Board Game Cafes in Hawaii: Top Spots to Play & Dine

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Looking for a fun and unique way to spend your time in Hawaii? Look no further than the board game cafes scattered throughout the islands! These cafes offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks while playing your favorite board games with friends or family. From hidden gems like Cheese Tea to charming spots like Kōkeʻe Lodge and Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa, we’ve rounded up our favorite board game cafes in Hawaii for you to check out. So grab a drink, roll the dice, and get ready for a fun-filled adventure! Read on to learn more about these exciting businesses.

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is Banzos. With its delicious vegan options and excellent service, it’s a great choice for those looking for healthy food options in the Pahoa area. The board games at the tables and the colorful spices add to the fun and casual atmosphere. Banzos may not be the best fit for those looking for meat options, but a great alternative would be Kōkeʻe Lodge, which offers a variety of meat dishes and a cozy fireplace. Overall, Banzos is still the superior option for its fresh ingredients, big portions, and great prices.

🏅 Best By Category:

TOP AMENITIES: Cheese Tea – With a varied menu and board games available, Cheese Tea offers a fun and unique experience for customers.
BEST FOR QUIET GAMING: Kōkeʻe Lodge – With a cozy fireplace and beautiful views, Kōkeʻe Lodge offers a peaceful atmosphere for gaming.
GREAT FOR LARGE GROUPS: Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa – With a wide range of dietary options and accommodating staff, Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa is the perfect spot for groups with varying dietary needs.

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🍴 FOOD QUALITY: The quality of the food served, including taste, freshness, and presentation.
2) 💰 PRICE: The cost of the food and drinks, and whether it is considered a good value for the price.
3) 🏠 AMBIENCE: The atmosphere and setting of the cafe, including decor, music, and cleanliness.
4) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, as well as their efficiency and professionalism.
5) 🎲 ENTERTAINMENT: The availability and quality of board games and other entertainment options provided by the cafe.

Board game cafes in Hawaii offer a unique experience for customers looking for a fun and engaging way to spend their time. When considering these types of businesses, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure overall customer satisfaction. One important consideration is the variety of board games available. Customers want to have a wide selection of games to choose from, including classics and newer games. Another important factor is the quality of the food and drinks offered. Customers expect delicious and affordable options, including vegan and vegetarian options. Additionally, the atmosphere of the cafe is crucial. Customers want a cozy and inviting space with friendly staff and comfortable seating. Finally, it’s important to consider the location of the cafe. Customers want to be able to easily access the cafe and have convenient parking options. Overall, board game cafes in Hawaii offer a unique and exciting way to spend time with friends and family.

Additional Criteria:

  • Menu Variety – The range of food and drink options available on the menu
  • Customer Service – The quality of service provided to customers
  • Price Value – The perceived value of the prices charged for the products and services offered
  • Ambience and Atmosphere – The overall feel and aesthetic of the business environment

Option #1. Cheese Tea

Address: 94-144 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI 96797, United States Phone: +1 808-671-3288

Menu Variety: Great tea selection
Customer Service: Friendly and helpful employees
Price Value: Pretty cheap for boba prices
Ambience and Atmosphere: Cute and hip spot

Cheese Tea, a trendy and relaxed establishment situated in Waipahu, Hawaii, presents an exceptional collection of tea, coffee, and board games for individuals, groups, and college students. The restaurant is easily accessible for wheelchair users and provides delivery, takeout, and dine-in options. Patrons praise the Brown Sugar beverage and the welcoming and supportive personnel. Additionally, the prices are highly reasonable in comparison to other boba tea shops in the vicinity. Nevertheless, a few customers have reported encountering impolite service from specific staff members. All in all, Cheese Tea is an excellent destination for those seeking an adorable and cost-effective boba tea shop with board games to relish with companions. In the domain of board game cafes in Hawaii, Cheese Tea distinguishes itself with its exceptional tea selection and affordable prices.

Pros:

  • Exceptional collection of tea, coffee, and board games for individuals, groups, and college students.
  • Highly reasonable prices in comparison to other boba tea shops in the vicinity.
  • Easily accessible for wheelchair users and provides delivery, takeout, and dine-in options.
  • Patrons praise the Brown Sugar beverage and the welcoming and supportive personnel.

Cons:

  • A few customers have reported encountering impolite service from specific staff members.

