Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2009

A group of attractive young women shimmer in unison to a hula tune as I drain a bottle of Longboard Island Lager and order a Lanikai Beach—complete with miniature umbrella and slice of pineapple, of course—and catch the scent of a Loco Moco burger on the grill. I can almost feel the sand between my toes and hear the waves gently lapping on Waikiki Beach.

If you aren’t going to be able to make it to Hawaii this summer, no matter: Rock-A-Hula is bringing a little piece of the island to your doorstep. Open since late May, the bar has already attracted a firm following among fans of the Pacific paradise, including plenty of students from the owners’ other venture, a nearby hula dance school.

Situated in a brand-new building on one of Yokohama’s most popular drinking streets, Rock-A-Hula could have been a kitsch nightmare, but instead it’s as authentic as a North Shore breaker. Ceiling fans rotate languidly, ruffling the thatched roof over the bar and the leaves of the potted palm trees. A framed copy of Elvis’ Blue Hawaii album has pride of place on one wall, and the salt and pepper shakers are shaped like Hawaiian shirts and surfers.

Kirin draft and stout are on tap for ¥630, but it would be sacrilege not to try the bottled brews: the light Big Wave Golden Ale, smooth Longboard and crisp Fire Rock Pale Ale (all ¥890). Along with the inevitable Blue Hawaii (¥700) and Piña Colada (¥700), drinkers can also indulge in some Sex on the Beach, a Hawaiian Sunset or a classic Mai Tai (all ¥950). The frozen cocktails (¥950) make for a refreshing change, as do the ¥1,050 shakes, both available with a punch or alcohol-free. Try the banana and honey variant.

As with the drinks, the food menu reflects the best of Pacific cuisine with a nod to other international tastes. The Aloha Trio—lomi-lomi salmon, kalua pig and Ahi Poke—is an excellent starter for ¥1,260, although you might want to try the Portuguese sausage (¥950) and Jawaiian chicken (¥790). Don’t miss the hot artichoke, spinach and cheese dip with homemade naan (¥840), and make sure you leave room for Hawaii’s signature dish, the Loco Moco (¥950). We restrained ourselves sufficiently to squeeze in a slice of delicious coconut and chocolate cream Haupia Pie (¥630), although it was touch and go. We’ll have to leave the mango yogurt parfait (¥740) and Kona coffee tiramisu (¥700) for another visit.

If all this isn’t enough to whet your appetite already, the bar also has live hula shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15pm. The other drinking establishments in the neighborhood are going to have to go some way to top that.