Having a problem with your computer is major setback. It is like getting bad news from the Doctor, your day to day organization is in limbo until the problem is fixed. You have to turn your "life" over to someone you don't know and trust in their expertise. Cowabunga made my computer problems a very effortless and comfortable experience. I've never had to bring any computer into the shop and have always figured it out problems myself. I am a fairly computer savvy woman compared to most of my friends in the over 50 age group. I was certain I had a hardware problem and not a virus. My husband suggested Cowabunga on Beretania Street because they were referred by the local Cable Company and had provided him with good service on his own computer. Cowabunga ran diagnostic tests and concluded that the mother board was bad on my Dell. They assured me the hard drive was ok and all files were safe. I was given a few options and I decided to buy a new computer since prices have really come down in the past few years. At Cowabunga, they offered to set it up and transfer my files, programs, and applications from the old computer to the new one. They'd also encase my old hard drive so it could be used externally.....I thought their price was very fair although I nothing to compare it with. While they were working on it they'd called me to go over the check list I had provided making sure nothing was overlooked. They also realized that some older programs would not be compatible with the new Windows 8 and wanted to avoid system errors. I really appreciated the communication and it made me feel very comfortable. I got my computer back and told Sean that everything was great! It was all great until I messed it up. Since I had been lucky in all my previous attempts to fix things on my own I stumbled on a new windows 8 feature/button that I was not familiar with. There were a few things that were not working right for me so I decided to try the REFRESH option....To me, the word refresh sounded very safe....but, NOT! I have to warn you to Google it and see how many people have had all their programs lost because of a word that is a poor choice and very misleading. This was my error and I ruined everything because it restored Windows 8 to its original state. All the programs from my old computer, my security, my desktop, email, GONE ! Everything that Sean did to make my new computer similar to the old one had vanished and needless to say, I was very upset. Sean was overly accommodating and said that he'd redo everything and he knew what had happened. I was so relieved as he did just that, and more. I had installed Carbonite and a few other applications before I messed it all up. Sean and Cowabunga went the extra mile to provide me with the best customer service and satisfaction to get my new computer up and running again in a minimal amount of time. I don't know how they keep up with all the changes in the computer world and it must be totally challenging. I would highly recommend Cowabunga. They provided me with a detailed receipt of the work performed, great communication, great price, and a receptionist that was very pleasant. My advice is to stop and think before you try to fix something or click buttons on your own. Make sure you create a restore point as soon as your new computer is set up, and if you are unsure, call the trusted professionals at Cowabunga Computers. read more

I'm not a guy that writes reviews, really...... not ever. But sometimes you have an experience that is so positive you simply must share it. So.... A year ago my tech wizard roomie tells me I should move to W8 and go Solid State Drive - Faster, Sexier etc, etc... A year of issues ensued: small, medium and large, some fixable most not. I work in online marketing for Google. I need a solid desktop system 24-7. I knew I needed to migrate back to W7 but didn't have the time or money to get it done. A month ago I come home to a red screen on my monitor with a countdown giving me 72 hours to spend $600 to buy an encryption code to recover my files or lose them forever. I call every computer store on Oahu plus the tech wizard roomie -nobody's heard of the virus but two guys in India promise they can fix everything if I just let them remote onto my system. Not gonna happen. I call the last Google search result for computer repair on Oahu; Cowabunga. I get a guy named Brandon, he knows all about the Cryptolocker virus. He doesn't try and sell me any Blue Sky. His first question is-do you have back up for your files. Of course I answer No, I don't. He tells me, if you spend the $600 maybe you get your files back, maybe you don't-they are criminals afterall, right? This level of honesty is very rare in the service world today where many companies tell their staff to promise big to get the biz and apologize later, if and when needed. He told me, we can remove the virus with a $100 home visit. Going forward, we can set you up with a program that will back up your files real time 24-7, include a commercial grade virus software with remote-alert to our staff and it includes FREE TECH SUPPORT for, are ready........................$25/mo. They came out the next day plan and eradicated Crytpolocker . I didn't spend the $600 and I did lose 40% of my files. That's 40% of the last 20 years of my professional files! Needless to say I enrolled in their backup/service plan. Turns out just in time. My SSD died a week later. Fortunately all my files had been backed up with the new plan. Thank the Gods. I dropped my computer at Cowabunga a week later with a new copy of W7 and Office 2014 and the guys went to work. They backed-up all my files, did a fresh install for W7, installed Office reconfigured all 7 of my email accounts, and even threw in an extra gig of memory-all for FREE!! Just part of the service agreement. They also fixed two of my IDE drives moved the files to my SATA drives. To say they went the extra mile really is an understatement. Had a couple small issues when I got it home, they remoted on to my system and got me whole and I've been issue free ever since. All said and done, I was mightily impressed, and asked the division manager " I'm gonna send a review to Yelp-Do you really want me to tell people that the 40 hours of service I got was free, part of the $25/mo. backup plan?" That's our program, go ahead. For my money, complete tech support, 24-7 backup, virus protection and expert advice @ $300/yr. is crazy. But hey, works for me...How bout you? read more

