Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine - December 2024 by Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine

Return of the Whales

Scientists

FLOUR POWER

Master bakers at Maui Bread Company in Kīhei craft artisan breads celebrating both Hawaiian and German recipes.

24 HIGH SCHOOL PADDLING

Maui County high school students gather at Kahului Harbor every winter to compete in outrigger canoe paddling races.

ʻAIPONO VOTING BEGINS

Maui No Ka ʻOi Magazine presents the 2025 ‘Aipono Awards. Learn how you can vote for your favorite Maui restaurants.

50 WHALES FROM ABOVE

Thousands of humpback whales travel 3,000 miles to reach the warm waters of Maui Nui Basin, a sight best witnessed by helicopter.

Ryan Siphers Chris Amundson

Travis Morrin

contents departments

ON THE COVER

Off the coast of Olowalu, a humpback mother protects her calf, one of the many whales born each winter in warm waters of the Maui Nui Basin. Story begins on page 50.

14 TALK STORY

Tales of the island fresh off the coconut wireless. Maui Alpaca Farm shares alpaca ‘ohana; Canoe Crop Corner in Wailuku presents tastings from local farmers and chefs; and a coffee shop in Kēōkea serves Grandma Minnie’s best brews and recipes.

34 ISLAND KITCHEN

Bring home specialty recipes from 2023 ‘Aipono Award-winning restaurants Monkeypod Kitchen, Alaloa Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Kō at the Fairmont Kea Lani and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop.

40 DINING GUIDE

Everything you need to know about dining on Maui, from casual bites to luxury experiences.

58 A HUI HOU

A hike along the Sliding Sands Trail reveals the yawning crater of Haleakalā, a sight aptly named “House of the Sun," in our photo contest.

POSTMASTER: MAUI NO KA OI MAGAZINE, ISSN 2473-5299 (print), ISSN 2473-5469 (online) is published bimonthly for $30 per year by Flagship Publishing, Inc., 5131 S College Ave, Unit A, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Standard postage paid at Denver, CO, Wailuku, HI, and at additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maui No Ka Oi, c/o Subscriptions Dept, PO Box 270130, Fort Collins, CO 80527. (808) 242-8331.

Photo by Daniel Sullivan

Chris Amundson

DECEMBER 2024 VOL. 28, NO. 5

Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi is an internationally-distributed magazine dedicated to exploring the life and culture of Maui Nui. There’s a saying known in the islands: Maui nō ka ‘oi, Hawaiian for “Maui is the best.” We hope you think so, too.

Publisher & Executive Editor Chris Amundson

Associate Publisher Angela Amundson

MANAGING EDITOR

Lauren Warring

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR

Victoria Finlayson

DESIGN

Jennifer Stevens, Mark Del Rosario

John Anton Sisbreño

STAFF WRITER

Ariella Nardizzi

PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR

Erik Makić

ADVERTISING SALES

Chris Amundson

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Liesl Amundson, Janice Sudbeck

Call 1-844-808-6284, visit MauiMagazine.net or return a subscription card from this issue to subscribe: 1 year (6 issues) for $30 or 2 years (12 issues) for $52. Call or email subscriptions@mauimagazine.net for fundraising opportunities and bulk rates.

ADVERTISE

For rates and premier position availability, call (808) 242-8331 or email advertising@mauimagazine.net. Reservation deadlines are two months prior to publication dates.

CONTRIBUTE

Send queries, stories, photos and letters to the editor to editor@mauimagazine.net.

Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine

220 Imi Kala St, Unit 204 PO Box 1450

Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 242-8331 MauiMagazine.net

Maui Nō Ka 'Oi Magazine is printed on acid- and chlorine-free paper from Sappi, an environmental leader whose paper products comply with the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Alpaca ‘Ohana

Tour a growing alpaca farm

by Savy Janssen

NESTLED IN THE lush, green hills of Upcountry Maui lies a serene sanctuary where the gentle hum of nature mingles with the murmurs of contented alpacas. Not unlike their native mountains of Peru, here the alpaca graze and strut happily in pastures on the slopes of Haleakalā.

Founded in 2020 by Janet Baldwin, the Maui Alpaca Farm began as a modest venture with just three female alpacas. Her initial foray into alpaca farming was driven by curiosity and a touch of naiveté. “I knew nothing about alpacas,” she said. “When I saw them laying down flat, at first, I thought they had died. They were just sleeping!”

Today, Maui Alpaca Farm serves as a thriving haven for these sweet, intuitive animals, each with their own distinct personality. “I thought I was only going to get one, and now we have 13,” Baldwin said.

From the ever-watchful Kala, the herd’s self-appointed guardian, Anna, the wise matriarch, the playful Sassy, the farm’s resident ham, to even the gentle Cria, or the baby alpaca, each animal adds a unique charm to the farm. Baldwin’s affection for her herd is palpable. “They are just part of my family now,” she said.

A visit to Maui Alpaca Farm delights guests of all ages. Tours, which range from $39 to $200, begin with feeding and photo sessions with the alpacas in their pasture. Then, guests are led to the Bunny Village, where they interact with the farm’s resident fluffy Angora rabbits. The tour includes a demonstration of fiber processing, showcasing how the alpaca’s raw fleece is turned into soft yarn. For those seeking a more immersive experience, additional options include a picnic lunch, walking the alpacas or even participating in a lifestyle tour focused on the yarn-making process.

The farm’s small-group tours, limited to 10 people or fewer, ensure a more personal and educational experience. The knowledgeable staff enrich each visit with detailed insights about alpaca care and history. Having started

during the pandemic, the farm’s success is partly due to its alignment with the trend of families and visitors seeking outdoor, smallgroup activities. As the farm continues to grow, Baldwin envisions expanding their offerings to include classes on fiber arts and programs for school-age children.

Baldwin’s passion for the process is evident in her daily routine – knitting every night with yarn from her own alpacas. She sells her wears at the farm’s store, offering

sweaters, scarfs and hats of the softest Maui-raised fiber. For those interested in knitting themselves, visitors can buy alpaca yarn as well.

For Baldwin, the farm is more than just a business – it’s a source of immense personal fulfillment. Maui Alpaca Farm invites locals and visitors alike to partake in this joy, sharing a slice of rural bliss and educational family fun. To learn more or reserve a tour, visit mauialpaca.com.

On the slopes of Haleakalā, Maui Alpaca Farm offers tours, treks and picnics with their 13 alpacas. Guests learn and practice how to craft yarn from the alpacas’ fleece.

Maui Alpaca Farm

Canoe Crop Corner mixes local culture and cuisine

Maui farmers and chefs share free tastings in Wailuku

by Mike Morris

photographs by Chris Amundson

PLANTS BROUGHT TO the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, commonly referred to as canoe crops, will be showcased this fall and winter during the popular Wailuku First Friday community events.

Canoe Crop Corner, presented by the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau (MVCB), pairs local farmers and chefs to present free tastings, cultural demonstrations and more.

“This celebration of our rich agricultural heritage brings the Maui community together, offering an opportunity not only to enjoy the flavors but also to connect with the deep history behind them,” said Leanne Pletcher, MVCB’s director of public relations and marketing.

The inaugural Canoe Crop Corner, held in early October, highlighted kalo (taro). Master kalo farmer Bobby Pahia of Hawai‘i Taro Farm discussed the history and cultural significance of kalo, while Chef Henry Tariga with Seascape Restaurant at Maui

Ocean Center served free samples of his award-winning kalo poke nachos.

Additionally, Maui Ocean Center marine naturalists demonstrated traditional poi pounding that guests can experience during the aquarium’s Hawaiian Culture and Botanical Tour.

Kalo returned in November, specifically kalo leaves, with Chef Joey Macadangdang, of Balai Pata in Kahului, offering laulau samples, and Lukela Alboro serving as the cultural advisor.

For the December event, U‘i Kahue with the Lāhainā-based tropical nursery Maui Grown 808 highlighted niu (coconut).

Seascape and Maui Ocean Center will return February 2025 to feature ‘ulu (breadfruit).

Other canoe crops that could be incorporated into the monthly event are mai‘a (banana), kō (sugarcane) and ‘uala (sweet potato).

Participating chefs include Taylor Ponte (winner of the 2020 ‘Aipono Chef of the

Canoe Crop Corner (top, left) is part of Wailuku First Fridays, where local chefs, artists and musicians gather for a street party on Market Street.

Year award) with Kamado Maui and Marc McDowell of Wailuku’s SixtyTwo MarcKet. Makoa Quest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultural revitalization of Hawai‘i, is also slated to participate in a future Canoe Crop Corner. The events are held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at the first floor of the Wailuku Garage, 30 N. Church St.

“Maui Visitors Bureau is thrilled to have the County of Maui Office of Economic Development’s support for the Wailuku First Friday Canoe Crop Corner event,” Pletcher added.

To Grandma’s House We Go

Beloved family-run coffee shop serves up community in Kēōkea

by Mona de Crinis photographs by Ryan Siphers

MORE THAN A hundred years after Dominga Franco – better known as Grandma Minnie – began sharing delicious home brew and warm aloha with her Makawao neighbors, Grandma’s Coffee House in Kēōkea continues the tradition of Upcountry camaraderie and the best cup of joe this side of Seattle.

Immigrating from Puerto Rico in the late 1800s, the Franco family cultivated their distinctive Arabica strain along the slopes of Haleakalā and processed the hand-picked beans on the family’s century-old Burpee coffee roaster. In the evenings, Grandma Minnie’s garage drew extended ‘ohana from around the block for coffee and conversation.

Dominga’s grandson, Alfred Franco, began peddling her proprietary blend to stores and at the old Pu‘unene swap meet while still a teen, scrawling “Grandma’s Coffee” on every brown paper bag sold. With her blessing, Alfred opened Grand-

ma’s Coffee House in the early 1980s both as a paean to Dominga’s welcoming spirit and to satisfy a growing demand for her alchemistic brew.

Set in an embrace of jacarandas cattycorner from Kēōkea Park, the green Plantation-era storefront carries the likeness of Grandma in the window and, on most days, a queue of customers out the door; the food and coffee are so tasty and prices so reasonable that those in the know get there before the house-made goodies are gone. An openair lānai invites stellar views from its 3,200foot volcanic perch (plus the occasional leg rub from a resident cat or two).

Topped with a corrugated tin roof and plenty of homespun style, Grandma’s conjures memories of a simpler age when talking story trumped 24-hour news cycles, and dog-eared books rivaled smart phones for attention. Wood-topped tables encourage leisurely conversation, and on the walls, the Franco tale unfolds in framed

family photos and newspaper clippings yellowed with age.

Alfred died unexpectedly in late 2020, leaving his son Derek and longtime general manager and fiancée, Amber Coleman, to carry on Grandma’s legacy. Although he had grown up in the restaurant, graduating from a crib in the back and a stool at the register to full shifts as an adult, Derek was considering stepping back to pursue music when the elder Franco fell ill.

“Suddenly, I knew exactly what I had to do. I had to double down,” he said, recalling the moment he let the weight of Grandma’s as a community anchor settle on his shoulders. Rather than run from, the younger Franco instead ran toward the challenge he had so abruptly inherited.

Together with Coleman, who was engaged to Alfred at the time of his death, the two 36-year-olds – more brother and sister than linked through love – are keeping Grandma’s tradition alive daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Offering sweet treats like just-baked banana bread and pineapplecoconut-macadamia nut muffins courtesy of Angela Franco, Derek’s younger sister, as well as heartier meals such as meatloaf loco moco, taro burgers and chop steak lunch plates (vegetarian options also available), Grandma’s Coffee House regularly updates its locally sourced menu to reflect seasonal availability. There are even a few coveted recipes from Grandma Minnie herself.

“This place means so much to so many, not only to me and my family,” Derek said. “It’s where people connect and come together for good coffee, good food and good times. And we want that to continue.”

Grandma’s Coffee House in Kēōkea continues to share Grandma Minnie’s favorite brews and homemade goodies.

POWER Flour

Maui Bread Company delivers tasty twist with traditional German eats, tropical treats

story by Todd A. Vines photographs by Ryan Siphers

WHAT’S MORE INVITING than the aroma of fresh-baked bread? It’s a scent so powerful that it triggers taste buds to water and stirs core memories of another place and time.

In Kīhei, the aroma of fresh-baked bread invites passersby to Maui Bread Company. The cozy bake shop in Dolphin Plaza has long been a local favorite for breakfast bites like muffins, cinnamon rolls and sweet buns. Since 2020, the shop has also been Maui’s authority on traditional German breads and rolls.

The self-described “fusion gourmet bread shop” offers two distinct lines: “Hawaiian Artisan Bread” influenced by Hawaiian, American and Asian tastes, and “German Artisan Bread” influenced by European tastes. As a result,

one may find a basket of baguettes near the passion orange guava (POG) bread, or a row of rye bread adjacent to ube (purple sweet potato) loaves.

The European influence was introduced by Steve and Christine Lange. The German nationals took ownership of Maui Bread Company in 2020, expanding the menu to introduce Old World items such as German pretzels and brötchen, small, round rolls eaten with meals or as snacks.

