Hula's Island Grill
Restaurant · Monterey ·

Hula's Island Grill

Restaurant · Monterey ·

Tropical tiki-inspired spot with Hawaiian eats & island drinks

hawaiian food
tiki bar
lilikoi margarita
friendly staff
ceviche
mac salad
spicy edamame
kalbi ribs
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null
Hula's Island Grill by null

Information

622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940 Get directions

$20–30

See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940 Get directions

+1 831 655 4852
hulastiki.com
@hulastiki

$20–30 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups

Last updated

Jan 13, 2026

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Where to Eat Calamari in Monterey County | Eater

"As the name implies, this Monterey restaurant takes a cue from the Aloha state for its island-influenced dishes. Besides ahi tuna poke, a luau-style pork sandwich, and macadamia-encrusted catch of the day, you’ll also find abalone-style calamari. Thinly-sliced strips of squid are breaded and fried, then served with lime-ginger-cream sauce and a soy glaze." - Annalise Mantz

https://www.eater.com/ad/maps/where-to-find-calamari-in-monterey-county
Hula's Island Grill

Kate G.

Google
Had a really lovely meal here. The food was absolutely delicious, and the cozy atmosphere made it such a nice place to relax. The outside seating is fantastic too, perfect spot to sit and unwind. I had a margarita that was amazing (can’t remember which one it was, but it was definitely worth ordering!). For food, I went for the spicy Thai chicken, not too spicy, just really tasty and full of flavour. All in all, a great place to stop for good food, great drinks, and a really welcoming vibe. I’d happily come back.

Kathleen M.

Google
The vegetarian in our group had the Kona chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. She loved the sandwich and the fries! My gluten free had the grass skirt burger with sweet potatoes fries. She also loved her meal. I had the Hula burger with cheddar and house fries. Mine was great we all mentioned how fresh and delicious the bread was. The atmosphere is fun and island “y” I had a ginger beer and my friend had a mai tai and enjoyed it. We are so glad we stopped in!

Akshita A

Google
Was recommend to this place by a local and we are so happy we listened. Perfect spot for vegans and vegetarians/ health minded individuals. Service was fast and the food was fresh, delicious, and filling. I got the Buddha Bowl and an arugula salad - the bowl was loaded with fresh veggies and the tofu and ponzu saude we so crispy and delicious. The arugulua salad was also quite tasty. Highly recommend!

Babsi B.

Google
Absolutely amazing food! I’m celiac and the waitress was so kind to help me with GF options and do some changes to items which were not GF from the start. The food was fresh and delicious! Tons of vegan GF options too. The backyard is super cute and cozy. We felt so welcomed and left with fully happy bellies.

trisha M.

Google
Not a tourist trap. so two star . But the food … chef needs basic understanding of food chemistry. Appetizer: abalone style calamari. Vile. Def Cuttle fish, bland , seemed boiled, reheated. Main: same sauce from the cuttle fish app This lime ginger sauce needs salt, some sweetness may be apple juice. It’s monotone with lime and ginger. Coleslaw: tasted astringent due to the amount of mustard and ginger. inedible! Crab curry: so much potential! Had to put a ton of salt. but again needs less ginger, something sweet . It was a torture. You can surely do better.

Corvin

Google
We have been to Hula's several times and will definitely be back. The staff are generally very friendly and accommodating. One waitress was particularly thoughtful when she realized we were vegetarians, which we really appreciated. The food is absolutely delicious and there are many vegetarian options. We can particularly recommend the bowls (Buddha and Jungle) and the cakes and pies (Key Lime and Passion Fruit).

Liza I.

Google
Great food, and great atmosphere. We had a lemongrass encrusted halibut, macadamia nut encrusted halibut and southern seas tacos - all very tasty, but lemongrass encrusted halibut is just superb. Make sure to try the lilikoi pie, it's so yummy!

Dennis M.

Google
We had such a great time at Hula’s! The tiki and surf vibe in the place is spot on. The food was amazing – I tried the catch of the day, ono fish (kind of like a tuna steak), and it was seriously delicious. The drinks all sounded super tempting too!
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Z D.

