This place is awesome from a historical perspective (the atmosphere and friendly people add to it's charm as well). This bar was open throughout WWII and the motto of the service men was "Let's go get STEWED, SCREWED and TATTOOED". Smith's Union was where thousands of sailors stood in line to get stewed. The protocol back then started with the line, when the sailor got to the front he was served four shots of Five Islands Gin (4 is the most drinks a bartender could sell in one transaction). There's tales of Five Islands Gin being so powerful that men's chest hair would spontaneously fall out after drinking it! In honor of the hard stuff served in WWII, today they serve flavored moonshine. Once you enter the bar you will see wartime photos everywhere, this place is the tops for any history buff. If you'd like to know more about this place's WWII history check out this website www HonoluluExposed com read more

Smith's Union Bar - Smith's Union Bar once thronged with longshoremen and wartime sailors. circa 1940s - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It all started Jan 7, 2022. Started as a fun night bar hopping, and we somehow ended up at the Smith's Union, or as we now like to call it... "The Smithsonian" to pay our respects to its elaborate history. Words can't describe this place, the closest thing I can relate it to is like a second home. Between the TV's playing WWE Wrestle-mania, and the smell of the men's room all I can think when I'm there is "Why don't we come here more often?" Some might say this bar is like a sore d*ck, you just can't beat it. Both the bartenders are down to earth, kind people, and they pour heavy. I've gone there just about every weekend since moving to the island, and have not regretted it a single time. I wish I could rate this bar 100 stars because that's honestly what it deserves. Smith's Union...thank you for your service. read more

Smith's Union Bar is one of the oldest bars in the Honolulu down town area.Having said that there is decades of history here.Countless people here have met,loved,met new friends, renewed relations,lost at love,and found their soul mates here.On the walls reflects the people and history that occurred here at Smith's Union bar.Everybody comes here to forget about life for awhile.Working people can get that drink that they have been thinking about all day. People come to Smith's Union Bar with no ill intentions but to have to a cold one with people who think likewise,a good garunteed for all at Smith's Union Bar!! read more

The perfect dive bar with a rich history. These old places have soul. I'm happy to give this establishment 5 stars.

Great dive bar. However, the bartender.... thief, liar, hostile, but maybe that's ok here. I ordered a drink and put a 20 on the bar. I didn't receive any change. When I inquired she angrily barked she did give change. Not! but perhaps she thought I was under the influence and couldn't remember. I didn't dispute because she's so hostile and angry. I don't need to mention names or a description because I'm sure management knows who I'm talking about. Fix it please. She ruined what was otherwise a great experience. Low rating is for the bartender not the bar. Go for cheap drinks and awesome karaoke!!!! read more

This is by far the worst experience I've had. The bartender named "Teasy" is by far the rudest bartender I have ever come across. Not only that but the only thing he is able to make is beer. Simple drink that are 101 bartender drinks are water down or just straight trash. He is unable to navigate during peak hours ignore most customers. When asked what was on tap he responded with "go check yourself." To barrow it down he is the bartender with tattoos all over. I have been here before and the only bartender worth a damn and by far kind and worth coming for is the older Asian man who knows his drinks and is a great bartender. read more

Do you like dive bars and bad (but occasionally good) karaoke? Then you'll love Smith's Union Bar where the beer is reasonably priced, the character are out and about, and it costs $1 to sing. Some of the people will be good at singing, most won't. It's great. read more

This is a total dive bar but something about it keeps people coming back over and over and we always have a good time because of the karaoke. It's kind of historic because it's the oldest bar in Hawaii and from what I hear the men's urinal is a spectacle because it is a trough with ice in it that you piss on. I've taken people here several times and at first they seemed grossed out but they always end up having a good time because it's one of those places that grows on you. It's very narrow like being in a submarine almost. My husband ordered a shock top and said it was very stale and I said don't order Shock Top from from this bar this is the kind of place you drink Bud Light only read more

Smith's Union Bar - I absolutely love this shirt - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I love dive bars. good, quick service. We looked, and are always out of place in a dive bar, but we know that so we dont care we are there to drink and prove that quickly. the characters in the bar looked to be having fun, and turns out is cool as hell in there. So keep that up. Really good service and drinks are priced right. Keep it up, we will be back. I dont rate if i dont like read more

Real deal history-laden old school Navy bar---a must see for anyone who appreciates a good stiff drink, a totally cool owner too.

