Kaona, The Hidden Tiki Room — Restaurant in Miami

As a lifelong tiki enthusiast, I’ve visited my fair share of tiki bars, but this gem truly stands out. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was transported into a tropical paradise where attention to detail and service reign supreme.

The décor was impeccable—bamboo accents, carved tiki idols, and a perfect mix of dim lighting. It felt authentic without veering into kitschy territory. The music, a seamless blend of exotica and island vibes, set the tone for the night.

The drinks? Absolutely phenomenal. The menu was a carefully curated collection of tiki classics and inventive creations. I started with a Mai Tai that would make Trader Vic proud—balanced, flavorful, and delightful. The Zombie packed the perfect punch and their signature house cocktail, a rum-based elixir with hints of passionfruit and cinnamon, might just be my new favorite. The garnishes were as thoughtfully crafted as the drinks themselves, from fresh orchids to flaming lime shells.

The service was equally impressive. The bartenders weren’t just mixing drinks; they were artists at work, passionate and knowledgeable about every pour. They even took the time to share the stories behind some of the classic tiki cocktails, which added a layer of depth to the experience. The staff as a whole was warm, attentive, and genuinely excited to ensure we had a memorable time. Thomas is the absolute best.

If you’re a tiki connoisseur or even just someone looking for a unique, immersive night out, this tiki bar is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just a bar; it’s a love letter to tiki culture, executed with unparalleled expertise and heart. Five stars isn’t enough for this tropical oasis.

Cheers to the team for an unforgettable escape...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Kaona Room, the "Speaky Tiki" gem nestled in Miami, and I must say, it was quite the experience! This was my absolute favorite place for drinks on my recent stay in Miami.

First off, let's talk about the cocktails - they were nothing short of stellar. Each sip was like a burst of flavor dancing on my taste buds. The liquid smoke that accompanied every drink was also such a cool twist on the overall experience. It enhanced the vibe of the Tiki bar's incredible atmosphere and just stole the show.

Now, onto the service. Billy, our bartender, was an absolute delight. Not only did he whip up some killer cocktails, but he also enhanced the whole experience with his friendly demeanor and expert knowledge of mixology. Kudos to Billy for making our night extra special. Also, we had tried to come to Kaona the night before but they were closed!!!! and Billy graciously let us in to check out the place even though he was not open. We knew we HAD to come back the next night to experience it in action!

While the food was undeniably great, it was the drinks that truly stole the spotlight. But hey, that's not to say the dishes weren't delicious! The beef bao buns were packed with flavor, and the Pohaku and Kraken Dog (octopus sandwich) were to die for.

Oh, and let me tell you about the rice flambé they did for the table next to us - talk about inducing jealousy! It looked and smelled absolutely divine.

Overall, if you're in Miami and looking for a spot with killer cocktails and delicious bites, look no further than the Kaona Room. It's a five-star...

I've only recently gotten into Tiki, and this was my first "real" Tiki bar, one I made it a point to experience. I can recommend this place without reservation; if you're anywhere near here, visit! It was a wonderful experience that far exceeded my expectations. Walking in, the place felt authentic; cool, dark, and overflowing with decor. I subsequently visited a 2nd bar out West that was very highly rated, and that place, while enjoyable, felt too staged; this place feels real, and you really can feel the love they have and do put into this bar. The service and presentation were beyond anything I could have expected. I ended up ordering an Aged Mai Tai and it was, quite simply, the absolute best mixed drink I've ever gotten anywhere. Most "tropical" drinks I've had of this type are either cloyingly sweet or so overpowered with alcohol that they're chores to get through, but this was extremely well balanced and flavorful. I only had the one, and left shortly thereafter, but it was a fantastic experience, and I cannot wait to return to Miami with my wife so we can enjoy it together.

It was good enough that I wanted to highlight it in a review, and that's something that I very seldom do. If you have an opportunity to stop in, do so; you will...