Yelp
Pros: A whole page of vegetarian options - plant based bowls , tacos, and more ! We had the banh mi tacos with jackfruit which were really good. A bunch of cocktails. Good kids options. Fun lighting and great music . Friendly, attentive service. Cons: the aesthetic of a lot of the imagery on the walls is culturally appropriative. Large paintings of girls by Gauguin- a documented pedophile.
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Aditi G.

Yelp
Great vegeterian menu, ambiance Godzilla tots 1/5 skippable Tofu tacos 5/5 Wasabi cream tofu bowl 5/5 Hula pie 5/5 This was the standout item on the menu. :chefskiss: Lilikoi margarita 3.5/5 A bit too watered down Service and ambiance were on point.
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Cal L.

Yelp
Food here was pretty solid. Service was really good. I came here with the family and we walked away pretty filled up. If I have one complaint, it's that some of the food was on the bland side. We made the mistake of ordering some sides, which came with the other entrees that we already ordered. I wish the server would have told us this, but it's our own fault for not being more attentive. Also, we made the decision to sit outside. I think that was the wrong call, because there were a lot of flies. Everybody inside looked happy, and the police was well ventilated. We should've sat inside. All in all, if you're looking for Hawaiian food, it's hard to beat this place. There aren't that many good choices. We look forward to coming back! Thank you guys.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
My food was quite tasty! We has to wait for a table for 5 people on a Sunday at 2:45pm. The music was too loud for some people at our table to hear others who were talking. There is a speaker right above the table, we asked if it could be turned down and were told it wasn't possible. Other than that, it was great.
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Desirae C.

Yelp
Aesthetic was fun for a tiki bar and the heated outdoor seating was the best for families with kids. Food was overpriced for what you get and the flavor was dependent on the dish. The kids enjoyed the sweet potato fries and kids quesadillas. The appetizers were 8$ during happy hour which luckily we hit. They aren't worth more than that. The chicken wings were flavorful. The fish tacos were fine and packed. The rice tastes like minute rice, not authentic sticky rice which was disappointing. The kalbi was good and the real short ribs were appreciated. The Mac salad was aloha style! The Duke's luau pork was a bundle of pineapple shredded pork, not delicious to my pallet. It included pineapple chunks, minute rice and Cole slaw that was over gingered. The plant based chicken sandwich tasted fine with lots of fries. Overall with all the options on the street I'll be giving the others a try.
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Jennifer D.

Yelp
I had the best server, Kelly. However, I really did not enjoy my entree...ordered the curry bowl. It was beautiful, but the butternut squash was not cooked through, and the green curry had no flavor: couldn't taste the coconut milk, no salt, no anything. Very disappointed.
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nick l.

Yelp
Sooooo gooooooodd. All the options are a win. And the drinks are good and cold. SECRET SECRET: check the door to the right of the restaurant at 5:30pm (it's a hidden almost-like speak-easy bar that's part of the restaurant and they can bring your drinks next door when your table is ready).
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Breanna S.

Yelp
Visited town recently and had the hankering for some great tiki drinks at a tiki bar! Overall, the ambiance immediately was perfect, and very well-themed. We truly enjoyed looking around and sitting in with the vibe! I opted for the Tropical Itch, which I would highly recommend if you're not sure what drink to get. The food, I ordered the Ahi Poke bowl which was DELICIOUS. I couldn't emphasize it enough. I truly enjoyed it. The reason for the 3-star rating however was my husband's pulled pork tacos. The meat was dry and over-cooked and quite frankly, wasn't as saucy as it could have potentially been. Not sure if it was an off-night, but it left us feeling disappointed. However, the service was superb and our server was an amazing help for us. We will be back again, and hopefully give the pulled pork another chance!
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Cyndy And Randy R.

Yelp
We were so excited to come back today but the food just doesn't hit like it did last time (over 4 years ago). We ordered the chicken wings (very soggy instead of crispy but good flavor), the shrimp rolls were still good, lemongrass encrusted catch of the day (halibut) which was only ok, the ribs which were grisly and fatty and difficult to cut (good flavor but the sauce that came with it was more of the same and needed a different flavor to complement) and the other catch of the day (mahi) which was good. As before, the service was stellar. We were greeted right away, were able to be seated once Randy joined us and the apps came out quickly. Our server got a table of 10 before we were done but she made sure we were taken care of and we appreciated that. We came in at the end of the lunch rush and sat inside. It's a fun vibe. Bummer that the food isn't as good as before.
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Sandee L.

