Hula Grill Kaanapali

Located in the heart of Whalers Village on Kāʻanapali Beach, Hula Grill is a busy hangout with live music seven days a week. You can sit for a meal in the open-air dining room, but the real party happens at the restaurant’s Barefoot Bar, right on the water’s edge. Kick off your shoes and sink your feet in the sand, then order a Barefoot Brew (made specially for the bar by Maui Brewing Co.) or cocktails like piña coladas, mojitos, and Maui Mules with organic vodka. Also on offer are a range of non-alcoholic drinks, from house-made sodas and fresh-squeezed juices to local kombucha and pure coconut water, as well as a solid food menu that highlights Hawaiian farmers and fishers. For a great deal, head here for Aloha Hour, which takes place daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes special prices on pupus and drinks.

While there are a lot of places in Kaʽanapali to grab a tropical drink, Hula Grill is the only bar that has an outdoor patio with sand. There is live music seven days a week, and its central location at the heart of Whalers Village makes for a busy and happening perch. For drinks, order a glass of “Barefoot Brew,” crafted by Maui Brewing Company. The beer is made specifically for the restaurant so Hula Grill is the only place in Kaʽanapali where you can enjoy the refreshing ale. Of course, there’s also a full range of cocktails, and lava flows, daiquiris, and multi-hued Mai Tais consistently make the rounds. The daily “Aloha Hour” is from 3-5 p.m. This is one of the best places in Kaʽanapali to grab a drink, enjoy the music, and dip your toes in the sand.

Hula Grill is located on Ka’anapali Beach at Whalers Village, a cute little shopping area within walking distance of several luxury hotels and condominiums. For the most part, the menu prices are fairly reasonable. Naturally, fish dishes are on the higher side but there is enough selection to make every patron happy. Our chef decided to give our group a sampling of many different dishes. The salads were really fresh tasting and many of the ingredients are sourced locally. The mini tacos were also a big hit with our group, as was the chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream dessert.