When you go to school in the middle of the Pacific, getting away from it all isn't particularly easy. Road trips are out, rock concerts are rare and football wins are downright scarce. But there is one place where college kids can soak up more than just sun. Located a short float from the University of Hawaii in Manoa, Magoo's is a four-room open-air island pub where students go to escape oceanography class and focus on liquids besides saltwater.

The Scene: Originally a pizzeria, Magoo's has evolved into UH's hottest campus hangout. Part of the reason is practical: This is an affordable bar in an otherwise expensive state not conducive to the Ramen noodle-based college budget. "I've gotten drunk as hell in here for $10," said Jesse, an education major. "I'm here at least once a week."

During the day, Magoo's is a sidewalk café and beer garden full of students studying, playing chess and attempting to conquer the whale-sized plates of Hawaiian poke and sushi. But at night, students pack the bar to capacity -- imagine a big, casual patio party with plenty of dazzling eye candy. "Every weekend there are girls that get wild and start dancing and singing on top of the bar," said Sherie, a bartender. "We go through 500 kegs of beer a month. Things are bound to get crazy."

Chicks at Magoo's: Hawaiian women are naturally stunning, and Magoo's caters to them in their prime. You'll find them at the bar, mixing among surfer chicks with tight bodies and sun-bleached hair. It's a sizzling blend unfathomable to guys from the mainland.

When to Go: Every Thursday through Saturday is a balls-to-the-wall party, when all four rooms are jam-packed with beer-swigging coeds. With nine TVs, the bar also fills up during UH football and volleyball games. Most weekdays are mellow -- a good time to bring a date or just chill with friends.

Dress Code: Surf shorts, sandals, T-shirts and just about anything else goes during the day. Men keep it casual at night, while women usually wear short skirts or barely there dresses (when the weather's this great, showing skin is a no-brainer).

At the Bar: Magoo's has taps for 120 different beers, including local brews like Kona Long Board, Mehana Pale Ale and the bar's very own Magoo's Golden Mango. Most beers cost $6 or less for a pitcher, or a buck a glass. Shots are only $2 -- try the surfer on acid, a concoction made of Jagermeister, Malibu, Chambord, pineapple and cranberry juices.

Where It's At: 1015 University Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii

Hours: Open daily 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Phone: (808) 946-8830

Text by Robert Elfinger
Photos by Cory Lum