Kahuna Tiki Tu — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Stepping into Kahuna Tiki Tu in Valley Village is like being whisked away to a Polynesian paradise, no passport required. Nestled on Riverside Drive, this vibrant oasis delivers a full sensory escape with its lush tropical decor, cinematic ambiance, and a menu that reads like a love letter to island indulgence. We were lucky to catch their quarterly Summer Tiki Marketplace, a lively gathering of tiki vendors and enthusiasts that transforms the venue into a bustling bazaar of exotic wares and good vibes. With the next event slated for August 2025, it’s clear this tradition is becoming a seasonal staple for the community. Inside, the bar is a treasure trove of handcrafted tiki cocktails—each one a colorful, boozy work of art. The food? A feast fit for a modern-day islander. From vegan and vegetarian delights to hearty luau classics, the menu spans Pupu Appetizers, Kahuna Tiki Specials, Sushi and Sashimi, Poke Bowls, Seafood Pasta, and even a cheeky Tiki Pizza. Whether you're craving pork ribs or a crisp salad, there's something for every palate and dietary need. And if there’s one thing that keeps drawing us back again and again, it's the sushi. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, it hits the perfect balance between casual island fare and serious culinary craft. Pair it with one of their unforgettable tiki cocktails, and you’ve got a duo that never disappoints. What truly sets Kahuna Tiki Tu apart, though, is the warm, welcoming, and absolutely delightful staff. Each visit feels like a homecoming, and the energy they bring is nothing short of infectious. We want to give special recognition to Megan and Arlette, two phenomenal waitresses whose friendly service, attention to detail, and joyful spirit turn an evening out into something truly memorable. Their genuine aloha attitude is a big part of what makes us look forward to every return visit. Accessibility is thoughtfully considered, with wheelchair-friendly accommodations that make everyone feel welcome. Add in the live entertainment—think jazz nights, burlesque shows, and ukulele performances, and you’ve got a destination that’s more than just dinner; it’s an experience. The shows do not occur every night, so I would recommend calling them to see what is happening, and when. In short, Kahuna Tiki Tu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tropical state of mind, delivered with heart, humor, and the kind of hospitality that keeps you...

I stumbled upon this place while looking for a tiki bar. I was surprised to see that they have a burlesque show on Tuesdays (bring cash for tips!).

Our reservation was for 8:15pm. We arrived early and although it was nearly empty the hostess had us wait. A few minutes pass and a woman with long hair and a black sweater told us to hold on....still. Ok. Then she asks for our name a bit later and we get seated.

The area where everyone was seated was close together. We were a party of two and there were two tables nestled along the wall that had about 10 people. I couldn't see anything to the left but there were smaller parties between 2 to 3 people.

To say service was terrible is an understatement. It took about 15 minutes to get two drinks. The hostess was running back and forth between the larger tables bringing drink after drink while we waited. There was only one hostess that I saw and she was in charge of the party of 10. My boyfriend asked the hostess twice for our drinks - the first time he asked when she walked by and the second time (after waiting a while) he got up to ask again. The drinks that came out weren't even that good. They are strong but in a flavorless way. The amount of alcohol was overwhelming that you couldn't enjoy anything else that they drink had. It had no balance.

Blended mango tango - all you tasted was the alcohol and nothing else Spike punch - same thing. You don't taste the pineapple, orange juice, or grenadine.

It took about 15 minutes to get our shrimp cocktail. Seeing how slow service was we opted not to order anymore food.

We ordered the spike Dole whip and it came out a melted mess. They should opt to serve the dole whip with a shot so the person can pour it over - make it interactive and maintain the appearance. Again the alcohol used was so strong and overpowering...no balance. Not that good.

Show was done and we decided there was no incentive to stay. We waited about 20 minutes for the check. No kidding. We asked the hostess twice but she was busy with the bigger tables. Then randomly we see this guy serving drinks and wondered where he'd been this entire time. He brought us our check within minutes.

The woman with the black sweater was everywhere else except where she was needed. I don't know if she was a manager but she was running around doing everything but help the hostess.

tl:dr - someone needs to delegate tasks. Drinks are stiff...

Where to begin... This restaurant has so much to offer, that I'll have to come back just to see and try everything.

When you first walk in, you are sure to know you are at the correct place by the exact things hanging on the entrance that gives the place its name, Tiki.

Its wheel chair friendly with a nice ramp going up to easily get to the restaurant double doors.

As you go inside, you are transported to another place. The atmosphere renders you in awe as one thing catches your eye after another.

I even found adventure going to the restroom, which made me laugh.

The ambiance was fantastic, a live band playing music while you head either into the restaurant, the bar, or the sushi bar.

I walked into the bar to place my to-go order and Jesse greeted me, he was nice and didnt show any annoyance that I was taking up bar space for an order to go, and even helped me with a few sushi choices.

It was a little early for the main crowd, I guess, because after I placed my order to go, people started trickling in. Especially this one group where a guy was explaining to his party about the amazing ahi tuna burger... Mental note to try for next time.

The band continued to play a little beach boys style music, and the place kept filling up. Finally my order arrived.

There would be pictures of the food, but I accidentally dropped it when I got home. So next time I come back to dine in for the first time, I'll add a few.

I ordered:

2x Aloha Pizza = Delicious

2x Snow Crab California rolls = Delicious (Note: Normally its 50/50 snow crab and imitation crab, but for $4.00 more they will make it all snow crab.)

1x Reef Roll = Absolutely Delicious

1x Giligan's Island Roll = Very good

1x Hawaiian Fried Rice = Excellent

I stopped in on a whim, and I've become a new loyal customer.

I heard from Jesse they have a few other weekly events, including although I probably won't be attending Burlesque Show Tiki style.

I hope you have as much fun as I did coming here, even though it was just for take out for me this time. Mark me...