0 stars would be given if this was an option. They let folks in far beyond the maximum capacity, and e. Wouldn't let any more individuals enter once folks had exited. My girlfriend and I were trying to check on a friend who was stuck inside alone and it was an unsafe situation. The bartender said if she's old enough to drink, she's old enough to be in the bar on her own. Wow, great safety. This is shit bar, with awful customer service, and they very obviously do not care about the safety of the individuals who frequent it. The bartender wouldn't even offer the common etiquette of checking in the safety of our friend. They deserve to go out of business, people's safety should never be put in question when simply going for a drink. I recommend staying away. Do not come here. Racist and anti-lgbtq, they hate the military also. They would not allow us to enter but they allowed two white girls in. read more

small historical tavern with lots of memorabilia on the walls . fun but very small.

The girlfriend want to do some karaoke on a lazy tuesday. The locals recomended this gem. This place exemplified dive bar. Very diverse clientel. You had, Y.your preppy Asian couples, town drunks and even bikers. This was a slurfest. Oh and i do not, under any cirumstances do karaoke. The lady, consistantly sked me to sing. So at some point the. Ruffiecoladas must have gotten to me asI did a song or two, and did the OHIO State song. Oh and the bartender was from Euclid Ohio. read more

Most of the beer taps were down, but the Stella was cold and our bartender was super friendly. Basketball on the television, regulars in the stools, and surprisingly fun / eclectic music on the stereo. Come looking for a dive, and you won't be disappointed. read more

Smith's Union Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

At first I loved this bar. Then I found out that the owner is unfair and is unprofessional. My two friend went to the bathroom, and they got kicked out of the bathroom, even though groups of females went to the restroom before and after. They where both lesbian and they felt and it seemed because of that, that's why they where yelled at and being kicked out of the bathroom. Eventually I go to smoke, and I see the owner slam a drink on another female as she left the bar. I ask him why, he proceeded to push me. Not only that, but there was a man forcing a young girl to drink and we had to step in and no one kicked that guy out. This place is not good. They are undermanned, and the woman working did not get enough credit, he never helped her once. He proceeded to push me, throw a drink on a woman, and let a predator be in the bar. Do not go here. read more

It's a great bar a lot of fun but Dwight the owner is an asshole the bar is hot and a lot of drama because Dwight don't no shit on how to run a bar good luck if u go in there and don't get in a it smells bar tenders are great but owner is a prick I would not go in the there if u want to be hot and uncomfortable read more

Kindest man running bar!!! I asked about different types of vodka (yaaaas, I still #basicBitch) and he enthusiastically showed me all the flavors. Def coming back. If dives are your thing, this place is a must. read more

Smith's Union Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Dive bar? Yes. Sketchy? A bit. Should a girl go in there alone? No. You want to buy a forty? You're in the right place! I found myself in this little bar last week in celebration of a friend's birthday. When I first walked in I almost walked back out thinking no one in their right mind would organize a shindig in such a seedy place. Fortunately, I spotted my friends at the end of the bar and thus began a pretty fun night. Songs are a dollar a piece, bartender was fantastic, regulars varied from charming to downright creepy, and we were allowed to dance like crazy people in the little space between the bar and the subpar bathrooms. One of our girls kept being friendly to creepers, STOP IT, but we were mostly left alone thought stared at quite a bit. I don't think there's usually a gaggle of girls dancing Broadway style to Queen Mary in Smith's. So would I go there again? Maybe. With my husband or some other manly man or with a group of at least four ladies or one really manly lady. Would I choose it over other karaoke bars? Not at all. But if I'm already downtown it's pretty much the only offering. Sing a few songs and move on. Good times. read more

