Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 Photos
Hula Hands Restaurant 4630
Looking for the real taste of the islands in Alaska? Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 on Mountain View Dr is the must-visit spot for authentic Pacific Islander cuisine, Hawaiian hospitality, and homestyle portions that hit the soul.
Discovering the heart of Hawaiian flavors in Anchorage at Hula Hands Restaurant 4630
Hidden on 4630 Mountain View Dr, Anchorage, this cozy eatery brings a slice of Hawaii to the chilly Alaskan air. Stepping into Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 feels less like entering a diner and more like visiting your Hawaiian auntie’s kitchen. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and first-timers get a warm smile with their plate of laulau.
Locals know it’s not just about the food here—it’s the way it makes you feel. Whether you're homesick for Oahu or just hungry for something different, the restaurant delivers comfort in every bite. The space isn’t fancy, but that’s exactly its charm: casual, warm, and welcoming, with photos of the islands, reggae music in the background, and that unmistakable smell of slow-cooked meat and sweet bread in the air.
Most diners come here after reading glowing reviews online, hearing about the generous portions, the flavorful sauces, and the nostalgic island ambiance. And once you've tried the kalua pork or lomi lomi salmon, you’ll understand why Hula Hands keeps its loyal following.
What makes Hula Hands 4630 a destination worth finding?
Anchorage isn’t short on good food, but Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 is in a league of its own when it comes to Pacific Island cuisine. The menu is packed with island staples that are hard to find elsewhere in Alaska. Dishes like pipikaula, kalua pork, and chicken long rice come with rich flavors and stories passed down through generations.
One standout is the loco moco, a humble dish of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. It might sound simple, but the execution here is anything but basic. The yolk runs just right, the gravy is deep and savory, and everything is served steaming hot on a plate big enough for two.
For those who crave variety, the mixed plates are a hit. They let you sample a bit of everything—perfect if it’s your first time and you want a true taste of the islands. And don’t skip the sides. The macaroni salad, steamed white rice, and poke are all made fresh and balanced in flavor.
You’ll also find unique treats like haupia, a traditional coconut pudding, and spam musubi, a popular island snack that combines rice, seaweed, and grilled spam. For drink lovers, the restaurant carries Hawaiian Sun juices—a nostalgic touch that pairs perfectly with every meal.
A local spot with island soul and community roots
Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 isn’t just about the food. It’s a gathering place. It's where families come after Sunday service, where friends reunite over fried saimin, and where lonely travelers find a bit of joy in a plate lunch.
What sets the place apart is its deep connection to the Polynesian and Micronesian communities in Anchorage. You’ll often see groups speaking Samoan, Tongan, or Hawaiian while enjoying meals together. The staff themselves reflect that warmth—most have been with the restaurant for years, and many are part of the same families who founded it.
The interior may be modest, but the atmosphere is rich with aloha spirit. Patrons often talk about how the team treats them “like ohana,” and it’s easy to see why. Service is prompt but relaxed, always with a kind word and a smile.
Over the years, the restaurant has hosted small events, from hula performances to local music nights. These moments turn a regular dinner into a full-on cultural experience. It’s no surprise that for many Pacific Islanders in Alaska, Hula Hands isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a home away from home.
Hula Hands 4630 through the eyes of those who love it
Ask around town, and you'll find plenty of people who swear by Hula Hands Restaurant 4630. One Anchorage native we spoke to, Michelle T., said: “Every time I eat there, it brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Hilo. The lau lau? Just like hers.”
Another regular, a local delivery driver named James, told us he hits Hula Hands for lunch at least twice a week. “It’s filling, it’s real food, and it tastes like someone cooked it with heart.”
A glance at online reviews reinforces what locals already know. With 4+ stars on most platforms, customers praise not just the food but the consistency, service, and value. Phrases like "best Hawaiian food north of the islands" and "I drive across town just to get the fried rice" show up again and again.
There’s also a lot of appreciation for how accommodating the staff is. From customizing orders to making sure takeout is packed properly, the team pays attention. That matters when you’re ordering for a family gathering or picking up lunch after a long shift.
