Hula's Island Grill

Thankfully, this was the only mediocre food adventure experience we had during our trip to NorCal. We had lunch here during our visit to the aquarium.

They claim they're voted one of the best restaurants in the U.S. Pfffft at what and whose standards?

The food was average at best, but what made it worse was their outrageous pricing. No need to go into details about their food because there wasn't anything special or extraordinary about it compared to other Hawaiian restaurants that are far less inexpensive than theirs.

See the pix attached with the prices as of June 2023. Everything was overpriced. For example, their KALBI RIBS was $24, which came with two ribs, a scoop of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. The ribs were so salty! My burnt Kalbi Ribs that I cook at home taste better than theirs!

Another example was their JAWAIIAN JERK PORK for $23, which came with a sccop of rice, cole slaw, and two small slices of plantains. The pork was so dry and so salty!

Anyway, I can go on and on how disappointed we were at this place. But none of the items we ordered were any good.

Service was okay. The lady who helped us was friendly, but we felt rushed. The ambiance was casual, and it was slow during the time we went, but I can imagine the place being rowdy during happy hours or peak times.

Overall, when in Monterey Bay, don't make a mistake coming to this place. It's such a ripoff!

I used to love this place but it has gone downhill.

The service is usually good but food takes FOREVERRR to come out.

Appetizer: Abalone-Style Calamari 2/10
Last time I was there, we ordered this and only got 4 pieces for $14... Absurd amount.

Mains: Hawaiian Fish Soup 4/10
It barely had any fish or noodles, just the broth. The flavor was just okay.

Macadamia Nut Encrusted Barramundi 7.5/10
I liked how it was prepared and the mango salsa gave it a kick in flavor. Rice was rice. I highly recommend subbing the slaw in any dish for anything else unless you really REALLY enjoy a strong taste of garlic.

This place is better to only grab drinks DURING HAPPY HOUR because they are expensive. But they're strong.

Good ambiance especially at night.

Overall, I wouldn't come back but their drinks and desserts are good.

6/10 Food
7/10 Service

Food was very good, healthy portions. Service was friendly & fast. The Ambiance & decor reminded me of the islands...will be back for another visit.

after a trip to the aquarium we went via trolley and all ordered their tacos. so yummy!! the shrimp tacos were nice and juicy, however the rice was just plain rice where i was expecting more of a lime type of rice. our waitress came around for waters frequently and was very attentive and friendly.

the best part of the meal was the dessert, it was AMAZING. i would come again just for the pie alone i recommend it 1000/10!!

Vegan review:

The ambiance and service were great. There was a huge party sitting next to us with very complicated orders and the waiter was so patient with them and got all their orders right. I was very impressed.

I got the vegan jungle curry. I got it with the vegan chicken. It was fried and chewy and had a good texture- not exactly like real chicken but no complaints. It was delicious! I looooved the plantains in the meal.

The drinks menu looked promising but I didn't get a chance to try anything! Will stop by again if I'm in the area!

Close to the tourist area but not a touristy spot. Old school tiki decor with a nod towards maximalism. The menu is huge. And best of all the service is great. Friendly, knowledgeable wait staff. We've been more than once and taken out of town guests there and it's always a hit.

There is NOTHING bad from here and the employees are always so fun. They like where they work you can tell. My fav is the kalbi ribs and mai tai. They have an adult pog that's great too. If you haven't gone you're missing out. Goooooooo!

Ribs were tasty, and cute outdoor patio. Seems quite popular. Mac salad was a letdown. Most staff were very friendly.

Do not go here if you have children. They turned us away because we had a stroller with a sleeping infant in it despite several tables available.

This place has great food and great service. I got the pork plate and it was delicious. They also sell double tiki margaritas. I got the blue blue one and it was so good. It's basically like a tiki bar inside the outside seating is superior.