Hughes produced some more trickery in the box to win a penalty late in the match, which the former Crystal Palace youth player had no problem slotting home for his fourth goal.
Hughes was surprised he scored three goals so quickly while the Waiuku defence looked as if they were still snoozing on the bus trip down from South Auckland.
"The first two were pretty easy, they were tap-ins, but I was over the moon to score a hat-trick in the first half."
The 25-year-old winger made an impression in his first season at the club last year but after a summer playing for WaiBOP United, he is looking even sharper on the ball and is settled living at Mount Maunganui.
He puts the great start to the season down to the ability and unity within the squad.
"We knew we had to step up in this league and that is exactly what we've done," Hughes said.
"We just have to work hard for one another. I think we have the depth in the squad.
"You see the players that come off the bench show it is a good, strong squad. We don't look out of shape at all and every player knows their job.
"That is what is so good about it."
