Honolulu Weekly

Editor’s note: Night Shift writer Dean Carrico had a flight to catch the morning of the London terror debacle. He was barricaded in the Honolulu International Airport, jumping through security hoops for hours (after having his very threatening purple hair dye confiscated). This is the result of his time in the airport. He’s nothing (obviously not sober) if not diligent.

Even with its diverse multicultural citizens and thousands of visitors from all corners of the earth, Hawai’i can sometimes feel a bit too caught up in cliques. Yes, there is something comforting about a favorite local bar where you can place bets–and win–on who will be there and when, but sometimes you need new faces. Where better to see some than at an airport cocktail lounge?

Go ahead, roll your eyes. We understand your skepticism. But consider this: With the inter-island airfare war still raging, a ticket to Kaua’i is less than most concerts and even the drinks are comparably priced. And with airport security being what it is now, it’s not uncommon to find yourself with nowhere else to go for eight hours or more.

And call us cheeseballs, but there’s something to love about a drink that’s more obnoxious than you or your friends, and that’s decorated with flowers, fruit, and in the case of the Tropical Itch, a souvenir backscratcher. Place one of these monstrosities in front of you and voil‡–instant conversation starter. They say the best deals are made over drinks, and with all the business folks passing through, you’re more likely to find a willing ear to hear your book pitch or Internet startup company idea here than you are at your local karaoke joint.

If the gigantic crazy specialty drinks are too much, there are always the gigantic crazy draft beers. Of course, being a captive participant where the faux oak-paneled cocktail lounges are the only game in town, the prices aren’t cheap (though comparable to some of the higher-end night life hot spots), but the bartenders are more than willing to add on a shot for an additional two bucks, and that includes the good stuff. Having a Longboard Lager and a shot of Glenfiddich will make any extended layover seem tolerable.

So sure, unless you roll with a higher class of friends, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to call a few people to have them meet you for drinks at the airport. But if and when you find yourself waiting for the next flight out, stop in. Besides, with the newest restrictions, having a few before you board is the only way you’ll bring liquids on the plane.

Honolulu International Airport

Cocktail Lounge (any of them)
Getting In: One airline ticket and a boarding pass.
Dress Code: Whatever you’re wearing, but no metal and for God’s sake, no bomb-hiding shoes
Soundtrack: Constant reminders about not leaving your bags unattended
Sightings: Goldie Hawn, Kristi Yamaguchi
Signature Drink: Beer and a shot. Make Tom Waits proud.