Hula's Island Grill - Santa Cruz, California

Jacob

Everything was excellent but I would like to caution diners that there are paintings that depict some partial nudity. For a place that caters also to children, I feel that this must be appropriately addressed, as my young son was intently staring at one such piece of art.

Otherwise, the food, drinks, and service were excellent! We were well attended, and food both arrived quickly and cooked very well!

I am a little confused by the Johnny Cakes, though - they are advertised as Jamaican but look nothing like any I've ever seen.

J R.

The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, service is always great, and the food? Easily some of the best in the Bay Area. Every time I visit Santa Cruz, I bring friends or colleagues here — and no one has ever been disappointed.

I usually order the Kalbi Ribs plate and one of their in-house cocktails — both are fantastic. Portions are generous, flavors are amazing, and the price is more than fair for the quality you get.

Highly recommend. This spot never misses! 🌺🍹🔥

Lily M.

This place is incredible! I got some coffee and the Hawaiian fish soup. One of my favorite things about coffee is getting to mix in the cream and sugar, and they had the cutest little tray for it. The soup was delicious, it was sweet and creamy, and the noodles were perfect. The server was so nice, and regularly checked in with our table. I completely recommend!

Robin K.

Didn't like being stuffed back into the corner. Dark back there. BUT they have a gluten free menu. Food very tasty. Gluten free menu. Server nice. Would go back!

Piotrek

The burgers were shockingly underwhelming for the price. I left still hungry. Small patty, weird bun, and the sides... the sides. Why skimp on the lowest cost items like fried potatoes or coleslaw? Especially when the sandwich is small. The drinks were better than the food. The saving grace.

Mark H.

Hula's Island Grill is a great place with tasty food that has a little twist.
Kona wings: 8.5/10 They were amazing! Moist, flavorful, with a great spicy sauce and dip (maybe habanero?).
Jerk grilled chicken 8/10 They said it was spicy, but it wasn’t really. The seasoning was delicious, the chicken was juicy with a nice grilled crust, and the coleslaw was a perfect side.

Swapnil K.

As Baudelaire once said, “Gourmandise begins when hunger is no longer the question.” Sadly, at Hula Island Grill, even hunger remained unanswered.

The cocktails, far from any artisanal reverie, tasted like they were poured from the nearest tetra pack and dressed up in vacation kitsch — more juice bar than island bar. I was recommended the ono fish in place of the absent halibut, but what arrived was a dry, overcooked plate that felt more like a resignation than a culinary statement.

Broccolini — uncooked, barely warmed, its tough stalks fighting back with every bite. A brief steam, a respectful few minutes of heat, and it could have become something elegant: crisp yet yielding.

There was no crescendo, no narrative arc — just a meal that existed, uninspired and unresolved. One leaves not outraged, but simply unmoved. A missed opportunity in a town that otherwise inspires spontaneity and soul.

Ravi L.

Your quintessential Pacific island grill
The bar is well stocked with rums and they serve a killer Mai Tai
You are immediately transported to your favorite island as soon as you enter
Menu is eclectic , mix it asian , mexican and island
Ingredients are fresh , positions are large and the fish is spectacular
I had the barramundi with lemongrass cream sauce , served with rice and slaw
It was perfect , flaky fish with a crispy crust and creamy citirusy sauce perfectly complemented by the soft sweet rice and crunchy slaw

The veggie jungle bowl was good too

I would pass on the fries