“When somebody orders brötchen, it will definitely tell you that this person is of German origin, or has been living in Germany,” said Steve, who nurtures the island’s hunger for the authentic recipes. “They just crave it. This is something you don’t get very often in other places (outside of Germany).”

Maui Bread Company in Kīhei bakes fresh German and Hawaiian artisan breads, crafted each day by master bakers at the shop near Kama‘ole Beach Park I.

‘Where is your German bread?’ It was the Aloha State’s longing for German fare that inspired the Langes to move to Maui in the first place.

Germans have a well-earned reputation for making delicious bread, and there are countless traditional varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture and purpose. When Christine visited Hawai‘i for the first time in 2018, the Hamburg native found herself being asked a reoccurring question: Where is your German bread?

The unique interest in German breads – and apparent lack of any bakery producing them – made Christine ponder the possibilities. She told Steve they should open a German bakery in the islands, but he didn’t take the idea seriously.

“I said, ‘Yeah, sure honey.’ It was a joke. And it was forgotten.”

Christine traveled to Hawai‘i the following year, and again found herself fielding inquiries about Germany’s renowned breads. Back home, she was involved in naturopathy and holistic medicine. Her office specialized in gastroenterology, how food influences digestion, the immune system and overall health.

“I was open for other (career) thoughts,”

Christine said. “Maybe to go forward in my life, maybe do a break from what I’m doing. Maybe we should move to Hawai‘i and open a German bakery.”

She revisited the entrepreneurial idea with Steve by phone before returning home.

“She called me and said, ‘Why don’t you look to see if it makes sense to open a German bakery?’ ” Steve said. “I reluctantly said yes.”

Steve had been a managing director of plant and machinery companies for more than 20 years. Working in the coffee, milling and bakery industries, he was familiar with the manufacturing process and had an appreciation for the importance of using high-quality raw materials. A few months later, the couple traveled to Hawai‘i on a reconnaissance mission, scouting bakery locations across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. When they came to the Valley Isle, they rented an ‘ohana they had found online.

“We ended up in Kula,” Steve said. “The owners lived in a bigger house there, and we got to know them. And when they found out what we were looking for, and we found out what they had, all our jaws dropped.”

The locals were the proprietors of the Fusion Gourmet Bread Shop, which they had opened

in Kīhei in 2016. After much discussion, they suggested that rather than attempting to build a business from the ground up, the Langes take ownership of their bakery.

“There are more than 10,000 (short-term rentals) on Maui. By coincidence, we ended up there. Call it fate, or destiny, or whatever. It was somehow meant to be,” Steve said.

The ingredients were all there, an operational kitchen, a popular storefront, a platform to introduce German artisan breads to Maui, but there was one problem. Neither Steve nor Christine were bakers.

When the Langes took ownership of the store in January 2020, their first order of business was to add a German master baker to the team.

Natural Born Bakers

At 2 a.m., while most of Maui slumbers, Michel Heinze is already busy in the kitchen. As Maui Bread Company’s master baker in charge of its German Artisan Bread line, he needs the night to assure the bakery is stocked with fresh loaves of spelt, wheat and rye when it opens.

Heinze has been Maui Bread Company’s meisterbäcker for almost three years, just

Steve and Christine Lange opened Maui Bread Company in 2020, featuring specialty Hawaiian and German Artisan Breads made from traditional recipes. Suzy Furga, one of a team of 14 employees, prepares baguettes for baking using time-honored techniques.

the second person to hold the role full-time since the Langes took ownership. It’s a prestigious position, associated with quality and craftsmanship. Certification requires years of apprenticeship, the completion of a rigorous training program, the passing of demanding examinations and the demonstration of a high level of proficiency in a multitude of baking techniques.

Heinze’s route to Hawai‘i was circuitous. Born in Berlin, he spent years learning his craft at small, traditional bakeries across Hamburg (one had its own windmill for making flour) before working in Spain and Italy. Immediately prior to arriving on Maui, he spent six months in the galley of a small, luxury cruise ship navigating the Southern Ocean off Antarctica.

“My purpose was to learn a traditional craft that would help me to go and see the world, while also making something I love and enjoy to eat myself,” Heinze said.

One of the best things about his work at Maui Bread Company is the freedom the Langes afford Heinze regarding what he makes.

“Sharing the recipes of my country is the biggest honor of them all. My favorite product (right now) is our new German butter cake, a very traditional recipe, made with love and lots of butter. It's like a piece of home for me.”

Master German Baker Michel arrives by 2 a.m. to craft favorites like German butter cakes and spelt rolls. Bakers make Hawaiian breads like the lilikoi sweet buns with homemade jelly.

Tiffani Nelson joins Heinze in the kitchen around 4 a.m. As the master baker in charge of Maui Bread Company’s Hawaiian Artisan Bread line, Nelson gets to sleep in a bit later than Heinze but is no less dedicated to her craft.

Born and raised on Maui, Nelson has worked for the Langes since early 2021. A graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, she was fascinated by extravagant pastries from a young age.

“I was a semi-artsy kid and wanted to do something where I still had creative freedom,” said Nelson. “I grew up watching Food Network shows like “Cake Boss,” “Ace of Cakes,” “Cupcake Wars,” and was amazed how perfect and beautiful deserts could be.”

Nelson’s favorite menu item is the distinctly local K-dog.

“It’s a half a brown hot dog, half a Portuguese sausage, mozzarella cheese in the middle, wrapped in bread – a nice savory breakfast on the beach,” Nelson said. “But they are quite popular so it’s best to get them first thing in the morning.”

Maui Bread Rising

It’s more than K-dogs and the aroma of fresh bread that drives patrons to Maui Bread Company. Many people have discovered the bakery among Yelp’s 2023 list of “Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S.” (Only three Hawai‘i eateries made the list.) Four out of five people who walk in the door are visiting Maui Bread Company for the first time, according to the Langes.

In addition to the bake shop, about a third of the Maui Bread Company’s creations go to commercial clients like food trucks, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels. One day the crew is preparing brioche Pullman loaves for Duke’s Beach House, the next day it’s hamburger buns for Cool Cat Café. The bakery offers some 70 unique products, including a line of gluten-free breads and seasonal treats.

The Langes have discussed opening additional locations on Maui, perhaps another island. For now, however, the focus is on Kīhei, K-dogs and brötchen.

“It was a journey that was not planned,” Steve said. “Especially at our age, when most people are wondering what they can do with their retirement.

“You can have plans for your life but, sometimes, life has plans for you.”

Paddling Into Tradition

High School Athletes Honor Hawai‘i’s Wa‘a Heritage

story by Lisa L. Schell photographs

Maui County high school athletes from Maui, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i compete in outrigger canoe paddling regattas at Kahului Harbor.

by Travis Morrin

ON A BREEZY FRIDAY afternoon in December, Ho‘aloha Park at Kahului Harbor hums with activity. The last bell of the school day has rung, but for the teams of King Kekaulike High School, Baldwin High School and Seabury Hall, the real work has just begun.

Students stretched, ran drills and tossed medicine balls on the grass and parking lot while others paddled through anchored lanes in the harbor. The teams were there to take advantage of the last practice day before the first Maui County High School Regatta of the 2024 outrigger canoe paddling season. Eleven schools from the islands of Maui, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i compete during a five-week season in December and January for the chance at the state title.

Wearing festive Santa hats or knit beanies with their jerseys, the students balanced laughter with focus. Each paddler knew their role and worked diligently. A team captain encouraged her group as she bailed water from their canoe. “These conditions are what we live for! Let’s go!” she exclaimed.

Wind whipped across the harbor, causing waves to break unusually close to the regatta course and adding a natural challenge to the practice. Coach Florent “Flo” Michelier predicted improvement. “The wind will settle tomorrow, but we’ll still see a few bumps,” he told a parent, referencing unbroken swells that can aid or hinder a canoe depending on the steersperson’s skill.

“I am c-c-c-cold!” one of the boys said as he hosed down a canoe with his teammates before water practice began. Another group of paddlers readied a canoe under the direction of a determined and diligent young woman who was clearly one of her team’s leaders.

By Saturday morning, they will be ready to compete in the first regatta of the season.

Paddling teams race along the course in Kahului Harbor, with ‘Īao Valley and the West Maui Mountains as their backdrop.

The most challenging – and decisive – moment of the race is the turn, marked by flags a quarter- or half-mile from the start. Teams often win or lose based on how skillfully they navigate this point to race to the finish line. Success requires precise communication and teamwork, as a single wave can cause the canoe to huli (capsize). Right, flags are anchored to define lanes, turning point and start/ finish line.

Unity in Motion

In a Hawai‘i high school regatta, six-person teams paddle outrigger canoes through quarter- or half-mile courses marked by buoys and flags. Athletes synchronize strokes to navigate waves, execute sharp turns and race back to the starting flag. Precision, teamwork and ocean awareness are crucial, embodying the cultural spirit of wa‘a (canoe) paddling in competitive harmony.

Outrigger canoe paddling is Hawai‘i’s official state sport – yet it wasn’t included in high school sports offerings until around 2000, after nearly 20 years of lobbying by paddling advocates. One of those advocates was Mahina Martin, Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) paddling race director, who has been involved with the sport for over 40 years.

Martin was instrumental in the effort to add the sport to the MIL roster. She’s on the mic calling the action on the water at every regatta.

“It’s not a traditional sport (like football or basketball),” Martin said. “So it took a little bit of time in the early days to get it accepted as a part of the high school league. And now we’re the fastest-growing sport across the league.”

She said the sport’s growth among high school athletes indicates just how much outrigger paddling means to Maui’s community because of both its connection and continuation of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture that value community and collaboration.

“The athletes are competitive, and yet we want them to hold true to the values of aloha and the cultural traditions associated with paddling.”

Martin believes paddling teaches the athletes the values of working together, taking care of the canoe and each other and kuleana, or responsibility. These values create a spirit and camaraderie that extends beyond campus boundaries.

“You don’t see soccer teams, for instance,

carrying each other’s equipment off a field. And yet, you see other schools helping carry a 400-pound canoe; you see everyone rushing to each other’s aid when it’s time to bring a canoe in from maybe a little rough water.”

That team spirit was on full display during the varsity girls’ first heat of the first regatta of the 2024 season in Kahului Harbor. A set of waves rolled into the harbor just after the start, and Baldwin High’s canoe huli’d (capsized). The canoe was quickly righted, and the team bailed out water furiously.

They were still bailing as they made it around the turn, but the water, wind and waves forced another huli. Despite having no chance of making up the lost ground, Baldwin continued to paddle with the intensity of a team vying for a first-place finish. All the teams on the beach cheered and clapped, and as the Baldwin canoe came into shore, they ran to help land it.

That kind of sportsmanship exists off the water, too.

For canoe paddlers, the wa‘a is not a piece of equipment but is considered the seventh member of the team. High school students will do everything they can, including nearly falling into the ocean, to prevent a huli. If a canoe does turn over, teams on the shore cheer to encourage the huli’d team to recover. Opposing teams will even work together to help land the 400-pound vessel – a team spirit of aloha and ‘ohana that extends past trophies and championships.

“The Maui teams will feed and offer housing for Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i, and they will even offer their valuable canoes to those teams when they come over,” Martin said.

Moloka‘i’s paddling budget allowed them to participate in just three of the five regattas in the 2024 season. Lāna‘i High School’s paddling team began practice with just one six-man wa‘a to support a team roster of 31 paddlers.

“It was challenging to have to rotate our teams in and out of the one canoe for practice,” Lāna‘i Coach Michelle Fujie-Kaauamo said. “The bay where we practice is even smaller than the Kahului Harbor, so that’s always been a challenge, but when you only have one wa‘a, our kids don’t get to race anyone at practice.”

The Lāna‘i team overcame at least one of those challenges this season with the help of two canoes donated by the Kīhei Canoe Club, paddled over to Lāna‘i by the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society.

When the two canoes from Kīhei arrived

at Mānele Harbor, Fujie-Kaauamo’s squad welcomed them with songs, canoe protocol chants and lunch, during which the two paddling groups talked story.

“Something important to me about paddling is the family you make out of it,” Lāna‘i High School paddler Kyle Vega shared. “You make good friends, and of course, this is a team sport. You have to make sure you have that connection with your team and also your coaches.”

Many high school paddlers in Maui County share that sentiment. The takeaways from their outrigger experience are connections – with team members, with paddlers from other schools and with the adults who support them.

Other students said paddling connects them to the ocean environment and heritage.

“Our culture came to Hawai‘i in the canoe,” said Kamalia Kuanonoi-Kekona, captain of the King Keaulike team. “I am participating in a sport connected to my culture.”

The Seventh Member

For paddlers, the canoe is not just a piece of equipment but is considered the seventh member on a six-person crew.

Kuanonoi-Kekona explained that unlike other team sports where individual players might deviate from the team's strategy without significant consequences, paddling demands complete synchronization. Each paddler must coordinate their strokes and movements with the rest of the crew; any misalignment can disrupt the canoe's rhythm, hindering its speed and overall success.