Even first-timers feel welcome. One visitor from Seattle wrote, “Didn’t expect to find poke this fresh in Alaska—but wow. Hula Hands nailed it.” Another mentioned how the portion sizes easily justify the price, calling it a “budget-friendly gem.”
Details that matter when planning your visit
Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 is located in East Anchorage, specifically at 4630 Mountain View Dr, a spot that’s easy to reach by car. There’s plenty of parking, and even during lunch rushes, the wait is manageable. The place runs like a well-oiled machine, thanks to years of experience serving both dine-in and takeout customers.
The restaurant’s layout is straightforward: order at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your name to be called. Orders are usually ready within 10–15 minutes, even for larger groups. There’s a steady rhythm here that regulars have come to rely on.
Opening hours tend to vary slightly, so it’s smart to check the latest updates on their Facebook page or Google listing before you go. Most days, they’re open through lunch and dinner hours, but don’t expect a late-night bite—it’s more of a midday destination.
As for payment, they accept both cash and card, and there’s no fuss about splitting bills or ordering extra sauces. Everything feels built for convenience, whether you’re grabbing lunch solo or feeding a party of five.
Vegetarians will find a few decent options, like tofu stir-fry or veggie fried noodles, but the menu does lean heavily toward meat-based island favorites. If you have dietary restrictions, the staff is usually happy to explain ingredients or adjust where possible.
Final thoughts from those who’ve been there
To eat at Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 is to taste a little history, a little culture, and a whole lot of love. This isn’t fast food—it’s island comfort food, cooked with soul and meant to be shared. From the smoky richness of kalua pork to the buttery texture of lomi salmon, every bite speaks of tradition.
The restaurant has carved out a rare space in Anchorage: one that’s unapologetically authentic, proudly Pacific Islander, and always community-first. For anyone who’s ever felt far from home, a meal here offers a warm reminder of where you come from—or where you’d like to go.
Hula Hands Restaurant 4630 Reviews
They can get quite busy but still deliver excellent friendly service with large portions very responsibly priced.
Tasty and authentic Hawaiian food. Enormous portions. My combo plate had four chicken thighs and about a half pound of kalua pork along with rice and mac salad. All delicious. Warm service. Room is plain and drafty.
Don't let the homeless in the neighborhood scare you away. The staff are so kind and treat you like family. A local favorite with 5 star flavor!
This place has its charm for Hawaiian food/grindz. The place is not located in the best of locations and has broken window on the entrance door at the time but don't let that stop you from getting some awesome Hawaiian interactions and food sections from the inside. The employee inside definitely was from Hawaii and had all the mannerisms of it. I missed it so I loved it. For food I went something simple and got spam and eggs. It was good but next time I will go for the lau lau.
Was just what we needed, actual Hawaiian food can’t get this back home so it was such a treat
The food is always excellent here. The macaroni salad and even just the rice have great flavor and texture. Given the surrounding environment, there’s some sketchy crowds around the restaurant, but that’s hardly in their control. Where the location does fall short is with the front service ladies. The older woman is okay, but the younger girl does not care. I sat there for ten minutes while she stood by the soda fountain on her phone. I had even asked her if my order was ready as I looked at the bag of food on the counter, which was coincidentally for me. And was told no as she went back to her phone. This aside, I would get food to go from here again. I just hope that customer service gets better.
One of our favorite places to eat food from home when we visit Alaska. I can never remember the location if it’s Mountain View or Fireweed, but look for the truck with a big photo of Diamondhead (Mt.Le’ahi ) painted on the side. We always get a big steamy bowl of love ( aka saimin) and can get hot mustard so we love it. portions are impossibly huge, we love the sampler platter so we can get a taste of everything.. kalbi and katsu, Teri chicken, the best Mac salad, musubis... and just like most great Hawaiian diners, the decor is simple and cheerful . Photo credit : Hula Hands Facebook page Because look at the sampler Saimin photo is my own
Great Hawaiian food very large portions great loving people if your in need of something sweet to eat come here