8 minute read

Dining Guide

Next Article
Talk Story

Talk Story

$=Average entrée under $25

$$=under $35 $$$=under $50

$$$$=$50+ R=Reservations required Phone numbers are area code 808.

‘Aipono Awards celebrate the finest dining spots on Maui, as voted by the readers of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine jawing and comparing which dish is the yummiest.

Hale Mo‘olelo Chef Yoshikazu Kizu may have you singing praises to your pals over sharable grinds such as the loaded Carne Asada Nachos piled high with crisp tortilla chips, melted cheese, guacamole and salsa rojas; the Kona crab and lobster cakes with roasted corn relish and citrus remoulade; and the Thai sticky wings with sweet-chili-lime dipping sauce.

Veggie lovers will express an interest in the hummus and crudité of baby carrots, English cucumbers, watermelon radishes, heirloom cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers and grilled pita bread. You’ll want to brag between bites about these crisp and super fresh island vegetables. Go ahead: Gobble and gossip, it’s all welcome here.

Customers also talk up a storm about the Korean fried chicken sandwiches with kimchi pickles on brioche buns, the North Shore grilled garlic shrimp with lemon butter and sticky rice, and the tempura fish tacos with chipotle remoulade. Others vocalize their approval of the local greens section of the menu, featuring fresh catch on fresh Maui lettuces with avocado; and the BLT Caesar salad tossed with poi bread croutons and parmesan cheese.

In addition to food and drink, Hale Mo’olelo is the place to get a taste of Hawai‘i’s diverse music scene with nightly live music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can relax to the lilting sounds of traditional Hawaiian music or enjoy the energetic vibes of contemporary hits. Have fun – and don’t forget to “talk story” between sets!

BLACK ROCK SHAVE ICE Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 661-0031 Chill poolside with this local favorite. Choose up to three flavors, and consider an add-on, such as ice cream or toasted coconut. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Treats. $

CASTAWAY CAFE Aston Maui

Kā'anapali Villas, 661-9091 This beachfront restaurant serves casual fare with a local twist, and offers an award-winning wine list and unparalleled ocean views. American. $

CHINA BOWL ASIAN CUISINE

Fairway Shops, 661-0660

Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechwan dishes, plus local favorites like saimin and kau yuk. Dine-in, takeout and delivery available. Kid-friendly. Chinese. $

CHOICE HEALTH BAR Whalers Village, 667-0585 Juices, smoothies, salads, soups and açai bowls made with fresh, local ingredients. Daily specials and an epic entree with forbidden rice and marinated broccoli in a red pepper and sesame sauce. American. $

CLIFF DIVE GRILL Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 661-0031 Cozy up to the bar and enjoy chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches and tacos. An enticing dinner menu includes a huli huli chicken appetizer and an 8-ounce grilled ribeye steak. Sunset entertainment features a torchlighting ceremony followed by a cliff diver’s leap from Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock). American. Bar. $$

CORAL REEF Sheraton Maui

Resort & Spa, 661-0031 Start your day with the popular Nō Ka ‘Oi breakfast buffet, or choose from the à la carte menu. At night, dine seaside and enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine made with locally grown ingredients. Pacific Rim. R (dinner). $$$-$$$$

DA NANI PIRATES Whalers

Village, 856-6302 Tacos, fish and casual dining. Food truck. American. $-$$

DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC

LŪ‘AU Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 667-4727

Celebrating more than 40 years in business, this immersive experience takes you on a journey through the Pacific. Enjoy a three-course dinner and open bar while delighting in the authentic chants, songs and dances of Polynesia. With elaborate costumes, a signature drum performance and a lei demonstration, this is a night to remember. ‘Aipono Award winner for Best Lū‘au (Silver, 2017–2020) Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. R. $$$$

FOOD COURT Whalers

Village Refresh and recharge at this fast-food emporium featuring Joey’s Kitchen, Nikki’s Pizza and Maui Poke. Kid-friendly. Eclectic. $

HALE ‘Ā Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525 Hale ‘Ā means house of sparkle, and this sophisticated bar definitely dazzles. Located near the adults-only pool, this venue serves artisanal cocktails, wine and beer, as well as light fare, such as hummus, salads, tacos and treats. American. Bar. $-$$

HÄAGEN-DAZS Whalers Village, 667-5377 Indulge in irresistible ice cream, sorbet, a warm brownie sundae à la mode, or the signature Dazzler frozen dessert. Treats. $

HALE MO‘OLELO Westin

Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525

Hale is the Hawaiian word for house; mo‘olelo means story. This open-air gathering spot beside the keiki (children) pool offers a stunning view of the ocean. Experience authentic Maui vibes, share laughs and enjoy great food. American. $-$$

