View a Spectacular Maui Sunset While Dining at the Hula Grill

Hawaiian Ceviche AppetizerHeather Jauquet/Author

Steps from the beach, with outdoor seating to view the passers-by and with a chance to listen to live music sits a restaurant near the entrance of Whaler’s Village. The ambiance is perfect, especially after another spectacular Maui sunset.

Hula Grill is a tourist's delight and sits in a perfect location along a walking path on Ka’anapali Beach. It gives you a perfect view as the sun sets between Lanai and Molokai in the distance.

For years, we’ve walked by as patrons laugh and enjoy the open-air seating which is perfect post-pandemic. However, don’t expect to get a seat for dinner just by walking up. The waitlist is at least a month-long as everyone comes out of pandemic hibernation to eat dinner with friends and family and get a front seat view for the sunset. The wait is worth it. Just plan for reservations ahead of time. 

“Inspired by local fisherman, farmers, and ‘Ohana”—Hula Grill

While dinner is a popular hour, there are openings for their limited breakfast-to-go menu and lunch hour. They are available Monday through Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30am for dine-in or takeout for their Quick Service Breakfast. You can also order takeout and have your meal right on the beach. No matter what time you go, the ambiance is perfect. There’s no better setting for a delicious Maui meal. 

My husband managed to reserve us a seat if we were willing to come after sunset. We had the best seat in the house next to the live music. With toes in the sand and the waiter telling us to enjoy our time, we did exactly that. 

Wanting to soak up every minute of a perfect Maui day, we started our meal with Hawaiian Ceviche which is fresh fish doused in lime, coconut milk, Maui onion, avocado, cucumber, jalapeño, and eaten with crispy taro chips. Seriously ono-licious.

Fire-Grilled Ahi SteakHeather Jauquet/Author

Our main courses were recommended by our waiter. My husband had the fire-grilled Ahi Steak made with Iwamoto natty simian noodles, local vegetables, crispy garlic, and shoe ginger beurre blanc. It was perfection.

Crab topped Mahi-MahiHeather Jauquet/Author

I opted for the crab topped macadamia nut-crusted Mahi Mahi. Living close to Baltimore I love fish topped with crab meat and I loved this Maui version of a Baltimore classic. My Mahi-Mahi was accompanied by coconut sesame rice Maui gold pineapple beurre blank, and Maui grown vegetables. The pineapple beurre blanc was just the right amount of sweetness for this delicate dish.

While you’re enjoying your meal, as for the Barefoot Brew, created exclusively for the Hula Grill by Maui Brewing Company. For my beer connoisseurs, Untappd describes the brew, “This honey Amber blends Macadamia Nut Blossom Organic Honey with the crisp style of Amber Ale. Spicy Tettanger hops are added to achieve a well-balanced ale.” 

As we listened to the live music we settled into our meal. The ambiance had the casual feel of toes in the sand on a moonlit night, but the convenience of a restaurant.

Hula PieHeather Jauquet/Author

We finished our meal with a slice each of their Original Hula Pie and Pono Pie. Both are delicious, though I would go back again and again for their Hula Pie. It’s made with a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nuts, and whipped cream. I swear that macadamia nuts make everything taste better. 

The Pono pie is a decadent dairy, sugar, and gluten free alternative. It’s made with ulu which is Hawaiian breadfruit, toasted coconut, and nut crust.  

This is an experience not to be forgotten. If you are in Maui, stop by Hula Grill for delicious food, wonderful live entertainment, and spectacular sunsets.

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