Oahu may be the most populated island, but Hawaii’s neighbor islands are no slackers when it comes to partying, especially when it involves green beer and Irish jigs!
So, this St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find all sorts of celebrations in the pubs, on the streets, and all over. Irish or not, all are welcome to drink, be merry, and celebrate all things Irish (even if you’re not). Here’s a look at what’s happening for St. Patrick’s Day on Hawaii’s neighbor islands:
Maui
- “The Leprechaun Chase” St. Patrick’s Day 3 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Dash: Thursday at 5:30 p.m., join fellow runners at the Kahului Ale House for a 3-mile run to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. A real live leprechaun leads the way (if you catch him, there will be a prize waiting for you at the finish). And there’s even a keiki 100-meter dash for kids ages 2-12 with medals for participants. Awards will be given for the best male costume, best female costume, and best group costume. Of course, post-race t-shirts, food, drinks, and music will be available to all! Late Registration and Packet Pickup is on race day at the Ale House from 4pm to 5:15pm. Race Day Registration is $20 for kids dash, $30 for kids 3 mile, $40 for adults 3 mile (cash only please). Click here for details.
- Go For the Green!: The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Oceanfront Lawn. You can enjoy a three-course dinner and dance to music by JD on the Rocks. Get your bid in at the silent auction and enjoy the green beer! Advanced tickets are $80 or $85 at the door. Proceeds from this event will fund the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset’s environmental programs such as “Go Green Third Saturday Recycling” at Lahaina Cannery Mall – College Scholarships and Community Donation Programs. Go to rotarycluboflahainasunset.org to find out more and buy tickets.
Kauai
- The Kauai Beer Company will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day all week. They will have an Irish Stout on tap, with another tap for nitro infused pints. The menu will feature Irish themed dishes each day, including corned beef and cabbage. March 17, St Patrick’s Day, happens to fall on Thursday, which is the brewery’s popular Truck Stop Thursday event. The Green Pig will be grilling an Irish Burger and Scorpacciata will offer a creative menu of Irish pizzas.
- Hukilau Lanai:
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Pupu: Irish Sausage with Kaneshiro pork sausage, braised potatoes and pork belly $9
Entree: Irish Beef Stew: braised beef, carrots, celery and onions in a rich gravy made with Guinness Beer $22, Corned Beef and Cabbage:beef brisket cured in house and braised until fork tender, served with boiled local cabbage and potatoes $22
Dessert: Guinness Chocolate Tart topped with homemade mint-chip ice cream and Jameson caramel sauce $8, Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake: creamy cheesecake swirled with Baileys Original Irish Cream $8
Big Island
- 3rd Annual Hilo St. Patrick’s Day Parade: What’s the best way to recover from a morning full of Big Island activities? Sit down and enjoy a parade, of course! The 3rd Annual Hilo St. Patrick’s Day Parad starts at 4 p.m. and will feature floats, fun, and all-things Irish! Make sure you wear green and cheer-on the Special Olympics athletes who will be featured in the parade.
- St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Hilo Town Pub Crawl: On Friday, March 18, join the professional drinkers for a pub crawl through Hilo. Official wristbands are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with 50% of the proceeds going to Hilo SkatePlaza Coalition. Led by bagpipers around the state of Hawaii, crawl from pub to pub where you’ll find a great discount or a free drink at each venue. The Pub Crawl Leprechaun will be there, too, giving out prizes. Enjoy a variety of food trucks serving Irish delicacies and jam to live music by the Kilt Lifters. Patrons should be 21 or older. There will also be non-alcoholic stops along the way. The meetup spot is 6pm at Rueben’s Mexican restaurant (you may want to show up at 5:3o p.m. because only 100 can attend). Wear green and respect the venues! Wristbands are available at Hale Hookah and Hilo Town Tavern. Or go to www.hawaiiirish.org.
St. Patrick’s Day on Hawaii’s neighbor islands is just as raucous as St. Patrick’s Day on Oahu, and you’re likely to get a better seat at all the events. So, if you happen to be on a neighbor island this St. Patrick’s Day, wear your green, grab a drink, and experience Irish culture in paradise!
