A rising tide
by Kalani Wilhelm
Once upon a time, the Ocean Club ruled Saturday nights in Honolulu. New owners ran the place into the ground and, before you knew it, the Restaurant Row hot spot closed down leaving loyalists scrambling for alternatives.
Then, unlike the fate of most closed clubs, the beloved spot reopened, added 808 to its name and almost instantaneously got its swagger back and intact.
If it’s possible to have a tight relationship with a nightclub, this is the one: Ocean Club regulars returned in large numbers, and the newbies have come in droves as well.
Although the layout remains unchanged (props to ownership for that), refreshing upgrades in elegance include bubbly water décor, walls that flicker red, blue and green, along with water-themed bar tops. Both additions bring a snazzy flair while white leather couches in the VIP area suggest exclusiveness.
Aside from the updated aesthetics, things are the same. Holding the line is still in style and the cool people still get in first. The dance floor is still prime real estate, with resident DJs Technique and Flykid wreck shop in and out of different genres and grooves. Unofficial emcee Rick Rock keeps things equally exciting and inspiring. The only difference about the 2 o’clock rush is that it’s crazier than before.
Stay away if you have patience issues because the crowd’s thickness extends from wall to wall, including the outdoor area. Waiting for drinks is expected, though find bartenders Mitch, Jon and Titus and consider the wait cut in half. A packed house won’t prevent you from finding a comfortable spots to swig, sip, shoot or chug, just choose that spot wisely. Thanks to cordial and courteous patrons, things flow nicely except if you have to use the bathroom.
While the ladies are about making fashion statements, for some odd reason the guys fail to take part and instead make white long-sleeved collared shirts the dominant color and style choice.
It was evident that the absence of the club formerly known as Oceans left spoiled clubbers without a place to call home. Now that it’s back in the nightlife picture, you can certainly sense the appreciation for the place today.
It’s no secret that most places experience periods of unpopularity and decline. At Oceans808, don’t expect that to occur any time soon.
Oceans808
Restaurant Row, 500 Ala Moana Blvd.
10pm–4am,
587-5838
Getting In: 23 (yes, 23) and up, $10
Dress Code: Slick and hip, collared shirts
Soundtrack: Dem Franchize Boyz, Katy Perry, Beyoncé
Sightings: Rick Rock, Olena Rubin, Keoni Chan
Signature Drinks: $5 Grey Goose, $5 Crown Royal, $5 Patron
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