Kona Lanes opened in 1958, featuring the Tiki-inspired signage and architecture that became popular following World War II,[1] including what the Los Angeles Times called its "flamboyant neon lights and ostentatious rooflines meant to attract motorists like moths".[2] The building on Harbor Boulevard near Adams Avenue was one of three in the Googie style that architects Powers, Daly, & DeRosa designed at around the same time;[3] Kona Lanes and its sister center, Java Lanes,[4] used names that suggested South Pacific island locales.[3] Author Andrew Hurley called them "expensive and attractive buildings that screamed, 'Have fun here'",[5] and Kona retained much of that atmosphere over the years. Its massive neon-lit street sign remained for the life of the building,[4] and Kona was the only bowling establishment in the area to reject automatic scoring equipment throughout its existence.[7]