HELE ON Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, 661-0011 Stop by for coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, salads and to-go snacks. Also serving select beer, wine and cocktails. Coffee Shop. Grab ‘n’ Go. $

HONOLULU COFFEE CO.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 661-1234 Jump-start your day with a selection of coffees, freshly baked pastries, tropical-fruit smoothies and açai bowls. Coffee Shop. $

HULA GRILL Whalers Village, 667-6636 Dip your toes in the sand at the Barefoot Bar as you enjoy live entertainment and casual fare. The open-air dining room offers unobstructed views, and serves dishes such as fire-grilled ‘ahi steak. Kidfriendly. Hawai‘i Regional. $$-$$$

ISLAND PRESS COFFEE

Fairway Shops, 667-2003

Maui-grown coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, beer, wine and ice cream. Maui-made kombucha. Indoor/outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. Coffee Shop. $

ISLAND VINTAGE COFFEE

Whalers Village, 868-4081

Perk up with a cup of coffee, or choose from a hearty selection of açai bowls, sandwiches and salads. Coffee Shop. $

JAPENGO Enjoy majestic ocean views, Pacific Rim cuisine infused with island flavors, and open-air dining at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant. Japengo offers expertly crafted sushi, savory steaks and locally-sourced seafood that will tantalize every taste bud. Voted 2022 ‘Aipono Award winner Best Asian and Best Sushi (Silver) by readers of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine Pacific Rim/Asian. R. $$$

JOEY’S KITCHEN Whalers Village Food Court, 8684474 Food-court fare gets a gourmet upgrade with braised short-rib pho atop house-made rice noodles, corn and sweet Filipino peppers in a rich ginger-beef broth. Asian Fusion. $

LĀHAINĀ PROVISION CO. Hyatt Residence Club Maui, 662-1000 Choose from fresh pastries, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and hot food, plus a fine wine and fresh produce. Grab ‘n’ Go. $

LEILANI’S ON THE BEACH Whalers Village, 661-4495

Enjoy the view from the Beachside Grill while snacking on coconut shrimp, calamari, sashimi, burgers and fish tacos. Dine on the fire-grilled daily catch, herb-roasted jidori chicken and prime rib.

Kid-friendly. Steak/Seafood. R. $$-$$$

LONGHI’S Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 667-7733 Classic Italian fare with Pacific flair. Shrimp scampi, seared ‘ahi in caper-butter sauce, steaks, clams and fritto misto. End with a luscious pineapple upside-down cake. Great wine list, too! Italian. $-$$$

MACADANGDANG Fairway Shops, 868-0929 Chef Joey Macadangdang, of Joey’s Kitchen, presents this elevated dining experience featuring Pacific Rim flavors. Signature cocktails and bar service available. 2022 ‘Aipono Award for Best New Restaurant. Pacific Rim. $-$$

MAI TAI BAR Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 661-0031 This beachside location at the foot of Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) offers poke bowls, sandwiches and salads from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Try a tropical cocktail, such as the Black Rock Mai Tai, made with a splash of aloha. American. $$

MAKAI TIKI BAR Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 667-1200

Located poolside, this bar and grill is just steps away from the beach. Enjoy Hawai‘i-inspired cocktails, fresh salads and deli sandwiches. American. $-$$

MAUI NUI LŪ‘AU Sheraton

Maui Resort & Spa, 877HULA

This oceanfront allyou-can-eat buffet features traditional island foods, such as slow-roasted kālua pork unearthed fresh from the imu (underground oven), as well as cultural arts and crafts and Polynesian entertainment. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. R. $$$$

MAUI POKE Whalers Village, 868-0814 Enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine and local favorites, including buildyour-own poke bowls, musubi, sushi, nori tacos, salads and more. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Sushi. Hawai‘i Regional. $-$$

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN

Whalers Village, 878-6763

Locally sourced ingredients shine at this Peter Merriman venue that dishes up pizza, burgers, tacos and ramen. The best-selling Monkeypod Mai Tai is topped with honeyliliko‘i (passionfruit) foam. 2022 ‘Aipono Award for Best Happy Hour and Best Bar. Hawai‘i Regional. $$

MYTHS OF MAUI LŪ‘AU

Royal Lāhainā Resort, 2015590 Indulge your senses at Maui’s longest-running oceanfront lū‘au. Feast on a traditional Hawaiian-style buffet and enjoy the open bar while experiencing the tales of Hawai‘i, Tahiti and Samoa through music, song and dance. The evening culminates with a breathtaking fire dance. Kidfriendly. Lū‘au. R. $$$$