“They all come together with one thing in common: paddling,” she said.

Outrigger canoe paddling stands out as one of the few high school sports that includes co-ed competition, with boys and girls working together in the mixed team category. King Kekaulike Coach Florent Michelier believes this approach helps students develop skills and perspectives that will

benefit them beyond high school. Baldwin High School Coach Marjorie Kahookele-Pea adds that paddling brings students together from diverse backgrounds, exposing them to a wide range of experiences and fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

Kahookele-Pea highlighted that paddling is a lifelong sport that fosters deep passion. Many students continue paddling well into adulthood, often sharing the experience with their children and grandchildren. For her, coaching is especially rewarding because it allows her to pass on Hawaiian culture and traditions to the next generation through this cherished practice.

“They are our future. They can learn the culture, learn the sport of Hawaiian canoe racing and learn teamwork,” she said.

Teamwork and ocean awareness are essential in paddling. Success relies on synchronized effort among paddlers and the ability to interpret natural water conditions. Factors

like waves, currents and wind can influence a race, so learning to adapt and leverage these elements effectively is a critical skill for mastering the sport.

During the first regatta of the 2024 season at Kahului Harbor, a dramatic moment unfolded as a large set of waves rolled through the racing lanes just as the leading canoes approached the finish line. The sudden surf disrupted the course, compelling the steersmen to swiftly adjust their trajectories. Onlookers on the beach held their breath as the canoes briefly vanished between the waves, adding to the thrill of the competition.

Over the public address system, Mahina Martin lightened the tension with a playful remark: “Bet you don’t see that on football fields. Welcome to the ocean.”

Unpredictable winter weather, including kona storms, disrupted the regatta schedule, forcing officials to cancel the county finals due to unsafe harbor conditions. Despite the

lack of a final race, schools honored their seniors, and the season concluded with the same spirit it began – filled with laughter, hugs, high-fives and aloha. Teams with the highest overall scores advanced to the state finals in Hilo.

Under different circumstances, the abrupt end to the season might have felt disappointing, but Martin saw it differently. “It’s an ocean sport,” she said. “We’re accustomed to unpredictable conditions. This isn’t the first time, and everyone shows resilience.”

Martin emphasized that the challenges paddlers face on the water teach valuable life lessons rooted in Hawaiian culture. These experiences – navigating the ocean, working as a team in the canoe, and building bonds within the paddling community – equip Maui Nui’s young athletes with skills and perspectives they can carry throughout their lives.

“Our hope,” Martin added, “is that as students navigate the already challenging teenage years, they can draw strength and guidance from their paddling experiences, turning them into lifelong assets. That’s what we aim for every year.”

E HELE MAI A

KĀKO'O: This winter, come experience the thrill of high school paddling and witness Hawai‘i’s history come alive on the water. The 2024-25 Maui County High School Regatta schedule: Dec. 14, 21; Jan. 11, 18, 25.

All regattas begin at 9 a.m. For meet locations, schedule updates and results, visit milsports.org.

Before races, students run land drills or practice on the water while coaches rig canoes. Teams of six launch into the harbor, race and return to cheers. Below, students lead the pule, a blessing for safety, respect and aloha.

Chris Amundson

Canoes and hale wa‘a (canoe houses) in Ho‘aloha Park at Kahului Harbor are home base for Maui County High School paddling regattas.

The 2025 ‘Aipono Awards Gala will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Ballroom on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Voting begins now for Maui’s best restaurants at MauiMagazine.net/VoteAipono.

Voting Opens for

2025 ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua to host spring gala

by Ariella Nardizzi

MAUI’S GASTRONOMIC world isn’t just about food. It’s about ‘ohana, aloha, ‘āina and a deep-rooted connection to the community. Each year, Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine’s ‘Aipono Awards brings together the island family to toast the chefs, restaurateurs, farmers and suppliers who make Maui’s culinary culture nō ka ‘oi – the best.

Celebrating 21 years in 2025, the distinguished awards is a celebration of the people and heritage that unite Maui through the kitchen. The ‘Aipono Awards, named from the Hawaiian words ai (to eat) and pono (excellence), honors those who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft.

“Maui has the enviable position of providing world-class dining experiences,” said Chris Amundson, publisher of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine. “The annual ‘Aipono Awards is the grand celebration that recognizes those

who invest their lives into creating Maui’s truly exceptional island cuisine culture.”

In 40 coveted categories, Maui’s kama‘āina and visitors vote for beloved eateries, venues and lounges spanning a range of cuisines and business types.

Winners will be recognized at the 2025 ‘Aipono Awards Gala in The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Ballroom on Saturday, April 26, 2025, directly following the University of Hawai‘i Maui College Culinary Arts Reception. The evening will feature gourmet dishes crafted by Maui’s top chefs in collaboration with Culinary Arts program students, offering a unique opportunity for the community to experience Maui’s culinary legacy. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships benefit the Culinary Arts program. General admission tickets go on sale Jan. 1, 2025.

Chefs themselves award the evening’s

capstone, the peer-nominated Chef of the Year. This title recognizes one of their own for culinary prowess that inspires industry ‘ohana and the next generation.

Additionally, industry awards are given for Friend of Agriculture, nominated by Maui County Farm Bureau, and Excellence in Sustainability, in partnership with Pacific Biodiesel. Maui Hotel and Lodging Association provides additional scholarships for Maui youth who are pursuing careers in the food and beverage industry.

Many award recipients began their journeys as students in the Culinary Arts program, where Maui culinary leaders mentor junior chefs to nourish their skills and careers. Now, former students return as the masters themselves to bestow their knowledge and passion onto the next wave of talent.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Insets: Chris Amundson (both)

‘AIPONO AWARDS BALLOT 2025

What are your favorite Maui restaurants? Nominate them to win a coveted 2025 ‘Aipono Award! Complete and return this ballot, or visit MauiMagazine.net/VoteAipono You could win $200 in dining gift certificates! See contest rules below for details.

1. RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

This restaurant has the best of everything –incredible food, service and ambiance.

2 BEST NEW RESTAURANT

My favorite Maui restaurant that opened in 2024.

3. MOST “MAUI-EST”

Quintessentially Maui – the place I love taking family and friends when they come to visit.

4. BEST SERVICE

I can count on the staff to be prompt, knowledgeable and attentive to my needs.

5. MOST ROMANTIC SETTING

I propose this as the perfect place to pop that important question

6. MOST INNOVATIVE MENU

This kitchen’s culinary creativity is consistently brilliant!

7. BEST OCEANFRONT DINING

Ocean views and a salt-scented breeze add a savory note to this well-crafted menu

8. BEST CHEF’S TABLE

Exclusive dining with personalized dishes, showcasing the chef’s culinary mastery.

9. BEST HAWAI‘I REGIONAL CUISINE

This restaurant expertly combines the fresh and exotic flavors of the islands.

10. BEST PACIFIC RIM CUISINE

Dining here takes my taste buds on adventures across the Pacific and into the Far East.

11. BEST SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE

Bold flavors from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia that transport you across continents.

12. BEST ASIAN CUISINE

Flavors from China, Japan, Korea and beyond, blending tradition with vibrant creativity

13. BEST MEXICAN CUISINE

Tacos, burritos, queso and salsa so good, they make me say “¡Ay, caramba!”

14. BEST MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

For the love of pita – and hummus, gyros, falafel and baba ghanoush – dine here

15. BEST ITALIAN CUISINE

For pasta and pizza to perfection, do as the Romans do – Maui-style, of course!

16. BEST LŪ‘AU

Maui’s top lū‘au, where delicious food, mele and hula create unforgettable memories

17. BEST PLATE LUNCH

Great local-style grinds? This one’s da kine!

18. BEST PIZZA

The crusts? Upper crust! The toppings? The best.

19. BEST BURGER

Burgers so good, you’ll be saying “nō ka ‘oi,” for real, brah!

20. BEST NOODLES

Chow fun? Pad Thai? This is my favorite noodle house!

21. BEST HEALTHY FARE

Fresh salads, smoothie bowls, grilled fish and plant-based dishes for vibrant living

22. BEST SUSHI

Maui’s best sushi, crafted with precision and satisfying umami in every bite

23. BEST RESTAURANT POKE

The exquisitely seasoned raw fish served here hits a perfect 10.

24. BEST FISH & SEAFOOD

This restaurant is the catch of the day.

25. BEST STEAK

Maui’s finest beef, cooked to perfection, making paniolo proud.

26. BEST DESSERT

Decadent desserts that delight above all others, showcasing Maui’s finest sweet flavors.

27. BEST FOOD TRUCK

Fast service? Ono dishes? Heaven on wheels.

28. BEST SHAVE ICE

Shave ice that’s da bomb, packed with aloha!

29. BEST COFFEE SHOP

Maui’s best coffee shop brews rich, earthy blends that ground your soul.

30. BEST BAKERY

Where Maui’s finest bakers turn dough into crave-worthy island treats.

31. BEST BREAKFAST

The best way to start your day with island vibes and delicious dishes

32. BEST BUSINESS LUNCH

Bottom line? This is where to meet colleagues and clients for lunch

33. BEST BAR

The bar where everybody knows your name.

34. BEST LOBBY LOUNGE

Elegant atmosphere and crafted cocktails make this resort lobby lounge the perfect retreat.

35. BEST HAPPY HOUR

After-work spot for drinks and pūpū with friends.

36. BEST WINE LIST

Exceptional wine list, perfectly pairing every dish.

37. BEST HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS

Masterfully crafted cocktails that elevate each sip with local flavors and artistry.

38. BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING

Satisfy late-night cravings with Maui’s best afterhours restaurant.

39. BEST GOURMET GRAB & GO

Elevated grab-and-go bites for gourmet tastes on the run.

40. BEST FARM-T0-TABLE

Local ingredients straight from Maui farms transformed into ‘āina-inspired masterpiece meals.

Festive Feast with Island Flair

Maui’s top kitchens blend local flavor with seasonal tradition

Bring home favorite recipes from ‘Aipono Award winning restaurants

story and photographs by Chris Amundson with Ariella Nardizzi

IN COMMEMORATION of the culinary excellence that defines Maui, four standout 2023 ‘Aipono Award winners showcase the island’s diverse and dynamic dining scene.

Wailea’s Monkeypod Kitchen’s swept the best of bar and beverage categories with its celebrated handc rafted cocktails and vibrant happy hour.

The Alaloa Lounge within The RitzCarlton Maui, Kapalua took home the gold

for Best Lobby Lounge, embodying the warm hospitality Maui is beloved for. The Ritz will also host the 2025 ‘Aipono Awards Gala on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Kō at the Fairmont Kea Lani continues to redefine local flavors. Among their many awards include Best Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine and Most Innovative Menu, distinctly demonstrated through the restaurant’s Kauai prawn and tenderloin dish with hints of Hawaiian, Japanese

and French influence.

Renowned for irresistible desserts, island staple at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu clinched Gold for Best Dessert. Their pecan pie is just one goodie amidst a mouthwatering menu.

Each gem shared a signature dish straight from their kitchens, giving a taste of the artistry that earned them their place in last year’s ‘Aipono Awards, marking Maui’s restaurant scene truly nō ka ‘oi.

Yuzu Brown Butter Spanish Octopus

Alaloa Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

CHEF NAOTO MATSUMOTO, a sushi specialist, has worked in the kitchen of the Alaloa Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua for over 20 years. His Yuzu Brown Butter Spanish Octopus blends flavors of the East with the spirit of the Pacific. The original recipe comes from an Argentinian co-worker who added a Spanish flair of romesco sauce to the unique dish.

Matsumoto was raised in Japan and draws on his two decades of experience on Maui to craft a dish that’s intimately local and distinctly global. In Japanese culture, tako (octopus) is preferably chewy. Matsumoto caters to American preference of a tender texture instead.

The chef sources larger octopi from Spain for this curated dish. He finds them to be more conducive to tenderizing, whereas smaller octopi are chewier.

He braises the octopus legs in a sakewater mixture for an hour and 20 minutes to tenderize the meat. Then, he fries them for a crisp exterior before finishing the octopi on the grill. This gives the meat a smoky depth that complements the subtlety of the tender flesh with a satisfying crunch.

To finish, a rich citrus brown butter is poured over the octopus. Matsumoto gives the romesco, a smoky Spanish tomatobased sauce, a Maui twist with the addition of sweet, local onions. The Marcona almonds add a silky, nutty profile.

“These steps will make your tako oishi,” Matsumoto said.

That’s Japanese for “delicious.”

Four ‘Aipono Award winning restaurants share their holiday kitchen recipes, featuring brown buttered octopus, garlic herb roasted tenderloin and Kauai prawns, a cinnamon syrup cocktail and a classic pecan pie.

For the octopus

2 octopus legs

2 cups sake

2 cups water

1 Tbsp olive oil

For romesco sauce

1 red bell pepper

1 tomato

1/2 white onion

1 oz garlic, peeled

1/2 oz Marcona almonds

1 oz olive oil

1 dry ancho chili

1/4 oz red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Place octopus legs, sake and water in a deep pan and cover with plastic wrap. Steam for one hour and 20 minutes. Allow the octopus to cool. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a frying pan. Fry octopus in the pan until crispy. Remove, then grill octopus for 1 minute.

