. 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.
sud1183 has visited Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
November 8, 2018, 11:37 AM
No, this is not your traditional tiki bar and maybe not even an authentic island joint-- However, I am a tiki bar fanatic, so combine tiki drinks with delicious Hawaiian eats and you have yourself a first class ticket without having to hop on a plane!
We started off with a Zombie ($9-- nice blend of alcohol & mixer while still being strong enough to be called a Zombie) & a Pinata ($18-- served in a real pineapple... not for the faint of heart as this is straight up alcohol). The coconut shrimp rolls ($10) were what arrived at the table first and they were phenomenal! A delightfully hot combination of shrimp & coconut wrapped in 2 springroll wrappers, cut in half, just waiting to be dipped into the chilled pineapple sauce its served with. Shortly after we finished our starter, the main dishes were served up: fresh, local Halibut ($23 Macadamia Nut Encrusted adds $2 additional) with a jasmine rice & island slaw and the Fish Sandwich ($16), blackened and topped off with a sundried tomato pesto & slaw served with a side of fries.
Both entrees were equally delicious in their own way. If you're going for something lighter that can be split, go for the generous portioned Island Plate of Fish which you can have prepared any of 6 different ways: Lemongrass, Blackened Wasabi, Macadamia Nut, Wok/Ponzu, Jerk & Chimichurri. I had never tasted halibut and I would say that it's a nice tender white fish in between a sea bass and tilapia that I would gladly add to my diet if I lived near fresh halibut!
The flavors on the fish sandwich don't sound like they would go together, but meld very well and make for a delicious bite served up on a ciabatta styled bun.
I didn't know that it was a smaller, local chain until after eating here in Santa Cruz and passing by another on the trip down to visit a friend in Monterey. But, it appears that these are just sister restaurants rather than a branching chain... so, if we pass by either of these Hula's & it's around time to eat... or drink...stop in for a bite or a sip or both!
Walked in on a Tuesday afternoon, place empty, except 2 seats at bar of about 10. I asked if we could sit at a table because the person with me has disability and cant sit long on stool. We were told we couldnt unless we bought appetizers. We left after paying the parking meter for nothing. Awful music and way too bright as well.
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.
sud1183 has visited Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
November 8, 2018, 11:37 AM
No, this is not your traditional tiki bar and maybe not even an authentic island joint-- However, I am a tiki bar fanatic, so combine tiki drinks with delicious Hawaiian eats and you have yourself a first class ticket without having to hop on a plane!
We started off with a Zombie ($9-- nice blend of alcohol & mixer while still being strong enough to be called a Zombie) & a Pinata ($18-- served in a real pineapple... not for the faint of heart as this is straight up alcohol). The coconut shrimp rolls ($10) were what arrived at the table first and they were phenomenal! A delightfully hot combination of shrimp & coconut wrapped in 2 springroll wrappers, cut in half, just waiting to be dipped into the chilled pineapple sauce its served with. Shortly after we finished our starter, the main dishes were served up: fresh, local Halibut ($23 Macadamia Nut Encrusted adds $2 additional) with a jasmine rice & island slaw and the Fish Sandwich ($16), blackened and topped off with a sundried tomato pesto & slaw served with a side of fries.
Both entrees were equally delicious in their own way. If you're going for something lighter that can be split, go for the generous portioned Island Plate of Fish which you can have prepared any of 6 different ways: Lemongrass, Blackened Wasabi, Macadamia Nut, Wok/Ponzu, Jerk & Chimichurri. I had never tasted halibut and I would say that it's a nice tender white fish in between a sea bass and tilapia that I would gladly add to my diet if I lived near fresh halibut!
The flavors on the fish sandwich don't sound like they would go together, but meld very well and make for a delicious bite served up on a ciabatta styled bun.
I didn't know that it was a smaller, local chain until after eating here in Santa Cruz and passing by another on the trip down to visit a friend in Monterey. But, it appears that these are just sister restaurants rather than a branching chain... so, if we pass by either of these Hula's & it's around time to eat... or drink...stop in for a bite or a sip or both!
Walked in on a Tuesday afternoon, place empty, except 2 seats at bar of about 10. I asked if we could sit at a table because the person with me has disability and cant sit long on stool. We were told we couldnt unless we bought appetizers. We left after paying the parking meter for nothing. Awful music and way too bright as well.
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 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!
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.
Dr. McTiki is a semi-regular at Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
March 6, 2016, 9:02 AM
This is absolutely my favorite place in the South Bay to get my tiki-eats on. When I want some island inspired food on a beautiful weekend afternoon and I want to wash it down with a Zombie or a Painkiller this is the place to go. Right off the main drag in Santa Cruz. Try washing it all down with the banana coconut cream pie!
KevinCrossman has visited Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
February 27, 2016, 3:38 PM
This place was great. We had lunch with the kids on a Saturday and the fish tacos and burgers were very well done. A very friendly and responsive staff made our experience enjoyable. This place has two main rooms, one being more surf oriented and the other being the "tiki room" that is more enclosed (no windows) and more traditional tiki bar decorated.
In terms of the drinks we tried the Mai Tai, which wasn't amazing due to the pineapple juice advertised as being part of the content. We had much better experience with the very nicely coconutty Blue Hawaiian and the tropical juice flavored Hawaii 5-0. Both were very refreshing.
rupri is a regular at Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
June 12, 2012, 3:16 PM
They have a great scorpion bowl! An even better mimosa brunch that is never ending on Sundays. The service is great and the burgers are prime. I highly recommend this place. The attention to detail is amazing in this little spot even the shot glasses used are tikis.
Burritoboy has visited Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room.
April 29, 2012, 3:47 PM
Excellent neo-tiki place, with outstanding decor, good drinks and surprisingly good food. One of the best neo-tiki locations in Northern California, or, for that matter, anywhere.
We started off with a Zombie ($9-- nice blend of alcohol & mixer while still being strong enough to be called a Zombie) & a Pinata ($18-- served in a real pineapple... not for the faint of heart as this is straight up alcohol). The coconut shrimp rolls ($10) were what arrived at the table first and they were phenomenal! A delightfully hot combination of shrimp & coconut wrapped in 2 springroll wrappers, cut in half, just waiting to be dipped into the chilled pineapple sauce its served with. Shortly after we finished our starter, the main dishes were served up: fresh, local Halibut ($23 Macadamia Nut Encrusted adds $2 additional) with a jasmine rice & island slaw and the Fish Sandwich ($16), blackened and topped off with a sundried tomato pesto & slaw served with a side of fries.
Both entrees were equally delicious in their own way. If you're going for something lighter that can be split, go for the generous portioned Island Plate of Fish which you can have prepared any of 6 different ways: Lemongrass, Blackened Wasabi, Macadamia Nut, Wok/Ponzu, Jerk & Chimichurri. I had never tasted halibut and I would say that it's a nice tender white fish in between a sea bass and tilapia that I would gladly add to my diet if I lived near fresh halibut!
The flavors on the fish sandwich don't sound like they would go together, but meld very well and make for a delicious bite served up on a ciabatta styled bun.
I didn't know that it was a smaller, local chain until after eating here in Santa Cruz and passing by another on the trip down to visit a friend in Monterey. But, it appears that these are just sister restaurants rather than a branching chain... so, if we pass by either of these Hula's & it's around time to eat... or drink...stop in for a bite or a sip or both!