91-years-old historic bar is closing permanently

Even as far back as colonial America (circa 1607–1783), taverns held a special role in communities. Those were places where people would not only eat, drink, and lodge, but they would gather to exchange news and debate politics. 

What’s more, bars and taverns were so significant for political discourse that some of them, like Philadelphia’s City Tavern or Boston’s Green Dragon Tavern,  actually hosted many key Revolutionary moments, according to Smithsonian Magazine. 

Those taverns differ from typical coffeehouses you can find in Europe. Because those were the places that would gather people from various walks of life and they would mix and influence public opinion, especially after being warmed up with alcohol. 

According to Christine Sismondo’s “America Walks into a Bar,” taverns in colonial and early America served as central hubs for political and social interaction long before modern bars existed. Sismondo is a writer and lecturer in Humanities at York University in Toronto, where she teaches and researches topics related to social and cultural history.

“In taverns people could mix together: you see men drinking alongside the people they work for. Early laws fixed the price that tavern-keepers could charge for a drink, so they couldn’t cater to wealthy patrons. And once you add alcohol in there, it changes the way everyone relates to each other. You end up with accelerated relationships — and occasionally cantankerous ones. People become more willing to go out and raise hell over things that they might have let go when sober,” said Christine Sismondo, whose work combines academic research with cultural insight into bars, taverns, and cocktail history.

Across the United States, there are still bars older than a century. Many people care for their significance and try to preserve their identity to this day.

One such bar that managed to survive numerous challenges, including bombing, World War II, several recessions, periods of high inflation, ownership changes, shifts in consumer preferences, and Covid pandemic is now about to close, taking with it an important piece of history.

Smith’s Union Bar, Hawaii’s oldest, closing forever 

Hawaii’s oldest bar, Smith’s Union Bar, which opened right after the end of prohibition in 1934 is about to close for good. A historic bar that managed to survive the bombing of Pearl Harbor and World War II, won’t have its lease renewed, reported Atlanta News First. 

An iconic place for many sailors is also known as the “official watering hole of the USS Arizona.”

The USS Arizona, was a US battleship that sank during the Japanese attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Oahu island, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. More than 1,170 crewman died and The Arizona is commemorated by a concrete memorial that spans the wreckage, according to Britannica. 

Smith’s Union Bar on the North Hotel Street lies on property owned by prominent Chinatown landlord Allen Stack Jr. 

The reasons the landlord decided not to renew the bar’s lease were not immediately disclosed. 

“It’s been a long run. The landlord decided it’s time to close,”  Chris Asuncion, manager of Smith’s Union Bar told WABI 5. 

Jim McCoy, of Pacific Historic Parks also commented on the news, highlighting the bar’s significance. “I think in the military veteran community, it means a lot,” McCoy said. “I know it’s changing times, but it’s also history, and it’s history that we don’t want to forget.”

News of the closure attracted many longtime customers, but also people who haven’t visited but heard about the closure and wanted to see the historic place on time before it shuts for good. 

Judie Malmgren came by with her friends for the first time, after hearing about the closure. 

“I came down because I read in the newspaper this morning that the bar was closing. We had lunch across the street and thought it would be perfect to come here afterwards,” Malmgren said. 

Smith’s Union Bar history 

• Founded in 1934, shortly after the end of Prohibition, by a man named Joe Holley and served whiskey and entertainment to sailors. 
• 1930s-1940s the bar became a popular hangout place for sailors, especially those located at nearby Pearl Harbor. 
• It earned the reputation as the “official watering hole of the USS Arizona crew,” the battleship whose destruction at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked the US’s entry into World War II. 
• During World War II, Smith’s Union Bar was one of servicemen’s favorite places to hangout and get a drink. 
• Over the decades, Smith’s Union Bar retained its identity with military memorabilia, cheap drinks, and a diverse local crowd. 
• The legacy of the USS Arizona crews and naval history are still celebrated within the bar’s decor and patron communities. 
• In addition to its historic significance, the bar was popular for nightly karaoke and affordable drinks. 
• In December 2025, it was confirmed the bar will close after 91 years, due to an unrenewed lease.  
  Sources: Study, KJCT News 8, Hawaii New Now Smiths Union Bar Instagram page, Oldest Bar in Every State, 

Smith’s Union Bar was the place to be 

​”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,” reads the 2016 post on the Oldest Bar in Every State describing the experience the author had in the bar. 

Josh Holley, the great grandson of the bar’s founder, Joe Holley, commented below the description adding “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’.” 

According to Holley, Smith’s was the hottest bar in town, and was frequented by celebrities including old time boxers like Carl “Bo Bo” Olsen. 

 “In it’s heyday, Smith’s Union was the place to be!,” concluded Holley. 

User Mele Luau commented below those posts praising the bar’s resilience through the decades and explaining its importance for the local community. 

“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,” wrote Mele Luau. 

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Final closing day or a chance to save it? 

Dave Stewart, an owner of the neighboring pub, Bar 35, was also frustrated with the news, even saying he plans to speak with the landlord in an effort to do something about the closure. 

“I’m devastated. I’m on my way to see the landlord right now,” Stewart said. “It can’t close. It’s the oldest [expletive] bar in the whole of Hawaii. So, no, it can’t close. It’s got to be saved.”

The final closing date was undisclosed, and the manager Asuncion explained that it depends on how much it takes to sell all the liquor the bar currently has.

“Till the liquor runs out — ride it till the wheels fall off.”

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