Yelp
The drinks and desserts are on point! Drinks, which you can order as a single or double, are strong (even as a single!) and tasty. Wish we had a chance to check out their speakeasy next door. I got the coconut crab curry, which was spicy but actually didn't have much flavor. There were a few big chunks of crab in there. A hearty dish and a generous portion size. My coworker was debating between the blackened wasabi ahi vs macadamia crusted ahi. Our server advised him to go with the blackened wasabi, as the mac crust didn't go as well with the ahi. He didn't lead us astray, as my fiancé ordered the latter and I was able to try both. Hands down the winner was the blackened wasabi ahi. The mac crusted was crispy, but bland and boring. We ended with sharing the lilikoi pie, Ohana pie and coconut cake which were all tasty and not too sweet. Ohana pie was the favorite, followed by the lilikoi pie then coconut cake. We were a party of 11. Flexible with reservations on the phone. I was made aware if our party was over 15, we'd have to do a set menu. No kids menu, but they have kid friendly items like mac and cheese. They also offer a good amount of plant based proteins. Come for drinks and desserts (and maybe pupus? We didn't order any). The entrees overall were not the strong point, but a-ok.
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Lisha A.

Yelp
Food: 7/10 Drinks: 10/10 I really enjoyed the ambience at this establishment. It's very pretty in the back and fitting with the vibe/theme. If you decide to go on a weekend, expect a wait. I thought I'd try to get ahead of the evening rush by going at 5pm, I waited about 10 minutes, BUT if u would've gone a bit later it would've been a different story seeing as there was a long of people waiting to be seated. Our server was extremely busy but she was the sweetest.
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Talia B.

Yelp
3.75 rounded up (4/5) The cechive is really good! A tad of spice but the coconut milk cools it down right after. There is a more tart/lemony forward flavor profile that I love bc I love sour. The chips are fun too -- crunchy and a solid companion to the fish. We both got the barramundi fish market. I did chimmichurri, husband did lemongrass. After I made my order I regretted it because I don't usually like chimmichurri so IDK why I was compelled to order it LOL. That said if you like chimmichurri I think it's fine. It wasn't bad but not my thing. (3/5) The lemongrass one was better imo with a creamy sauce that feels hearty and warming like clam chowder. (3.5/5) The brown sugar lemonade is also more sour than sweet (win for me but I know some people prefer a sweet lemonade). I feel like it reminds me of an Arnold Palmer but no tea haha (4/5) Service is friendly and solid. Their outdoor ambiance is really cute and preferred with such nice summer weather with a light breeze.
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Dana O.

Yelp
Love the energy and decor of this place and their menu had a lot of unique Hawaiian inspired food. We tried the Dukes luau pork plate and shrimp tacos. Plates were about $25-28. I asked to substitute the coleslaw on my plate and they gave me so many options including sweet potato fries, which was so nice of them. My pork plate was good, but the meat is soy sauce based with pineapple, so it did get sweet over time to eat. The sides helped balance it out. Loved the sweet potato fries. The shrimp tacos were pretty simple/good (was better with some extra sauce) and the rice with beans on the side was a nice touch. Service was consistent and friendly. Instagram give this place a 3.5. They have a lot of street parking and you can walk the street to explore other restaurants and shops easily.
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Aaron P.

Yelp
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Hulas yet. Our go to place for Happy Hour with great snacks and stiff drinks. $8 lilikoi margaritas and spicy Edamame is the best happy hour combo in town. We try spicy Edamame everywhere we go and you can't beat Hula's way of doing it. Little bit of char and sliced serrano peppers. So good! For food the burgers are really good. The arugula salad makes me really have to think about fries or salad as my side for the Cajun burger. The drinks are your standard tiki drinks with a couple of standouts. The previously mentioned margarita or the blood orange martinis are definitely worth a try. Or get some friends and enjoy the punch bowls. They also have some almost non alcoholic drinks that are really tasty. If there's a wait try Next Door, their waiting room speakeasy. Just look for the sign. They'll call the bar when your table is ready.
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Andrea M.

