Where: Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Road, 923-2311

When: 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m., nightly; live music nightly from 8:30 p.m.

What we said then: "A new Lewers that's about as modern-sophisticated-jazz-lounge-cool as it gets. Attentive and impeccable service. Cocktail mixing as a craft, not unlike cooking."

And now: Thanks to master mixologist Dale DeGroff's inventive libations menu and a truly exceptional and personable staff, it's hands-down my favorite place for cocktails. Winter's here, but Lewers' summery caipirinha still mixes well with live jazz.

Where: 766 Kapahulu Ave., 735-4292

When: 8 p.m.-midnight Mondays-Saturdays

What we said then: "Musicians virtually unplugged. An interior so relaxingly dark, votives almost seem intrusive. ... A quiet and respectful crowd ... and bowls of surprisingly smooth organically grown Moloka'i 'awa."

And now: In danger of closing at the end of January without some serious customer support. Help save owner Keoni Verity's wonderful 'awa cafe by visiting www.thegirlas.com/support halenoa/support.htm. Or just drop by for a bowl and some music, and tell others to do the same.

Where: 43 N. Hotel St., 548-6398

When: Hours vary; schedule at www.whoisnextdoor.com.

What we said then: "A retro-mod urban cinema and music lounge hanging tough to an initial promise to be a home for eclectic live, DJed and filmed entertainment."

And now: Check out a new upstairs lounge, catwalk, permanent air conditioning and long-promised, custom-designed sound system at a New Year's Eve "Big Party in Little China" grand re-opening party with Jennifer Johns, Fort Knox Five's Jon Horvath and Thunderball's Steve Raskin, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Where: Honolulu Academy of Arts, 532-6091

When: 6-9 p.m., last Friday of the month, beginning Feb. 24

What we said then: "A groovy museum-hosted Friday pau hana mixer ... smartly designed to take full thematic advantage of the academy's diverse permanent collection and visiting exhibits."

And now: AafterD's 9-month 2006 season starts Feb. 24 with "Voyage to the South Pacific." "Gods & Goddesses" follows on March 31; "Holy Grail! Behind the DaVinci Code" on April 28.

Where: thirtyninehotel, 39 N. Hotel St., 599-2552

When: 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Tuesdays

What we said then: "An as-close-to-pitch-black-as-possible downtown loft. Flickering votives. Dozens of hipster silhouettes bobbing to a far-left-of-mainstream beat. And at the center of it all, a quartet of inventive young jazz musicians."

And now: Can't stop the bebop! The room fills fast so you still have to arrive a bit early to secure a comfy lounger beneath the mirror ball. NewJass also hosts and plays Fat Jazz Saturdays at Sam Choy's Diamond Head, starting up again Jan. 7 at 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.