Smith's Union Bar

Great nostalgic bar and the oldest in Honolulu, currently celebrating it's 90th anniversary. I have walked by here several times but never ventured in so today I was on search of a cold draft beer and well.... Here I am. They are a bar only and no food however, I was told it was fine to go get a pizza or food across the street and enjoy it here. The bartender was exceptionally nice and welcoming. Great vibe and feel. Looking at the decor and items on the wall was entertaining. Sure I recommend this. It is part of history and they make you feel right at home. Stop by!!!

- Dive bar, the good kind- Decent prices- Loads of ambiance- Located in Chinatown on Hotel Street, which back in my Navy days in the '70s was a bit ... notorious

Our new favorite in Oahu and our happy place dive bar! We were visiting from the Big Island and doing a day trip. We had a long day and a reservation at a nearby restaurant. We had about an hour to kill. We walked into one bourgeoisy restaurant that had a bar, sat down and walked out. I just could not see myself paying $35+ for 2 drink. I am so so glad we did. We knew nothing about Smith's Union bar but we needed to sit down after a full day in the city and wanted a drink. The bar place was anything but pretensions. Mal the bartender was so friendly. She also had a big dog that had a built in homeless-detector that would bark if a bum tried to come in. The selection of beers was vast, they even had Lemongrass Luau beer (the ultimate girl beer)!!! We had a couple beers, went to dinner nearby and came back for one last drink before going to the airport.I wish now I would have learned more about the history.. we are patriots and the husband is a WWII history buff. Gives us another reason to go back! Great location, only about 15 - 20 minutes from the airport and lots of little restaurants to eat at!Thank you Mal for making our trip even more fun!

Opens since 1930s, it was the bar where the officers and crew of the USS Arizona went until that fateful day, December 7, 1941. The bartender Shannon is like a walking history book about everything concerning the bar. We went to the bar just before noon and had an opportunity to talk with Shannon in length. Having a drink at the oldest bar in Honolulu was both a learning and also a humbling experience. There was so much photos and documents concerning the USS Arizona that was a real eye opener.

The claim to fame here is that this is the oldest bar in the state having opened just after Prohibition. It's a dive in all the best ways. It's hard to miss right on Hotel Street in the heart of Chinatown and near downtown. I had a chance to visit for the first time in a long time recently and even in the afternoon it was filled with characters. For beer drinkers, they have a surprisingly great selection of cans and bottles, both the usual cheap beers and great local ones. They also have draft with a few taps that rotate. Hard liquor abounds. Our bartender was on it with whatever we needed.The walls are filled with memories; it's dark even on the brightest days. The restrooms are filthy- only the ladies has a door. It's musty and old smelling as well, so if any of these things bother you, it's not a place worth going. For the history and drink prices it's worth going to; but the people you meet and stories you'll hear are what make it special.

Smiths Union bar is the oldest bar on Oahu. Right in Chinatown, it is somewhat of a dive bar, but it has atmosphere, the prices are right on the drinks, and the clientele makes you feel welcome. This is definitely my bar when I am in Honolulu.

An absolute must experience. The walls drip history. This is something you must do prior to seeing the USS Arizona memorial. I think it will make it extremely personal for you. This is where they were Saturday night, we all know how it feels to have a great Saturday night but none of us knows a Sunday morning like they had.

this bar is a must see for everyone who loves history and dive bars.This prior to Japanese bombing of pearl was the bar of the Arizona. Great Mango beer, service is cordial love this place, get some Honolulu history and visit Smithies.

Coldest beer best music this place is the ultimate pregame bar for china town or j sit back and meet some good people 6$ tall boys the bottled beer selection is awesome not to mention oldest bar on the island.

DON'T GO HERE!!! My girlfriend went up to the bouncer to get in, was asked what she is drinking, who even asks that at the front? When she said she doesn't know and had to use the bathroom first, was pushed and said not in my bar. Not surprised there's no line and is dead on a Saturday.