Every year the Irish all over the nation have a day set aside to drink, party and have a great time with friends and family. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Hawaii is no different. With so many people of Irish decent living in Hawaii, it is no surprise that Hawaii has some of the very best St Patty’s Day events around.
There will be a lot going on this St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the things to look out for. Be safe out there and happy St. Patrick’s Day Hawaii!
St. Patrick’s Day Annual Block Party
This annual event is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party happening in Hawaii. Chinatown – along with Murphy’s Bar & Grill close down an entire block and dedicate the whole area to drinking, eating and music.
According to event organizers, the brewers of Ireland’s famous Guinness stout have declared Murphy’s open-air festivities “the single biggest St. Patrick’s Day party any one bar throws in the United States.” This says quite a bit, especially considering we are an island state.
Here is how it usually plays out. Festivities will start early on St. Patty’s Day with Murphy’s serving a lunch menu that will start at 11 a.m. with the “official block party” starting at noon. Murphy’s continues to serve all types of Irish food and drink throughout the day, so if you get hungry or thirsty during the day, Murphy’s will always be close.
When the sun goes down the evening party starts. Chinatown will shut down Merchant and Nuuanu streets to all traffic to make room for local bands that perform, more food stations, and of course, more drink booths. You can find out more here.
Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower Marketplace
Gordon Biersch always does something great for St. Patrick’s Day. Gordon Biersch Brewery will have its own “Go Green” Celebration starting at 5 p.m. with a special menu, Irish jig dancers, and music by Celtic Waves, Whiskey Starship and, for your evening boogie-ing, Funkshun. That party will run until midnight. This is a yearly thing for St. Patrick’s Day as well, though sometimes the title theme is different as well as the yearly choice of live music.
O’Toole’s Irish Pub
Besides Murphy’s, O’ Toole’s Irish Pub is arguably the most famous Irish Pub in Hawaii. They present an Irish theme year round, and on St. Patrick’s Day they always have live Irish music. They will also serve up and Irish menu and drinks.
Annual Waikiki St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a big Irish themed parade? Waikiki puts on its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year. The parade lineup, which always includes a selection of bands, floats and various marching groups heads down Kalakaua Avenue and past Kuhio Beach. The parade finishes up at Kapiolani Park. At the park you can always enjoy an afternoon of Irish food, music and entertainment. The parade is sponsored by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Hawaii. Find out more here.
St. Patrick’s Day Train Rides
Can’t make it out to the Honolulu area? Looking for something a little more laid back and family friendly? Ewa Railway Station and Museum will dedicate the annual St. Patrick’s Day train ride this year to Ireland-born James Campbell, who foresaw a great future for the Ewa Plains. Also featured in the historic narration during the 90-minute ride: Hawaiian-Irish paniolo cowboy rodeo champion Ikua Purdy, and pioneer surfer and lifeguard George Freeth, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for life-saving. The train ride goes down every year, however the themes are usually different.
Other St. Patrick’s Day activities and parties to look out for include:
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand: They will be offering up a special Lucky Charms catamaran ride as part of an evening’s benefit for the Life Foundation’s AIDS Walk. For $30, you can get the catamaran ride, dinner and a raffle ticket, and for $10, just dinner and a ticket.
There will also be a St. Patrick’s Day attire contest, shot specials and a “Hookers on Heels” floorshow.
Also, on a more sedate not (like the train rides), the Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center will have a music and dance performance by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii starting at 4:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day in Hawaii is filled with all types of Irish parties and events. However you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day always remember to be responsible. You will be able to use the AAA service as well so you don’t get hurt or get others around you hurt. Happy St. Patrick’s Day Hawaii!
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