Hawaii - Smith's Union Bar - The Oldest Bar in Every State

Hawaii - Smith's Union Bar

5/6/2016

One of the many perks of visiting every state in the country is that sooner or later, you are going to have to visit Hawaii. Chinatown, Honolulu, in the former red light district is where we found Smith’s Union Bar, aka Smitty’s. It was established in 1934 by a man named Joe Holley and served whiskey and entertainment to the sailors of Pearl Harbor. His son, Leroy Holley took the bar over and married the bartender Gail. Leroy was a well-connected lobbyist, who preferred to be known as “just some local guy who could get things done.” His role as the owner of Smith’s allowed him to get to know politicians, gangsters, sailors, and business tycoons. He lobbied for the working man, and Tony Rutledge, president of labor union-related nonprofit Unity House, said Holley was a friend of working people. "He was always ready to listen and help. He helped resolve a lot of problems behind the scenes. He was just a friendly guy”

Smith’s clearly hasn’t changed much over the years and the old navy pictures and cartoons that lined the narrow bar-room reminds one of the seedy sailor, feel of the bar. Our bartender, Darryl however, maintained the friendly warmth of Holley, the former owner, and kept the tunes playing and everyone’s feet tapping. While smiling and enjoying the classic rock tunes with cold, cheap beer, it was easy to make conversation with those around us. We loved how welcoming the atmosphere was in spite of a diversity of age, gender, and race amongst the regulars. Okay, so, full disclosure, the police were called before we left, but this time it wasn’t our fault (lol). Evidently not all customers were as impressed with such a diverse crowd, but one apple didn’t spoil the crate, so to speak, and with a little encouragement from the police, the bad apple moved on. By that time, our plan of stopping in for one beer had already become a four hour party, so instead of staying for karaoke, we said our good byes. We had walked about a block towards our hotel, when one of our new friends caught up with us to give us his contact information to stay in touch. We had made connections here that will leave the seedy old Navy bar a special place in our hearts!

16 Comments

Josh Holley

3/23/2017 06:53:11 pm

Excellent article!, Joseph "Joe" Holley was My Great Grandfather, He originally was from West Virginia and was a SGT in the U.S. Army in WW1. After WW1 He Married a had 4 Children on O'ahu with His Wife Virginia Holley (née Ornelas). Their Children were Harold Holley Sr, Joseph "gege" Holley Jr, Beatrice Warren (née Holley) and Leroy Holley. My Grand Father Harold Holley Sr was a Seaman and career Merchant Marine who would bring it a lot of it's Business once that word had gone out that "Harold is in town".

My Grand Uncle Leroy ran the Bar until the late 90's, I have very fond memories of going there, shooting pool and spending time with My Grandfather and Family. Still to this day when I talk to the older Generation, they tell stories of the "good ole days" and colorful characters of "Smith's Union Bar".

From Underworld Bosses, to tough old school Hawaiian street Brawlers, Wrestlers, You name it - Smith's union was the hottest Bar in town. My Aunt Harolyn "Lee" Philips (née Holley) was a bartendress for well over 30 years and tells some hilarious stories from that Bar. My Father Harold Holley Jr has great stories as well of growing up at the family owned Bar and meeting old time Boxers such as Carl "Bo Bo" Olsen and a few celebrities who have visited the Bar. In it's heyday, Smith's Union was the place to be!.

Cheers!

-Josh Holley

Bruce

3/24/2017 08:42:06 am

Thank you for the informative post, Josh! It's an honor to hear from you. I'm glad the current patrons are continuing the tradition of a place with character in which people like us enjoy spending time.

Mele Luau link

5/15/2023 05:27:09 pm

I had the pleasure of exploring the article about Smith's Union Bar in Hawaii, featured on "The Oldest Bar in Every State" website. Smith's Union Bar holds a remarkable history as the oldest bar in Hawaii, established in 1934 during the Prohibition era.

Learning about the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Smith's Union Bar was truly fascinating. It's incredible to think that the bar has been a witness to numerous significant events and has served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for nearly nine decades.

The article provided a glimpse into the bar's ambiance, highlighting its classic decor and inviting atmosphere. The photographs showcased a sense of nostalgia, depicting a place where time seems to stand still, allowing patrons to step back in time and immerse themselves in the bar's storied past.