OUR RATING: Cheese Tea

🍴 FOOD QUALITY: 8/10 – Great tea selection with good taste and sweetness levels. Couldn’t serve smoothies on one visit.
💰 PRICE: 9/10 – Pretty cheap for boba prices and good value for the price.
🏠 AMBIENCE: 8/10 – Cute and hip spot with varied menu, clean restaurant, and board games available.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 7/10 – Friendly and helpful employees, but some reviews mention rude and unresponsive service.
🎲 ENTERTAINMENT: 8/10 – Board games available for entertainment.

💯 OVERALL SCORE: 8/10 – Best for casual, hip, and college student groups looking for a good value on boba tea. May not be ideal for those looking for consistently friendly service.

Option #2. Kōkeʻe Lodge

Address: 3600 Kokee Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, United States Phone: +1 808-335-6061

Menu Variety: Good variety, fresh ingredients.
Customer Service: Friendly and helpful staff.
Price Value: Expensive due to location.
Ambience and Atmosphere: Cozy and charming lodge.

Kōkeʻe Lodge, situated in Waimea, Hawaii, is a delightful eatery and boutique that exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, complete with a functional hearth and live musical performances. The cuisine is crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the menu boasts delectable selections such as the pork locomoco and Portuguese bean soup. The boutique offers an array of unique items, and guests can also indulge in feeding the chickens and zebra doves. However, due to its location and limited options in the area, prices may be steep. In summary, Kōkeʻe Lodge is an excellent destination to unwind and replenish after exploring Waimea Canyon or hiking in the state park, whether for a quick bite or a full-fledged meal. While board game aficionados may be disappointed by the lack of available options, the cozy atmosphere and scrumptious cuisine more than make up for it.

Pros:

  • Warm and inviting ambiance with live music performances
  • Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients used in crafting the cuisine
  • Unique items available in the boutique
  • Guests can feed the chickens and zebra doves

Cons:

  • Prices may be steep due to the location and limited options in the area
  • Limited options for board game aficionados

OUR RATING: Kōkeʻe Lodge

🍴 FOOD QUALITY: 8/10 – Fresh and delicious food, locally sourced ingredients, good selection of dishes.
💰 PRICE: 6/10 – Expensive prices due to location, but good value for the quality of food and service.
🏠 AMBIENCE: 9/10 – Cozy and warm atmosphere, beautiful setting, live music, and friendly staff.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 9/10 – Friendly and helpful staff, efficient service, and accommodating to dietary needs.
🎲 ENTERTAINMENT: 7/10 – Board games available, live music, and a gift shop to browse.

💯 OVERALL SCORE: 7.8/10 – Best for those looking for a cozy and delicious meal in a beautiful setting, but may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.

Option #3. Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa

Address: 15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd D1, Pāhoa, HI 96778, United States Phone: +1 N/A

Menu Variety: Extensive vegan options
Customer Service: Friendly and accommodating
Price Value: Mixed reviews
Ambience and Atmosphere: Cozy and family-friendly

Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa is a restaurant in Pāhoa, Hawaii that is owned by a Black individual. This restaurant offers a variety of options for takeout, dine-in, and delivery. What sets this restaurant apart is its reputation for serving great coffee, lunch and dinner options, and healthy choices, which includes vegan and vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming to families, with board games available for customers to play. While some customers have mentioned that the portions are small and the prices are high, the restaurant’s staff is accommodating and the overall vibe is positive, making it an excellent choice for those seeking vegan and vegetarian food. Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa is a great spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a meal with friends and family, and it’s a noteworthy addition to the board game cafe scene in Hawaii.

Pros:

  • Offers a variety of options for takeout, dine-in, and delivery
  • Reputation for serving great coffee, lunch and dinner options, and healthy choices, including vegan and vegetarian dishes
  • Cozy and welcoming atmosphere for families, with board games available for customers to play
  • Accommodating staff and positive overall vibe

Cons:

  • Some customers have mentioned that the portions are small and the prices are high

OUR RATING: Under The Bodhi Tree Pahoa

🍴 FOOD QUALITY: 9/10 – Fresh, healthy, and delicious options for vegans and vegetarians. Some dishes lacked flavor.
💰 PRICE: 7/10 – Prices are reasonable for the quality of food, but some dishes are overpriced for the portion size.
🏠 AMBIENCE: 8/10 – Cozy and casual atmosphere with board games and events. Some reviewers found it gloomy.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 9/10 – Friendly and accommodating staff with efficient service.
🎲 ENTERTAINMENT: 7/10 – Board games available, but not a major focus.

💯 OVERALL SCORE: 8/10 – Best for vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking healthy options. May not be ideal for those looking for large portion sizes or a lively atmosphere.