Yelp
First of all Holly is amazing. Any one who is Deaf you need to come here and ask for Holly. She knows sign language. Give her a chance to share her story. Secondly I ordered the barramundi macadamia crusted with mango. Sides cole slaw and Mac salad. Was so good. Hubby ordered crab curry. Also so good. One thingn missing was Coke zero instead of diet Coke. Ambience was nice outside. Lights are very low. Crisp. A sweater was fine. Have heat lamps but we were a lie far. Food came out hot and steaming
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anita t.

Yelp
Friendly service although they said they couldn't seat us till all five of us were present. Just one of us was about 3 blocks away, but then they sat us in a nice shaded area outside. Food was good. Sweet potatoes were really good. So was the poke bowl, blackened sandwich and chicken teriyaki bowl. Spicy edamame and ceviche apps were also good. What I wouldn't recommend is the shrimp tacos. They looked good and were filled with Cajun seasoned shrimp with rice and beans. But it just didn't have much flavor. Overall good experience. About avg $24/person. Would recommend!
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Marie M.

Yelp
Fun gem of a seafood spot with laid-back island vibes! The abalone-style calamari was done just right--lightly battered and served with two tasty sauces. The Trader Vic's Fish Sandwich had a slight kick to it, which we had with the best sweet potato fries - crispy but soft on the inside! Duke's Pork Luau Plate was delicious and we couldn't finish it all, so we took the rest with us--just added a side of rice and it made a great second meal. Service was friendly while we sat at the bar. There's also a speakeasy next door, but we enjoyed the patio with the heaters instead.
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Rachelle O.

Yelp
5 stars for the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. This dish is perfectly paired with the perfect variety of food to deal with the heat. The Cole slaw has bits of ginger which I have never had anywhere else. Love it. In fact, everything on the plate is delicious by itself. And, the perfect pairing makes this one of my favorite dishes on the peninsula. Ambiance, music and decorations brings me back to Hawaii. Speed of service isn't always spot on. Not sure if it's the layout of the restaurant or the days ratio of customers/server. So, can't attest to the consistency of service time. Today, I had Nelly, who's being trained. She was great!
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Alan D.

Yelp
My friends and I took a day trip to the aquarium and wanted a chill and cool place to have dinner before we head back home. One of my friends mentioned they are here before, so we decided to give them a try. We had a reservation, so we were seated pretty quickly and easily. We also sat during happy hour, which we decided to get a few things to try as well. Blue Hawaiian: This drink packed quite a punch for me. I haven't had a cocktail in quite sometime, and it hit me fast. Still, it tasted delicious and refreshing. Ceviche: My friend got this and I took one bite with a wonton chip. Overall, it was not bad. I'm not the biggest fan of ceviche, but it felt fresh with nice chucks of seafood inside. Kona Wings: I really enjoyed this happy hour dish. A supple amount of wings and the sauce had a nice kick to it. It came out steaming and I thoroughly enjoyed the appetizer. Ahi Tuna Steak Sandwich: This was very delicious. It was recommended to get medium rare and it came out exactly as described. The sandwich worked well together, with the acidity from the slaw balancing the flavors of the tuna steak. The sweet potatoes fries were crispy and the dipping sauce worked perfectly for me. Overall, we had a great time here. Service was nice and the atmosphere was lively. I can see myself coming back here again
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Monty H.

Yelp
Happy hour here is great! Amazing flavors, crab cake special and Hawaiian ceviche were awesome and wings had tons of flavor too. Mai Tais are strong. Fun atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Will be back!
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Bella N.

