Kona Club in Oakland, California, is a neighborhood tiki bar that blends classic Polynesian decor with a relaxed, dive-bar atmosphere. Established in 2005 by Doug Miller, the owner of nearby Club Mallard, Kona Club’s interior was crafted by renowned tiki designer Bamboo Ben, featuring carvings from Oceanic Arts and Crazy Al Evans. The bar boasts distinctive elements such as a smoke-emitting volcano behind the bar and a life-sized bronze hula girl with swiveling hips.
While Kona Club offers a variety of tropical cocktails, including their signature Macadamia Nut Chi Chi, the drink quality is considered average compared to other tiki establishments in the Bay Area. The bar’s ambiance is enhanced by its eclectic music selection, ranging from 90s rock to hip-hop, and features amenities like a pool table and an oversized Connect Four game.