Barfly Jason Genegabus

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Don Ho’s is key spot at Aloha Tower Marketplace

While recent health problems might keep its namesake from visiting, Don Ho's Island Grill remains one of the anchors at Aloha Tower Marketplace for both visitors and locals alike.

Don Ho's Island Grill Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily Call: 528-0807

Sure, it's got the highest kitsch factor besides nearby Hooters, and you could do better on both drink and pupu prices elsewhere.

But if you're hosting guests from out of town and don't want to mess with Waikiki traffic and parking hassles, there are a number of reasons to visit and "suck em up" like Mr. Tiny Bubbles did during Waikiki's glory years in the 1960s and '70s.

THERE ARE plenty of establishments, both here and on the mainland, that embrace a tacky tiki decor and have paid their way to authenticity.

Others, like La Mariana Sailing Club or the Harbor Pub, have served the community for decades. They don't need expensive remodeling or a flashy advertising campaign to prove how local they are.

Don Ho's Island Grill, although it's only been open since December 1998, capitalizes on the entertainer's long entertainment career to attract customers from around the globe. Plus, he's played in Waikiki since 1962, which provides an ample amount of memorabilia for use in the restaurant.

And it's all those old photos and album covers that make it easier to deal with the abundance of wood and bamboo that's all too common for joints like these.

A thatched hut with bamboo on the sides as the bar, and wicker chairs to sit in? What a surprise.

But it is pretty cool to see a picture of Ho hamming it up with a bikini babe, or standing alongside some of Hawaii's historic faces -- be sure to check out the walls inside the dining room for a quick trip back to the Waikiki of yesteryear.

ANOTHER NICE feature of Don Ho's Island Grill is the variety of entertainment offered.

Live Hawaiian music is a staple from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring artists like Iolani Kamau'u, Barry Choy, Alika Souza and Guy Imoto. Weekends belong to the Jawaiian/reggae crowd, with Kawao playing on Fridays in recent months. They'll be there this weekend before taking a break until Oct. 14.

Saturdays are hit-or-miss, since one-time concerts and DJ nights tend to spring up with little notice. I was surprised to discover Thick Tubes celebrating the release of a new album there last Saturday, especially after I was told nothing was happening when I called earlier in the week.

And on Sundays, Al Waterson hosts his long-running karaoke contest. Each week features a different age group; keiki, teens, adults and seniors are all invited to sign up and compete for a variety of prizes.

It's also enough to make you stuff your ears with bar napkins and beg the bartender for a double shot of Jack Daniels to help numb the pain.

How much for a Bud Light?
The Barfly spent $3.75 for a bottle of Bud Light; you can also get a draft pint of Bud Light, Michelob Amber Bock or Kona Brewing Company's Longboard Lager if you want. And we couldn't help but order a Mai Tai ($8), especially since you get to keep the signature Don Ho glass after you're done!

Get things to do?
Be sure to sit at the bar if you visit Don Ho's Island Grill for cocktails -- two televisions give you something to watch, and you're just steps from the waterfront at Honolulu Harbor. As long as there isn't a ship docked to block your view, this is a great place to people-watch with a cold one.

What about the grinds?
The Seafood Platter ($23.95) we ordered was a bit pricey, but the coconut shrimp, calamari and beer-battered fish filled us up and wasn't greasy at all. Surfboard pizzas ($12.95 to $16.95), pastas ($12.50 to $16.95) and dinner plates ($14.95 and up) are also available.

And the help?
Service was attentive during multiple visits, although you're better off skipping the dining area if cocktails are your main ambition.