Portland, Oregon, United States
Hale Pele is a tiki bar in Northeast Portland, opened by Blair Reynolds, who ran Hale Pele until 2016 when the failure of his second bar enterprise (Americano) forced him to sell his share in Hale Pele to Martin Cate and step away. However, Blair Reynolds has another claim to fame in the world of tiki mixology: his line of flavored syrups sold under the name B.G. Reynolds which is still thriving.
Hale Pele opened in late August 2012, in a space that had previously held a tiki bar named Thatch. At the entrance, you cross a bridge past a small water feature, and are greeted by a large, sunken bar -- this allows seated bar patrons to be at eye level with their bartender. Behind the bar are a trio of large cannibal tiki carvings, these originated at Portland's Kon-Tiki and also lived for many years at the Jasmine Tree. At the very back of Hale Pele is the elevated Chieftain's Hut, a semi-private large booth, which can be reserved in advance.
The drink menu focuses on both classic tiki drinks and new creations. The bar has a small kitchen, so food is available in addition to the drink menu.
I lived in Portland from 2011 to 2015 while my wife was working for LAIKA animation on The Boxtrolls project. I went to Hale Pele at least once or twice a month for a few years, starting the month it opened in 2012 and until I moved back to Los Angeles in 2015. My last visit was probably June 1st, 2015. I was about halfway through both my water bearer (cocktail list) and fire drinker (rum list) but never completed either one. Sadly, I do that at every bar that has a customer incentive drink list. I can never focus. Took me forever to pick a major in college too. I guess some people never learn! Hale Pele's unique round-the-world presentation of their rums taught me a lot and introduced me to a wider range than I might have otherwise explored from purchases at liquor stores. I heartily recommend a trip there!
Same day as the Alibi, but WAY WAY better. Loved it, several mugs, would hit again.
Visited after my hair appt. Got the delicious Hawaiian bread with guava jam and made a little more progress on my Water Bearer's card. This was when the cops came in on a Wednesday to respond to a burglary that happened on Sunday.
Hale Pele 10th Anniversary Volcano Mug - Limited Edition - by VanTiki
The Forgotten Float - Yellow for Hale Pele
Black Tot Day Rum Tub - Northwest Moss by VanTiki - Hale Pele Edition
Hale Pele Cannibal Tiki Trio Mug Limited Edition In Rough Stone Matte Brown Wipe Glaze
Hale Pele Cannibal Tiki Trio Mug - Open Edition - Brown Wipe Glaze
Hale Pele Cannibal Tiki Trio Mug Limited Edition Red Wipe Glaze
Hale Pele Cannibal Tiki Trio Mug Brown
Hale Pele 5th Anniversary Hiball Glass
Hale Pele 2017 Logo Design Double Old Fashioned Glass
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Gun Metal Gray Metallic Open Edition
Silent Idols Bowl
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Salmon Open Edition
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Rough Blue Wipe-Away Open Edition
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Gloss Brown with Yellowish Green Undercoating Open Edition
Hale Pele Cannibal Tiki Trio Double Old Fashioned Glass
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Sea Green Open Edition
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Coconut Brown Open Edition
Loyal Order of Fire Drinkers Loball
Hale Pele First Anniversary Double Old Fashioned Glass
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Super Limited Edition
Hale Pele Little Lava Person Mug Limited Edition