Koa's Lounge — Restaurant in Hawaii

Disappointed. I ordered the surf and turf charcuterie and got a box of random ingredients, that a stoned college student would throw together, if their mom was low on groceries. It was supposed to have kaula pork, taro chips, papaya, local sausage, in house pickled veggies and smoked salmon. Instead it was ritz crackers, tortilla chips, pickles from a jar, store bought salami and smoked salmon etc... basically random ingredients purchased from the grocery store, and whatever they had in the back, thrown together. What ingredient here even goes with tortilla chips? What does the salmon pair with? Staaaap... this is not a charcuterie board. It's what happens when a drunk 21-year-old stumbles out of their uber and into their kitchen, grabs random snacks out of the fridge, with one eye open, while saying "I needa grocery shop, cuz this doesn't even go together," slaps it on a cutting board and then promptly passes out on the store bought salmon and tortilla chips. And do add insult to injury my pizza was nothing like described. Fresh basil? Where? I didn't discover the monstrosity calling itself a charcuterie board, or the sad pizzas, until my husband came home. He just picked my son up from wrestling practice, and it was late. So, we decided to swing by and grab some food on the way home. Didn't figure out the upsetting truth until we got home. Next time I get takeout I will look in the boxes. Lesson learned. I imagine this food is only good if you are at least 6 Mai tais deep, starving, have double vision and think it's a really, really good idea to drunk...

March 8, 2025 Unhappy bartender & super bright lights are blinding! Not a bar atmosphere - Long wait for service!!!!! Drink special listed on sign outside but nowhere in the bar until we asked! $6 - Prices have come down from original opening thank God - us residents can support local places when prices are affordable. Upside - Drinks were yummy, Uncle Charlie Band was awesome, free admission! Seating is comfortable. Downside - 10-15 minutes both times to get a drink, we almost left, after the bartender passed by us & had eye contact with us. New people walked up to get a drink over & over while we sat waiting with money in hand! Bartender is obviously frustrated and in a nasty mood. Appeared frustrated when anybody wanted a drink! The overall decor is plain and you won’t know you were in Hawaii by any means - outside of the word Koa! We may return but only if we had nothing else going on. We had high hopes for a great experience - disappointed. This picture is NOT what it look...

My mom and I checked out the Koa’s Lounge tonight and we were very pleased. A bit surprised after the reviews that we have read. Rado, our server, was very welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu while helping us navigate through their online website. She suggested if we do not find something on the menu that fits us let her know and she would bring out the Chef for some more suggestions. The atmosphere is very inviting and has many different areas that offer something for everyone. Please support a new business in our delightful Pahoa Town !!!! While still always supporting our local favorites. Aloha. ...