Cook red bell pepper, tomato, onion, garlic and almonds in the oven at 350° for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, grill ancho chili for 30 seconds. Remove seeds and soak the ancho chili in red wine vinegar for 1 hour. Then, blend all ingredients in a blender until combined. Add olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.

For yuzu brown butter

4 oz unsalted butter

3 oz yuzu juice

For Marcona almond musse

5 oz Marcona almonds

5 oz water

Add butter to a frying pan. Heat until butter is golden brown. Add yuzu juice and remove from heat.

Blend water and almonds together. Serve with octopus in yuzu brown butter and romesco sauce.

Serves 1

Carolina Pecan Pie

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

A GROUP OF MARINE Corps sat around a booth in a diner in North Carolina every Sunday. It was the 1980s. Ivan Pahk ordered his usual – a slice of pecan pie, a gooey dessert he’d never tasted growing up in Hawai‘i.

The diner’s staff welcomed the troops in with open arms, filling their stomachs with soul food. “Every time I eat that pie, or I make that pie, it brings me back to that place where I, an 18-year-old boy moving from the island so far away, still felt welcome,” Pahk said.

Pahk still gets goosebumps, or “chicken skin” as he calls it, when he recollects this special memory. That’s why his delectable pecan pie, made with chopped nuts, dark corn syrup, vanilla, sugar, flaky crust and love, shows up on Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop menu every fall through the holiday season.

Leoda’s focuses on sourcing the freshest, sustainable ingredients. They put care into every pie they bake. Each pie is handmade with high quality products, a deep care that starts with Pahk.

Pahk’s mantra for baking the perfect pecan pie? Go for the wobble, not the jiggle. If the pie comes out of the oven with a jiggly middle, that’s a sure sign to cook it longer. But when the whole pie wobbles, it’s done. This strategy guarantees the thick, syrupy caramel won’t bleed out once the pie is cut.

"You want to eat a firm pecan pie. You don't want to eat caramel sauce with nuts." Pahk said with a laugh.

11/2 cups chopped pecans

1 cup dark corn syrup

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 9-inch pie dough crust

Place chopped pecans in a 9-inch flaky crust and set aside. In a medium bowl, add dark corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth and incorporated. Pour mixture on top of pecans, allowing for nuts to float to the top of the pie.

Place pie on the middle rack and bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 340° and bake for 45 minutes, or until the middle of the pie isn’t jiggly to avoid caramel oozing out after slicing.

Cool on a rack for one hour, then chill and enjoy.

Serves 6-8

Mid-Winter Spritz

Monkeypod Kitchen

WINTER ON MAUI may not bring frosty temperatures, but Jon Apostolides, bar manager at Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea, sees the shift in seasons as an opportunity to usher in crisp, bright flavors chilled in a wine glass.

Mixology’s growing trend of low-alcohol drinks inspired the Mid Winter Spritz. Bartender Morgan Slaughter crafted it as a special cocktail last winter and it’s returned to the menu this holiday season as a fan favorite. “People are wanting to imbibe,” Apostolides said, “but they’re also wanting to maintain control and sensibility.”

The marriage of aromatic cinnamon-steeped simple syrup and amaro liqueur’s nutty, citrus flavor profile are what Apostolides feels “heightens and brightens” this drink beyond traditional holiday spirits.

A crisp, dry prosecco base boosts the warm, herbaceous spices for a light effervescence. Mia Perla is Apostolides’s preferred bottle of Italian sparkling wine. For those recreating this beverage at their own holiday table, any decent prosecco will do.

Like the monkeypod tree, Maui’s beloved symbol of life and balance, the Mid Winter Spritz nurtures the body with its low-ABV content and spirit – the holiday spirit, that is. This festive drink is refreshingly light, perfectly suited for the island’s version of winter.

3 oz prosecco

2 oz Amaro Montenegro

1 oz soda water

1/2 oz cinnamon syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Fill a wine glass with prosecco, Amaro Montenegro liqueur, soda water, cinnamon-infused simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Top the cocktail with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and a flower.

For cinnamon-infused simple syrup

11/2 qt water

6 cups granulated sugar

11/2 cinnamon sticks

Bring all ingredients to a boil and let simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain. Store in airtight container; refrigerate. Makes 3 qt.

Serves 1

Garlic Herb Roasted Tenderloin with Kauai Prawns

Kō at Fairmont Kea Lani

EXECUTIVE CHEF Aristotle Aurelio’s cuisine is a bridge between his childhood home in the Philippines and his life 5,000 miles across the Pacific on Maui. Growing up, Aurelio savored freshwater prawns in bowls of Sinigang, a pungent tamarind soup, and Dinengdeng, a hearty vegetable stew.

“Local prawns with tenderloin and a touch of yuzu cabernet bring me back to those flavors and textures that feel like home,” Aurelio said.

His recipe for garlic herb roasted tenderloin and Kauai prawns is a love letter to both of his island homes, blending the flavors of land and sea. The pristine waters of Kauai provide premium prawns, raised in saltwater without chemicals. The shrimp are served whole to elevate their sweet and tender flavor.

A rich, savory tenderloin roasted in garlic and herbs complements the prawns. Yuzu-infused cabernet glaze pools below

the cut. This offers taste buds a citrusy contrast that cuts the beef’s depth and enhances the prawns’ saccharine flavor.

Local rainbow carrots round out the dish. A touch of fresh produce adds an earthy taste and a pop of color – aubergine, titian-red and golden. The recipe displays Kō’s commitment to multicultural cuisine through the dish’s Hawaiian-Japanese palate and French culinary techniques. He describes it as a “local twist to the classic ‘Surf and Turf’ concept.”

Aurelio cooks the prawns for no more than three minutes to maintain their sweet tenderness. When they change from translucent to solid white, he removes them from heat. “Focus on sourcing the freshest ingredients – this truly makes a difference in flavor,” Aurelio said. This intimate attention to each component is what Chef Aris believes coaxes out nō ka ‘oi in each ingredient.

For the tenderloin

1 15-oz tenderloin

5 oz Yukon Gold potatoes

21/2 cups beef stock

3 tsp olive oil

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp Italian parsley

Braise Yukon Gold potato with beef stock in a pan for 30 minutes on medium heat, then set aside. Dip tenderloin into a mixture of olive oil, thyme, rosemary and parsley. Sear tenderloin in a pan on both sides for 3 minutes. Finish in the oven at 350° for 8 minutes until beef is at 125°.

For the prawns

3 oz Kauai prawns

1 oz butter, melted

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp thyme

Remove the shells from the prawns and butterfly them by carefully slicing down the back with sharp knife. Add parsley and thyme to melted butter. Coat prawns in the herb butter mixture and roast in oven 3-4 minutes at 400°.

For the vegetables

2 oz rainbow carrots

2 oz broccolini

1 oz red onion

1 cherry tomato

Blanch carrots, broccolini and cherry tomato in a pot for 3 minutes. Roast red onion for 5 minutes in a small sauté pan.

For the glaze

1/2 cup cabernet

1 bay leaf

1 tsp black pepper

1 cup prepared demi-glace

4 oz butter, cold

1 Tbsp yuzu

salt and pepper, to taste

In a small sauce pot bring wine, bay leaf and black pepper to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the contents reduce by half. Add in demi-glace and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper, then cold butter and yuzu. Assemble a plate with vegetables, potatoes and prawns. Finish with the yuzu cabernet glaze, tenderloin and cherry tomato.

Serves 1

Executive Chef Aristotle Aurelio pairs

Kauai prawns with tenderloin at Fairmont

Kea Lani's ‘Aipono-winning Kō restaurant.

Maui Dining Guide

B=Breakfast BR=Brunch L=Lunch H=Happy Hour D=Dinner N=Dinner past 9 p.m.

R=Reservation recommended $=Average entrée under $15 $$=Under $25 $$$=Under $40 $$$$=$40+ =2023 ‘Aipono Restaurant Award winner =Live music! Check venue website for information. Phone numbers are area code 808.

WEST SIDE

A‘A ROOTS Nāpili Plaza, 5095 Napilihau St., Ste. 103, Nāpili, 298-2499 Vegan cuisine made with the freshest Maui produce. Try the açai bowl, soba bowl with peanut sauce or bagel sandwich with hummus, avo and veggies. Vegan. B, L, $

ALALOA LOUNGE  The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Kapalua, 669-6200 Creative farm-to-table cocktails, mocktails and an exciting selection of savory dishes from the dining menu, such as spanish octopus, smash wagyu burger and tuna carpaccio. International/Lounge. D, $$$

ALOHA MIXED PLATE 1285 Front St., Lāhainā, 6613322 This oceanfront restaurant offers innovative plate lunches and other island favorites. The titular aloha mixed plate comes with shoyu chicken, thinly sliced teriyaki rib eye and fresh fish. Mixed Plate. L, $$

AUNTIE’S KITCHEN The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 6 Kai Ala Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-3259 Saimin, burgers and fresh-fish plate lunches mingle with poke. Mixed Plate. B, L, D, $$-$$$

BAD ASS COFFEE 3636 L. Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Lāhainā, 738-8223 Hawaiian coffee blends, breakfast sandwiches and stuffed muffins are located just across the way from Honokowai Beach Park. Coffee Shop. B, L, $

BANYAN TREE The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., 665-7089 Start with a seafood tower for two. Then try the banyan tree seafood curry or wild caught New Zealand king salmon. End with a warm island-inspired malasada trio. Great cocktails, too! Italian/Hawai‘i Regional. D, $$$$

BURGER SHACK The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Kapalua, 669-6200 Al fresco beachside joint serving burgers, milkshakes, cocktails and beer. American, L, $$-$$$

CANE & CANOE  Montage Kapalua Bay, 1 Bay Dr., Kapalua, 662-6681 Try the avocado toast and mimosas for breakfast, and herb compressed lamb and ragout for dinner. Lunch at the Hana Hou Bar includes chicken katsu sandwiches and vegetarian selections. Pacific Rim. B, D, $$$-$$$$

CHOICE HEALTH BAR Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali All juices, smoothies, salads, soups and açai bowls are made with fresh ingredients from dozens of local farms on Maui. Daily specials. American. B, L, $

CLIFF DIVE GRILL Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2605 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 661-0031 Order Hawaiian-style edamame, a juicy burger or fish tacos to accompany your poolside mai tai or Bikini Blonde Lager. Hawai‘i Regional. L, D, $$

COCO DECK 1312 Front St., Lāhainā 451-2778 Savor creative dishes by Chef Alvin Savella while taking in the ambience of Front Street. Try the crispy poke donut! Mexican, Seafood. H, D, $$

DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LŪ‘AU Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-4727 Enjoy a traditional imu ceremony and Hawaiian cuisine, plus the dances and music of Polynesia. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. D, R, $$$$

DUKE’S BEACH HOUSE Honua Kai Resort & Spa, 130 Kai Malina Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 662-2900 Imagine old Hawai‘i while dining on crab-and-macadamia-nut wontons or filet mignon at this open-air beach house. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $$-$$$

FOND Nāpili Plaza, 5095 Napilihau St., #115, Nāpili, 856-0225 Enjoy a specialty burger or bowl for lunch and try the seafood tsunami for dinner. Finish off with a warm chocolate brownie topped with ube ice cream. Eurasian. B, L, D, $-$$

THE GAZEBO Nāpili Shores, 5315 L. Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Nāpili, 669-5621 Have breakfast for lunch, or lunch for breakfast! Fluffy pancakes, omelets, plate lunches with Cajun-spiced chicken or kālua pork, salads and seven burgers to choose from. Ocean views are free! International. B, BR, L, $

HONOLUA STORE 502 Office Rd., Kapalua, 6659105 Market in the Kapalua Resort with extensive selection of grab-and-go items like salads, sandwiches and sushi. Made-to-order pizzas, burgers, hot sandwiches and breakfast items are also available. Deli, B, L, $-$$

HONU OCEANSIDE 1295 Front St., Lāhainā 6679390 Treat yourself to masterful culinary creations and stunning views as you dine on fresh fish oceanside. Try specialty cocktails like Charanda Daiquiri or Shark's Tooth. Pacific Rim, B, L, $-$$

HULA GRILL  Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 667-6636 Dip your toes in the sand at the Barefoot Bar, and enjoy poke tacos, mai tais, original hula pie and live music. Don't miss the nightly hula show after dinner. Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. BR, L, D, $$-$$$

INU POOL BAR The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, 45 Kai Malina Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 662-6370 Inu means “drink” in Hawaiian, and this poolside bar serves up island-inspired cocktails, local beer and wine. Sip and snack on pūpū, burgers, wraps and salads Hawai‘i Regional/Bar. L, H, D, $-$$

ISLAND CREAM COMPANY Lāhainā Gateway, 305 Keawe St., Lāhainā, 298-0916 Classic flavors meet island fruit! Make your own Glacier Ice snow cone, or choose from 36 delicious flavors of ice cream. Can’t decide? Take home a few pints. Treats. $

ISLAND PRESS COFFEE 2580 Kekaa Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-2003 Homey coffee shop in the Fairway Shops serving hard-to-find Maui grown coffee beans. Start your day with a cup of Maui Red Catuai or a Hawaiian Honey Latte. Don't forget to add a breakfast croissant. Coffee Shop, B, $

JAPENGO Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-4909 Great steaks and authentic sushi prepared with the finest seafood are among the reasons Japengo won ‘Aipono Silver for Pacific Rim Cuisine in 2023. Come taste Pacific Rim. D $$$-$$$$

JOEY’S KITCHEN Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 868-4474 Second West Maui location: Napili Plaza, 5095 Napilihau St., Nāpili, 214-5590 Start your day with delicious ube french toast or a kālua-pork omelet at Whalers Village, and end with dinner at the Nāpili venue. Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $-$$

KIHEI CAFFE Lāhainā Gateway Plaza, 305 Kiawe St., Lāhainā, 879-2230 See South Shore listing.