NIKKI’S PIZZA Whalers

Village Food Court, 667-0333

Fuel your day with a loaded pizza, a hot meatball panini, pasta and gyros. Hearty breakfast served all day. Italian/Pizza/Deli. $-$$$

ONO GELATO CO. Whalers

Village, 868-2926 Italian-style gelato made daily with whole milk, heavy cream and egg yolk in Hawaiian-inspired flavors like mango, mac nut and Maui "mokka." Treats. $

PAU HUAKA‘I TIKI BAR

Hyatt Residence Club Maui, 662-1000 Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, lemon-ginger kombucha on tap and local beer. Menu includes burgers, fish tacos, wraps and salads.

Full menu and limited bar fare until 7 p.m. Daily happy-hour specials. American. $

ROUND TABLE PIZZA

Fairway Shops, 662-0777

Try local favorite Maui Zaui: ham, bacon, pineapple, Roma tomatoes, red and green onions and three cheeses atop Polynesian-style red sauce. Kid-friendly. American. $$

ROY’S KĀ‘ANAPALI Royal Kā‘anapali Golf Clubhouse, 669-6999 Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi rocks local fish and produce with an Asian attention to detail. Blackened ‘ahi and macadamia nutcrusted mahimahi with lobster-butter sauce are menu standouts. Save room for the award-winning chocolate soufflé. ‘Aipono Award winner for Best Pacific Rim Cuisine (Silver, 2020) Hawai‘i Regional. Pacific Rim.

R. $$$

ROYAL OCEAN TERRACE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Royal Lāhainā Resort, 661-9119 A traditional torch-lighting ceremony heralds the evening at this open-air casual restaurant with commanding views of the Pacific, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Enjoy “broke da mouth” baked lobster mac ‘n’ cheese or a fresh ‘ahi poke bowl while enjoying hula dancers and Hawaiian music. Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. $$

ROYAL SCOOP Royal Lāhainā Resort, 661-3611

Continental breakfast items, deli sandwiches, specialty coffees, frozen yogurt, and Maui’s own Roselani ice cream. Treats. $

TERALANI SAILING ADVENTURES 661-1230

Sail the Kā‘anapali coast in a catamaran at sunset and indulge in a gourmet, chef-inspired meal with fresh fish, herb-roasted chicken or coconut curry with ginger rice. Beer, wine, champagne, mai tai or tropical cocktail at an open bar. Watch for whales (seasonally), dolphins, and turtles as you enjoy the sun setting onto the horizon. Pacific Rim, American. R. $$$$

THE SANDBAR Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa lobby, 661-0031 Offering breakfast in the morning and cocktails and pūpū (appetizers) in the afternoons and evenings. Sunsets are free! Hawai‘i Regional. $$

SON’Z STEAKHOUSE Hyatt

Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 667-4506 Overlooking a hidden lagoon and waterfall, Kā‘anapali’s premier steakhouse features the finest cuts, including filet mignon and prime New York strip. This fine-dining restaurant also serves fresh fish and lobster, and has an expansive wine list and a full bar. American. R. $$$$

STARBUCKS Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. Second location: Westin Maui Resort & Spa Find all your favorite Starbucks offerings at these full-service stores. Coffee Shop. $

SWAN COURT Hyatt

Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 661-1234 Start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet or à la carte selections of fresh, local flavors and traditional favorites as the resident swans glide by. American. $$

TEPPAN-YAKI DAN Sheraton

Maui Resort & Spa, 921-4600

A skillful chef prepares steak, lobster, shrimp, scallops and fresh fish to perfection – right before your eyes. Japanese. Steak/Seafood. R. $$$

‘ŪMALU Hyatt Regency

Maui Resort & Spa, 6611234 Retreat to this poolside eatery, bar and lounge for local favorites and an island take on American cuisine with fresh local ingredients, views of the ocean and sports on four screens. Enjoy two happy hours daily and live music 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bar. American. Pacific Rim. R (dinner). $$

WAICOCO Westin Maui

Resort & Spa, 446-3020 Chef Chris Kajioka and two-time Michelin Award-winner chef Mourad Lahlou create culinary memories at this venue serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, including ‘ohana (family)-style vegan coconut curry or 64-oz. double tomahawk steak International. $-$$

WAILELE POLYNESIAN

LŪ‘AU Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 661-2992 This awardwinning Polynesian dinner show features an authentic Fijian chief as host; dances and songs from Hawai‘i, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa; and a daring fireknife dance finale. Hawaiian buffet and open bar. Kidfriendly. Lū‘au. R. $$$$

This article is from: