Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room

. This newer location, which opened in late 2006, goes even further with the tiki theme than the original spot. The owners got assistance with the decor from Bosko, 'Onatiki, Tiki Tony, Polynesiac, Oceanic Arts and Munktiki, and consulted with Forbidden Island's Martin Cate in developing the bar. The space is warm, lined with lauhala matting and filled with carvings, floats and tapa lamps.

In 2009, a related location opened in Phoenix, Hula's Modern Tiki

Hula's Modern Tiki

Phoenix, AZ

Bar & Restaurant

6.8

Comments

Tikiwinebarn

December 27, 2017, 7:24 PM

I like everything about this place except the music. I used to live near Santa Cruz and have been here several times. I can't remember hearing anything other than old reggae music. Music is especially important to me, and creates the vibe of a place. I don't care how many tikis there are on the walls, if they're playing "Buffalo Soldier" I don't get a Tiki vibe. I haven't been there in a couple years, so maybe the sound track has improved.

TikiBean

TikiBean is a semi-regular at Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.

August 24, 2017, 12:35 PM

Our local "go to" tiki place! Nobody comes to visit us without a trip to Hula's. Tiki vibe is great, drinks are great, food is great (Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls and Duke's Luau Pork Plate are my usuals).

They do great with two people or large groups. Had many a successful work lunch and birthday there!

Cretin90

April 17, 2017, 10:31 AM

We just stumbled into this place by accident yesterday!...And what a great surprise...This is large, well appointed and extremely well designed tiki restaurant and bar. WE came in on a quiet Easter sunday afternoon, and were seated in the 'surf room' , which is a bit bright for my taste in tiki. I explored for a few seconds and promptly asked to be re-located in to tiki room...this request was met with a smile. First test passed with an A. The decor was great. Clean, elegant, and varied. Really nice detail. I heard some Arthur Lyman in the background.---test #two passed with an A. The waitress (tall, brunette girl) was sweet, and seemed to enjoy her job test #3 passed-another A. The menu was excellent...Plantains, Poke and Mac n Cheese were all we had since it was between lunch and dinner. All were excellent...although the mac n cheese was a little blah. The Poke was outstanding---fresh, nicely prepared, and a generous serving. Test 4 another A. Then, a velvet painting caught my eye. ..one of the best Ive ever seen...it was of moonlight behind a palm tree with a Wahine in the foreground, with her skirt billowing in the night breeze. I tried to buy it right off the wall, but the manager Art said he wasn't allowed to sell it. TEST 5 - F!!
damn, I want that painting. Test 6 was still an A---the Mai Tai was excellent, but only came in a tumbler....partial C grade there.
This is a real jewel in a gritty town......I hope they get enough business to hang in there.
My only comment would be to re-do the exterior sign. It's very plain and not at all eye catching from the street unless you already know where Hula's is. Overall, Hula's is wonderful. Don't miss it.

View all 10 comments