Splurge on a VIP table at
Waikiki’s hip ‘SKYLiNE’

EVERY ONCE in a while, it's a good idea to spend the night ballin' out of control.

Forget about $3 beers and lounging near the pool table in a T-shirt and jeans. We're talking about digging deep in your closet for some duds that'll wow the opposite sex and that platinum credit card you only pull out for special occasions.

'SKYLiNE' Location: Hanohano Room, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Hours: 9:30 p.m. every first and third Saturday Call: 922-4422

Once you're dressed to impress, consult a calendar to make sure it's the first or third Saturday of the month (as it is this weekend). Then jump in your ride and head for "SKYLiNE" at the Hanohano Room.

THE BRAINCHILD of promoters Flash Hansen, Matty Hazelgrove and Komo Low, this biweekly party is beginning to hit its stride after six months at the restaurant.

Originally launched last January as a monthly event with the name "TWiLiGHT," it has since switched nights and frequency in order to draw an optimal crowd.

Following in the footsteps of Low's successful Friday night "Wonderlounge" party at the W Honolulu and its offspring like John Dominis' "Spy Bar," the Ocean Club's "Piranha Room" and the Hyatt Regency's "Feng Shui," the Hanohano Room attracts a mix of the beautiful people -- Honolulu's sophisticated partygoers and those looking to show off a wardrobe that wouldn't (or couldn't) be worn anywhere else.

With resident DJs G-Dog, Shawn G and KSM spinning a mix of house, '80s old school and jiggy-free hip-hop, there's a slightly more mature vibe going here than some of the other "ultra lounge" style venues in town. Why would you spend all that time and effort to get dressed up and go out, just to hear the same music that's played at Pipeline Cafe and on radio stations that cater to teenage listeners?

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM "SKYLiNE," a biweekly party in the Sheraton Waikiki's Hanohano Room, will be the place to be this Saturday. Jessica Estrada, left, and Rosie Frangi wait to be served in the standing-room-only crowd along the Hanohano Room's sunken bar.

IF YOU'RE going to check out "SKYLiNE," I'd suggest you splurge a bit and make a reservation for a VIP table. Prices will vary, depending on customer demand and table location, but it's the only way to go if you want the full rock star treatment.

Rolling up just before midnight with a group of friends, I didn't have to worry about standing in line or paying cover at the door. After waiting for the Hanohano Room's lone elevator, we rode up 30 stories in the dark, which provided a great view of the lit buildings surrounding us in Waikiki.

Hansen played the role of VIP host once we walked in, escorting us to our table and introducing the server who would be looking after us that night. The feeling that you're being taken care of is well worth the extra money, and you don't have to worry about losing your seat to someone else if you get up to dance or use the restroom.

My only suggestion? Don't wait until last call to make your exit for the evening. We got caught up in a horde of tipsy types waiting to get back downstairs, including a few who thought it would be smart to push and shove their way through the crowd to the elevator.

Even though they're all done up and wearing nice clothes, some people are still inconsiderate jerks once they've had a few drinks.

How much for a Bud Light?

Forget about the bottled beer at "SKYLiNE" -- it's all about sipping a cocktail at this party. Most drinks fall in the $6 to $9 range; if you've got the means, spring for a $100 bottle of Moët and impress your friends!

Get things to do?

It's all about dancing and socializing here. The music is loud enough to dance to, but you can still have a conversation with that hottie you met near the bar.

What about the grinds?

The Hanohano Room's kitchen closes at 10 p.m., so be sure to eat before heading to "SKYLiNE." Visit the restaurant earlier in the evening, and pupus like Kauai shrimp cocktail ($10), pan-seared sea scallops ($12), Miyagi oysters ($13) and smoked salmon ($11) are offered in addition to a full dinner menu. And don't worry about reservations -- just sit at the bar.

And the help?

Although the lines were long at both the Hanohano Room's main bar and another satellite station, we had no problems ordering drinks from our VIP server. Yet another reason to reserve a table!

Been there,
done that

SAND ISLAND R&B Location: 197 Sand Is. Access Rd. Call: 836-7668 Take a trip off the beaten path to this comfortable spot near Nimitz Highway. Grab a cold one and shoot some pool, or spend time talking story with the bar's friendly staff.

LISA'S HOUSE Location: 3250 Ualena St. Call: 836-7668 Why drink at home when there are places like Lisa's House? Grab a 22-ounce Bud Light for just $5, then sit back and enjoy live music, or play some darts or pool instead.

SPADA Location: 999 Bishop St. Call: 538-3332 Take a chance with something off the extensive martini list; 10 different types are jut $4 before 7 p.m. And don't worry about parking; validation is complimentary after 5 p.m.