Something new: Puka’s

By Ryan Kawamoto

The buzz is on for Puka’s a new bar and eatery that Whole Foods just launched at its Kahala Mall location. Aptly named, Puka’s is a hole-in-the-wall, squeezed into a space once occupied by Cinnabon. But it’s a lot more than your average bar.

The beers on tap and food are similar to the offerings at Whole Food Kailua’s The Windward Bar. But Puka’s looks and feels much more like a neighborhood bar than its Kailua counterpart.

While the look is contemporary, Puka’s still has a casual, laid-back ambiance. The dark wood walls are decorated with an impressive Clark Little mosaic, and the interior space cozily holds 50 people. Puka’s patrons may also make use of Kahala Mall’s seating outside of Whole Foods. Those who sit outside may order food and alcohol through a server.

There are 24 beers on tap with a strong emphasis on local breweries like Kona Brewing, Maui Brewing, Lanikai Brewing and Hawaii Nui Brewing.

You’ll also find some solid craft beer selections like Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, Breakside Brewery Wanderlust, Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale and North Coast Old Rasputin. If you’re in a sampling mood, you can purchase a flight of four beers for $10.

Front: Hawaii Nui Brewing Hapa Brown Ale 16 ounce, $6
Back: Brouwerij Verhaeghe Duchesse DeBourgogne 10 ounce, $10

For the adventurous, Puka’s offers a few eclectic craft beers on tap like Belching Beaver’s Peanut Butter Milk Stout and Brouwerij Verhaeghe Duchesse DeBourgogne aka “The Duchess,” a sour, vinegar-like beer that you’ll either love or completely hate.

They also have an assortment of wines, sakes and OnoPops sodas for the non-beer drinkers.

Puka’s has a food selection of expected bar favorites like burgers, fish and chips, chicken wings, flatbread pizzas and sushi (available until 7 p.m.). I sampled the IPA Battered Fish & Chips with Furikake Fries. The fish of the day was Kajiki (Blue Marlin) and it was juicy, tender, and fried just right. I also indulged on Da’ Big Kahuna Burger made with local beef and smothered with a glorious helping of bacon jam.

Da’ Big Kahuna Burger – Beef Burger, bacon jam, avocado, frazzled shallots, roasted jalapeno. Furikake French Fries, $12

For those looking for fancier fare, they also have charcuterie items that include prosciutto crudo, finocchiona dried salami and artisan cheeses. I sampled the cheeseboard (Four artisan cheeses with poached pear, lavosh, and lilikoi chutney, $14) and fell in love with the truffle gouda and the drunken red wine goat cheese.

Vegetarians and vegans will also find a few menu items to their liking as Puka’s features items such as a Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad ($11), assorted sushi (various prices) and a Maui Taro Mediterranean Burger ($11). I made a return visit for lunch to try the Maui Taro Burger and found it to be quite flavorful and satisfying.

Maui Taro Mediterranean Burger – Vegan burger, hummus spread, cucumber and roasted red bell pepper, Mediterranean dressing and vegan cheese with a side salad, $11

Currently they have one dessert on the menu, a Molten Chocolate Skillet Cookie with Poi Caramel, $6. While the cookie wasn’t truly served “molten,” the chocolately goodness of the cookie merged with the poi caramel satisfied my dessert cravings.

I revisited Puka’s over the course of a few days and noticed the menu was being adjusted and consolidated. Happy hour at Puka’s will start on May 25 from 4-7 p.m. with $1 off draft beer and wine. Daily specials will be offered all day and include Wine Down Wednesday: $2 off all glasses, and other brew and food pairing combos every weekday.

The wide assortment of craft beers and food will keep me coming back to Puka’s for many return visits. Cheers!

Puka’s at Whole Foods Market Kahala
4211 Waialae Ave.
808-738-0820
Open daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.