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I jump up from the picnic bench, as the first notes float in the air. I love this song, I whisper. The dance floor floods with people. They love this song too. Seniors, middle-agers, young adults, and kids, sway-dance together to the chorus, “Don’t worry, about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.” I lean against a pillar, absorbing the scene. The world can be heavy, but this occasion is light. A combination of humans, a community, sharing a moment at Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market.
After checking in to Open Gate Hostel, we hop back into our rental car, and drive the rocky dirt roads, to Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market.
Sometimes travel itineraries offer bonus adventures. Wednesday is the day that Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market, in Pahoa, Hawaii, holds their weekly night market. Our only night in the area, happens to be a Wednesday.
After paying a $10 per person entrance fee, the staff draws smiley faces on our hands. We haven’t even crossed the threshold and I am delighted.
After our daring Green Sand beach visit, we are ravenous. We stroll around, examining each food vendor. Though they are not numerous, it is still a difficult choice. Everything looks delicious. Agreeing that we are craving Thai food, we approach the Moonlight Farm Kitchen.
A combo platter is ordered. It consists of a tasting of every dish on offer.
The vendor conveys that the combo is enough to share. We add an order of spring rolls. Moonlight Farm Kitchen assures us they are very tasty.
Our chosen picnic table, provides perfect views of the band and crowd.
Hawaii now ties with Alaska for the state with the best Thai food.
The bar menu at Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market, lists drinks, but not what is in them. Intrigued by the “Sponge Bob” drink, I ask a bartender the ingredients. Before he can answer, a bartender behind him exclaims,
“Deliciousness!”
I’m having flashbacks to our trip to Belize, when I asked the bartender at The Split what was in a Lizard Juice, she answered,
“Rum, rum, and rum.”
I’m starting to wonder if there is some sort of secret bartender disclosure rule regarding green cocktails.
The night is spent sipping my Sponge Bob. It’s enjoyable, whatever the contents.
I notice the sign as soon as we enter. It reads, “ice cream.”
I order the Macnut flavor. The ice cream is a comforting, familiar, travel, ritual.
The Kalapana Awa Band plays a mix of Hawaiian music and contemporary covers. They are a talented band. The music is great.
It’s clear this is a cherished night for locals.
Neighbors and friends chat, dance, and laugh.
Families blow bubbles, dance, and eat ice cream.
There is this guy.
Though we have a fantastic evening, Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market, may not be everyone’s cup of Sponge Bob. We witnessed a couple walk through the entrance, in city nightclub attire, only to walk out fifteen minutes later. They didn’t appear impressed by this quirky, hippie, gathering. I also read reviews with complaints that there aren’t enough vendors or activities. This isn’t a part of Hawaii that exists to entertain throngs of visiting tourists. This is a no-frills place, with relaxed vibes.
As the band continues to play into the night, we leave. There is a stargazing tower waiting for us back at Open Gate Hostel.
At Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Market’s Wednesday Night Market, you will experience good food, good music, and good fun.
It’s a place to visit and make an excellent, travel, memory.
Book Your Stay Near the Awa Bar in Pahoa, Hawaii
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