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| MAUI
DINING | MAUI SHOPPING
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MAUI DINING
My husband and I enjoy dining out frequently; we have
traveled the world extensively and we savor the experience, the texture,
smells and tantalizing flavors new foods have to offer. Below
are the restaurants that we recommend. We are not
compensated in any way by mentioning these
establishments...so enjoy with confidence! We are happy to make dinner reservations on your behalf.
This is a complimentary, value-added service we provide our clients.
$$$$
Capische? (Diamond Resort, Wailea)
Somewhat hidden in the quiet Diamond Resort above Wailea,
the atmosphere and food are excellent. Portions are very small
for the price but a great place to go for dinner and to catch
a sunset. Reservations recommended.
Prince Court (Maui Prince Resort, Makena)
A sentimental favorite, we always dined here
on Christmas Eve after services at Kewala'i Church in Makena.
They offer Hawaii Regional Cuisine, an award winning wine
list and the revered Champagne Sunday Brunch. Reservations
are recommended.
Roy's (Kihei)
This restaurant showcases Euro-Asian cuisine. They offer many
different seafood preparations and are famous for their Chocolate
Soufflé. Service is excellent and reservations are
required.
Ruth's Chris Steak House (Shops at Wailea)
Their steaks and lamb chops are the best! If you're looking
for that romantic dinner then this is a great choice. They
are known for their service and superb wine list. Great desserts!
The Waterfront (Ma'alaea)
This is one of our top picks! They offer
several varieties of seafood preparations; Andrew always orders
his fish Crabmeat Stuffed with Hollandaise. One of my favorites
is their Veal entrée. The Caesar Salad is the best
and made for you tableside. They are only open evenings and
my recommendation is to sit outside which overlooks Ma'alaea
Harbor. Reservations required. Don't' forget dessert!
Tommy Bahamas (Shops at Wailea)
We love the atmosphere at this restaurant. They make the best
Crab Bisque and offer some very tasty entrees. For dessert,
I recommend their Key Lime Pie. They offer entertainment on
most evenings. Say "aloha" to Tim at the bar for
us, he makes great martinis. There is also a wonderful Tommy
Bahama retail store adjacent to the restaurant.
$$$
Café Ciao (Kea Lani Resort, Wailea)
We so enjoy the romantic atmosphere at this restaurant. This
charming outdoor garden Venetian trattoria is open for lunch
and dinner. They offer a genuine "Taste of Italy"
with a Kiawe wood-burning pizza oven, great desserts and a
wonderful little market to buy wine, snacks, salads, desserts
and other miscellaneous goods.
Humuhumu (Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea)
We love the atmosphere at this restaurant, very tropical with
thatched roofs and overlooking a Hawaiian fish pond. They
serve island cuisine with Hawaiian and Polynesian influences.
Great sunset views and the kids will love seeing the big fish
tank at the entrance and the live lobster walking in the pond
just below your feet! Reservations recommended.
Joe's Bar & Grille (Wailea)
A quaint little spot located at the Wailea Tennis Courts,
this gem is one of Bev Gannon's (of Hali'imaile General Store
fame) restaurants. Enjoy the meatloaf (trust us!) or Black
Market Ribs. It is small and popular so reservations are recommended.
Gian Don's Italian Bistro (Kihei)
Gian Don's (formerly
Marco's Southside Grill) is a great Italian restaurant with wonderful atmosphere.
At their Kihei location they offer piano music on selected
evenings. Some of our favorites are their Vodka Rigatoni,
Steamed Clams, Spumoni and Tiramisu. Nice sized portions;
their sandwiches and salads are very generous.
Sansei Seafood & Sushi (Kihei)
This is absolutely one of our favorite restaurants.
Sansei's offers new wave Sushi and contemporary Japanese with
plenty of choices for folks not interested in Sushi. They
have a wonderful sampler menu on the back cover which offers
all of their top items for a party of 2. The Butterfish, Panko
Crusted Ahi and Calamari Salad are musts! The Apple Crisp
with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel sauce is to die for.
$$
Blue Marlin Grill and Bar (Ma'alaea)
This is a great place to go after coming into Ma'alaea Harbor
from a snorkeling/diving trip. Tasty appetizers. Good for
lunch and dinner.
