Lava Shack

The Pahoa lava shack has given me the best vibes. From the alcohol to shooting pool and the all around good music, it has been the best times of my life. The owner of the bar is just the best, he is such a nice guy and so respectful. He will leave you with a good time for sure. Too all the people coming over from around the world please come down to Pahoa town and enjoy the live music and great conversations. Mahalos Lava shack!

All I can say in regards to the negative review is that if they were asked to leave it was warranted. Ive never witnessed CJ act anywhere near unprofessional. Even when ppl are drunk and dramatic hes been patient and kind. I go alone most of the time and sit at the bar and never have issues. Been going here regularly, its now my go-to place.Theres pool tables and darts in the back with a jukebox. I love to play darts so its a win for me. Theres always something going on on the weekends! I highly recommend karaoke on Sunday nights! I have a blast every single time I go. If you love a good dive bar this place is it.

Great drinks. Great hang out spot for Pahoa town. Been coming here for a few years. Never had an issue with anyone here. 🤙 you can bring your own pupus and food which is the best part.

This place serves stale Big Wave beers and when asked for a different beer the bartender said they are all stale. The owner CJ, who obviously takes steroids, then went into roid rage and started slinging insults and pushed us to get out of the bar when all we wanted was a different beer. He was totally unhinged trying to provoke a fight. He threw beer in our faces and spit at us when we asked for our money back. CJ acts like he is on drugs or has psychotic tendencies, has short man syndrome, and is provoking customers to try fight him with his psychotic behavior. I do not recommend this dive bar where the owner can’t handle the truth about selling stale beers.

I always have a great time! I love live music and the people are all very cool!

April 24, 2024 open Mic!Great local entertainment and great prices and service!Pool, darts, live music and jukebox box options!

Great drag show. Wonderfully eccentric and friendly crowd..

I have been coming to this bar for over a year, in that time Ive never seen anyone being asked to leave that didnt warrant; being asked to leave...The bar has a cool local vibe, the music is a nice mix of rock and roll...All of the people that I have encountered at this place have all been very down to earth and respectful...Unless of course youre being a nuisance, then you will be asked to leave; as it should be...🤙🏾😳🙄🏝️

Super sketchy, do not recommend, The owner CJ is very unhinged, may be on drugs, irrational and explosive personality. He 86 me tonight, and this is the 1st time in my life ive ever been asked to leave a bar, i dont really know what i did wrong, or to offend him but he was extremely rude and yelled at me then set his security team on me. Disturbing experience.

One of my loves is music, and the Shack is my get away that satisfies that thirst with the awesome “Lava Shack Band” among other gr8s who graciously entertain us every week. CJ is da best bartender who works hard at making it all work smoothly. The twirling dancing patrons enjoy every minute especially our official tiny dancer “Devaki”. This is a must experience for all ages, no matter what kine mele you love. Enjoy I know I will.

We found this places a few years back and went every night we stayed in Pahoa. This was prior to the pandemic of course . Great drinks and the owner is very nice ! We finally made our way back after moving to Maui! we plan on coming back again and always recommend !!! It’s the patrons who are the problem here , not the staff or owner. Great drink deals , live music , pool, chill place!

This place is a chill local hangout spot. We were visiting and it was a great place to relax, get some work done with their free WiFi, sing some karaoke on Sunday night, get a cheap drink and food (I recommend the tots and Lava punch), and play some pool.Looking for a chill and local night in the Puna Forest? Then I’d highly recommend!

Amazing place to listen to live music. Especially on Tuesday for open mic. Super fun and chill crowd

The manager is two faced. What ever you do. Don’t date him. He has barred 4 different women that he has dated when he gets tired of them. Plus he bars anyone who is their friend. He beats up homeless people and I have seen him drag out a woman by her hair. He will also tell you not to come back if you’re not drinking even though you’re a DD. If you choose to go there you will be walking on egg shells. Karma will catch up to him

Creative drinks (no food) live music GREAT karaoke 2x a week pool tables out back.. Smoking area in between there n dance floor plenty room at da bar! Come one come all legal age and up GREAT spot to see friends.. Puff lidat...enjoy life see photos..

I really enjoy the lava shack. They have great musicians who come through every weekend and play for free! Support local and buy some beer, listen to some tunes and maybe get on the dancefloor! Its sure to be a great night.

I go back and forth to the mainland from Leilani. Love the open mic night there I play drums with those guys a few times great place to have a beer New Castle that is. and chill out and play pool. Always a good time!!!

Its a safe enjoyable spot to meet people and have a good time. Bouncers are carrying, but extremely protective ,and bartenders are good people and good service. Prices arent too bad either.

I went out drinking at lava shack, and BJ Penn showed up blasted. The atmosphere kinda changed. My cousin was telling me we should go, but my cousin’s bf knows him and wanted to have everyone chill out and take a pic with him. BJ looked me up and down and said “nah just us” leaving me out lol. I’m not hurt about the picture-taking, just more-so bummed he eyed me out :/Four stars for the awesome outside entertainment

Got dropped off on a slow night and our plans to get back to our b&b fell through. The bartender went above and beyond to find my friends and I a safe ride. Great people!

Coolest bar in HawaiiAnd just about anywhere I have seen..Staff is awesome the live music is awesome theres nothing about this place I can see that I dont like. Excellent place to play pool also...

Great drink specials! Hostel in back is amazing. Single bed is $20, double is $35. Hostel manager is super nice!

The other Lava Bar & Cafe down the road by the Bay Clinic is FAR BETTER with great live music and breakfast & Bloody Marys to boot... No bother with this place unless you like be 86d

Incredibly relaxed bar. All open air with a dope little courtyard and 50 cent pool tables in the back.

Awesome place. Great music and food. And the CJ the owner is a really good guy no mater what you mightve read or heard.

Best bar in Puna!

Good people, great service, and a hostel in back!They are the heart of Pahoa Village. Treated us like family.Highly recommended.

Cool bar, with some great bands. We enjoy stopping in and checking out whos playing.

Super Bowl party for the books. Thanks for the hospitality and smokers lounge - made for a comfortable and memorable day. Mahalo!

Love music and cheap drinks as well as pool tables and a fun atmosphere make this a good bar to visit.

Went on blues night. Very good band. Rounded out Night with a Regge DJ

I enjoyed it wings were great and the waitress was very nice!

It was a fun evening. With drinks and music and dancing. A lot of fun.

THIS PLACE IS RUBBISH BAR SIDE IS FILTHY THE FOOD WAS ONO THE BAR NOT UP TO PAR WITH THE GRINDS OWNER IS DISRESPECTFUL TO CUSTOMERS

Fantastic service, friendly employees, great live music

All kinds of fun entertainment to be found at The lava shack

They kicked me out for bringing in a can of Coca-Cola life

Close to her any beer was not cold

A truly wonderful place to hang out.

This is where BJ Penn was knocked out by a fat drunk.

First time here and already love it!

Do NOT go to this bar.

Bar, TV, live music.

The qualification in Pahoa