Exploring the menu offerings and signature drinks was equally intriguing. It's heartening to see that Smith's Union Bar continues to serve a variety of libations, embracing both classic and contemporary flavors to cater to a diverse clientele. It must be a delight for patrons to sip on a carefully crafted cocktail while surrounded by the bar's historical artifacts and memorabilia.

Smith's Union Bar undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and visitors, serving as a hub of community connection and a testament to Hawaii's vibrant history. It's commendable to see establishments like Smith's Union Bar that have stood the test of time, preserving their authenticity and contributing to the cultural fabric of their surroundings.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn about Smith's Union Bar and the history it represents. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing our shared heritage, and I hope that it continues to thrive for many more years to come.

Cheers to Smith's Union Bar and the countless memories it has created throughout its long and illustrious existence!

Bruce

5/15/2023 05:38:16 pm

We appreciate your comments, Mele, and hope you get an opportunity to visit the bar if you have not already!

Oahu Venues link

5/18/2023 06:44:06 am

Thank you for sharing the history of Smith's Union Bar in Hawaii! It's incredible to think that this bar has been around for over 130 years! I'm sure it has a lot of stories to tell. I'm planning to visit Hawaii soon and will definitely try to stop by Smith's Union Bar.

Bobby

6/10/2024 08:18:27 am

130 years?

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Bobby

6/10/2024 06:45:34 am

Smith Union has no signature drinks and the beer is now overpriced. The bathrooms often smell of urine. It is generally empty due to the "manager" Dwight hovering in the bar for most of the hours that it's open. Depressing in the daytime, but it gets lively later in the evening and on weekends. Beers start @ $5 w specialty local beers at $7. They are $2 less next door at Bar 35.
Sadly the bartenders rotate through here often, averaging one a month. High turnover.

Gordon dickinson

7/4/2024 07:30:38 pm

Is this the “Union Saloon “ in Somerset Maugham,’s short story “Honolulu?,

Bruce

7/6/2024 06:03:38 am

Unlikely as Smith's Union Bar is far from King Street (referenced in the short story). In addition, the bar's description in the short story doesn't match Smith's Union Bar.

Emmett Travis link

10/15/2024 05:19:44 pm

I enjoyedd reading your post

Bruce

12/15/2024 01:11:01 pm

Thank you, Emmett!

Patrick Hall

12/14/2024 05:41:39 pm

My mom Emily Hall worked day shift in Smiths union, I remember my uncle Leroy and aunty Gaylin. The were so kind to me. I always remember going there shooting pool and hanging out and would always go home with a pocket full of cash from all of my uncles, my mom met my dad John Hall in this bar, the info that I got is that when he was docked, he would bounce and the bar. I have fond memories of this place.

Bruce

12/15/2024 01:12:47 pm

Fond memories indeed! Thank you for sharing them with us, Patrick. We too had a great time there and look forward to returning someday.

Henry McCBE link

1/20/2025 10:04:35 am

Dear Sir, My name is Henry McCabe. My Dad was stationed on the USS Arizona BB-39 from 1930 until 1934When he passed away in 1981 my Mother had a suitcase in our attic. When she opened the suitcase we founda long tube. And inside the tube was a photograph of the entire crew of the Arizona Marines and Sailors the photograph was taken on the Fantail the photograph was taken in 1932. The photograph is 52inches long and12inches wide Black & White.My Dad is pictured in the photograph. The Photo is an original, not a copy. I have been doing some research on the photo to find out if anyone else has a copy of this photograph and any information as to where the photo was taken and who took the photo. But so far I have not received any results.So I thought I would contact you and see if you have a copy of the photo and any information you can give me.My neighbor who lives next door sent me a copy of the Star-Advertiser. He has a house here in San Manuel Arizona. I have enclosed a picture of the photograph. I am looking forward to your response. Sincerely Henry McCabe

Bruce

1/20/2025 11:00:49 am

That photo is quite a find, Henry. I am afraid we do not have any more information other than what we shared in the article. I encourage you to contact the Hawaii Historical Society. They will put you in touch with knowledgeable people. Here is their website: https://hawaiianhistory.org/. Their email address is: [email protected].

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Hawaii - Smith's Union Bar

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