Outback Steakhouse (Kihei and Kahana)
Outback is always a fun casual place to go and we were Friday
night regulars in Kihei. Their steaks are always good and
the Toowamba Pasta is excellent. For dessert I recommend
their "Thunder from Down Under". Great place for families
and when the line is long, eat at the bar - we miss our favorite bartender, Scottie.
Eskimo Candy Deli (Kihei)
Off the beaten path, this small seafood deli is a great choice
for lunch. The fish and chips are an excellent choice as well
as their Seared Ahi Caesar Salad. Turn "Mauka" (towards
the mountain) when you see Marco's Italian Restaurant on S.
Kihei Road and go all the way up the street.
Mulligan's on the Blue Course (Wailea)
This is a great Irish Pub offering their Irish Jam Night on
Sundays. Their Bangers and Mash is my favorite dish and my
husband likes their delicious burgers after a round of golf.
Great place for evening entertainment and cocktails! This
is also THE place for all big holidays…St. Patrick's
Day, Cinco De Mayo, etc.
Stella Blues (Kihei)
This is a great choice for any meal. They offer a wonderful
breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. They also make some great
martinis. One of our favorite dinner selections is their Jambalaya.
Good place for families. Oh, and for that sweet tooth, try
the Stella's Pie!
Thailand Cuisine (Kihei)
The best Thai food in South Maui. We have traveled to Thailand
several times and this restaurant tastes the most authentic.
Our favorite dishes are Chicken Panang Curry and their Beef
Satay. For something different try their Thai Coffee or Tea
and ask for Mango and Sticky Rice for dessert (seasonal).
$
Maui Tacos (Kihei)
A unique Maui chain, this "Maui-Mex" restaurant
was created by Mark Ellman of Avalon fame. My recommendation
is their Lahaina Burrito and order it "wet" (which
means with sauce and cheese on the top).
Da Kitchen (Kihei)
Local food. A definite must try is their Loco Moco (Hamburger
patty over rice with a fried egg on top and brown gravy) and
their Chicken Katsu.
LL Drive-In (Kihei)
The best local food. A definite must try is their Chicken
Katsu.
Fernando's (Kihei)
The most authentic and delicious Mexican food. Great for take-out.
Not the best atmosphere for a sit down dinner but alright
for lunch.
$$$$
Mama's Fish House (Kuau)
This is my top choice for restaurants to experience while
on Maui. From the tropical landscaped grounds, oceanfront
views with swaying palm trees, from entree to desert, the
ambiance of Mama's is unique on Maui. It is pricey but definitely
worth the experience. The best time to go is for lunch so
that you can enjoy the surroundings. However, it is a great
place for a romantic dinner.
$$$
Hali'imaile General Store (Makawao)
The flagship restaurant for famous local chef Bev Gannon,
this is an excellent restaurant with a wonderful selection
of appetizers and entrees. Their atmosphere is great and the
service is top-notch. Great desserts! Reservations required.
Open in the evenings.
$$
Kula Lodge (Kula)
This is a must when going to Haleakala; set high
on the side of Haleakala in Kula overlooking the central valley
of Maui. This charming little restaurant that greets you with
a wood-burning fireplace offers wonderful Upcountry dining.
Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Marco's (Kahului, near the airport)
Marco's is a great Italian restaurant that is close to
Kahului Airport making a great place for dinner before
heading back to the Mainland. Some of our favorites are their Vodka Rigatoni,
Steamed Clams, Spumoni and Tiramisu. Nice sized portions;
their sandwiches and salads are very generous.
Polly's (Makawao)
Great Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. If you are in Makawao
this is a definite must.
$
Anthony's Coffee Shop (Pa'ia)
They have the best blended coffee drinks. A definite must
is their White Chocolate Anthuccino. This is also a good place
to get a quick Muffin, wrap or salad on your way to or from
Hana or Twin Falls.
$$$$
Lahaina Grill (Lahaina) - Formerly David Paul's Lahaina
Grill
A must when visiting Lahaina. Only open for
dinner. They offer distinctive New American Cuisine created
by chef David Paul Johnson. Their desserts are excellent.
Reservations are required.
Gerard's (Lahaina)
This is one of our top choices for a romantic dinner.