LEILANI’S ON THE BEACHWhalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 661-4495 Chef Ryan Luckey rocks island flavors with mac nut hummus and ‘ahi poke with taro chips. Entrees include filet mignon with green onion gremolata or Parmesan-crusted fresh catch. Don’t forget the Hula Pie! Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. L, H, D, $$-$$$$

LEODA’S KITCHEN & PIE SHOP 820 Olowalu Village Rd., Olowalu, 662-3600 Try the house-made sandwiches on Maui Bread Company bread with pineapple coleslaw. The mac-nut chocolate cream pie and fresh-squeezed lemonade will make you want to dance! American. B, L, D, $

LONGHI’S Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 100 Nohea Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-2288. Try a crisp pinot grigio and a romaine salad tossed with lemon-feta vinaigrette and anchovies. Italian. BR (Fri-Sun), D, $$

MĀLA OCEAN TAVERN 1307 Front St., Lāhainā, 667-9394 Māla delivers delicious food and killer cocktails with oceanfront seating. Start with an oyster shooter and some ‘ahi bruschetta. Then dig into seared scallops with truffle pesto, huli huli chicken with warm potato salad or the daily catch with kabocha puree. Mediterranean. BR, H, D, N, $-$$$

MAUI NUI LŪ‘AU AT BLACK ROCK Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2605 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 661-0031 Experience the history and culture of the Valley Isle through Polynesian song and dance. Lei greeting, all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet and open bar included. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. D, R, $$$$

MERRIMAN’S KAPALUA 1 Bay Club Pl., Kapalua, 669-6400 Peter Merriman casts his spell on locallysourced seafood, beef and produce to create delectable fare. Pacific Rim. BR (Sun), L, D, R, $$-$$$$

MISO PHAT SUSHI Kahana Manor, 4310 L. Honoapi‘ilani Rd., #111, Kahana, 669-9010 See South Shore listing.

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 878-6763 See South Shore listing.

MYTHS OF MAUI LŪ‘AU Royal Lāhainā Resort & Bungalows, 2780 Keka'a Dr., Lāhainā, 833-5395150 Enjoy all-you-can-eat Hawaiian fares like kālua pork, Moloka‘i sweet potato and fresh fish. Menu also includes keiki friendly choices like chicken nuggets and baked mac and cheese. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. D, $$$$

NAPILI COFFEE STORE 5095 Napilihau St. 108B, Nāpili, 669-4170 Start your day with a fruit smoothie and a savory sandwich, or pop-in for a coffee and baked treat. Fresh-baked goods, yogurt-granola parfaits, chia pudding and to-go items. Coffee Shop. $

OLD LĀHAINĀ LŪ‘AU 1251 Front St., Lāhainā, 667-0700 This oceanfront venue has won the Gold ‘Aipono Award for Best Lū‘au on Maui 20 times – come see why! Begin with kalo (taro) hummus, then enjoy traditional Hawaiian dishes like lomilomi salmon or imu-roasted pork. Save room for the mangococonut chocolate bombe! Open bar. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au. D, R, $$$$

PIZZA PARADISO MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

3350 L. Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Kā‘anapali, 667-2929

Juicy gyros, flavorful falafel in warm pita with a side of tabbouleh, kabob platters and pizza. Dine in or take out. Pizza/Mediterranean. L, D, $-$$

ROY’S 2290 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 669-6999

Line up for the half-pound Maui Cattle Co. burger on a brioche bun for lunch. For dinner, try the blackened ‘ahi or the honey-mustard-glazed beef short ribs. Pacific Rim. B, L, H, D, $$$$

LAHAINA NOON Royal Lāhainā Resort & Bungalows, 2780 Keka‘a Dr., Kā‘anapali, 661-9119

Breakfast offerings include loco moco or coconut french toast, or go for the buffet to try a bite of each. For dinner, feast on steak and seafood. Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $$-$$$$

THE SANDBAR Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2605 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 661-0031

Sample craft cocktails and island bites while enjoying an ocean view on the lanai at Kā‘anapali’s only lobby bar. For dessert, try the Sea Foam Sorbet with a sparkling wine float. Hawaiian/Bar. B, D, $$

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

600 S. Office Rd., Kapalua, 669-6286 Small and action-packed, D.K. Kodama’s classy sushi bar draws lines late into the night. Try a Kenny G roll (snapper with shiso and ponzu sauce) with a sip of sake. Pacific Rim/Sushi. D, N, R, $$$

THE SEA HOUSE RESTAURANT Nāpili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 L. Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Nāpili, 669-1500 Start the day with oven-baked pancakes laden with fruit. Enjoy coconut-crusted shrimp as the sun sinks into Nāpili Bay. On Wednesdays, stay for Grammy Award-winner George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack-Key Show. Pacific Rim. B, L, H, D, $$$

SON’Z STEAKHOUSE Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-4506 Moroccan-spiced blackened ‘ahi with soy-mustard sauce will rock your evening. Sink your teeth into filet mignon carpaccio, rib-eye steak or mahimahi in lemon-caper butter. Pacific Rim/Steak. H, D, N, $$-$$$$

STAR NOODLE 1287 Front St., Lāhainā, 667-5400

Big-city style and local flavors unite. Enjoy a Golden Star sparkling jasmine tea as you drink in the view of Lāna‘i across the channel. The ramen broth is extra smoky, the Singapore noodles bright and flavorful. ‘Aipono for Best Asian and Noodles. Asian. L, D, $$

SUNSET LŪ‘AU AT KAPALUA BAY Montage at Kapalua Bay 1 Bay Dr., Kapalua, 662-6627 This twiceweekly lū‘au caps at just 40 guests for an intimate experience. Dig into plates of ‘ulu mac salad, ribeye and kanpanchi poke. Kid-friendly. Lū‘au, D, R, $$$$

TAVERNA 2000 Village Rd., Kapalua, 667-2426

House-made pasta, agrodolce-style fish of the day and Italian desserts stand up to the grand finale: espresso with grappa. Great wine, cocktails and craft beer. Italian. B, L, H, D, $$-$$$

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS 335 Keawe St., Lāhainā, 661-9111 The staff hand-pat the burgers and charbroil them to order. American. L, D, $

ULU KITCHEN The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 2365 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., Kā‘anapali, 868-0081 A chefdriven restaurant led by award winning Chef Peter Merriman, serving up local dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hawaiian. B, L, D, $$-$$$$

‘ŪMALU Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kā‘anapali, 667-4902 Head poolside for Kobe beef sliders or ‘ahi poke nachos. Knock back a “Mutiny on the Carthaginian” cocktail inspired by Lāhainā’s rowdy whaling past. American/Pacific Rim. L, H, D, $$$

WAILELE POLYNESIANLŪ‘AU  Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 2365 Kā‘anapali Parkway, Lāhainā, 661-2992 Sunset lū‘au with Polynesian entertainment and fire dancers on Kā‘anapali Beach. Menu features traditional Hawaiian and contemporary island fares. Lū‘au, D, $$$$

SOUTH SHORE

AKAMAI COFFEE CO. 1325 S. Kīhei Rd., #100, Kīhei, 868-3251 and 116 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea, 868-0003 Offering 100 percent Maui-grown coffee roasted locally for the highest-quality flavor. Espresso, French press and nitro brews available. Coffee Shop. $

AMA BAR & GRILL Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-4100 Swim-up bar located at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort with refreshments, lunch and ocean views. Hawaiian/Bar. B, L, D, $$

AMIGO’S 1215 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 661-0210 Real Mexican fajitas, tostadas, flautas and their famous wet burritos. Kid-friendly. Mexican. B, L, D $

THE BIRDCAGE Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi, St., Wailea, 874-8581 Elegant, high-ceilinged bar in Hotel Wailea. Japanese-inspired tapas, small plates, wine and an extensive list of craft cocktails. Japanese/Lounge. D, N, $$$

BLING BING South Maui Gardens, 30 Alahele Pl., Kīhei, 419-1256 Maui's only Chinese shave ice experience with condensed milk topped with fresh fruit, boba and jellies. Treats. $

BOTERO LOUNGE Grand Wailea Maui Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-1234 Named for the surrounding Fernando Botero sculptures, this lounge offers nightly entertainment. On Thirsty Thursdays, a three-cocktail tasting is just $20. Lounge. L, D, H, N, $

CAFE O’LEI 2439 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 891-1368 Choose from macadamia nut-crusted chicken, seared ‘ahi tuna, tiger shrimp linguine and other favorites. See Central listing. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $$

COCONUT’S FISH CAFE  Azeka Shopping Center Mauka, 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 875-9979 and 2463 S. Kīhei Rd. Kīhei, 875-4949 Dive into fresh fish tacos, a grilled fish burger or fish and chips. The cabbage slaw with coconut dressing and mango salsa sets this eatery apart. American. L, D, $$

COOL CAT CAFE 1819 S Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 6670908 New location, same ‘Aipono Award-winning eats. Burgers, chicken, fresh fish, tacos and more in a ’50s diner atmosphere. Kid-friendly. American. L, D, $

DA KITCHEN 1215 S. Kīhei Rd., Ste. E, Kīhei, 4463486 Local food and good vibes meet! Start with the spam musubi and pick from plates like chicken katsu, kalbi ribs, locomoco and da Hawaiian plate. Hawai‘i Regional. L, D, $-$$

DIAMONDS BAR & GRILL 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei 874-9299 Casual watering hole with live music, billiards, TVs and darts. Daily food and drink specials, outdoor seating and late-night offerings. American/ Bar. B. L. D. $$

DUO STEAK AND SEAFOOD Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 8748000 Breakfast buffet or à la carte? Did someone mention chateaubriand? Four Seasons never disappoints. Pacific Rim/Steak. B, D, $-$$$

EARTH ALOHA EATS 1881 S Kīhei Rd. 111, Kīhei, 867-1171 Plant-based family favorites like tacos, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, plates and bowls. Vegan. L, D, $

FABIANI’S PIZZERIA & BAKERY South Maui Center, 95 E. Līpoa St., Kīhei, 874-0888 Bagels and lox, fresh croissants, caprese salad with local tomatoes, thin-crust and gluten-free pizza and spaghetti with pork sausage meatballs. Italian/Bakery. HR, D, $-$$

FAT DADDY’S SMOKEHOUSE 1913 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-8711 Pulled pork, beef brisket and pork ribs smoked 15 hours over kiawe wood. Enjoy sides: cornbread, chili-garlic beans and two cabbage slaws: sweet/tart and blue cheese/apples. American. D, $-$$

FEAST AT MŌKAPU LŪ‘AU Andaz Maui Resort, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 5731234 Upscale beachside lū‘au with an emphasis on Polynesian voyaging history. Known for its unique cocktails and artful, chef-crafted traditional Hawaiian plates served family-style. Lū‘au, D, $$$$

FERRARO’S RESTAURANT & BAR Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 8748000 Enjoy shrimp bruschetta, ahi rigatoni and wagyu steak served poolside. Italian. L, H, D, $$$$

FORK & SALAD 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-3675 Chef/owners Cody, Travis and Jaron serve up green superfoods topped with pastrami-style seared ‘ahi, baked quinoa falafel or ginger tofu. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options. International. L, D, $

LOBBY LOUNGE Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000 Impeccable service, a locally sourced menu, swanky cocktails and performances by local musicians. Pacific Rim/Lounge. H, D, N, $$$$

GATHER ON MAUI 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr., Wailea, 698-0555 Try a mana bowl with citrus vinaigrette or the scallop and crab orzo with mac nut pesto before panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Haleakalā and Molokini Island. Pacific Rim. H, L, D, $$$

HAVENS HARBORSIDE Maui Harbor Shops, 300 Mā'alaea Rd. 2M, Mā'alaea, 868-0555 The Havens you know and love with some additional offerings, right in the harbor. Hawai‘i Regional. L, D, $-$$

HOME MAID CAFE 1280 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei 8746035 Family-owned hole-in-the-wall known for its made-to-order malasadas. Classic breakfast plates, saimin and sandwiches. American/Local. B. L. $

