Unless you start work at 6 a.m. the new happy hour at Roy’s Waikiki doesn’t really fall at pau-hana time, limited as it is to 2 to 4 p.m. daily. But it is a happy time, given the deep discounts on a hearty selection of dishes all bearing the Roy’s pedigree.
There are all kinds of reasons to make a mid-afternoon stop here — late lunch, say, or early dinner, or because you’ve been good all day and deserve a snack. And situated as it is on Waikiki Beach Walk, it’s in vacation land or, for locals, staycation land, and what is that but an extended pau hana?
THE EXPERIENCE
The happy-hour menu is served at the outdoor bar and on several two- and four-seat tables on a wrap-around patio.
It’s on a breezy corner of Lewers Street and Kalia Road, kitty-corner to the Halekulani, so although it’s not beachside you could easily stroll across the street afterward and dip your toes in the sand behind the Halekulani.
At this time period, at least on weekdays, it’s quiet on the corner. Chances are you’ll have your pick of seats and be served by the bartender.
THE FOOD
Eight items are offered, all with the Roy’s Hawaii Regional Cuisine touch. Three are sushi rolls and two are salads.
The standout is clearly the Yama Mama Meatloaf Moco ($13), a thick slice of comfort, served atop a bed of garlic fried rice, below a sunny side-up egg and with bacon-mushroom gravy all around. It is, in a word, delicious, and considering that the dinner-size portion costs $29, it’s a deal, too.
We also tried the fried mandoo ($6), a trio of perfectly crisp dumplings stuffed with local Pono Pork and served with a spicy soy dipping sauce, and the Frying Dragon Roll ($12), sushi with a butterfish and unagi center, a crunchy coating, ginger-wasabi beurre blanc and a sprinkling of macadamia nuts.
Saved for another day are choices of a spicy tuna roll ($5) and, perhaps when we’re feeling a little more virtuous, a Nalo Greens salad with creamy herb dressing ($4).
Roy’s also has a wider-ranging pupu menu, served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To get the happy- hour deals, though, be sure you’re looking at the right menu.
THE DRINK
Two fruity craft cocktails are discounted at $8: a mai tai and Roy’s Tradewinds, a refreshing grapefruit vodka mixed with lilikoi and lime juice. Both are plenty potent and not too sweet.
Available at $5 are well drinks, Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde Lager on draft and a selection of wines, including Roy’s Prosecco with guava or passion fruit juice, or made into a mimosa.
THE VERDICT
Why should tourists have all the fun? This is our island and we should take advantage of the sun and energy of Waikiki, at least when business, visitors or life call us in this direction.
Also on the plus side, Beach Walk isn’t that far into the concrete jungle, and the parking deal — $6 (with validation) for four hours of valet parking — means you can take that stroll over to the beach at no extra charge.