Gerard's offers Contemporary Island French Cuisine and is
one of the finest restaurants in North America. The restaurant
is an old plantation house with a very romantic feel. I recommend
sitting on the Lanai. The Mushroom Stuffed Puffed Pastry appetizer
is a must. Reservations are required.
Roy's (Kahana)
This restaurant showcases Euro-Asian cuisine. They offer many
different seafood preparations and are famous for their Chocolate
Soufflé. Service is excellent and reservations are
required.
$$$
Sansei Seafood & Sushi (Kahana)
This is absolutely one of our favorite restaurants.
Sansei's offers new wave Sushi and contemporary Japanese with
plenty of choices for folks not interested in Sushi. I recommend
just ordering an array of appetizers because there are so
many to choose from. They have a wonderful sampler menu on
the back cover which offers all of their top items for a party
of 2.
Kobe Japanese Steak House (Lahaina)
If you are looking for a unique, fun venue then this is it.
Kobe's offers the ancient art of Teppanyaki cooking as knife-wielding
chefs prepare delicious entrees right at your table. We enjoy
going here because of the new people you can meet.
$$
Bubba Gump's (Lahaina)
This is a fun restaurant and a great place for families. They
have very good food and are located Oceanside on Front Street.
Fish & Game Brewing Company (Kahana)
This is a great sports restaurant to go and watch football
(go USC), basketball, baseball or whatever with TV's everywhere.
They offer a very diverse menu as well as an award winning
wine list with full service bar.
Kimo's (Lahaina)
Kimo's is located Oceanside on Front Street and the perfect
place to catch a spectacular Maui sunset. They offer some
wonderful appetizers and entrees. A must for dessert is their
"Hula Pie".
MAUI SHOPPING
If shopping is your idea of the perfect vacation activity
then Maui is for you! Browse for unique island gifts, found
nowhere else, or your favorite international brands.
The Magic Isles' shopping venues range from modern malls
with all the conveniences to family-operated roadside stands
featuring island produce that is the working definition of
"fresh."
Most Island retailers will be more than happy to ship your
purchases home for you so no worries if you find a beautiful
art piece, etc. Finally, don't forget to sign-in to the guest
book you'll find in most Maui shops. This will keep you in
touch with your favorite Maui products wherever you call home.
Below are some of our favorites;
Shops at Wailea - This is a beautifully designed
shopping complex located in the heart of Wailea's Resort area.
Included here are more than 50 shops and dining establishments
nestled within a traditional/contemporary Hawaiian setting.
Fountains, pools, a courtyard and tropical landscaping make
this a thoroughly pleasant shopping experience.
Maui Clothing Outlet - The Maui Clothing
sign can be seen from a half-mile down the Pi'ilani Highway.
Sooner or later, curiosity is bound to get the best of even
the busiest tourist or most uncurious local. Once that first
visit is made, the low prices at this store are bound to "keep
'em coming back" The clothing here is of the sort that
you see every day on locals and well-dressed tourists. Casual,
fun and sporty, it's perfect for the beach or for casual events.
Men's wear, women's wear, children's clothing and swimwear
are all available. Mid-priced name brands are featured.
Kihei Kalama Village - This bazaar sells
local arts, crafts and gift items. A number of local artisans
and vendors have booths in the open-air market, while specific
businesses such as Sister's Boutique and Alexander's Fish
& Chips are clustered around the bazaar area. A sunny
outdoor patio in the center is the perfect spot for an informal
meal.
This is a wonderful place to find those souvenirs for back
home. Credit card acceptance policy and hours of operation
vary by merchant.
Pi'ilani Shopping Center - This center was
opened in 2002 and is home to several shops and restaurants
such as Starbucks, Subway, Safeway Grocery Store, Hilo Hatties,
Borders, Outback Steak House, Roy's Restaurant, LL Drive-In
and many more.
Hilo Hatties - This store is enormous and
located in Kihei at the Piilani Shopping Center. As you enter
you will be greeted at the front door with a shell lei greeting.
Every conceivable style of Aloha shirt, muumuu, sundress,
grass skirt, and other tropical apparel item is for sale here.
This is also a good place to stock up on macadamia nuts, Kona
coffee, seashells, and any other souvenir that you promised
you'd bring to the folks back home.
