HULA’S Modern Tiki sits right in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale, and the place hits you with its personality as soon as you walk up. It is bright, lively, and laid out with that clean mid-century look they are known for. There is plenty of bamboo and carved wood, but the space feels open and modern rather than cluttered. It is the kind of bar where you can show up in flip-flops at lunch or roll in at night and still feel like you made the right pick.
The drinks are the main draw, and they take the craft side seriously. Classic tiki cocktails show up with fresh juice, house syrups, and solid rum choices, so both casual visitors and hardcore tiki fans get something they like. Their version of a Mai Tai is balanced, not sugary, and their Scorpion Bowl is the type that gets passed around the table with a grin. The bartenders know their way around the menu and will usually point you toward something you have not tried before.
The food is stronger than you expect from a tiki bar. Ahi poke, sliders, crispy coconut shrimp, and a few island-inspired bowls come out fast and work well with the drinks. It is comfortable food with a tropical angle, not overly fancy, but good enough that people often come here to eat first and drink second.
The energy picks up in the evening. The big windows open to the street, the patio fills out, and the crowd grows into a mix of locals, visitors, and people hopping between Old Town spots. Music stays upbeat without overwhelming the room. It is an easy hangout, and you can stay for one drink or settle in for hours without feeling rushed.
HULA’S Modern Tiki is not trying to recreate a strict vintage tiki temple. It keeps the spirit and visuals while making it approachable and fun. If you want a spot in Scottsdale that feels warm, social, and just tropical enough to shake off the desert for a bit, this is the place.