Kahuna Tiki

Kahuna Tiki in Sherman Oaks Village, LA
Let me start by saying I have very mixed feelings about this place. I would give it a 5 based on theming alone as it permeates a true authentic feel of tiki if you sit outside in the tropical hideaway. Kinda feels like they took a putt-putt and course corrected it for a tiki paradise complete with fire & water with secluded seating sections in the lush greenways. The fact that there were only 2 servers/bartenders makes for a harder time to get that face-time of you need a refill or round 2, much less, 3 and that is what brought my review down so much-- this is 2 stars for me. Now, on the fantastic part-- the food-- 3.75/4 stars here!

The drinks are $10 a piece and if you want to take home a piece of paradise, as I often do from tiki bars, that rings in at an additional $10 for a clear glass (rather than an authentic tiki mug) sporting the Kahuna Tiki Logo. I had the Macadamia nut one and it was good, but didn't have all the flavors I had hoped for... also, it was a frozen slush rather than on the rocks.

The food-- 2 words: lobster MAC ($14.50)! This was some of the cheesiest, meatiest & just darn delicious mac I've tasted... and boy, being from S.C. I definitely have had my fair share! The spam & lobster sticks ($5.50 each) were nice flame-grilled starters and enough to share a couple bites of meat & veg with a friend to nosh on while waiting for the main course... sushi! We got the Oahu Roll ($13.50) and Aloha Pizza Roll ($11.50). While I've had other fried rice sushi pizzas, this one is not one I would recommend. The topping was fine, but there was nothing left that resembled rice after it was fried, just a hard crunch that was almost inedible. So, while you may enjoy the topping, you are left with half of the roll you paid for. The triangles are pretty, don't get me wrong, but I would opt for that flavor in a traditional form next time, say the Gilligan's Island Roll, perhaps. The other roll was good, but I was a little turned off due to the experience in the other roll ordered. So, basically stick with the handroll or cut!

It's very cute and the outdoor area is top notch, like a little grotto with enormous trees and lots of tikis. Food was pretty great, and our server was friendly and attentive. The drinks, while dressed up in tiki clothes, were I believe entirely soju. I'd like to see what would happen if they had a full liquor license.

We happened upon Kahuna Tiki on Sunday, right as the luau was starting. Fantastic dance numbers from Hawaii, Fiji, and Samoa. The drinks weren't as strong as Tiki Ti's (they use agave-based liquors which are about 30% ABV), but almost none are. The outdoor seating area has fantastic decor. Holy shit. And the sushi was out of control. Would go again; don't understand the lackluster rating on here.