UP IN FLAMES @ RumFire

This past Sunday I decided to check out the scene at RumFire, a sleek oceanfront bar and lounge at the Sheraton Waikiki. Every last Sunday from 7-11pm the venue plays host to a homo-centric dance party. Just moments after I walked in, a kind soul bought me a drink, earning the scene some early points.

I had gone to the outdoor cash-only bar overlooking the pool deck, and the bartender was so apologetic that she had run out of the night’s $5 special - skyy vanilla- and insisted on mixing any other drink for the same price. At any rate, I hadn’t had vanilla vodka since early college, and I wasn’t looking to revisit that unfortunate flavor of hangover. So I let the lovely bartender choose a drink for me. She insisted on a Bacardi Melon with Sprite. Hmm, it tasted like cavities, but I figured I shouldn’t go to Rum Fire without touching the rum.

The Fire Wall

While many guests lounged inside RumFire by the light of the illuminated bar, glowing orange from ceiling to floor, others were scattered about the outdoor tables, lit and warmed by torches and caldrons of fire. The dancing was outside too, with the DJ and sound system set-up on this first terrace of the pool deck. Sweet tea in hand I headed toward the small mass of people on the dance floor to meet a friend. In the midst of the dancing I also met the evening’s birthday boy, adorned with leis and moving to the rhythm of PCD’s “Buttons” ft. Snoop Dogg. I got in on the action when the beat dropped on “New York.” I did the Jay-Z part of that once at Wang’s (probably woulda been better off doing any of Nicole’s parts in “Buttons”).

concrete jungle where dreams are made of...

I had met a fun group dancing - the birthday entourage - including the event’s promoter Kevin, who apparently makes sure the party’s crackin’ at RumFire on a monthly basis. The DJ packed up around 11pm, and after consulting with the man of the hour on his B’day wishes, it was on to the next one…

DOA? : Drunk on arrival? I was.


HAUNT OR EXORCISE? : The outdoor dance party, the hospitable staff, and the warm ambience makes RumFire a hauntable hot spot.

RUMFIRE
2255 Kalakaua Ave (Lobby level of the Sheraton Waikiki)
Honolulu, HI 96815