Kahala Koa Tiki Bar
About This Spot
Stepping into Kahala Koa Tiki Bar feels a bit like discovering a hidden island retreat tucked away in the suburbs of Arlington Heights. The moment you enter, the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere invites you to leave the everyday behind and settle into an easy evening where time slows just enough to enjoy good company, intriguing drinks, and unexpected flavors. It's the kind of place where the playful, tropical décor isn’t just a backdrop—it creates a spirited, immersive mood that encourages smiles and relaxed conversations.
At the heart of Kahala Koa’s charm is its joyful blend of tiki bar energy and culinary creativity. The cocktail menu is a colorful journey through classic and inventive tropical concoctions, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether it’s the nuanced layers of a Mai Tai or a festive specialty drink crafted for two, these beverages feel like part of a ritual—a shared moment that sets the tone for the evening. And when you pull up a chair to taste their thin-crust pizzas, you’ll find a comforting, unexpected balance to the drinks. The mildly smoky, crispy crust and thoughtful toppings lend a grounded, satisfying quality that enrich the island vibe. There’s a sense here that the food and drink tell different parts of the same story—a story of indulgence, discovery, and warmth.
The staff at Kahala Koa add to the welcoming energy, navigating the lively room with a friendly ease that feels genuine rather than scripted. Whether you’re a tiki enthusiast or someone stopping by for the first time, the experience is both engaging and unpretentious. The place carries the rhythm of a relaxed night out where laughter is easy and the pace allows you to fully savor each sip and bite.
More than just a tiki bar or a pizza spot, Kahala Koa functions as a local gathering space where the atmosphere—bright yet intimate—and the thoughtful layering of tastes invite both new memories and the comfort of well-loved routines. It’s a spot where casual meets colorful, and every visit holds the quiet promise of a small escape from the usual.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Spirits
- Wine
- Seating
- Table service
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | 04:30 PM - 12:30 AM | |
| Sunday | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
Share Your Experience
Related Listing
Recently Viewed Listing
Sushi5
Pescados y Mariscos Tío Froy
Shawarma Garlic & Onion
The Painted Pony Bar and Grill
Bill Cooley 15 Dec 2025
This is s beautiful Tiki Bar, with great service and drinks. The food looked good too, but we were not eating this night. Update: We were a group of 5 and went for appetizers and everything was amazing! We had the beef cho cho, remaki, tiki fries, garlic bread rolls, and a mini pizza. We would definitely order everything again. This is a great place for a night out.
Dana Emery 29 Nov 2025
Love this place. Good parking, easy to Uber from the metra, and fun decor. 4 stars just because it’s the most expensive tiki bar we’ve been to yet! Our servers were super kind and funny and the pizza was great… it helped balance the strong tiki drinks.
Peter DiLillo 29 Oct 2025
What an outstanding local bar and restaurant! The theming was fantastic, the food was unique and delicious and the drink offers were immense. Would recommend trying the beer crust pizza. Will be back to share the experience with more friends.
John Heart 25 Oct 2025
First visit at the urging of some friends. Nice spot, wildly popular with the tiki fanatics for good reason - decor is spot on and in many cases authentic, drinks are varied with a little something for everyone, and the vibe is one of relaxation. The thin crust pizza is delicious, I will have to return to try the ultra-thin! Prices are what you'd expect to pay and on par with similar venues. Service is fantastic, quality shines through across the board. I look forward to returning, but also offer two cautions: First, as you'll see in other reviews, parking is tight. Far less parking available than patrons. Great that they're so popular, but not sure where else you might be able to park nearby if the lot is full. Second, once you've paid your bill, don't be surprised if you're asked to move to the lounge or leave. Apparently we lingered a little too long for their liking. Bad end to a great visit, turning tables is obviously a management priority. Still, I will go back and I will keep in mind that we need to keep drinking until the conversation is done!
Clare Forry 22 Oct 2025
Finally came in here after four years of living in AH and wish we came sooner- zero regrets. A new favorite place! Amazing drinks and pizza. Derrick was our server and gave great recommendations and service.
Erin Baxter 30 Sep 2025
LOVE this place! Pizza is delicious, drinks are themed and tasty! Highly recommend it if you've never been.
Iuliia Osyka 30 Sep 2025
Place is highly recommended if you want to try different cocktails. Their presentation and taste are really great. Have to mention their interior as well! Interesting to observe different pieces in the wall. I wish parking would be bigger though, it was no space really. But that explains the popularity of the bar
Jacqueline B 25 Sep 2025
This place is awesome! Went here with a group of friends for a birthday celebration. We made a reservation, but got done with our previous activity early and had to wait for our table- no big deal, they had a little lounge area to wait at. The inside is really setting the tropical ambiance. The drink menu was extensive, so many options to choose from. The drinks are decorated fun and are STRONG, but delicious. Our group ordered a few pizzas and it was good! Would definitely want to come back and try some more of the drinks!