I'm really grateful to Cowabunga Computers for having been so honorable with me. My computer wouldn't turn off and the screen was basically black, so after doing what I could think of to try to fix it, I brought the CPU into Isi at Cowabunga on S. Beretania St in Honolulu. He ran diagnostics, found no hardware problem but did update a driver for me. Next I brought in the monitor. He tested that as well, and could not replicate the problem I'd experienced. I was both glad and apprehensive to hear this, and my apprehension turned into big gratitude when Isi and the owner, Yasuo, said there was no charge since they found nothing wrong, and both declined to accept payment for their time. Yasuo said he started the company because years ago, he didn't like learning that his mother spent big money to find out there was nothing wrong with her computer; so I guess he's paying it forward by not charging when they can't find a problem. Amazing and very admirable, as they spent considerable time testing my computer and monitor! Isi/Cowabunga has also successfully helped me via phone consultation retrive a deleted email account, and he did work under a manufacturer warranty for hardware problems. I've had only good experiences with these people, and see from their Code of Ethics on the wall of their office that they really strive to do a good job, be respectful and honor their customers. By the way, my computer does seem to be working fine - maybe it was the solar flare... In any case, thank you Isi, Yasuo and Cowabunga! read more

Let me tell you. I read these kind to make sure I know where I am going. Especially with my computer. I went to the one in town couple times and I dont know nothing about computers but they are right on. fast, friendly and they honest. if its not worth it, then they say it like it is. Just got back from another computer that was infected by the FBI virus and within one day, they gave me some software to try in case it happens again and they cleaned it up, and now runs fast . I dont know why people say rip off cause this place is free for look at it. whats a rip off about free? i was kind of scared when I saw the guy say its a rip off. But then I read it again. if he can do it himself, why not? never mind him. this place is good and even the tv guy said this place is solid. Thank you for fixing my computer again and again! read more

"ISI"...Ur my KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR! I was a damsel in distress n "ISI" saved the day!!! He made me feel at ease from the moment I walked in. He was polite, attentive, efficient, incredibly courteous, communicated very well, a complete gentleman, very professional... -diagnosed the problem, -explained what needed to b done, estimated cost, -informed me r.e. length of service -n fixed the problem. He kindly gave me a short tutorial, quick overview n I was outta there! Jus' like that! Need I say more! *KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTERS-EXCELLENT! *CUSTOMER SERVICE-AWESOME! *EFFICIENCY/RELIABILITY-FABULOUS! Y would anyone want to go anywhere else! "ISI" ur definitely an asset to this company! Ur amazing! I will definitely share my experience w/co-workers, family and friends. Thank you sooo much "ISI" ;) read more

My company and I have been using Cowabunga for almost 15 years now, and I just wanted everyone to know that they are the best. We have 10 computers, and all are managed and monitored by them 24/7. Any time any of us has a problem they are just a phone call away. Whether it is something they can fix remotely, or if it requires an onsite visit, they are always available and accessible to us. Along the way they have also helped us to upgrade and modernize our system, as necessary, to keep up with advancing technologies. If anyone is in need of computer tech services I would recommend Cowabunga all day, everyday! Everyone there is super friendly and know their stuff. Contact Brandon A. if you need ANY computer help. read more

Purchased new printer and had some problem setting it up; call the 1+900 for assistance. They said printer was not set-up properly; so they took over my computer. They said I need to get their protection plan and when I refused we got into a heated discussion and I got upset with them and hung-up. Problem was they had control of my computer and I couldn't boot it up. I called the printer company and they said they couldn't help me. My friend said he went to Cowabunga and they did a good job when he had problem with his computer. Cowabunga was able to crack the security code; and computer/printer is working great. Good job Cowabunga! read more

