Pupus With a View at Tropics Bar & Grill

If the idea of pupus on the beach is not enough to entice a trip into Waikiki, the appetizer menu at Tropics Bar & Grill at Hilton Hawaiian Village just may do it. Poke, shrimp, nachos, whatever, just taste better when the view includes the glittering ocean, smooth trade winds, bikini and surf short-clad beachgoers, and, at least for this week, a never-ending array of “is that who I think it is?” Pro Bowl invitees and alumni.

Coconut Crusted Shrimp ($15) is a perfect accompaniment to the visual and audible pleasures of Waikiki. Big, crispy, sweet and juicy, with a side of lemon and a slightly spicy mango cocktail sauce — it’s not just great finger food but great food period.

Ahi Tuna Poke ($14) is another seaside favorite. Made with sashimi-grade ahi that is brought in fresh each morning, the creamy fish is mixed with shoyu, Maui onion, hijiki, toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes and garnished with watercress to add a nice visual effect, and to signal to others that the Island favorite has arrived. Not enough fish? Check out Furikake & Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($17).

The fish is light, the batter crispy and the seasoned fries, are, well, crazy good.

Tropics Nachos ($15) made with fresh tortilla chips, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapenos, Cheddar cheese and kalua pork is a popular choice, and slow-eating enough to provide ample viewing time.

Waikiki is too often a missed treasure for many local diners, and that’s too bad. The views from Tropic’s lanai are just superb and Brick Oven Pizzas delicious. Nice segue, huh?

Tropics offers five thin-crust and tasty choices, including Hawaiian, Margherita, Italian Sausage and Pepperoni, and Bacon and Bleu Cheese. However, if I were to pick just one, it would be Fire Grilled Chicken & Mushroom ($16). This pizza features grilled chicken, Hamakua mushrooms, Big Island-made goat cheese and a basil pesto, and it was almost enough to make me forget the coworkers I was dining with.

Who am I kidding? I dismissed them the minute the first appetizer crossed the table. I ended up walking home. But it was worth it.

Tropics Bar & Grill