Hula's Island Grill & Tiki Room in Santa Cruz, CA

. 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

6.7

Comments

sud1183

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!

Tikizombie

May 1, 2018, 5:12 PM

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.

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.

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