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Hula Grill WaikikiA-Worth Trying
2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
· Hawaiian restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Pacific Rim restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (5163 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beachfront crowd-pleaser with strong views, good seafood and steaks, lively vibes; book for sunset and expect premium prices and occasional inconsistencies.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Hula Grill Waikiki delivers solid A-grade performance anchored by exceptional oceanfront setting with Diamond Head views and warm, attentive service. However, inconsistent food execution—particularly temperature issues during peak times—prevents the higher tier, and premium pricing for some portions tempers overall value perception. The restaurant excels as a destination for ambiance and occasion dining rather than culinary mastery.
Restaurant Summary
Perched above the beach with breeze and surf in earshot, Hula Grill feels sunny and celebratory. Servers are often warm and attentive, and balcony seating frames Diamond Head at sunset. As one diner put it, "the view lifted the night from good to unforgettable." However, peak times can bring waits and the room turns lively and buzzing. The cooking leans Pacific Rim with island-inspired seafood and steaks touched by Asian flavors rather than theatrics. Think sesame-crusted ahi, jade pesto hollandaise, and a rich steak diane; many praise execution, though a few report temperature inconsistencies on busy nights. Finish with Hula Pie if you have room. Families do well here: there is a keiki menu and breakfast classics like banana mac pancakes or acai bowls. Kids can stick to tacos, fish and chips, and simple sides, while adventurous eaters explore bolder flavors. Book early for a view so little ones are entertained by the ocean below.
At a Glance
- Front-row ocean views and sunset ambiance
- Strong seafood and steak standouts; iconic Hula Pie
- Inconsistent temperatures and occasional slow pacing at peak times
- Premium pricing for portions on some seafood items
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- prime_oceanfront_balcony
- island_inspired_fusion_menu
- vacation_friendly_breakfasts
What People Love
- That first oceanfront glance at sunset
- Servers who read the table well
- Filet Steak Kiana with buttery mash
- Hula Pie that anchors the meal
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($33+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Some guests report lukewarm dishes or long waits during rush
- Seating allocation can disappoint if not on the balcony; reservations critical
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (tourist-heavy location, enthusiastic language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-85 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood focus: Panko & Sesame Ahi or Ginger Pesto Fresh Catch
- Steak route: Filet Steak Kiana; add truffle potatoes side
- Dessert: Share Hula Pie; lighter pick is Rainbow Sorbet
Perfect For
- Sunset date with cocktails
- Vacation splurge dinner by the ocean
- Celebratory meals with visiting family
- Breakfast with a view before the beach
Location Insights
Area: High-energy beachfront tourist hub with resorts, shopping, and ocean activities; popular for sunsets and evening strolls.
Safety: Busy, well-lit resort corridor with heavy foot traffic; generally safe with standard big-city awareness.
Nearby: Inside Outrigger Waikiki complex above Duke’s; steps to beach, shops on Kalākaua Ave, and hotel bars with live music.
WaikikiWaikiki offers a lively dining scene with a mix of casual and upscale restaurants, many featuring seafood and Hawaiian cuisine. The atmosphere is energetic and tourist-friendly, with many venues capitalizing on ocean views and beachfront access, making it popular for both daytime and evening dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–22:00
Tuesday07:00–22:00
Wednesday07:00–22:00
Thursday07:00–22:00
Friday07:00–22:00
Saturday07:00–22:00
Sunday07:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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