 7 p.m.

Hale Noa

766 Kapahulu Ave. / 735-4292
Jan. 27
Kamau, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
The Girlas, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Ernie Cruz, Jr., 9 p.m.
Wednesday: Justin Murata, 9 p.m.

Hula's Bar and Lei Stand

134 Kapahulu Ave. / 923-0669
Jan. 27
"Pau Hana Martini Sunset Fridays," 3 p.m.
Go-Go Dancers, 10:30 p.m.
Jan. 28
Go-Go Dancers, 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Double Double Sundaze," 8:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Thursday: "Riot," 10 p.m.

Indigo Eurasian Cuisine

1121 Nuuanu Ave. / 521-2900
Jan. 27
"Get Fresh!" with DJs G-Spot, Sovern-T and Mark, 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Electro-Lyfe" with DJs Toki, Monkey and Vince, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: "Wrath of Grapes," 6 p.m. "Wrath of Jazz," 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday: "The Compound" with DJs Jahson, Packo and Deadfoot, 10 p.m.

Jazz Minds Art and Cafe

1661 Kapiolani Blvd. / 945-0800
Jan. 27
Noly Pa'a Connection featuring Sherry Shaoling, 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 28
Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii, 8 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: "Monologue Contest" with Gene DeFrancis, 7 p.m.
Wednesday: "Artist's Collaborative" with Jerome James, 9 p.m.

Kelley O'Neil's

311 Lewers St. / 926-1777
Jan. 27
Mike Piranha, 5 p.m.
Stumbletown, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
Hubbard and Coates, 5 p.m.
FreeSound, 9 p.m.
Jan. 29
Celtic Wave, 3 p.m.
Tiki Malua, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Tuesday: Bongo Bob and Tavana, 9 p.m.
Wednesday: Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.

Kemoo Farms Pub and Lakeside Lanai

1718 Wilikina Dr. / 621-1835
Jan. 27
Analog and Guy Cruz, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
Slug and Pohaku, 9 p.m.

Kona Brewing Co.

Koko Marina Shopping Center / 394-5662
Jan. 27
Naluhoe, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28
Jon Osorio, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Hawaiian Sunday Sunsets" with Holunape, 6 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: Nahoa, 7 p.m.
Thursday: Weldon Kekauoha and Friends, 7 p.m.

Living Room @ Fisherman's Wharf

1009 Ala Moana Blvd. / 538-3808
Jan. 27
"The Next Level" w/ Direct Descendants and DJs Wrong 1 and Risup, 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Speakeasy Saturdays" with DJs Archangel and Miklos, 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Faded 5 Sundays," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Soul Steady," 10 p.m.

Mai Tai Bar

Ala Moana Shopping Center / 947-2900
Jan. 27
Kimo Opiana, 4 p.m.
Inoa'ole, 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 28
Lawrence Kidder, 4 p.m.
Ka'ala Boys, 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 29
Jeff Rasmussen, 4 p.m.
Katch-Ah-Vibe, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Kawao, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Hot Rain, 9:30 p.m.

NextDoor

43 N. Hotel St. / 550-0496
Jan. 27
"Rhythm Lab," with DJ Silvana, 5 p.m.
"Pacific Standard" with DJ Ira, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Chinatown Sessions" with special guest Afrika Bambaataa, 9 p.m.
Thursday: "The HNL," 9 p.m.

The O Lounge

1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 944-8436
Jan. 27
"The Bounce," 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
"The Light" with Moguls Entertainment and Evol Entity, 10 p.m. 18+
Jan. 29
"Soberbia Latina," 9:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "The Grapevine," 6 p.m.
Thursday: "The Secret," 10 p.m.

Ocean Club

Restaurant Row / 531-8444
Jan. 27
"Pau Hana Fridays," 4:30 p.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m. 23+
Jan. 28
"Piranha Room" with Russell Tanoue, 9 p.m. 23+
Coming Up
Tuesday: "Everybody's Ladies' Night," 8 p.m. $5. 23+
Thursday: "Paddler's Night," 8 p.m. $5.

On Stage Drinks and Grinds

802 Kapahulu Ave. / 738-0004
Jan. 27
"Live Music Fridays," 10:00 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Live Music Saturdays," 9:30 p.m.

O'Toole's Irish Pub

902 Nuuanu Ave. / 536-4138
Jan. 27
Tiki Malua, 5 p.m.
The Mixers, 9 p.m.
Jan. 28
Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Jamie Winpenny's Local Band Night" with special guest Gyn's Big Thang, 9 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Tavana, 8 p.m.
Tuesday: "Coors Original Music Night," 8 p.m.

Pink Cadillac

478 Ena Rd. / 946-6499
Jan. 27
"Liquid Velvet" with DJ Dallas DeBauch,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
Jan. 28
"Noctuary" with DJs MoDBoY and Angst,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Shockwave" with DJs Politix, Shadowfaxxx and Angst, 10 p.m. All ages.

Pipeline Cafe

805 Pohukaina St. / 589-1999
Jan. 27
"Zine Fest 2006," 6 p.m. All ages.
"Foreplay Fridaze," 10 p.m. 18+
Jan. 28
"Local Vocal" with All-Natro, Kawao and Koa'uka, 10 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Tuesday: "Ultimate Tuedays" with DJ Mike D, 10 p.m.

Red Lion University

2535 Coyne St. / 949-5466
Jan. 27
"Freaky Fridays," 10 p.m. $5.
Jan. 28
"South of the Border Saturdays" with special guest Big Trouble, 10 p.m. $5. 18+
Coming Up
Monday: "Broke Dik Mondays," 9 p.m.
Thursday: "Dallah Ballah Thursdays," 9 p.m.

Tiki's Grill and Bar

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel / 923-8454
Jan. 27
Na Hoa, 7 p.m.
Simple Souls, 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
20 Degrees North, 7 p.m.
Ellsworth Simeona, 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 29
Ka'ala Boys, 5 p.m.
Christian and Sani, 8 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Mel Amina, 5 p.m.
Tuesday: Kelly Boy and Kapena, 5 p.m.

Venus Nightclub

1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 951-8671
Jan. 27
"Paradise" with DJs Technique, Edit and Krazy K, 10 p.m.
Jan. 28
"Men of Venus," 9:30 p.m. $10.
"Taste of Honey," 11:30 p.m. $5.
Jan. 29
"Sex-E Sundays" with DJs Big John and Billy G, 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Wild Wednesdays" with DJs Technique and Edit, 10 p.m.

Wave Waikiki

1877 Kalakaua Ave. / 941-0424
Jan. 27
"The Men of Playgirl" and Speed Limit, 8 p.m.
Jan. 28
"The Men of Playgirl" and Planet Jane, 8 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Double Down Sundays," 10 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: "Loot Leezee Presents," 10 p.m.
Tuesday: "Gruv Tuesdays" with DJ KSM and the Stone Groove Family, 10 p.m.

Zanzabar Nightclub

Waikiki Trade Center / 924-3939
Jan. 27
"Fugu" with DJs Euphorik, Billy G and Frankie, 11 p.m.
Jan. 28
"ISIS," 10 p.m.
Jan. 29
"Sizzlin' Sundays" with DJs Mike D and Rude Dogg, 9 p.m. 18+
Coming Up
Wednesday: "Heaven," 9 p.m.
Thursday: "Thirsty Thursdays" with Rick Rock and DJ Wu-Chang, 9 p.m. 18+