Publicans Annette and Kevin Reid were delighted to see so many of their patrons back in the bar, with some thirsty residents waiting outside for 15 minutes before the doors opened at 4pm.
"I thought they would just trickle in, but oh my God," Mrs Reid said.
Waihola has been without a pub since the tavern burnt down in a fire that started in the restaurant's kitchen, on October 28 last year.
The temporary bar, which is on loan to the Reids from Matsons Brewery, sits in what was the restaurant's conservatory.
"We have continued the ceiling, insulated and put a roof on. It's less of a conservatory now and more of an extension of the restaurant."
Mrs Reid said there would be large windows built into the extension so diners could look into the garden.
The Out of the Ashes Temporary Bar would be operating from mid-afternoon into the evening, Mrs Reid said.
"We will be running casual hours, with drinks and bar snacks available."
With most of the demolition work now complete, the Reid family hope to have the bar fully open again by March.
"There are a few thank-you's," Mrs Reid said.
"We couldn't have done it without our daughter, Paula.
"Special thank-you's to all the locals who have rallied around over the last three months. There are too many to mention, but the support has been great."