It's a dive bar so there's not much in terms of defending it. It is the seediest bar I've been in yet and I went fairly early when my "date(?)" had me meet him there. Of all the places to have a girl meet you... On the plus side the drinks are cheapish and it may be a good place to go if you want to prep for the night: drink a little bit there before you hit Chinatown looking for other places. There are regulars that come and jam out to karaoke but mostly older Aunties and Uncles it seems. It's kind of a locals bar in the early hours but gets really mixed as the night progresses. The waitress was pretty nice though even though we we didn't look like locals. My rating is unfortunately going to have to be biased by my preferences. At the moment I can't give much credit and try to be fair because I have never been to a dive bar. It really isn't my thing and I was creeped out and incredibly out of place for what I was wearing. Just know, therefore, that this venue may be better than I rated it. For the local boys it's probably a great spot and if you're looking for the local kine karaoke bar experience, this is probably the place for it. :) Just a side note though: Guys, just don't. There is no excuse for starting your date here. It's not even a great meeting place. Technically there isn't anything gravely wrong with it and I've found nothing to be very upset about, I was just so uncomfortable that I couldn't enjoy my time here at all. read more

when you're being accosted by a drooling guy leaning to one side and blinking too fast on your way to Bar 35, duck in here when the first friday art walk is too crowded, duck in here when you're over indigo's happy hour but it's too early for next door, duck in here when you're all full from little village and want to have a drink to settle your stomach, duck in here. karaoke is offered to people who looks fun. the bartender will shoo away anyone begging you for money or offering you drugs. it's actually chinatown's finest among the more shady looking spots. it's my favorite hotel street establishment. read more

Smith's Union Bar - these guys ruled - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Stopped in here while checking out china town, it's a nice little dive bar mostly filled with locals. We met the owner and he gave us some history of the place and was very nice. Cheapest drinks in the area it seems too. The vibe is a little depressing but they got TouchTunes so you can drop bangers. read more

I've always enjoyed coming here there is a limited alcohol selection but the people that work here are great as well at the people who frequent here. I stop here everytime I'm in the area. read more

The sign up high, hanging from a rafter outside a darkened doorway reads: "Smith's Union Bar Oldest Bar on the Island Established 1934" "Oldest Bar on the Island"? This bar is located in Chinatown, Honolulu, Oahu, HI. This is the oldest Chinatown in the USA and Oahu is one of 8 main named Hawaiian Islands. The claims, "Oldest Bar on the Island" and "Established 1934", beckon me to enter. Once inside, after looking over the bar and the extents of the quaint premisis, I notice pictures on the wall opposite the bar. Upon closer inspection I learn this bar is patronized by brave men, souls, who served on the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. "A day which will forever live in infamy." President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), December 8, 1941 - before a Joint Session of Congress. I exit in order to snap some pictures of the landmark's sign when a woman begins to step out of the darkened door. She stops and giggles--with what sounds like a hint of modest embarassment. She then retreats. Hoping she will be in some of the pictures, I ask her to step outside. She is a beautiful woman. She backs inside this landmark, "Smith's Union Bar". After I take the pictures the woman exits followed by a grizzled, resolute, looking man. This man exits the darkened doorway donning a deep gray beard, stern physique, and a Navy Blue baseball style cap with gold stitching. The gold stiching on the cap shows he serves the US Navy. He has the look and build which resembles that of a department store Santa who is on a months long diet. He then turns to stand with his back to the wall as he lights a cigarette. I wait for him to take a few puffs then introduce myself. His reply, "Turbo". I do not question his reply as the tone in which he says, "Turbo" conveys immense pride. He declines to be photographed. "Turbo" informs me of one brave soul, he has met who survives the attack on the USS Arizona and has graced "Smith's Union Bar". This soul and his surviving shipmates are now too aged to continue their yearly trips to Hawaii in December. December 7th is the day the USA and this man commemorate the loss of his brave shipmates: Some of the many pictures proudly hung on the wall in "Smith's Union Bar" show the faces of other brave souls, which survived the torpedos and were instead taken from this world by time. - James McCord read more

Smith's Union Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Personally, I avoid the downtown/chinatown establishments whose patrons are.... er..... too colorful. However, Smith's Union Bar is a wonderfully dive-y relic of Chinatown's more sordid history. Also, the drinks are SUPER cheap ($2 budweisers), so if you're looking a place to duck in with some youthful or other friends, Smith's is the place for you. However, if you value cleanliness and/or bathrooms which don't make you think you're going to catch some type of disease from using, you might want to continue up hotel st and hit up Bar 35, 39 Hotel, or Manifest or head up Nuuanu / Bethel and see what's shaking at Indigo's, Du Vin, Soul de Cuba, Bambu 2.0, J.J. Dolan's, or even SoHo & Mercury Bar. read more

