Maui Restaurant Spotlight: Hula Grill Kaanapali

Maui is home to several great restaurants serving both local and international cuisines. One of the most popular restaurants in West Maui is the Hula Grill Kaanapali. This beachside eatery is located in Whaler’s Village, a shopping mall that’s located close to the many vacation rentals in Maui, such as the Kaanapali Plantation Condos, which is only a five-minute drive away.

Famous for their fish tacos and refreshing tropical drinks, the Hula Grill has a wide selection of delectable foods on their menu, most of which are made from locally grown produce and all-natural meats. If you want to experience Hawaii's unique culinary heritage, then this is the best restaurant to visit.

Hula Grill Menu

What’s great about Hula Grill is that its menu features a wide selection of sumptuous dishes. These include fresh fish and other Hawaiian delicacies. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some of their most popular dishes for breakfast include the Hawaiian Fruit Taster, Kaanapali Acai Bowl, and Breakfast Burrito. They serve breakfast from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

The Poke Tacos, Hawaiian Ceviche, Fresh Island Fish, and Surfing Goat Cheese Flatbread are worth a try for lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to order some of their most popular appetizers, such as the Local Style Potstickers, which are made with all-natural kalua pork and onions served alongside a ponzu dipping sauce. Of course, they also have refreshing drinks to go with these delicious meals. 

If you’re here to drink, they have a bar adjacent to the restaurant, which serves delicious cocktails such as the Akamai Tai, Lilikoi Mojito, Lava Flow, and Plantation Lemonade. The Maui Mule, made with local vodka, mint, and ginger beer is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. They also serve a variety of beers on tap. During Aloha Hour, which is from 2:30 PM to 5 PM, guests can treat themselves to delicious house cocktails costing only $7 and local drafts for as low as $5 per glass.

Hula Grill is committed to serving delicious Hawaiian dishes made from Maui-grown produce and all-natural fish and meats delivered straight to their open-air kitchen by the local fishermen and farmers. 

Beautiful Views and Great Ambiance

The location of Hula Grill is great for people-watching, making it a great hangout spot after a whole day of exploring the Kaanapali area. Many tourists would pass through the area as they walk towards the Kaanapali Beach sidewalk. Hula Grill has open-air tables that open to the gorgeous views of the ocean. The vibe here is truly romantic, especially at sunset. You can also stay inside if you prefer indoor dining. 

Right across the Hula Grill restaurant is their bar named the Barefoot Bar. The bar features thatched-roof umbrellas where guests can be found sipping delicious cocktails with sand beneath their toes. Another great thing about dining at Hula Grill is that you get to enjoy free entertainment. This beachside restaurant and bar have live music to entertain guests. Usually, the music is Hawaiian style and is played at various times on most days. To be sure, call them to ask for the latest schedule. 

Opening Hours and Location

The Hula Grill KaanapaliRestaurant is open from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for quick service breakfast, and from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm for lunch and dinner. If you do not feel like going out of your vacation home in West Maui to eat, you can call for delivery. You can also choose to order takeout online, directly from their website. Since Hula Grill is one of West Maui’s most popular restaurants, the place is often crowded especially during peak hours. It is therefore recommended to call them in advance for reservation.

The Kaanapali is one of the most popular areas to base yourself on your holiday to Maui. This spot is famous for tourists and is home to some of the island’s most popular hotels and resorts. The Hula Grill is in Whaler’s Village, a popular beachside shopping mall in West Maui. If you are staying in any of the hotels, resorts, and condos in Kaanapali like the Kaanapali Royal, you can reach Hula Grill by walking on the boardwalk that passes through luxury hotels like Marriott, Hyatt, Westin, Sheraton, and Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

Depending on where you are staying in Kaanapali, you can take advantage of the hourly shuttle, such as the Kaanapali Islander Bus Route 25. There's also a shuttle for guests staying close to Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, which costs only $2. For guests with a car, you can park at the parking lot of Whaler’s Village, however, the space is very limited. Therefore, it is best to come here as early as possible, especially if you are visiting during lunch or dinner time. 

Aside from Kaanapali, Hula Grill has another branch in Oahu, located in Waikiki. Just like the Hula Grill Kaanapali, Hula Grill's Waikiki branch is set in an area that's overlooking the gorgeous views of the beach. It's perched at the edge of the ocean overlooking the famous Waikiki Beach. Diners will be treated to spectacular seaside views while dining at Hula Grill Waikiki. Their menu offerings are similar to that of the Hula Grill Kaanapali, but they do not have a bar. Still, they serve delicious cocktail drinks, beers on tap, and a wide variety of wines. They are also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

If you find yourself craving Hawaiian local dishes such as fish tacos and poke during your holiday in West Maui, then head to the Hula Grill. The restaurant is located right in the heart of Kaanapali, which is easily accessible from the various hotels, resorts, and condos in West Maui. Reservations are usually required when dining at their Dining Room section, which serves more upscale food than the Barefoot Bar. When you arrive at the Hula Grill restaurant, you will be welcomed by warm, chatty, and attentive staff. You will feel right at home, which is exactly what Hawaiian hospitality is all about.