Kapono’s is an outdoor spot
with much live music

YOU MIGHT not realize it, but even those of us who regularly hang out in bars should consider ourselves lucky to live in Hawaii.

Kapono's Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily Call: 536-2100 Rating:

I've always been a fan of outdoor watering holes, and often suggest them when a friend is visiting and wants an experience unique to the islands. There's no better feeling than sitting outside with a warm breeze blowing and a cold drink in front of you.

For some people the quality of those drinks could be the most important; others might be there to enjoy the open-air atmosphere or the food that's served.

At Kapono's in Aloha Tower Marketplace, it's all about live music in a laid-back setting that makes you want to hang loose and suck 'em up like the tourists at the table next to you.

NAMED AFTER popular local entertainer Henry Kapono Kaaihue, Kapono's first opened for business in June of 2001 and hasn't changed much since.

As the story goes, Kapono was looking to open his own venue after more than two decades of performing in and around Waikiki. Early plans called for the nightspot to open at the site of an old Kakaako sewage pumping station, then at various locations in Waikiki.

Eventually, Kapono and his partners decided on the spot that was formerly known as the Pier Bar at the Ewa end of Aloha Tower Marketplace. Part of the old Studio 1 nightclub was added to provide a kitchen for the business, and it's been a popular spot ever since for both tourists and locals alike.

When cruise ships are in port, many of the tables fronting the main stage are occupied by people from around the world. Kapono's is also a popular spot for local artists' CD release parties and is often used for fund-raising events as well.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM Patrons of Kapono's in the Aloha Tower Marketplace boogie down while Henry Kapono and his band rock through a set. The open-air, waterfront atmosphere along with two full bars and a full-service kitchen make Kapono's a hit among both locals and tourists.

IT'S EASY to see why this place appeals to so many different people.

While a small group of salsa lovers got busy to the sounds of Son Caribe last Thursday night, I relaxed with a friend near the pool tables in the covered portion of the bar. Thanks to the excellent sound system here, we had no problem hearing the band during a game of pool.

A couple of couches with bamboo frames provide an alternative option to lounge and watch people walk by, and a huge mural above the indoor bar helps perpetuate the friendly vibe that Kapono's is going for with its "Good Music, Good Food, Good Times" slogan.

On the opposite end here is another bar, which provides a nice perspective of the stage area and Honolulu Harbor (as long as a ship isn't moored there). I also like how there's a nearby railing with a countertop built into it, which gives more people a place to stand and watch the entertainment along with room for their drinks.

You could spend hours here and not get bored. There are different bands playing every Tuesday through Saturday night, and a variety of seating options allows you the freedom to roam about until you find a comfortable spot. And even though it was raining a little during our visit, huge umbrellas provided shelter without blocking our view.

AS ITS fourth birthday approaches, Kapono's is sitting pretty as one of the best places to enjoy live music in Honolulu.

Parking is less of a hassle than comparable bars in Waikiki, and you'll be hard pressed to find a venue that sounds as good as this one.

And as I mentioned earlier, there are all kinds of bands that play here, and Kapono himself gigs regularly.

Check out our "Nightcrawlers" listings on Pages 24 and 25 for the current entertainment lineup.

How much for a Bud Light?
The Barfly drank $3.75 Bud Light drafts; the bottled version goes for the same price. Play tourist and order cocktails with funky names like "Wicked Wahine," "Swimmin' with the Sharks" or "Banana Banshee." All three cost $7.50; add a take-home tiki cup for $4.99 more.

Get things to do?
Three pool tables anchor the space on the mauka end of the bar, with a number of televisions and Megatouch machines to go with three dart machines. Otherwise, the main attraction is the entertainment stage.

What about the grinds?
A full menu is available here, but you might want to stick with pupus if prices matter. The Coco Mac Shrimp ($10.50) are so big, they look like pieces of chicken katsu, and the Kahuna Burger ($8.45) is a thick slab of beef that's worth the price. Standards like Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($7.95), Potato Skins ($7.25) and Soy Beans ($7.50) are also available.

And the help?
With such a wide expanse to cover, it was difficult at times to flag down a server while seated at a table. Slide onto a barstool, however, and you'll have no problems ordering a drink.

Been there,
done that

Hanagasa Inn
1343 River St. / 531-5988

If you like Japanese and Okinawan food, this is the spot for you - at least until the bar undergoes a management change next week. Beer prices are very affordable as well.

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Lewers Lounge
2199 Kalia Road / 923-2311

Recent renovations give this place an updated look while retaining the classy vibe its been known for. The new cocktail menu shines, and its worth visiting just for the ice cubes!

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Little Ed's Lounge
46-148 Kahuhipa St. / 235-8405

This bar keeps it simple, with a hodgepodge of tables and folding chairs arranged in front of an elevated stage. Beers are just $2.50, and live music is offered on weekends.