Likes: Jello shots, friendly bar karaoke set up. No pressure to sing or be good at singing. Bar video games that can be played in groups. Dislikes: It's a legit dive bar. A little claustrophobic with a long and narrow bar. Try: Jello shots! + karaoke + cheap booze + friendly bartender + weekday/non-FF night + good group of friends. Bottom line: Iconic Chinatown dive bar with a mixed group of regulars including scruffy bar flies, HPU pseudo-hipsters, and the young professional crowd. With it's kitschy tiki-themed interior, Smith's does not pretend to be anything it's not. Ladies might want to hop over to one of the surrounding bars to use the bathroom. Five stars for a consistently fun time. read more

The place is always friendly, which makes up for the lack of air conditioning. It gets a little crowded during First Friday but I usually manage to find a seat at the bar. The bartenders are always great. Too bad the one last night got stiffed by a guy whose date happened to be the best friend of the bartender...OOPs the bartender and the date left the cheapskate at the bar after the bartender's shift was over. Karaoke is food they have it set up so you can sit at the bar and sign, looking at the words on a TV behind the bar. The restroom is legendary, no door and only privacy is given by standing with your back toward the entryway. read more

This is a dive bar and not the place to go to if you're looking for tropical drinks and an elegant atmosphere. But this is the best place to go to on Oahu to learn some of the history of the survivors of Pearl Harbor. The bartender was amazing and told me many stories about the survivors of Pearl Harbor, and I know I wouldn't get that information from anywhere else. If you're wanting to immerse yourself in the local culture, I would definitely recommend. read more

This is the best dive bar in Chinatown, it's also one of the oldest. There are occasionally some undesirables out front, but the staff is pretty good about chasing them away. You have to drink to sing karaoke, but that won't be a problem if this is where you want to be! The songs are $1 each, and you can pick them from books kept behind the bar. Don't hesitate to ask for them if they're not out. Slurp some jello shots (grape's the best!) and rub elbows with an eclectic crowd. The bathrooms are a little gross and aren't for the modest; the men's urinal is a doorless trough. read more

Love this bar! Great prices and stiff drinks! Beware, the bathrooms are scary! Women - you need to use the men's faucet, which is really just a yard faucet, yikes! haha! Karaoke song selection is really good here for that little book they have. 1$ a song, so it's the usual. Get 2-3 songs up on your little yellow note pad and sing away! Sit at the far end of the bar for the best service if you're signing and drinking. read more

THIS is a great dive in Chinatown. Maybe it's just cuz I always have good company when I go there, but I got nothing but good memories from this place. If you go, be ready to belt out some jams on the $1 karaoke. Love the regulars that cruise the bar and sing along when you start singing your fave tune. From the outside, it's not much to look at - especially when you see all the grungy people in the area, and the more popular hangouts like Bar 35, etc literally next door. Step inside for a good time though, and it's all good. Maybe not the best place to start your night at, but come with a little buzz going, be ready to sing, and you'll have a great time! read more

This bar is so fun but beware!!! The server is rude and and overcharges you. If you use a credit card make sure you verify the charges the next day. She added in an additional $10 tip and overcharged my friend for drinks he never got. Also if you call to dispute the charge no one ever answers. Luckily my Credit card company is awesome And credited me the difference. Fun bar but if you go use cash and beware that the bartender is a bitch. read more

Kitschy little dive bar in Chinatown. The karaoke's pretty cool and if you're not into it, the bar's a great place to grab a few beers under the hokey tiki decor. Low key and unpretentious, just the way I like it. read more

Apparently this place is one of the only places in Chinatown (according to a bartender) that has karaoke. Smith's union bar is a hideous dive bar, but what it lacks in appearance, it definitely makes up for in fun and crazy people. There weren't too many fancy drinks from what I remember, just your regular drink selection of beer and house wine so if you want to get fancy shots but stay in the divey atmosphere, I recommend Hank's. I think it's pretty safe to say that you'll guaranteed have a good time if you stop by Smith's Union Bar. Or you'll at least meet very interesting people ;) read more

