Setting/decor of Kona?

[dec2901]

What is the atmosphere/environment/setting/decor like at Kona Cafe? My DH and I have dinner ADR's in December. I have heard the food is excellent (that is why we booked Kona instead of Ohana) but I have heard nothing about the setting.

Thanks so much!

Leaving 4 weeks from today!!!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Coffee shop atmosphere..which isn't suprising since that's what it used to be.(Coral Isle Cafe).
Loud due to where it is located..the upper lobby of the Poly, very near O'hana and the Tambu Lounge. Suggest a table away from the railing next to the lobby, otherwise you'll have folks looking in to see what you're eating.

 

[scanne]

We love the ambiance of Kona. It's very casual and warm with lots of ambers and browns. The seating is cozy - they have some partial booths that are nice. It can be noisy, but quite honestly, we never were bothered by any noise from the lobby. This is one of our most favorite places to dine in WDW and make it a point of visitin at least once per trip!

ENJOY!!!

 

[dec2901]

Does anyone have any pics? All the ones I find are of food!

 

[dzneelvr]

Our only views of this eatery are as we walk past to get to our Ohana meals, but the thing that always struck me was how crowded it was! Appears the tables are on top of each other and if you are next to the lobby area, we could literally reach out and touch your plate we walk so close. Its basically a coffee shop...dinner never....lunch maybe..We would never even compare Ohanas to Kona--Kona isn't in the same league

 

[CamColt]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Polynesian/index_3.htm

Here on page 3 about the 7th row down you will see some pictures. I tend to be in the minority on this one, but I think the atmosphere is wonderful here. It always seems so tropical and relaxed. I like to request a table along the railing as I feel looking out at the lush foliage and hearing the waterfall adds to the atmosphere. But I do hear a lot of opposite opinions.

 

[BCV23]

The decor itself reminds me quite a bit of Jiko as does the seating....a mixture of tables and banquettes. Lighting is brighter however. The tables are actually not too close together by WDW standards at all although there are those right by the railing. I don't mind even those most of the time.

The noise factor isn't bad either except if there is an unusually long wait at 'Ohana and people are congregrating outside.

You can see the monorail zipping by through the wall of windows on one side.

We've only had breakfast at 'Ohana once but at Kona probably a hundred times....well maybe 70 or 80. No comparison, Kona is much better. It is cooked to order after all rather than in mass batches for family style.

Lunch and dinner are both excellent. Kona is a gem. Wish I were joining you in four weeks! Have fun.

 

[scanne]

We would never even compare Ohanas to Kona--Kona isn't in the same league

I respect your opinion but have to disagree.

We have eaten at both restaurants many times. Most recently in Sept. 2006 we tried 'Ohana's new menu. In my opinion, it is a step down from the old menu from 2005. We were quite disappointed in our meal.

Now, like I said earlier, we eat at Kona on every trip. I have never ONCE been disappointed with any aspect of my experience at Kona. Kona has consistenly served great food and great desserts plus wonderfully attentive waitstaff. We never felt rushed or pressured by our server.

'Ohana's service is always rushed. They push the courses through so quickly. They want fast turn around time there and it shows.

Are 'Ohana and Kona in the same "league?" No. But I personally think Kona is the better - and more consistent - than 'Ohana. Now, if they bring back the old menu - wontons, skewered shrimp instead of the sauteed shrimp, rice and pineapple bread, then we're in business. However, I'd rather dine at Kona or Boma any day.