Punatic Cyber Cafe

I stayed in the Pahoa area for 2 ½ weeks in August, and found the Punatic Cyber Café in Pahoa fit my needs, which were wireless internet access, wireless internet access, and more wireless internet access. Everything else I experienced ended up being a bonus. The pricing they had at the time was $ 25 a week, or $ 50 for a month. Since I come from an area in Norther CA where I can get free wireless at most café’s I was a little shocked that it was the dominant policy of most café’s to charge for internet usage. After sucking up the charge and getting over it, I plunked down my cash, and was able to surf, work, and enjoy the atmosphere.
I’m writing right now because I’m missing the people there. I found the staff to be über friendly, and after a short time I was being called by name when I walked in the door. Honestly, you all are awesome, and I thank you for your hospitality. You are missed!!!
So, what is the place like? It is a great place to get a drink, a snack, or a quick bite to eat. There are enough tables in the front and back rooms for everyone to have a spot. They even have a table or two outside. One of the great joys of the Punatic Cyber Café is the live music. Most times I was there I was able to enjoy impromptu performances from patrons while I worked. They have regularly scheduled events too. What a great place! If you have ever been a resident of Black Rock City, NV you’ll likely feel right at home.
Best wishes to you all at The Punatic Cyber Café,
Ian

This is my third try at the Punatic. I have a home in Pahoa but don’t live here permanently. When I visit I often need to use the Internet and thought that the close location of the Punatic would be great.
This week I saw a FREE INTERNET sign posted in the window. On closer inspection it says with $ 10 purchase which sucked but I get it — sell some goods and give away some Internet which you’re already paying for anyway.
It wasn’t clear how it worked and when I asked the owner indicated that if I bought $ 10 worth of food/​drinks then I could have free Internet on my own computer. I thought it sounded reasonable and got some food. After making my purchase I was informed that my ‘free’ Internet would last for 15 minutes! And any additional time I went over that would be $ 3 for up to 20 minutes. If it was 5 minutes over the 15 then I would still owe $ 3!
The normal rates are on their website — $ 3 for 20 minutes whether you use your own computer or one of theirs. I guess this is the going rate so I can’t zing this place too much but I believe the FREE INTERNET sign is extremely misleading and was not clearly explained to me before I placed an order for food.
The coffee and food was good, not awesome. I will not be returning for either Internet or food as I felt that the ‘free deal’ was pretty bad.
As a side note — I have waited a few days after visiting the Punatic so I could be calm/​rational and make sure I was not just angrily reviewing the place. I still feel that others should be warned of what they’re getting when they go there.
McDonald’s has a much much better deal — $ 2.95 for 2 hours through WayPort and AT&T! Every McDonalds has this WiFi option if you have your own wireless-​ready computer to use and a credit card to charge the $ 2.95 on.