Hula Grill
Hula Grill is a nearly irresistible restaurant if you’re walking by Whaler’s Village. It’s so friendly looking, with its sandy Barefoot Bar and upscale dining room menu. The late afternoon music (don’t sit too close or you won’t be able to hear anyone but the vocalist) and the sunset views draw us and many others like a magnet.
The appetizers and sandwiches in the Barefoot Bar are average to good, if somewhat overpriced (Ka’anapali again). The real pull here is the sand, the pretty good drinks, and the view of the beach walk (bikinis, muscular chests, salty hair) and the sunset.
Dinner inside is not nearly as compelling; the food becomes less interesting and more expensive. However, as one of just a handful of dinner restaurants in the resort, you may end up here at least once, and some good choices include the steaks and the fish specials. Kids like their menu, too. We appreciate that the ingredients are locally sourced, and those searching for gluten-, nut-, or dairy-free options will discover plenty of choices.
Like its sister restaurant Leilani’s next door, Hula Grill belongs to the T S Restaurant empire, with the added benefit of having celebrated Chef Peter Merriman as a partner. While we prefer Hula Grill to Leilani’s (better food, atmosphere, and service), neither establishment elicits our excitement.
Address: 2435 Ka’anapali Parkway, Ka’anapali, West Maui
Location: Whaler’s Village
Meals: Dinner, Pupus,
Happy Hour Hours: Daily 5pm-9:30pm, Barefoot Bar 11am-11pm
Parking: Lot (validated)
Phone: 808-667-6636
Website: www.hulagrillkaanapali.com
October 22, 2009 @ 3:47 am
I found out this past year (after being on the island for about 1 week)
that my wife missed going to Hula Grill. So the next day we traveled from Kihei to Ka’anapali to dine at the Barefoot Bar at the Hula Grill.
It’s a great place to watch people. One of the best Ahi sandwiches around.
July 13, 2009 @ 3:59 am
Hula Grill is a great place to people watch and sit back and listen to some live music. Any of the fish options I have ahd their have been great. it tends to get a little crowded in the evening. So, make a reservation, or plan to wait a bit.
July 1, 2009 @ 3:39 am
Each time we come to Maui, the Hula Grill is on the top of our restaurant list. A terrific location to watch the sun set and to do some serious people watching. The sounds of the surf along with live music makes for a romantic setting. The food is top notch, especially the fish entrees.