A Dream of Paradise
In 1933, Don the Beachcomber famously said, “If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.” This was the beginning of a vision that would evolve into something special. The lure of the South Pacific, with its vibrant music, unique food, intricate carved decor, and exotic cocktails, captivated many. Tiki bars across the country became an escape—a place where people could leave their worries behind, no plane tickets required.




Our Tiki Journey
We, too, were enchanted by the magic of tiki bars. Over the years, we traveled to experience the distinct flavors, sights, and sensations of these tropical havens. The culture, the vibrant cocktails in colorful glasses, and the atmosphere of escape deeply inspired us. This passion grew into a dream of opening our own tiki bar—a dream that became a reality in the fall of 2019.
Bringing Kahala Koa to Life
For nine months, our journey took us across the country, collecting furniture, fixtures, and artifacts to create our very own vintage-inspired tiki bar. We scoured hidden treasures and unique finds that would help bring Kahala Koa to life. Alongside hours of construction and hard work, this was a true labor of love.

Our Beautiful, Vintage Collection
Today, Kahala Koa stands as a testament to the beauty of vintage tiki culture. The space is filled with an extensive collection of mostly vintage pieces, each with its own history. We are incredibly grateful to the talented individuals who helped make our vision a reality:
Dave Hansen of Lake Tiki Woodcrafts, who carved the stunning mask that graces our bar.
Big Toe - Tom Laura, honor to display an original painting that was featured on the cover of Exotica Moderne Magazine.
Leroy Schmaltz at Oceanic Arts, who, even in his 80s, created breathtaking lighting that adds the perfect touch to our space.
We also want to thank our friends, family, and all the wonderful people we met along the way. Without their support, our journey would not have been the success it is.
Featured Local Artists
Kymm Sang and Dave Kryz, who have created art work to help bring our collection to life.
VIPs

Our Customer Love Us!

"The pizza was great. The drinks were boozy. The decor was on point. What's not to like?"
"KAHALA KOA is the Chicago area’s REAL “must-see” tiki bar."

Welcome to Our Ohana Vintage Collection
At Kahala Koa, we welcome you, our Ohana (family), to join us in our tropical escape. With beautiful decor, Polynesian-inspired appetizers, and exotic cocktails crafted with fresh juices, homemade syrups, and the finest rums, we invite you to indulge in a truly unique experience. Our little oasis is here for you to unwind, enjoy, and feel transported to paradise.