If you are not quite ready for traditional Hawaiian fare but are hankering for a taste, try the Hula Grill in the Whaler's Village for a blend of island flavor with American favorites.
Hula Grill, like its sister restaurant, Leilani's, is perched on the beach in Whaler's Village. Park in the lot and get your ticket validated either by dining or making a $10 purchase at any of the shops.
The Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill borders right on the sand which invites both swimmers and surfers alike to belly up to the bar. The bar features burgers, sandwiches, and snacks while the dining room boasts pricier and fancier cuisine. Try sitting in the building next to the kitchen where you can order off both menus and watch the cooks fire up the wood burning oven.
We found ourselves getting addicted to the complimentary focaccia and chili pepper water (not available at lunch) while we ordered. Try the Crab & Macadamia Nut Wontons. Five fried wontons in the hot Chinese mustard dipping sauce will clear your sinuses.
Our entrees were the Kapulu Joe Pork Sandwich and the Fish Sandwich (ahi seared rare). The fish sandwich was fresh and topped with the works. The Kapulu Joe was as good as a pulled pork sandwich can get, reminiscent of a luau pig specialty.
Hula Grill was offering a special where if we returned, ordered an entree, we could get an ice-cream sandwich dessert on the house. So going back for lunch the next day, we ordered the Spicy Coconut Calamari appetizer and the Hula Applewood Cheeseburger with Fries.
The calamari was so tender we could cut it with a fork. If you don't like coconut, try Leilani's calamari. But the Hula Grill's calamari was phenomenal.
The burger was terrific but the extra bleu cheese and applewood smoked bacon toppings were pricey at $3.00.
Dessert was vanilla ice-cream sandwiched between two chocolate and macadamia nut brownies, topped with raspberry sauce. We almost licked the plate clean.
A festive environment which is also great for families, the Hula Grill was one of the most recommended restaurants. You can expect to pay about $25 per person for appetizers and entrees, drinks additional.
If you want to take a little Hula Grill home with you, stop by their Logo Store for souvenirs but more importantly, their Chili Pepper Water or Not So Ordinary Ketchup, which has guava jelly in it for a fruity flavor. Bottles of either sell for $7.25 each.
Pricewise, here’s what we paid on a few dishes: Spicy Coconut Calamari $9.95, Applewood Cheeseburger $13.75.
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