Joseph C.
Google
(TL;DR at the bottom)
Looking for a quick bite to eat on the way out of town, I was ready for the delicious-sounding Huli-Huli. First mark (which alone is understandable!) against the spot was that they couldn't take to-go orders. Upon arriving at the gravel parking lot (could use more eye-level signage in the vehicular driveway entrance cuz I got lucky turning left, and pedestrian walkability to the facility), it was a lovely waterside tiki bar. Jamie or Janine, the wonderfully accommodating manager, took care of me to the best of her ability. The issues started in earnest when she informed me that the menu had been updated and additions weren't allowed to add additions, despite the online menu saying it. So I'll pause right here and say if you own a business with a website, keep. it. updated. So when she offered to ask the chef, he said it would cost $37, A $14 UPCHARGE for the shrimp skewer I was trying to order when the online menu said $7, so charging me twice as much. I should have left right there, but decided just to be adventurous and respectful and finish the order. When I asked to substitute the sweet plantains, which I cannot eat, the chef this time said $4 upcharge. I'm sorry, but this is a casual, local fair that should be welcoming - not some fine-dining establishment charging an arm-and-a-leg. Satisfied with the base order and appreciative of Jamie/Janine's service, I opened the box to see that the pineapple, zucchini, and shrimp WEREN'T EVEN ON THE SAME STICK. I am not sorry, but this felt like an $8 styrofoam box of food priced thrice as much (and not sure how much it was culturally appropriated anyway). Lessons learned, and while I want to try the rest of the delicious-/sounding/ menu, the nickel-and-diming, lackluster portions, and underwhelming flavors really have forever turned me off from this place (even though that Huli-Huli sauce was legitimately delicious). Sure wasn't Paradise, let me tell y'all that.
So if you get this far, summed up TL;DR is:
1. Always ask for prices; if they keep upcharging despite what the menu/online prices say (which this place did), leave.
2. Always open the to-go food box before you leave!
3. Treat the wait staff with respect, and they'll return the favor.l return the favor.