Yelp
I have been to Hula's a couple times now, once on a date and once with friends, and every visit has reminded me why I keep coming back. Most recently I ordered the Luau Pork Plate, which is always solid. I really like their cold slaw, though it is heavy on ginger, so that flavor has to be something you enjoy. I personally love it. I also tried the Jamaican Jerk on one of my visits. I appreciated the plantains so much because I swear you can barely find plantains anywhere in Monterey. The spice blend was not completely to my personal liking, but it definitely tasted like a true jerk style seasoning, so I think it was just my preference and not the dish itself. One of the biggest reasons I love Hula's is how hard it is to find food like this in Monterey. There are plenty of Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese spots, but anything that falls under Hawaiian, tropical, or Pan Asian fusion is almost impossible to find here. Whatever category Hula's officially fits into, it fills that gap. They describe themselves as a throwback to old tiki restaurants, and that feels right. The whole place looks like a giant tiki bar. Dark lighting, immersive decor, tropical touches everywhere. You walk in and it immediately feels like a theme, in a good way. I have gone with my vegan friend before, and they love this place. They usually get the Wild Mushroom Curry. I did not try it directly, but they swear by the curries and love that Hula's has real vegan options and plenty of gluten free choices too. It is honestly pretty rare to have a Hawaiian inspired place that is this accommodating. Kyle has gotten the Kalbi Ribs Plate and one of their burgers before. I tried a bite of his plate and it was really good. No complaints on his end either. Service has always been great for us. The server we had during our most recent visit was especially kind and helpful. Just easygoing, attentive, and made the whole experience even nicer. Overall, Hula's fills a unique niche in Monterey. Great vibe, fun menu, and food you really cannot find anywhere else around here. If you want something tropical, Hawaiian inspired, or just different from the usual local options, this is one of the few places that really delivers.
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Sara H.

Yelp
The wait gets long here. We showed up about 6:30 and got lucky. The heavily themed dining room is super fun but the food is no slouch. The godzilla tots were delish. Our Omni and veggie eaters were all very happy with the food options. In fact, they have a whole veggie menu. Portions are huge. We easily could have shared two entrees between three of us. The key lime pie is an event and not to be missed. Unless you get the passionfruit pie instead.
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Steve W.

Yelp
We were looking to have a late lunch today and decided to give Hula island Grill a try. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that the decor was much more 'contained' than other bars and restaurants that have Hula in their name. I was expecting a tiki bar and this is not a tiki bar/restaurant. We were welcomed in by Kelly who was also our server. She was friendly, fast moving, and efficient. She was good at what she does. Hula has a strong appetizer menu that spoke to us, so we decided to order 3 appetizers to share, the crispy coconut shrimp egg rolls (3/5), Hawaiian ceviche (4/5), and the ahi tuna poke (4/5). Both the poke and ceviche were fresh tasting and good flavors. The coconut shrimp egg rolls were a little sweet and lacked seasoning. They were better once I dipped them in soy sauce. If we go back to Hula, we will definitely try their fresh fish entrees or teriyaki chicken or steak.

Foram D.

Yelp
I don't usually write reviews but this restaurant is STELLAR. Food is fantastic and accommodates all dietary restrictions. I'm vegetarian and my fish was just as excellent as the meat. We got fish tacos, spicy tofu tacos, mac and cheese & cheese and mashed potatoes. All dishes 10/10. I loved the cole slaw with the tacos too. Just excellent. Good size portions; great value for the price. Service was great, everyone was kind and checked in on us. Vibes are on point. Very cute and perfect. Will visit again when we are in Monterey! Until then i'll be dreaming of the tacos and the spicy sauce!!!
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Craig V.

Yelp
Hula, where the babies go!When we came here for lunch, there were so many couples with babies / toddlers - it was great. The service is good and fast. Food is alright considering it's a non Asian area service Hawaiian food NOTE!!! If you order hot water, they charge you as if it's Hot Tea and 4$ per cup. Outrageous
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Vincent N.

Yelp
Very cozy place. Service was great. Food was delicious. Such a little gem of a place. The bar area is cool with photos of past celebrities.

Stephen S.

Yelp
Across the board food was amazing and drinks were solid. Ordered Jerk chicken, chicken Thai bowl and Mac n cheese
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Austin K.