Ma'alaea Harbor Village - This shopping
center is located next to the Maui Ocean Center and Ma'alaea
Boat Harbor. It offers several souvenir shops, restaurants
and boutiques.
Maui Swap Meet (A MUST) - The Maui Swap Meet
is a large and very popular event open every Saturday from
7am to 12pm (the earlier you go the better). You will find
that vendors have spread out their wares in booths and under
tarps, in a festival-like atmosphere. Offered at the swap
meet are local grown vegetables, fresh taro, plants, crafts,
household items, homemade foods, and baked goods (including
some fabulous fruit bread). Admission is 50¢, and if
you go early while the vendors are setting up, no one will
turn you away.
Queen Kaahumanu Center - Maui's largest
Mall with more than 100 shops, restaurants, theaters, services,
a supermarket, a wonderful variety of free entertainment,
community events and festivals, Queen Kaahumanu Center is
truly Maui's most exciting shopping and entertainment destination.
The center boasts both a wide array of local specialty boutiques
and the island's only department stores-Macy's and Sears.
Each week brings new attractions: today a farmer's market
featuring fresh local produce; tomorrow, Hawaiian music on
the Queen's Stage. Above all, there's a feeling of community.
Shop or dine, catch a movie or a manicure, enjoy the local
scene and browse the wonderful shops here at Maui's Town Center.
Open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Whaler's Village Fine Shops at Restaurants
- Craving great food and a cocktail on the beach at sunset?
Relax Ka'anapali style at Whalers Village, with its 3 Oceanfront
restaurants, plus a food court, ice cream shops and cafes.
Shopping is fabulous, too. The open-air destination is home
to Tiffany and Coach, Island-themed shops like Tommy Bahamas,
jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir stores. Families love
the free Whalers Village Museum, filled with artifacts from
Lahaina's whaling heyday. Free entertainment is also offered
on selected evenings. Day or night, Whalers Village is the
place to be in Ka'anapali.
Lahaina Cannery Mall - This Mall is the
island's only fully enclosed air-conditioned shopping center.
Built in 1987, the mall has an intriguing mix of boutiques,
shops and restaurants. Whether you're looking for books, gift
items, coffee, music or even ocean gear, Lahaina Cannery Mall
is a popular stop for both residents and visitors.
Lahaina Center on Front Street - Lahaina
Center is home to more than 40 shops, restaurants and entertainment
choices. For fashionable island styles, visit Hilo Hattie,
Banana Republic, Gap, GapKids and Wet Seal. For casual wear,
stop by Maui Tees, Shoe Fetish and Island Swimwear. There's
the ABC Store, Pictures Plus, Tidepool Gallery and more, for
souvenirs. Dine at world-famous Hard Rock Cafe or Ruth's Chris
Steak House for delicious cuisine with Island flair. Be sure
to visit Hale Kahiko, an authentic 1,000-square-foot replica
of Old Hawai'i. Free weekly hula shows; validated parking.
Front Street in Lahaina - This is the street
where you will find all the action! Front Street boasts with
Art Galleries, Jewelry Stores, Boutiques, Aloha Wear, Souvenir
Shops, Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs and the very famous
Banyan Tree. A good night to visit Front Street is on Friday
Nights because it is "Art Night'" which means several
Galleries have the Artists available and offer refreshments.
Kahana Gateway Shopping Center - From T-shirts
to Diamonds, Big Macs to live Maine Lobster we're the biggest
little center on Maui, where you will find the greatest restaurants,
art galleries, fine jewelry, yogurt specialties, swimwear,
funwear, designer clothing, fast food, fabulous food, fresh
brewed espresso, micro-brewed beer, professional services
including activity services, real estate, medical and banking.
Kahana Gateway Shopping Center offers all the coolest stuff,
with none of the heated hassle of Lahaina. There is plenty
of free parking, friendly people and relaxed shopping, dining
or just fun browsing.
I definitely recommend a day trip to both of these small Upcountry
towns. They are old historic cowboy towns with A LOT of charm.
Here you will see several unique People, Boutiques, Art Galleries,
Restaurants, Souvenir Shops, etc. Upcountry is quite beautiful
so the drive in itself will be worth it.
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