Returning for a visit to Cha Cha Cha Salsaria was like revisiting an old friend, even if it had been seven years since the last time I’d been there. This casual Mexican-Caribbean bar and restaurant at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center has a warm and welcoming feel. 

It’s not as if there are a lot of choices for pau hana in Hawaii Kai, but if you’re in the area and want a marina view, Cha Cha Cha probably offers the most bang for your buck. You can sip a margarita right along the water for much less than at the more pricey establishments at Koko Marina across the way.

THE EXPERIENCE

Since the last time I visited, Cha Cha Cha has put a fresh coat of paint on its walls in shades of purple, red and yellow. It drew me in, just as I remembered, with the bar right at the entrance. On a recent Thursday afternoon, that small bar (with a single row of bar stools) was already fully occupied by patrons who were clearly having a good time.

The mannequin lounging in the hammock slung from the ceiling is no longer there. Instead, the walls are decorated with puppets from Mexico, coconut husk masks and a colorful new mural depicting birds flying over an ocean with the sun peeking from behind.

I loved the other humorous, kitschy touches, such as the different salt and pepper shakers at every table — a pair of watermelons here, chili peppers there and cowboy boots over there.

I consider it family-friendly for a late lunch or early dinner.

Parking is free at the shopping center, where you’ll be pulling into stalls alongside folks shopping at Safeway and Longs.

THE FOOD

The pupu menu is simple, with just four choices. Your first basket of nachos with salsa is on the house. If you want more, a platter of rainbow-colored nachos with melted cheese is $5. (It’s an additional $1 to add meat.)

There are bite-sized miniature soft corn quesadillas ($6) that come in three varieties — chicken, shredded beef, and spinach and mushroom — for $6.

To go with beer, the miniature ceviche bowls ($7) are fine; you get two tortilla bowls filled with seafood and wedges of lime.

The pupu I would want to order again is the jerk chicken wings ($6). Ours came as miniature drumsticks rather than wings, and were completely blackened on the outside. A bite into the Caribbean jerk sauce, dipped into the ranch dressing that accompanied it, and these easily became my favorite here.

If you’re really hungry, you won’t break your budget if you go for a fajita ($14.95 to $15.95) from the regular menu.

THE DRINKS

Pau hana drink deals at Cha Cha Cha are some of the best in Hawaii Kai, as far as I know: $3.75 for the house margarita (frozen or on the rocks), a glass of wine or beer.

If you like lilikoi, for an extra 75 cents you can add lilikoi puree (from lilikoi grown in Waimanalo) to your happy-hour margarita. I love lilikoi, so I loved the tangy, sweet addition to my drink.

There are five beer choices on tap, including Modelo Especial, Dos Equis Amber Lager and Maui Brewing Co.’s Bikini Blonde. Bottled beers are available, too.

THE VERDICT

I like the casual, colorful feel of this place, and though the food was average, service was friendly and prices unbeatable. Many customers told me they came because they like the owner, Angie Runyan, and that says a lot. I would definitely stop here again with friends if I were in the neighborhood.