Yelp
Ambiance: Nice spot near the aquarium with super solid food choices. The decor was very much Tiki-aesthetic vibes. Service: Good service what you would expect at a good quality restaurant. Food; The Jawaiian Jerk Chicken was very filling and satisfying. The sauce was perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes that made the overall dish come together very well. The fish tacos were the best I've ever had. The fish was tender and perfectly cooked. The Hawaiian ceviche was a refreshing and the fish tasted very fresh. The key lime pie had all the perfect components. It was creamy and tangy that left me wanting more.
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Patty C.

Yelp
I picked this place because of the wide variety of food, great reviews and that it was a little off the main tourist area. It had a great island feel. Our waiter was super nice and the food was delicious. Really nice big portions too. Can't wait to visit their Santa Cruz location.
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Christine F.

Yelp
We had the best server, Bryant! Had an overall great time at Hula's. Happy hour was the best time to go to get discounts on food and drink. The best thing I ate was the ceviche, and the best thing I drank was the lilikoi margarita!
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Brit B.

Yelp
Loved it! Killer atmosphere, great food, and awesome handcrafted drinks from a great bartender! So good we had to frame the napkin for our tiki bar!
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Emmy M.

Yelp
My husband and I just spent the weekend in Monterey. We had different plans for drinks and food but drove past hulas and decided to ditch those plans the second we saw tiki drinks. Thank goodness! The second we walked in, we were greeted with kindness from staff and locals at the bar. It's like we found our home away from home! We had such a great time, we came back the following night to eat and we once again had great service and saw more regular locals. Oh ya ! We also stopped by the speakeasy next door and let's just say this was definitely our highlight and just the quality of food service and drinks were amazing. We loved the dim lighting and surf videos and tiki drink cups.this place was the best. Great job guys!
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Julian B.

Yelp
Hula Island Grill offered delicious food paired with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. A fun spot to enjoy a good meal and great energy.
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Kevin H.

Yelp
My wife, daughter and I made the 3 hour trip out just to check this place out and honestly we had a pretty good time. I picked up a souvenir tiki mug to add to my collection and we ordered a few drinks and a basket of the house-cut fries. The fries were really good--not crispy, more soft and tender but full of flavor. Perfectly salted too. I wish I could get mine to turn out like that at home but nope--never happens. I had the Dr. Funk and while it was a little sweeter than I usually like, I still enjoyed it. The coconut and banana flavors came through nicely and gave it a fun tropical vibe. The other drinks were good too. The place has a cool island theme--tiki'd up but not in a corny way. Staff was super friendly, very welcoming, and the place itself was clean and comfortable. Only thing I'd change? I kinda wish it was darker inside... those big windows let in a lot of light and it messes a little with the tiki atmosphere. Overall we had a good time. Snapped a bunch of photos, got a new mug for the collection, and left full and happy. Worth the stop for sure
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Lynn H.

Yelp
Fourth time here. Got the shisito peppers, they were too old so a little tough and not that great. I also got the abalone served calamari style. It was ok. The coconut cake was very good. Outdoor seating with heaters. Our service was ok.
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Mekhala B.

Yelp
This place has quite an eclectic menu, but my waitress was super helpful in talking me through my choices. She was patient with me, giving me all the time I needed to decide while also checking in on me. She also just seemed like a cool person - super personable and easy to talk to, even at the end of her shift. (I don't remember her name but I remember she has really short hair). She helped me land on the Kalbi ribs and oh my goodness were they cooked to perfection. Being from LA, I'm pretty picky about my Korean BBQ, but this measured up. The macaroni salad was a perfect side too. This place has massive portions, so you definitely get what you pay for. Will definitely return next time I'm in Monterey!
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Jamie S.

Yelp
Food, service and the vibe was full of aloha. Cool tiki bar vibe. Hawaiian decor, vintage surfboards. They are open late. Perfect spot as we pulled into town at 9pm for a late dinner. We had the pork sandwich and pork plate. Mahalo

Dustin S.

