Powell's Huli Huli Tiki Lounge, a suburban oasis of bamboo decor, tropical drinks and pu pu platters, has been sold to new owners.
Dustin Sun, who started the tiki in 2019 with a nod to tiki kitsch and Columbus' legendary Kahiki Supper Club, told customers about the change Oct. 4 with a Facebook post reassuring them that "Huli Huli Powell isn’t going anywhere."
"The new owners will continue operating the location, and I’m excited to see them take what we created and carry it into its next chapter," he said.
Sun didn't identify the new owners. The Dispatch has reached out to the bar for more information.
Huli Huli serves up pineappley, coconutty drinks in a former antique store-turned-tropical hut at 26 W. Olentangy St. in Powell. In 2024, the bar
obtained the rebar skeleton of a 16-foot moai statue that stood outside the doors of the Kahiki until South Pacific-themed restaurant and bar closed in 2000. The restored statue was rededicated in September 2025.
Although Sun has sold the Powell location of Huli Huli, he said he will continue to own and operate a Huli Huli bar that opened Downtown in May at 22 E. Mound St. It's in an 1830s building near the Franklin County courts buildings that for decades had housed legal-themed bars such as The Jury Room and Blind Lady Tavern.
"I’m looking forward to putting even more energy into growing the Downtown location, expanding our food and cocktail offerings, and continuing to build the Huli Huli experience," Sun said.
Follow Dispatch dining reporter Bob Vitale on Instagram at @dispatchdining. You can reach him directly at rvitale@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Huli Huli owner sells one of his popular tiki bars to new owner