AMAZING... lechon asado from heaven.... meh, this was supposed to be Soul de Cuba... I used location finder and it picked a business up the street! read more

I will NEVER go to this bar again. It reminds me of why I don do the bar and club scene anymore. Went on karaoke night, which should be fun. Libations and bad singing usually equals a good time. Well I ordered a round of drinks for friends including two people celebrating their birthdays, and we never got the drinks. The bartender, a man in his 50's had to be reminded 4 times, and we still didn't get the drinks. Add onto poor service, the temperature inside of the place was plain stupid. Any bar in Chinatown makes a killing on overpriced drinks. Standing at the bar for 20 minutes waiting for the bartender to take my initial order, I had sweat literally dripping off my chin. If it weren't for the birthday celebrations, I would have walked out within the first 5 minutes. The karaoke host was rude, but was the saving grace as he was clearing the bar and tables, another job the bartender didn't seem able to accomplish. If I wasn't an honest man, I would have helped myself to the drinks in the coolers at the end of the bar as the bartender would have never noticed. Step up you game Smiths! Invest in a real AC unit, get a few bartenders who know what they are doing, and only deal with companies that have nice and polite people running your music. I'm shocked this place is still in business. read more

Looking at this bar from the outside, you get this sense of sketchy-ness. There are homeless people camped outside waiting for a person to lend them money. If you look inside, you also don't see much in it. It looks like a regular dive bar with capacity not even close to half. Then again, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, right? Well, when it comes to this place, you shouldn't. The bartender, Craig, is cool. He may look like a prick, but he's not. He is responsive and has great knowledge of what this place offers. In my opinion, he is the epitome of a great bartender. The reason why I gave this place 5 stars is because of its karaoke machine. My friend and I stumbled on a group of people singing on the karaoke and man, they made my day! They had chosen songs that we crowd pleasing. They had the entire bar singing. Everyone was having a great time and I think that is important when you offer karaoke to your customers. We were all singing so loud that people from the outside came in and joined along haha. I recommend this place for groups of people if they want to fun. Saturdays prefferably because that is the only day I know that Craig works there. P.S.- I think there is a day out of the week that offers a free drink for a song. One song is $1. I'm not too sure, so I'll have to go back and check it haha read more

Who doesn't love a dive bar? Who doesn't love a dive bar with a "power hour" at 10am? Who doesn't love a dive bar, with a 10am "power hour", that has karaoke for $1 a song every night of the week?! Smith's Union is a guarenteed stop whenever we are partying on hotel, it is either where we start, where we end, or (depending on the event) we just stay. It is one of the more low key joints in that area which leads to a lovely melange of people - homeless people, college kids, military boys, the LGBTQ community, locals. It has a great vibe. read more

VOTED BEST DIVE BAR IN THE NATION! ! ! ! ! ~ If you can ignore and maneuver through the dumbass Crackheads outside the bar, then you can handle taking a shot in the OLDEST BAR ON OAHU ! ! ! ~ Historically AWESOME. ..... Located on Hotel Street and Nu'uanu Ave. INSANE CROWD during FIRST FRIDAY ! ! ! (Celebration of the First Friday of the Month) Streets get packed in waves.... ~ Just avoid the Super Crackhead Bar across the street! (Brass knuckles optional) read more

This is a dive bar that has an incredible amount of charm and is the oldest bar on the island. The drinks are inexpensive, and the beer selection was better than I expected. There were around 20 different choices of bottles. Lee was our bartender. He was friendly and attentive. He offered up conversation and was happy to have us there. The patrons are a tad on the seedy side, but they had no lack of character. Everyone was friendly and we felt very welcome. Only downside... the bathroom. No urinal in the men's room, but a large trough. Also, no stall door for the toilet. Just a shower curtain seperating you from the general public. Oh well. I will be back! read more

Divey, Divey, Dive bar. Cheap drinks, good company and overall a cool time. No food, but free pretzels. No real cocktails from what I saw. But a good supply of well drinks and beers read more