Yelp
I don't usually take the time to give a review, but this was the best dining experience my family has ever had in Monterey Ca. and we come here three times a year for a few days at a time. The service from the host station to being immediately greeted was not good, it was phenomenal!!! The ambiance was absolutely incredible! The ambient music was pitch perfect. The decor and mood lighting was awesome. We so love Tiki bars and restaurants very much! We visit many different ones from Hawaii, through the Bay Area, LA area and beyond... this was hands down, by far, our favorite Tiki Bar Restaurant experience!!! Why??? Besides everything afore mentioned, Hula Tiki Bar and Restaurant kills it in the food and drink department!!!! The dishes are so well curated, hot, fresh, and served wicked fast!!! The drinks are wonderfully curated, beautiful and exciting for the palate and to gaze upon! Ohhhs and Ahhhhs from nearby tables and passers by!!! Amazing! I love other great, classic Tiki restaurants, but most of their food offerings are lack luster... good, not great but forgiven for the experience. NOT Hula!! Their food game is exceptional! If it was just a plain Jane restaurant with the quality and taste of the food I STILL would have RAVED!!!! In summary, Hula hits top marks in all departments! Food, service, drinks, quality, cleanliness and the people are just downright friendly! In a tourist area??? It's insane how outstanding these people are! Both Front and back of house! As a 15 year veteran in the restaurant industry where my position was to assess highlights and shortcomings, I can say, in my professional opinion Hula's Island Grill recieves the absolute highest marks for Restaurant exceptionalism! Cheers Hula's Ya'll made this trip to Monterey Ca. Unforgettable!
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Anh T.

Yelp
Food was amazing here! I came during happy hours so I ordered their wings, and they were very tasty so I recommend this item!! We got the galbijim and chicken plates, and I thought they were very flavorful along with a few sides. Meat was tender and not too dried. I just wish these plates came with a little bit more rice. Service was good. I got sat by the window so it was fun eating while watching people walk past. The inside of the store is very catchy as well. It's street parking. Definitely would come back.
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Will C.

Yelp
After winning Sexiest Man in Hawaii 2008, it was prophesized that the spirit of the Champion of Alola and his excellence King Kamehameha was forever instilled upon my spirit. Henceforth, every time I would step upon the island sands, the dolphins would jump higher, rainbows would appear more colorful, volcanoes would erupt more vigorously, the bees would produce sweeter honey and the hula skirts would rise higher as they swayed a bit more rhythmically. Wait, what were talkin' about? Oh yes, Hula's is an island grill destination restaurant nestled in the trees of the Monterey Bay. Their bringing island vibes and island food to this California destination was a success. The back patio was where the host sat our family since we had a pup along with us and there were plenty of doggo friends there. We had our table switched since the sun was glaringly facing half the table. After a quick switch, I was back to a sour brown sugar lemonade that had me puckering at the tartness. A half cup of water mixed in was exactly what we needed. I tried a bite of the island style poke, which I thought would benefit from some rice or simple tortilla chips. Any starch to go with and highlight the raw ahi, soy, sesame oil, chunks of avocado, onion, and sesame seeds. For my main, I got the korean style beef ribs or l galbi, the wonderful island side of macaroni salad, and a scoop of white rice. I added a spicy sriracha mayo, but was honestly surprised by the little dish of soy teriyaki dipping sauce. A mountain of ribs were stacked in the middle of the plate and there were plenty to share. Service was amazing for this busy time of day. I would recommend this place for an informal lunch or dinner with royal portions.
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Bobby H.

Yelp
Fun spot, local motion. Passion fruit margaritas, nice touch. Great outdoor patio space. Spicy edamame rocked, service with a smile. Mac salad just like Hawaiian kind! Aloha
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Derek L.

Yelp
Relative to many options in Monterey, Hula is a little better than most restaurants. I love how the ambiance is like walking into a dimly lit tiki bar. We started off with fantastic drinks - Lilikoi margarita, but I got the virgin lilikoi margarita (ask your server for it) and as a passionfruit lover, I fell in love with the strong passionfruit flavor of the drink. At $6 for the virgin version, it's nice not having to pay through the nose for a virgin mocktail unlike some places who still charge more than $10 for a nonalcoholic drink. We got the Hawaiian ceviche for the starter and the fresh fish, mild spice, and coconut milk worked really well together with the addictive wonton chips. Our server recommended the Jamaican jerk pork plate and the Kingston crab curry so we got them both. I didn't try the jerk pork but my crab curry was chock full of crab and fish so it was a good deal. I could tell they took the time to use fresh crab meat and the flavors had a mild burn to it from the spice but nothing overpowering. The curry portion is really big that it was enough for two meals. We were too full to try dessert but it was a solid meal. Street parking but not an issue if having a later dinner.
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Ryan P.