HUMBLE MARKET KITCHIN Wailea Beach Resort, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 879-4655 Chef Roy Yamaguchi amazes with Hawaiian sweetbread French toast for breakfast, calamari and a Magnum P.I. cocktail at happy hour and Roy’s classic blackened island ‘ahi for dinner. Hawai‘i Regional. B, H, D, $-$$$

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUĀPUA‘A Grand Wailea Maui Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 8751234 Idyllic restaurant constructed from Big Island ohia wood overlooking Wailea Beach. Menu features a balance of land and ocean sourced Hawaiian fares like Huli Huli chicken and miso butterfish. Hawai‘i Regional. D, $$$$

ISANA Maui Beach Vacation Club, 515 S Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 874-5700 Dine on bold sushi made from fresh-caught local fish while enjoying friendly service and an ocean view. Japanese. D, N, $$

ISLAND GOURMET MARKETS The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-5055 Sushi to go, deli sandwiches, plate lunches and more. Try local favorites like kim chee fried rice and mahi mahi Tacos. Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $

KOHOLĀ BREWERY 112 Wailea Ike Dr, Wailea, 8680010 Talk story while enjoying singature IPAs and local-style bar food like the Koholā pretzel served with whipped beer cheese and Lokahi Pilsner beer syrup. Brewery. L, D, N, $$

KA‘ANA KITCHEN Andaz Maui Resort, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 573-1234 A Wagyu hangar steak on a green papaya salad, charred octopus with local goat cheese, Kona abalone risotto and a modern take on chicken and waffles. Curated wine list and mixology at its finest. Asian Fusion. B, D, $$$$

KIHEI CAFFE Kīhei Kalama Village, 1945 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-2230 Hungry at 5 a.m.? Head to this local hangout for banana-mac-nut pancakes, loco moco and a cuppa joe. Cafe. B, L, $-$$

KŌ Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-2210 Plantation Era cuisine takes the spotlight. Try the Kobe beef poke appetizer and “On the Rock” – three mouthwatering morsels of ‘ahi served with a 300-degree lava rock to sear them to perfection. 2022 ‘Aipono Restaurant of the Year. Pacific Rim. L, H, D, R, $$$

KRAKEN COFFEE MAUI 1975 S Market Pl., Kīhei and 1 Piikea Ave., Kīhei 495-1885, 879-2230 See Central listing

LE BAZAAR Azeka Shopping Center Makai, 1280 S Kīhei Rd. #107, Kīhei, 268-0545 Start your dining experience by cleansing your hands with orange blossom water, then immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Middle East through a six-course dinner. Moroccan. D, $$$$

LEHUA LOUNGE Andaz Maui Resort, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 573-1234 Cocktails created with local seasonal ingredients, such as lychee, liliko‘i (passion fruit) and Hawaiian navel oranges, pair perfectly with Ka‘ana Kitchen’s award-winning menu. Asian Fusion/Lounge. H, $

LINEAGE The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 879-8800 If Cantonese lobster noodles and leeks, ginger and XO butter, crispy Korean chicken with pickles made in house and Wagyu Kalbi short ribs with garlic rice get your juices flowing, head to Wailea. Eat. Drink. Talk story. Pacific Rim. D, $-$$

MANOLI’S PIZZA COMPANY 100 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea, 874-7499 Manoli’s believes in fresh, organic and sustainable ingredients. Order a pizza with organic wheat or gluten-free crust, or dig into authentic chicken scaloppine. Italian/Pizza. L, H, D, N, $$

MATTEO’S OSTERIA Wailea Town Center, 161 Wailea Ike Pl., Wailea, 879-8466 Matteo’s meatball sandwich with Maui Cattle Co. beef and Italian sausage, or ‘ahi crusted with Calabrese olive tapenade. Italian. L, H, D, $$-$$$

MAUI BREWING CO.  605 Līpoa Pkwy., Kīhei, 201-2337 This off-the-grid brewery offers 36 craft and specialty beers, as well as burgers, pizzas, fish tacos and salads. Brewery/Pacific Rim/American. L, H, D, N, $-$$

MAUI THAI BISTRO Rainbow Mall, 2439 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 874-5605 Thai food cooked by Thai chefs. Kaffir-scented tom yum fried rice, green mango salad with crispy fried-fish filets and house curries. Beer and wine bar. Thai. L, D, $-$$

MISO PHAT SUSHI Azeka Shopping Center Mauka, 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 891-6476 Sushi served on-site, to-go or delivered. Sashimi platters, sushi rolls, nigiri and specialty rolls. See also West Side listing. Japanese. L, H, D, $$

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN Wailea Gateway Center, 10 Wailea Gateway Pl., Wailea, 891-2322 Lunch at this Peter Merriman chain includes pizza, burgers, tacos and ramen. For dinner, Big Island rib-eye with chimichurri sauce, gnocchi with pork sausage and banana cream pie. See also West Side listing. Hawai‘i Regional/American. L, H, D, N, $$

Kula Lodge

Nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā, Kula Lodge offers farm-to-table recipes for breakfast, brunch and dinner. Enjoy pancakes with apple bananas, Hawaiian mac nuts and chocolate chips for a breakfast overlooking the valley.

MORIMOTO MAUI 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 243-4766 Headed by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, this sleek restaurant in the Andaz Maui Resort fuses Japanese and Western fares. Enjoy wagyu steaks, sushi and sashimi paired with premium, aged or nigori sake. Japanese/American. L, D, $$-$$$

MULLIGANS ON THE BLUE  100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131 Guinness poured properly at Maui’s only Irish-owned pub. Enjoy fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. Great music and sports-bar action, too. Sláinte! Irish/ Bar. L, H, D, $-$$$

NALU’S SOUTH SHORE GRILL  Azeka Shopping Center Makai, 1280 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 8918650 Generous portions made with local ingredients served with aloha. Try the ahi club fresh yellow fin tuna, with applewood smoked bacon and caramelized Maui onions on sourdough. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, H, D, $-$$

NICK’S FISHMARKET Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 879-7224 Enjoy classic seafood dishes beneath the stars. Woo your date with plump strawberries drenched in Grand Marnier and set aflame. Pacific Rim/Seafood. H, D, R, $$$$

NOODLES AND RICE BY NUTCHAREE Azeka Shopping Center Makai, 1280 S. Kīhei Rd. #128, Kīhei, 298-0579 This newest restaurant from Nutcharee offers unique stylings of Asian staples. Vietnamese. L, D, $$

NUTCHAREE’S AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD Azeka

Shopping Center Makai, 1280 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 633-4840 Start with the ‘ahi laab tartare salad or crispy fish and mango salad, then dig into tender braised short ribs smothered in massaman curry. Don’t forget the spring rolls! Thai. L, D, $-$$

OAO SUSHI BAR & GRILL Wailea Gateway Center, 34 Wailea Gateway Pl., Kīhei, 666-8139 One of Maui's newest sushi sensations founded by Chef Bernardo Oao Jr. featuring fresh sushi, juicy steak and delicious cocktails. Try the local favorite: Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes served with Spicy Ailoi Unagi Sauce and Masago. Pacific Rim. L, D, N, $$$

PAIA FISH MARKET RESTAURANT 1913 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 874-8888 See North Shore listing.

PEGGY SUE’S 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 214-6786 Bright 1950s style diner with jukebox serving burgers, milkshakes and creative hot dogs. American. L. D. $$

PILINA  Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-4100 Fairmont Kea Lani's reimagined lobby lounge highlights culture and connection with island-inspired lunch, dinner, drinks and dessert served daily. Hawaiian/Lounge. L, D, $$$

THE PINT & CORK The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 727-2038 Mac ‘n’ cheese with black truffles, shrimp and grits with chorizo, poke bowls and burgers. Score breakfast during football season, too! American/Bar. L, H, D, N, $-$$

PITA PARADISE Wailea Gateway Center, 34 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea, 879-7177 Start with spinach tiropitas with caramelized onions, feta, mozzarella and tzatziki wrapped in phyllo dough. Finish with baklava ice-cream cake. Mediterranean. L, H, D, $-$$$

PIZZA MADNESS 1455 S Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 270-9888 Classic pizza joint with thick-crust pies, salads and wings in the heart of Kīhei. Open for dine-in, takeaway and happy hour. Pizza. L, D, $$

POINT BREAK PIZZA & PANINI Maui Harbor Shops, 300 Mā'alaea Rd., Mā'alaea, 868-0014 Homemade pizza dough and focaccia bread packs each artisan pizza and panini full of flavor. Pair with a specialty cocktail and crispy canolis for dessert. Pizza. L, D, $$

THE RESTAURANT AT HOTEL WAILEA Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 879-2224 Produce from the hotel’s gardens, fish plucked from the sea and a gorgeous outdoor setting are among the reasons this venue won ‘Aipono Gold in 2022 for Most Romantic Restaurant. European-inspired. B, D, R, $$-$$$$

ROASTED CHILES Azeka Shopping Center Mauka, 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 868-4357 Ofir and Suki Benitez share family recipes like chicken mole, pozole verde and langostino enchiladas with tomatillo cream sauce. Mexican. L, H, D, $-$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8880 Steaks and homespun side dishes worthy of devotion, top-flight service and a superb wine list. American/Steak. H, D, N, R, $$$$

Kula Lodge

SEASCAPE RESTAURANT Maui Ocean Center, 192 S. Mā‘alaea Rd., Mā‘alaea, 270-7068

Adjacent to an award-winning aquarium, Seascape serves up mahi-mahi sandwiches with fresh cabbage slaw, half-pound burgers and fresh veggies. American/Pacific Rim. L, H, D (Sat & Sun), $$-$$$

SOUTH SHORE TIKI LOUNGE Kīhei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 874-6444 Gourmet pizza, burgers, salads and vegetarian items round out the menu at this hip bar. American. L, D, N, $

SPAGO Four Seasons Resort, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000 Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck's Hawaiian outpost is a celebration of fresh local ingredients. Start with fresh poke nestled in crunchy sesame-miso cones then explore this ever-evolving menu. Pacific Rim. D, N, R, $$-$$$$

SUNS OUT BUNS OUT 1 Piikea Ave., Kīhei, 8652867 Fresh, handcrafted bao buns of all different flavors with an island flair. Don't miss the specialty ube bao. Food Truck/Fusion. L, D, $

TANPOPO 1215 S. Kīhei Rd., #F, Kīhei, 446-3038 Lunch includes Japanese-style chicken curry, California rolls and beef burgers. Dinner fuses Italian and Japanese with pasta, flatbreads, sashimi, sushi and tempura. Japanese/Italian Fusion. L, D, $-$$$

THREE’S BAR & GRILL  1945-G S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-3133 Eggs Benedict six ways, including seared ahi, smoked salmon and prime rib. For lunch, Peruvian pork tacos or signature ramen. For dinner, truffle-yaki marinated flatiron steak. Pacific Rim/ Southwestern. B, L, H, D, $$-$$$

TIKEHAU LOUNGE Wailea Village, 116 Wailea Ike Dr. #2104, Kīhei, 214-6500 Innovative cocktails and pūpū inspired by Polynesian places and flavors. Pacific Rim. H, D, N, $$

TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-9983 Who’d guess a clothing company could deliver such delish pork sandwiches and Caribbean-inspired libations? Caribbean/Pacific Rim. L, H, D, N, $-$$

THE TREEHOUSE HOTEL WAILEA, 555 Kaukahi, St., Wailea, 874-0500 A unique dining experience tucked in the branches of mango and avocado trees. Seven course private chef dinner with wine pairings for up to six people (seated). Private Dining, D, R, $$$$

ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE 61 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 877-3700 Homemade tropical-flavored syrups such as liliko‘i and coconut set this shave-ice business apart. Treats. $

WAIKIKI BREWING COMPANY The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. B25, Wailea, 8680935 Paddy’s Irish Stout and Waikele Wheat brew temper the heat of the jalapeño queso dip served with a giant pretzel. American. B, L, H, D $$

WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. B22, Wailea, 727-2011 An upscale steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener serving USDA Prime Black Angus beef steak, complemented by fine wine and fresh seafood. American. D $$$$

CENTRAL MAUI

808 OLD TOWN 2051 Main St., Wailuku 242-1111 Soup, paninis, sandwiches and salads in a stylish spot on Main Street. Open for breakfast, and a Wailuku lunchtime favorite. American. L, $$

ACEVEDO'S HAWAICANO CAFE 190 Alamaha St. 7A, Kahului, 385-3752 A family owned business combining Mexican and Hawaiian heritage with California Mexican style fare and plate lunches. Try the Fish

Ceviche Bowl with cabbage, onion, cilantro, tomatoes, guacamole and chipotle aioli. Mexican/Mixed Plate. L, D, $-$$

ALIVE & WELL (BROTH CAFE) 340 Hāna Hwy., Kahului, 877-4950 Alive & Well’s revamped Broth Cafe is known for its health-conscious wraps, bowls, smoothies, bahn mi and salads. Go for a green burrito with purple sweet potatoes or try taro bahn mi and tan tan ramen for lunch. International, B, L, $-$$

