Hula's Modern Tiki

About the Business

Specialties

HULA'S serves modern, island cuisine at a great value in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. We specialize in fresh, seasonal fish flown in from Hawaii daily, prepared a variety of ways, including (when available) Blackened Ahi tuna with wasabi mash potatoes, Macadamian nut encrusted Butterfish and Pan Fried Mahi with wok seared shiitake mushrooms. Our starters include favorites such as seared ahi wontons with wasabi cream sauce, fresh, lightly marinated poke and classic ahi loin sashimi. You can jump into a basket of our crispy sweet potato fries (with our signature fresh ginger Hula Sauce for dipping), or try the crispy coconut shrimp rolls; stuffed with succulent shrimp cooked to perfection with Thai basil and sprinkled with toasted coconut. And, don't forget our signature Duke's Luau Pork, available as a plate with our island slaw & sticky rice, or as the pork sandwich on our artisan buns, as well as South Seas fish tacos, Bali Hai Ribs and the Spicy Thai Chicken Bowl.

History

Established in 2009.

HULA'S Modern Tiki was started in September of 2009 by Phoenician M. Dana Mule', and brothers Chris & Craig Delaney of Monterey, CA (via Long Island, NY & Maui, HI). As a frequent business traveler to Monterey, Dana originally fell in love with HULA'S Island Grill & Tiki Room in '00. In February of '06 he approached Chris & Craig and began the process of bringing HULA'S to Phoenix. The partner's spent more than a year searching the entire Valley for the perfect location, and in August of '08, stumbled upon the old, hexagonal windowed, peak roofed building at 4700 N. Central Ave. Not only did the original A-frame design of the building lend itself to the Polynesian theme, but the community exuded the kind of character, diversity and soul that they were all looking for. This incarnation of HULA'S is completely unique, and reflects the urban renewal of the Central corridor. The goal was to accentuate the classic architecture, while always paying homage to HULA'S tiki roots.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Dana M, Chris and Craig D.

Business Owner

M. Dana Mule', is a Phoenician who grew up driving past the building at 4700 as a kid, always wondering what it was ("reminded us of something out of Star Wars"). As a self proclaimed foodie, he always had a love for modern twists on classic Polynesian food and fresh fish. He was the driving force behind bringing HULA'S to Phoenix, and will also act as the restaurant's General Manager. Chris and Craig Delaney opened the first HULA'S Island Grill & Tiki Room in Monterey, CA in 1998. After 25 years in the restaurant business in Maui, HI, Craig Delaney had developed a penchant for great food with that classic island flavor profile and on returning to the mainland, he and brother Chris decided to go into business together. After ten years of great success, they expanded to Santa Cruz, CA as well. Chris spent years in set design for movies and TV and was the creative force behind most of the design elements at HULA'S Modern Tiki.