Yelp
Friendly atmosphere, has a nice vibe about the place. Probably a good place to go to for a few drinks and pick something off the menu you are already familiar with. Unfortunately the jerk chicken is no bueno. The "jerk" sauce tasted like it had a ton of cinnamon in it? It was not good and tastes nothing like Jamaican jerk seasoning at all. My friendly advice to the establishment - if you want to provide a more authentic experience with better tasting Island style food, the owners/management should visit Oyo restaurant in Pleasanton, the jerk is closer to the real thing. Also Every Little thing Jamaican in Fairfield, has some good Jamaican dishes you should try, to get an idea of what the actual taste is like. I only ate at Hula's just the once so I cannot vouch for the other dishes on the menu.
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Janke J.

Yelp
We had dinner here last night and loved it. The food was really good all around, although I would say their Mac salad is more tangy than I'm use to (this is not a bad thing just a surprise). Our server was a 10/10 all around good vibes and quick to respond. The tables are a little small but it gives it a really homey feel I'll be visiting again. If you don't like tight spaces there is an outdoor space as well.
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Komal R.

Yelp
Amazing food. The Kingston Crab Curry is to die for. The spicy edamame were actually spicy and the addition of lemon added a tangy kick to it. I thought the drinks tasted just ok but they were quite strong. Coconut cake was humongous and we shared a single slice between the four of us. Service was a little slow due to it being super busy, so cannot really complain.
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Lucy Z.

Yelp
I had scoped out all of my dinner options for Monterey and it was a toss up between the typical American seafood joints or Hula's and I'm glad we went with the latter. Arrived at 5:15pm in time for happy hour and made sure to get our order in with our super friendly waiter, Lake! Lilikoi Margarita ($8 for a single during HH instead of $12) Kona Chicken Wings ($8 during HH instead of $13) Jawaiian Jerk Pork Plate Bali Hai BBQ Ribs Wings were very Thai curry-like with a squeeze of lime; falling-off-the-bone delicious! Both the plate and the ribs were flavorful with different sides. My date couldn't decide between regular fries or the sweet potato fries. He finally decided on the sweet potato fries but the server was nice enough to bring us a basket of the regular fries on the house! Both were truly addicting... I ended up eating most of the extra basket lol with no regret!
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Victoria G.

Yelp
Service is top notch. Menu is ambitious to have such a wide array of Hawaiian dishes, but they nail all the flavors. We got the crispy coconut shrimp rolls 8/10. Lemongrass encrusted barramundi 10/10. Hawaiian Jerk Chicken plate 9/10. Hula Pie 8/10. Honestly anything you get will be delicious. Plus, our servers were so sweet and kind!!! We sat in the outdoor patio area (which is thoughtfully decorated and does not look at all like your typical cheesy-hula-bar vibes. It's a beautiful/fun date night spot) & they quickly brought our doggo a water bowl!!! Never had a restaurant do that other than Lazy Dog lol. Definitely recommend this place and we will make a stop here again when we are in Monterey!!

Fae C.

Yelp
Oh no. The fish was frozen in a small puck, nowhere near fresh. Only reason I didn't say anything to the waitress was because she was so nice and helpful. Hospitality is amazing, food is truly terrible
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Brandi W.

Yelp
Very good restaurant for what's being offered in the area. The Kalbi ribs were a 10/10, the crispy coconut shrimp rolls were tasty as well as the ceviche. The macaroni salad was yummy and they didn't put too much mayo in it like most places tend to do. Salt was needed on some of the Jawaiian Jerk dishes. The lemonade was just okay, nothing special! The waiter we had was really good , cute fun, themed restaurant that's a short drive from the aquarium. I will say the restaurant was unreasonably cold , everyone was wearing their big jackets and even some of the staff agreed would be nice to at least bring it to a comfortable temperature. We will definitely be back when in the area.