Aloha to all, Our main computer was failing which had a Raid 0 configuration with critical data and programs which would have devistated our business if not retreivable. Steven from the Pearl Kai Store came to the rescue and retreived ALL pertinant data, installed two new hard drives recomending Raid 1 which is much safer for our company. All work was done quickly, and most of all: High Quality Workmanship in every catagory. We would recomend this company to anyone who needs to have Computer Repair, upgrades, or other related challanges. The Best in Hawaii. Mahalo for excellence, Denny Luce President Luce Associates of Hawaii read more

Sorry that Sheryl's Aunt experienced so many problems with the service she received. As for me, I've never been happier with the fast, efficient service that I have received. I've utilized both their mobile service and carry-in. Brandon and Sean, the two tech's that have worked on both my desktop and 2 laptops were very professional, fast, anaylzed my problems without wasted motion and had my computers back up and running in short order. They are head and shoulders above other computer services that I have used before them, and their pricing is fair. read more

Aloha! Have been with Cowabunga for 10+ years now with them servicing my three computers. Very satisfied with the resolution and outcome of my occaisional problems. Fair pricing. Brandon, Cassie, Daniel, and the other techs are great and very responsive. Local style servicing for local people, and they speak my language (not geek). Shout out to 'Cassie' for always being so gracious and attentive listening to my computer problems. Still waiting for you to put $$ into my computer. LOL! Yasuo, give Brandon & Cassie a raise! read more

I worked at a large construction firm that used Cowabunga Computers. They left such an impression on me that when I moved to a smaller construction firm, I recommended to our Owner that he call them. Needless to say, they did not disappoint - there is no job too big or small. Cowabunga always responds timely and provides a service that is unparalleled. Brandon, Steve, Cassie, Daniel and Noil... no matter who we're working with, Cowabunga truly has a team of professional and top notch associates. read more

Cowabunga made my day! The service is quick and clearly explained; the staff warm and friendly. I came in with a laptop that wouldn't boot up--corrupted profile--and other problems. They fixed the first problem in 10 minutes after the easy solution was not applicable, and worked on the others. They couldn't have been more efficient or nicer. Cassie puts your mind at ease, and the technicians are extremely supportive. I highly recommend Cowabunga as the go-to repair experts! read more

We are a local small business in Honolulu and switched from Apple computers to PCs. Cowabunga's team of Brandon and Steve came out and transferred, cleaned up and set up everything. They have streamlined our computer programs and met all our computer needs. In addition, when there is an issue... Cowabunga is an email away and responds quickly, to not delay business. Great team and great service! read more

Took my 2 yr old Asus laptop in because i was couldn't connect with my internet service. In less time than it took me to park my car, Brandon fixed my problem and made my day by not even charging me. I have taken other laptops in and have always been pleased with their service. Everyone i have dealt with was always professional and very patient with this clueless technically challenged grandma. read more

I've been a supporting a client that Cowabunga also supports for 10 years, if I have a problem, they have a problem. The support is responsive, quick and always following up even during evenings and weekends. We act as a team and the client continues to be happy with us keeping up with their needs. Keep up the great work and look forward to working with your team. read more

Cowabunga computers made two home visits, the most recent one today. My new computer is all set up and wifi enabled. The service was fast, professional and a very pleasant experience. Great value for the price. Steve and Sean were both efficient and knowledgable and all my computer problems are solved! I wouldn't hesitate to call them again in the future. read more

Thank you to Noah at Cowabunga computers! My computer crashed and he was able to retrieve all my information from my old computer and transfer all to a new one. He took the time to walk through everything with me and installed new programs for me as well to get all my old stuff up to date. I would absolutely use Cowabunga computers again! read more

Best computer support company in the area! We had great service from Isi and after he left, we were very lucky to have TJ as our support. He always answers everyone's questions, is always very patient, and is willing to go the extra mile (like helping us move walls and wires). Thank you very much to Cowabunga :) read more

Braddah Steve! First off the guy is straight to the point, i mean seriously. Tells me 2-3 days and it was literally 2-3 days! Came in with a virus and i left with a much faster computer and got hooked up with free antivirus. Now i know where to come for awesome service. read more