AMIGO'S 333 Dairy Rd. 110B, Kahului, 872-9525

See South Shore listing

A SAIGON CAFE 1792 Main St., Wailuku, 243-9560

Squeeze into a booth and order a Vietnamese burrito, rice in clay pot or lemongrass curry. Vietnamese. L, D, $-$$

BA-LE 1824 Oihana St., Wailuku 249-8833

Vietnamese counter-service eatery with bahn mi, pho, plate lunches and fresh baked bread and croissants. Additional locations in Kahului, Kīhei and Lāhainā. Vietnamese. L, D, $$

BALAI PATA 425 Koloa St. #104, Kahului, 727-2230

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Philippines at Chef Joey Macadangdang's innovative new restaurant. Indulge in specialties like crispy duck pata and balai sigang. Filipino. L, D, $-$$

BISTRO CASANOVA 33 Lono Ave., Kahului, 8733650 This downtown bistro serves paella for two, fresh-cut french fries and burrata caprese. Best pau hana in Kahului! Mediterranean. L, H, D, R, $-$$

BLAZIN STEAKS MAUI Wailuku Town Center, 790 Eha St., Wailuku, 463-5807 Plate lunch style steak with rice and salad on the side. Other offerings include chicken, salmon, spam and eggs. Mixed Plate. L, D, $-$$

CAFE O’LEI AT THE MILL HOUSE Maui Tropical Plantation, 1670 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Waikapū, 5000553 Fun, expanded menu at the restaurant group’s newest venue. The most beautiful mountain view in the Central Valley! Hawai‘i Regional. L, H, D, R, $-$$$

ESTERS FAIR PROSPECT 2050 Main St., Wailuku, 868-0056 Serving classic cocktails, tiki drinks, spirits, rum, mezcal, wine and beer. Local farm-to-tableinspired small bites. Rosé wine and daiquiris during happy hour. Open 2-10 p.m. Bar. H, N, $

FORK & SALAD Pu‘unene Shopping Center, 120 Ho‘okele St., #330, Kahului, 793-3256 See South Shore listing

FUEGO ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy., Kahului, 633-4436 Cozy indoor and outdoor seating on the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. Argentinian-style barbeque, pasta, sandwiches, cock tails and wines. Latin-inspired. B, L, D $$-$$$

GIANOTTO'S PIZZA 2050 Main St., Wailuku 2448282 Bodega-style eatery with pizzas and home style Italian served with aloha. Pizza. L, D, $

HAVENS Plate Lunch Marketplace, 591 Haleakalā Hwy., 868-0555 Enjoy the same smash burgers and sushi at this gourmet food truck. Plenty kau kau! See also South Shore listing. American. L, D, $

KALEI'S LUNCHBOX 52 Maui Lani Pkwy., Wailuku, 793-3104 Hawaiian comfort food and plate lunches like the Furikake Mochiko Chicken served with rice and macaroni salad. Mixed Plate. B, L, D, $$

KING’S CHINESE BBQ 197 N. Market St. #1717, Wailuku 242-8848 No frills, counter-service joint serving Chinese BBQ and local favorites like saimin and spam musubi. Additional locations in Kīhei and Ha‘ikū. Chinese, Mixed Plate. B, L, D, $$

KRAKEN COFFEE MAUI 520 Keolani Pl., Kahului, 633-7499 and 329 Alamaha St., Kahului 866-9817 Specialty coffees include the Haleakalatte, Kīhei Kicker and Mochawao. Iced drinks are served over coffee ice cubes. Coffee Shop. $

LAS ISLITAS 520 Keolani Pl., Kahului, 359-1631 Island tacos, burritos and quesadillas filled with fresh ingredients Mexican. L, D, $$

LAS PIÑATAS OF MAUI 395 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 877-8707 Try one of the signature kitchen sink bur ritos stuffed with your meat of choice, guacamole, beans, rice and more. Mexican. B, L, H, D, $-$$

MARCO’S GRILL AND DELI 444 Hāna Hwy, Ka hului 877-4466 Family friendly Italian-American diner with homestyle eats like meatball subs, vodka rigatoni and shrimp scampi. Classic breakfast plates available before 12 p.m. Italian, B, L, D, $$-$$$

MAUI COFFEE ROASTERS 444 Hāna Hwy., Kahului, 877-CUPS (2877) Pastries, muffins, sal ads, sandwiches, wraps and bagels and lox made to order. Fresh-roasted coffee beans set this experi ence above the rest. Coffee Shop. B, L, H, $

MAUI FRESH STREATERY MauiFreshStreatery .com Kyle Kawakami dishes up imaginative poutine, ethnic dishes from around the world, and a modern take on local fare. Follow him on Facebook for loca tions. Food Truck/Hawaiian/Fusion. L, $

MIKO’S CUISINE 1764 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, 8682914 Small off-the-beaten-path eatery with Chinese, Korean and Japanese fares. Asian. L, D, $$

MIYAKO SUSHI 1883 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, 2440085 Sequestered Okazuya style sushi joint also specializing in antiques and local snacks. Carryout only. Japanese. B, L, $

Winner of ‘Aipono Gold Award for Best Sushi 2020, 2021, 2022,2023 & 2024 VOTED BEST SUSHI IN MAUI

MOMONA BAKERY AND COFFEE SHOP 7 E Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, 214-5389 Chic, spacious coffee shop serving fresh pastries, including cakes and Argentinian-style croissants. Come early for best selection. Bakery/Coffee Shop. B, L, $

MY THAI MAUI 230 Hāna Hwy, Kahului 877-8887

Hole-in-the-wall eatery serving authentic Thai plates like tom kha, larb and pad woon sen. Favorites like curry, pad thai and bao are also on offer. Don't miss the mango sticky rice for dessert. Thai, L, D, $$

ONLY ONO BBQ Heritage Hall, Pā‘ia, onlyonobbq. com, 777-9026 Crispy-skin Chinese-style roast pork and duck, bao pork buns, plate lunches, smoked brisket. Location varies (see website for schedule). Food Truck/Chinese/American. L, D, $

THE PARLAY 2086 Main St., Wailuku 214-5161

Enjoy craft cocktails and elevated bar food at this retro-style tavern situated in the heart of Wailuku Town. Try the French Puddin' Toast with banana, caramel and pecan crumble on a flan-soaked croissant. American. L, H, D, $

RAMEN YA Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, 275 W Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului, 873-9688 Explore over a dozen unique ramen options. Opt for the big bowl ramen to savor a variety of flavors in one dish. Japanese. L, D, $$

SAM SATO’S 1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, 2447124 This beloved Maui restaurant sets the standard for dry mein, saimin and chow fun. Asian. B, L, $

SHIKEDA BENTO PATISSERIE 2050 Main St., Wailuku 500-2556 Japanese bento and patisserie shop located in the food court on Main Street in Wailuku. Get there early for a selection of bentos and colorful Japanese pastries like azuki cream puffs and ube coconut shortcake. Japanese, B, L, $-$$

SIXTYTWO MARCKET 62 N Market St., Wailuku, 793-2277 Part market, part brunch joint with artfully plated eggs benedict, frittatas and omelettes. Lunch time offerings include soup, sandwiches and salads. Gold medal for Best Business Lunch at the 2023 ‘Aipono Awards. American. B, L, $$

STEAKZ & CAKEZ MAUI 1276 Lower Main A, Wailuku, 740-8080 Chopped steak, burgers, desserts and more. Plate lunches come in regular or mini sizes. American, Mixed Plate. L, D, $

THAI MEE UP Plate Lunch Marketplace, 591 Haleakalā Hwy., Kahului, 214-3369 Addictive fried pork ribs and luscious pad Thai noodles. Curry, too! Food Truck/Thai. L, D, $

TIN ROOF MAUI 360 Papa Pl., Kahului, 868-0753 Sheldon Simeon of Bravo’s Top Chef builds memorable kau kau bowls filled with mochiko chicken or garlic shrimp. Pacific Rim. L, $

TJ’S WAREHOUSE 875 Alua St., Wailuku, 244-7311 Located in Wailuku Industrial Park, TJ’s serves plate lunch to go: chicken katsu, fried saba (mackerel) and a hot line of daily specials, like potato croquettes, nishime and poke. Asian. B, L, $

TASTY CRUST 1770 Mill St., Wailuku, 244-0845 A Maui mainstay since 1942 serving breakfast classics and island-style lunch and dinner. Cash or debit only. American, Mixed Plate. B, L, D, $

THE EMPANADA LADY  2119 W. Vineyard St., Wailuku, 868-4544 Garden-like eatery in the heart of Wailuku serving authentic Puerto Rican fares. Puerto Rican. L, D, $$

TIFFANY’S 1424 Lower Main St., Wailuku 2490052 Revitalized local eatery helmed by celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon. Filipino, Japanese and localstyle fares. Pacific Rim Open for lunch on weekends. Asian, Local. L, D, $$

TOKYO TEI 1063 Lower Main St., Wailuku 2429630 Longstanding Wailuku staple with authentic Japanese fares in a family-friendly atmosphere. Japanese. L, D, $$

ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE 333 Dairy Rd., Kahului and 50 Maui Lani Pkwy., Wailuku See West Side listing. The Maui Lani location also hosts Velzyland Burger Co., offering locally sourced smash burgers and other savory bites to complement your shave ice experience. American. L, D, $

UMI MAUI 1951 Vineyard St., Wailuku, 500-1802 and 1440 Lower Main St., Wailuku, 633-2502. If a California roll topped with tuna, hamachi, salmon and unagi rocks your world, then chef Jayse Sato’s restaurant is your earthquake! Creative presentations, epic soft-shell crab bao buns. BYOB. Japanese. D, $-$$

WAIKAPU ON 30 1486 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Waikapū, 242-1130 Classic local plate favorites and daily specials. Located right off the highway between Wailuku and Mā‘alaea. Mixed Plate. B, L, $

WAILUKU COFFEE COMPANY 26 N. Market St., Wailuku, 495-0259 Espresso, salads and sandwiches in a relaxed and eclectic setting. Sip on your Maui roasted cold brew and enjoy art and music from local artists. Coffee Shop. B, L, $

UPCOUNTRY

CASANOVA 1188 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 5720220 Upscale Italian with delicious fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas and polished service. Don't miss the wood-fired homemade focaccia served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Italian. D, R, $$

ESPRESSO MAFIA 3617 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, 286-9422 Options for every coffee lover with light bites on the side. The ube latte is a violet delight! Try the Nitro with triple filtered Maui roast cold brew infused with Nitrogen, served at a cool 37 degrees. Coffee Shop. $

GRANDMA’S COFFEE HOUSE 9232 Kula Hwy., Kēōkea, 878-2140 The eggs Benedict and baked goods made from scratch are worth the trek. For lunch, enjoy a hamburger with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. Coffee Shop/Cafe. B, L, $-$$

HALI‘IMAILE GENERAL STORE 900 Hali‘imaile Rd., Makawao, 572-2666 Located on the road to Haleakalā, this farm-to-table restaurant blends Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Don’t miss the signature caramelized Maui Gold pineapple upside down cake. Pacific Rim. L, D, $$$

KALEI'S LUNCHBOX 55 Pukalani St., Makawao, 793-0151 See Central listing.

