The Happy Hunt: Rumfire's Sweet Sunset

photos and story by Noelani Anderson 

A strong and sweet Mai Tai at RumFire was the perfect fix after a wind-filled, salty surf at Diamond head on a Saturday afternoon. I dried off with my beach towel and threw on a summer dress and a baseball cap, cruised over the Ala Wai and pulled into valet parking (complimentary with validation) at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.


Then I walked through the hall and sat myself at the bar of the Beachside RumFire Resturaunt - sunset to my right and an array of liquor to my left. The picturesque Waikiki scene called for the classic Hawaiian drink – a mai tai, which, at five dollars, was the right price for my surfer's budget.

noelani anderson / KA LAMAKUA

Live music and the handfulls of lei-dressed tourists only added to the moment, providing lots of entertainment as I sipped on my drink to neutralize the salty taste of the ocean that lingered in my mouth. 


Being that it was a Saturday afternoon I was particularly appreciative of the fact that RumFire runs their four to six o'clock specials every day, not just weekdays! RumFire can either be a sunset delight or an evening pre-game spot as their happy hour menu includes a number of tropical cocktails, beer and wine as well as shots and bombs. The 'Rockmeister' bomb is perfect if you need a little energy boost with a buzz (Rockstar and Jagermeister), or the 'Bonfire' if you prefer vodka. The shots at RumFire also have a creative-Hawaiian inspired but not-too-tacky twist. The 'red headed hula girl', 'sex wax', and 'hot shot'(jalapeno infused taquila!), are all only $3, so if you are with a group of friends and want to buy 'em a round you can spread the love without emptying your pockets.

Of course, if you are just looking for a mellow happy hour cocktail before dinner RumFire offers a variety of drinks and appetizers for those who aren't looking to get too crazy on shots at six o'clock. The Happy hour cocktails include the 'gidgets crush'(watermelon infused vodka and melon liquor), the 'tradewinds', and the 'baja sun'(a spicy twist on a margarita). All the specialty cocktails, including the classic mai tai that I chose, are $5, with red and white house wines running the same. Draft beer, however, is only $3 a pint, and your choices are Stella, Bud and Bud light, Kona Longboard, Blue Moon, and Steinlager.

noelani anderson / KA LAMAKUA

Along with this array of drink specials RumFire also serves their tapas-inspired appetizers at a happy price between 4 and 6 everyday. The braised beef nachos ($8) are great to share, as is the kalua pork quesadilla ($6) and the jerk chicken wings ($6) and the BBQ Rum baby back ribs ($6). If you are having a date with yourself, or if your friends bailed on you (my predicament this particular Saturday afternoon), try the north shore ceasar salad ($7) and a fish taco with fresh catch from pier 38 ($10). Along with their daily sunset happy hour RumFire also has a late night discounted menu after 9:30 sunday thru thursday (excluding holidays). You'll find many of the same items as the happy hour menu, but look out for a late night addition: mini chicken burritos with guacamole and Kona coffee mole sauce.

After having my mai tai with sunset, chatting with the bartender, and grooving in my seat to the live music I felt a wave of contentment wash over me. The classic, beautiful Hawaiian day – what all the tourists rave about and what I rarely treat myself to. In the midst of finals we are stressed, sleep deprived and snappy. Whether you need a little break from studying, or you really need to let loose, Happy hour at RumFIre is a picturesque spot to relax and take a moment to enjoy the salty and sweet flavors of Hawaii without the bitter prices that Waikiki is infamous for.