The Hale Koa's barefoot bar has had a sign in the past saying 'public welcome', I believe it was there the last time I was. The bar serves a snack menu, which comes from said snack bar. I can imagine that the snack bar is inaccessible to the public at times(evenings) and my memory seems to indicate it's been cordoned off/closed in the past, though I have lost count of the # of Mai Tai's they've served me at the bar before. HK hosts lots of special events, military balls, etc. Note that the prices of drinks here are more expensive for civilians(as they should be).

I think it unlikely to be denied service here for lunch time food with kiddos. Have never had a problem getting food to go along with my sunset cocktails.