KULA LODGE 15200 Haleakalā Hwy., Kula, 8781535 Come for the beautiful views and manicured garden, stay for a farm-to-table brunch and woodfired pizzas. Now under 5 Palms management. American, Pacific Rim. B, L, D, $$$

KULAMALU FOOD TRUCK LOT Kiopa‘a St., Pukalani, (next to Upcountry Longs) An eclectic array of fare, including vegetarian, plate lunch, açai bowls, barbecue and more. Food Truck. $-$$

LA PROVENCE 3158 L. Kula Rd., Kula, 878-1313 Perfect croissants, fruit tarts, blueberry-mango scones and artisan breads baked fresh daily. Great coffee. Cash only. French/Bakery. B, L, (Weds-Sun), $

MARLOW 30 Kupaoa St., A104, Pukalani, 8683366 Chef Jeff and Kaili Scheer know good food, and this family-owned restaurant serves wood-fired sourdough pizza, killer meatballs and rustic salads. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail or a bottle of wine. Italian. D, $-$$

MAUI PIZZA TRUCK 24 Kiopaa St., Makawao, 276-6529 Voted Best Pizza on Maui for its woodfired pizzas topped with island ingredients like Maui pineapple and kalua pork. Pizza. L, D, $$

MAUIWINE 14815 Pi‘ilani Hwy., ‘Ulupalakua, 878-6058 Enjoy wine tastings and light fare on the open-air lānai. Immaculate grounds surrounding the winetasting room. Winery. L, $-$$

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 2810 Ha‘ikū Rd., Ha‘ikū, 868-3518 A mediterranean food truck to satisfy all your shawarma, gyro and falafel cravings. Try the vegetarian stuffed vine grape leaves with homemade Tahini or organic yogurt sauce. Food Truck/Mediterranean. L, D, $$

POLLI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1202 Makawao Ave., Makawao 572-7808 A Makawao cornerstone, this local watering hole is famous for its margaritas, Tex-Mex style fares and buzzy vibe. Mexican. L, D, $$

NUKA 780 Ha‘ikū Rd., Ha‘ikū, 575-2939 Izakaya food with flavor and style. Start with paper-thin fried gobo chips, then ‘ahi tataki with ponzu sauce. Creative lunch and dinner specials. Save room for black-sesame or green-tea ice cream! Japanese. L, D, $$-$$$

OCEAN ORGANIC VODKA  4051 Omaopio Rd., Kula, 877-0009 Relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the island as you sip on signature Ocean Organic Vodka and Kula Rum cocktails. For dinner, try the Uncle's Favorite flatbread or fresh ocean poke nachos. Pacific Rim. L, D, $$

O‘O FARM 651 Waipoli Rd., Kula, 856-0141 Learn about gardening and coffee roasting. Enjoy a veggie frittata, bread from the wood-burning oven and fresh-roasted coffee. Lunch includes chicken and fish entrees, veggies and dessert. American. B, L, R, $$$$

PIZZA FRESH 1043 Makawao Ave. 103, Makawao 572-2000 Classic and specialty pizza, burgers, fries, salads, wings and more. Can't decide which pizza you want? Order the half-and-half! American. H, D, $

SATORI 3655 Baldwin Ave., Makawao 727-9638

Enjoy healthy sushi handrolls, like the Green Goddess with vegan mac nut pesto, ramen and inventive sushi specials with cozy outdoor seating in heart of Makawao. Food Truck/Japanese. L, D, $$

THE WOODEN CRATE AT LUMERIA MAUI 1813 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, 579-8877 Fresh, locally caught fish and healthy fare highlight a menu that changes daily. Produce grown on site is the foundation for many dishes at this charming retreat. Pacific Rim. B, L, D, R, $$-$$$$

ULUPALAKUA RANCH STORE & GRILL 14800 Pi‘ilani Hwy., ‘Ulupalakua, 878-2561 Deli fare, lamb burgers with tzatziki and beef or grass-fed venison burgers. Plus, homestyle chili and rice, or kālua pork plate lunch. American. L, D, $

NORTH SHORE

CAFÉ DES AMIS 42 Baldwin Ave., Pā‘ia, 5796323 Savory crêpes served with wild greens and a dollop of sour cream. Lightly spiced curries come with chutney and raita (Indian yogurt sauce). Kid-friendly. Mediterranean. L, D, $

CAFE MAMBO 30 Baldwin Ave., Pā‘ia, 579-8021

Quaint Australian and European style cafe with allday brunch and cocktail hours. Try the Toast Special with tomato confi on sourdough with whipped goat cheese and balsamic glaze. European. B, BR, L, $$

CHOICE HEALTH BAR 11 Baldwin Ave., Pā‘ia, 6617711 See West Side listing.

Outdoor Living

FLATBREAD COMPANY 89 Hāna Hwy., Pā‘ia, 579-8989 Big booths, a snazzy bar scene and organic flatbreads laden with maple-fennel sausage and roasted veggies. Check-in each weekly for new carne and veggie specials. Kid-friendly. Pizza. L, D, N, $$

LIMA COCINA + CANTINA  71 Baldwin Ave., Pā‘ia, 868-0520 Airy restaurant serving artful Peruvian cuisine like saltados and ceviche. Inventive pisco-heavy cocktail list and late-night offerings every Friday and Saturday night. Fridays are always Lima Latin Night with Salsa, Reggaeton and Cumbia. Latin-inspired. L, D, N, $$-$$$

MAMA’S FISH HOUSE 799 Poho Pl., Kū‘au, 579-8488 Famous for its beautiful beachside setting and Polynesian-inspired cuisine, Mama’s evokes old-time island hospitality. 2023 ‘Aipono winner for Most Romantic Setting, Best Fish and Seafood and more. Hawaiian/Seafood. L, D, R, $$-$$$$

NYLOS 115 Baldwin Ave., Pā‘ia, 579-3354 This six-course prix-fixe tasting menu is created with the finest ingredients, like Osetra caviar, foie gras, wild truffles and line-caught local fish. Reservations required. International. D (5 & 8 p.m. seatings), R, $$$$

PAIA FISH MARKET RESTAURANT 100 Hāna Hwy. Pā‘ia, 579-8030 Huge slabs of fish served with coleslaw on burger buns explain the line out the door. Order your ‘ahi burger rare with a side of fries and squeeze in beside surfers and families. Kid-friendly. Seafood. L, D, $-$$

TOBI'S POKE & SHAVE ICE 137 Hāna Hwy., Pā‘ia, 579-9745 A north shore go-to for heaping poke bowls and seared ahi plates. Or, cool down with a colorful shave ice with up to three flavors. Add vanilla soft serve or pineapple dole whip with specialty toppings like gummy bears. Local. L, $-$$

Kalei’s Lunchbox

Chef Aaron Heath and wife Fran share beloved plate lunches in Makawao and Wailuku. Da Big Kahuna features mochiko chicken, hamburger steak and Asian crusted mahi.

VANA PAIA 93 Hāna Hwy. #3, Pā‘ia, 579-6002

Start with a spicy liliko‘i mezcalita cocktail, then work your way down the menu and try the hamachi carpaccio, tekka maki, nigiri sushi, rainbow roll or blackened tofu served with shishito's and a fried egg. Asian Fusion. H, D, $-$$

WAIKOMO SHAVE ICE 43 Hāna Hwy., Pā‘ia, 651-5169 Earth-friendly, delicious shave ice served in a souvenir coconut bowl all topped with fresh fruit, coconut cream and local honey. Add vanilla or vanilla mac nut ice cream for extra sweetness. Treats. $

HĀNA

DA FISH SHACK 5260 Hāna Hwy., Hāna 269-3922 Your favorite island fish dish is on the menu at Da Fish Shack, from fresh fish tacos to poke and coconut shrimp. Not in the mood for fish? Go for a Paniolo burger with black angus beef. Seafood. D, $

THE RESTAURANT Hāna-Maui Resort, 5031 Hāna Hwy., Hāna, 359-2401 Hāna-sourced fish and local produce are the basis of this original menu. Try a craft cocktail with fresh juice. Pacific Rim. B, L, D, R, $$-$$$$

Kalei's Lunchbox

story by Serene Gunnison

photographs by Daniel Sullivan

Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui Nui Basin to mate and give birth. Photographer Daniel Sullivan followed NOAA rules to capture these stunning aerial shots using helicopters and drones.

Newborn calves, weighing about 2,000 lbs and measuring 13-16 ft., learn from their mothers, as seen off Olowalu.

In the warm waters off Kīhei, a male escort whale trails a mother and her young calf, staying near in the hopes of a future mating opportunity. The mother navigates the attention of the persistent escort while keeping her calf close by her side.

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales embark on an epic, 3,000-mile migration from their frigid feeding grounds near Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands, driven south to mate, give birth and raise their young. Most of the Hawaiian population is drawn to the Maui Nui Basin, which spans the waters between Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe. The basin’s protected channels are considered the primary gathering place for Hawai‘i’s humpbacks – and one of the best places in the world to observe, admire and photograph these impressive creatures, whether from land, boat or even sky.

Around 10,000 to 12,000 humpbacks

migrate to Hawai‘i annually, with a significant portion of the migratory population gathering in the Maui Nui Basin. The first whales typically begin to arrive in October and stay until April or May.

Humpbacks, called koholā in Hawaiian, have been migrating to the islands for centuries, likely long before the first Polynesian voyaging canoes reached our shores. The journey from northern feeding grounds to Hawai‘i can take four to five weeks of non-stop swimming, marking one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth – a 6,000 mile round trip. Humpback whales possess innate navigation skills,

following ocean currents and magnetic fields to return to the breeding ground where they were born, year after year. And, for many Hawaiian humpbacks, that breeding ground is the Maui Nui Basin.

The basin is a veritable sanctuary for humpbacks. In addition to being part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the channels between the islands are shallow and protected from open ocean currents and predators – save for the occasional tiger shark or false killer whale. What’s more, Haleakalā and Mauna Kahālāwai act as shields from the prevailing trade winds, creating routinely calm

conditions within the basin.

Maui is widely regarded as one of the world’s top whale watching destinations. The island’s superlative reputation has spurred a thriving seasonal whale watching industry. While up-close views from sea level are irrefutably spectacular, observing whales from above offers a unique and often overlooked perspective. Aerial vantage points capture the humpbacks’ sheer size and provide rare insights into their behavior. For Maui photographer Daniel Sullivan, photographing whales from above is one of the most exciting ways to capture these

part-time Hawaiian residents.

Sullivan, who has been capturing aerial photos of humpbacks for eight years, has witnessed and documented incredible whale behavior. One memorable interaction involves a humpback and a pod of dolphins playing together, passing a fish back and forth.

“They were having this interaction that you normally don’t see,” Sullivan said. “But because we’re lucky enough to be in a helicopter and be in the right spot, we were able to see that kind of behavior. There’s a lot of behavior that goes on when we’re above the whales that is

so unique that you don’t see from, say, a boat.”

While researchers have made significant progress in understanding the world of humpback whales, many aspects of humpback behavior are not fully understood. Documenting whales from above could potentially help fill the gaps in scientific knowledge. For example, it was once widely believed that humpbacks fasted while in the Hawaiian Islands, living off their fat supply until they could return to the krill-rich waters of the North Pacific. However, in 2023, a helicopter photography tour observed a humpback

Whale watchers observe surface behaviors like the peduncle arch, where whales prepare to dive by exposing their rounded backs. Every year in February, Maui’s Whale Trust hosts Whale Tales, a multi-day event with expert presentations and chances to see whales up close. In 2024, photographer Daniel Sullivan, who also leads his own whale tours, was a featured presenter.

Calves gain up to 100 lbs daily, staying close to their mothers during their first year and maturing by age 5 to 7.

feeding on a bait ball off the coast of Moloka‘i.

Scientists believed this to be a “once-in-alifetime event” – until more sightings were reported. Now, the scientific community is considering the theory that some whales may feed in Hawai‘i after all.

From a photography standpoint, capturing whales from above leaves less up to chance. “One of my favorite things to photograph from above is breaching,” Sullivan said. “If it’s a really clear day, you can see straight down about 50 feet. It’s like being in an aquarium, and you can see when they’re going to breach. You can watch them zooming up

from underneath, so you can totally plan your shot accordingly…where it’s usually a guessing game when you’re in a boat.”

But to photograph the whales, first, one must find the whales. “Usually, we look for surface activity,” Sullivan said. “At peak season, we’re looking for breachers. When you’re in a helicopter, you can see miles away. So if we see a whale breaching, we can get there quickly and then be in a position to observe the behavior.”

Sullivan offers aerial photography tours via doors-off helicopter for those interested in capturing whales from above. Tours

comply with NOAA regulations, which require helicopters maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet above the whales to prevent disturbing their natural behaviors. For drone photography, NOAA mandates a minimum distance of 300 feet from whales. Through respectful and regulated observation, we can not only document these extraordinary creatures but also be reminded of our responsibility to protect and preserve humpback whales and their habitat. In the end, it's about more than just the perfect shot – it’s about fostering a lasting connection with the natural world.

Off the coast of Mākena, a group of 14 humpbacks engages in lively surface activity. These gatherings often involve several males competing for the attention of a female, playing a key role in mating dynamics and the whales' complex social structure.

House of the Sun

Photograph by RJ BRIDGES

NIKON D3300, 1/200 SEC, F5.6 ISO 100, 18-55MM LENS, 55MM

WISPY CLOUDS DRIFTED across the landscape at 8:30 a.m., revealing the yawning crater of Haleakalā volcano in late summer. RJ Bridges was strolling the Sliding Sands Trail with a local hiking group when he captured this scene.

Amid fleeting mist, he paused to take quick, impromptu shots with his camera’s rapid shutter. He hikes Haleakalā often and has camped in its crater. A self-described hobbyist, he always brings his Nikon on hikes. Here, he found inspiration in the earth’s lush greenery and Haleakalā’s stark volcanic beauty.

Working in architecture and design in Wailuku, Bridges began photographing cityscapes in the late 1990s. He enjoys capturing before-and-after shots of the same Maui locations, illustrating the transition from natural to developed landscapes. Bridges’ other artistic passion is acrylic painting. At first glance, his Haleakalā photo resembles a vivid painting. The smooth textures of the cinder cone, softened morning light and rich hues blend like the strokes on his canvas.

For Bridges, Maui is more than a place he photographs – it’s a landscape that shapes his creative vision. Through his hikes and artwork, he captures the island’s contrasting elements: lush growth beside volcanic stone, ancient landscapes set against new developments. His image of Haleakalā reflects Maui’s raw, dynamic spirit, a place of both tranquility and intensity. Each shot, each brushstroke becomes a tribute to an island that continues to reveal itself to him, inviting him deeper into its natural beauty and timeless presence.

“A Hui Hou” is the editors’ pick of reader-submitted images from across the island. Send your Best of Maui photo submissions to photos@mauimagazine.net.