MARKET FINDS

The bar area at Night Market  PHOTO BY KAIT HANSON

The bar area at Night Market
PHOTO BY KAIT HANSON

There is nothing I don’t love about a good street fair — food, artisans, drinks — what could be better?

When I finally had a chance to check out the famed Honolulu Night Market, I knew I had found my happy place. Held monthly in Kakaako, the market hosts a different theme for each event. My most recent trip to #HNLNightMarket (an easy way to track the event on social media) was during August’s Summertime Blues and included a cocktail pop-up.

The sip menu included Nalo Juice Margaritas, Tropical Red Bull and vodka, Tao Vodka martinis, Wave Rum pineapple mojitos and beers from Goose Island Brewery and Terminal Gravity Brewing Co.

The Nalo Juice margs were hands-down my favorite. A tequila lover at heart, I enjoyed the fresh juices of Waimanalo as the perfect complement.

All of the samples were delicious, but it only left me wanting more. Thankfully, Night Market offers a bar area for guests 21 and older. Because the event is free and open to guests of all ages, those who choose to drink must stay within the roped-off lounge section. Priced at only $6, the summer cocktails were hard to say no to.

First, I ordered the Dawn Patrol — a tropical infusion of Wave Rum and organic guava lemonade. The night was hot and sticky, so the drink was a welcome refresher and went down quickly. I could barely taste the alcohol, so I was ready for something a bit stronger.

My second choice packed a bit more of a punch and was actually a larger version of the Red Bull sip I had tried earlier. The Evening Session, featuring Red Bull Yellow Tropical and vodka, made my taste buds dance with delight. Luckily I did not have post-Market plans, because I was buzzing after finishing this cocktail.

Night Market is a can’t-miss for those looking to have a good time. Plus, its Kakaako location puts you in a prime spot for heading to Bevy (you can’t miss their punch bowl if you’re going with a crowd) afterward to keep the party going until 2 a.m.

Your next chance to visit Honolulu Night Market is the Fall Fiesta from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17. — see you there!