Option #4. Banzos

Address: 15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd unit D2, Pāhoa, HI 96778, United States Phone: +1 N/A

Menu Variety: Healthy, vegan, vegetarian options
Customer Service: Excellent, friendly service
Price Value: Good price for quality
Ambience and Atmosphere: Casual, hip, board games

Banzos, situated in Pāhoa, Hawaii, is a trendy and informal eatery that boasts a range of nutritious and cozy meal choices. They present a takeout, dine-in, and delivery facility, rendering it simple for customers to relish their meals. The restaurant is accessible to wheelchair users, and they take debit cards, NFC mobile payments, and credit cards. While indulging in their delectable food, customers can engage in board games at the tables. Banzos is a fantastic alternative for college-goers, holidaymakers, and families with children. They provide vegan and vegetarian choices, and their falafel is a must-try. Despite the fact that the serving sizes may be smaller than anticipated, the restaurant offers fresh ingredients and exceptional customer service. Banzos is an ideal location for a speedy bite or a solitary dining experience. If you’re searching for a vegetarian sanctuary on the Big Island, Banzos is the place to be.

Pros:

  • Offers a range of nutritious and cozy meal choices
  • Provides takeout, dine-in, and delivery facility
  • Accessible to wheelchair users and accepts various payment methods
  • Provides vegan and vegetarian choices, and their falafel is a must-try

Cons:

  • Limited seating options for large groups
  • Limited menu options for non-vegetarian customers

OUR RATING: Banzos

🍴 FOOD QUALITY: 9/10 – Fresh, tasty, and healthy food options with great sauces and tea.
💰 PRICE: 8/10 – Reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.
🏠 AMBIENCE: 8/10 – Casual and hip atmosphere with board games and friendly service.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 9/10 – Excellent and genuine service with efficient and friendly staff.
🎲 ENTERTAINMENT: 7/10 – Board games available for entertainment.

💯 OVERALL SCORE: 8.2/10 – Best for vegans, vegetarians, and those looking for healthy and tasty food options. May not be ideal for those looking for a fine dining experience or extensive entertainment options.

More About The State

While board game cafes may be the latest trend in Hawaii, the tropical paradise has much more to offer. Hawaii boasts a rich history, breathtaking geography, and a unique culture, making it a destination that has something for everyone. From the volcanic islands that make up the state to the royal palace in Honolulu, there are countless points of interest to explore. Take a stroll through the verdant rainforests, bask in the beauty of the stunning beaches, or go snorkeling near the coral reefs to witness the natural splendor of Hawaii. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, learn the hula or indulge in some traditional Hawaiian cuisine. And don’t miss the chance to visit Iolani Palace, the only royal building on U.S. soil, to delve into Hawaii’s captivating history. With so much to discover, Hawaii is a destination that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Come and experience the Aloha State for yourself!

POINTS-OF-INTEREST TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT:

🌴 – Pearl Harbor is a notable historical site and an active military base that houses the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats above the remains of the sunken vessel. Additionally, visitors can explore the Battleship USS Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island.

🌺 – Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a stunning landscape located on Kauai Island that showcases dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls. Tourists can opt for a helicopter ride or challenge themselves with the expert-level Kalalau Trail.

🌋 – Volcanoes National Park, situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, provides an up-close encounter with an active volcano system where lava oozes from cracks in the earth. Visitors can discover the Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail, and the steaming Halema’uma’u crater.

🌄 – Haleakala National Park offers access to the dormant Haleakala Volcano on Maui, which stands at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Tourists can witness the breathtaking views from the summit at sunrise and explore the many hiking trails.

🏖️ – Waikiki is Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque oceanfront beach, luxurious resorts, dining, entertainment, and shopping. Visitors can hike to the top of Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic views.

🌿 – Halawa Valley, located on Molokai Island, is a lush tropical rainforest that remains virtually untouched by humans and offers guided hikes to Mo’oula Falls led by a father-and-son team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board game cafes in Hawaii offer a unique and enjoyable experience for customers. These cafes provide a fun and relaxed environment where customers can bond over their love of board games while enjoying delicious food and drinks. With a wide range of menu options, including vegan and vegetarian choices, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, many of these cafes offer events such as live music and game tournaments, making them a great spot for a night out with friends or family. When visiting these cafes, be sure to try their signature drinks and dishes, and don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. Overall, board game cafes in Hawaii offer a refreshing break from the typical dining experience and are definitely worth checking out. Thank you for taking the time to read this review, and we hope you have a great time exploring all that these cafes have to offer!

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