Maui is the second island that I have visited in Hawaii, with Oahu being the first. And the differences were drastic it seemed. What made Maui unique to me was the fact that one minute I could be surrounded by hundreds of tourists just like myself, and the next I might be stumbling my way through nature to find a secluded beach. The natural wonders that make Maui so lovable are obvious: Haleakalā , the Road to Hana and the Seven Pools, the endless beaches. Of course, it wasn't the water that I was excited to dive into when anticipating our trip; it was the thought of local food. Practically salivating while imagining the bbq plate lunch, loco moco, spam musubi, char siu bao, and all the asian influences that I loved in Oahu, what I discovered quickly once landing was that the local food culture is influenced much more by the mainland. This wasn't a problem, but just not what I had hoped. So, that cultural influence is something to note in the cuisine while you visit. Below are my recommendations for places to check out for one reason or another, while indulging over on the island of Maui.
EAT N DRINK
Hali’maile:
Hali imaile General Store
Recommended for: Lunch or Dinner
Recommended for: Lunch or Dinner
Price: Average
Tips: The location is a bit off the typical route if you are staying in Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, so you may want to plan your visit from the airport after you land or after you spend the day in Haleakala. This flagship restaurant of Maui Chef Bev Gannon, now one of the 3 restaurants derived from her vision, is an adorable little plantation house nestled in the middle of pineapple fields and you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. With white wooden planked walls and a down-home welcome air to it, the whole space from the outside in conjures a feeling of nostalgia somehow. Perhaps not even of days you ever experienced, but visions of carefree, lazy and warm summer days that you wish you could always have. Originally opened as a deli, she was serving crowd favorites to the locals for lunch, with menus that stemmed from her catering days. Now as a full sit down restaurant, you can come for dinner and enjoy the menu's bright, colorful dishes that feel very california in their origin, with hints of global influence from latin america to asia. As they may tell you, the Sashimi Napoleon is a local favorite to start. I should also mention that it happened to be the best meal that we had all week, and our final meal on the island. And I am so glad it was.
Kapalua:
Sansei Sushi
Recommended for: Dinner
Price: Average to High
Tips: Can be totally packed like sardines from the minute you walk in, so make a reservation if you can! Or be prepared to spend a few bucks at the bar. The wait isn't all bad through; there's a jewelry store right in the same shopping center that will help you kill some time. They carry the most beautiful diamonds and some really great jewelry. Note: if you aren't necessarily up to blowing a hundred grand before dinner, you can always window shop and try on, say, a 10 carat canary for fun. The staff are fully supportive, and some of the kindest people I've encountered. Husbands- beware!
Everyone knows of this place, and I think every concierge will tell you that this is the best sushi on the island. And it may be, but don't go expecting traditional sushi. Because traditional, it not. Go here to be in the mix of the scene. Have some cocktails, throw back some sake and beer, and order some of their very california/americanized rolls and appetizers by the handfull.
Kaanapali:
Hula Grill
Recommended for: First Cocktail on the Island, or Happy Hour
Price: Low to Average
Super cheesy, super corporate, super tourist. But sometimes you need that. After all, you are a tourist, so don't fight the urge. This a a big restaurant with a plethora of tables directly out on the sand, so you can kick off your flops and enjoy the warn sand beneath your feet. They feature live music in the afternoon and hula early evening. Welcome to Hawaii!
Lahaina
Aloha Mixed Plate
Recommended for: Lunch
This is like the Disneyland of plate lunch. It's humongous with tables and tables and tables...After trying a few different places on the island and being mildly disappointed, this place fit the mold for what I was hoping for in the traditional plate lunch. Order at the counter and pick your meat, and whatever you go with, it comes with scoops of rice and mac salad. Nothing spectacular, but it will definitely get the job done and will give you your fix. Their menu includes salads and starters as well.
Maui Brewing
Recommended for: Afternoon pit stop
Their tasting room is right in Lahaina in an unassuming area, but pretty typical for a brewery location. Check them out they were open mid afternoon 2 – 6 for some of their local tasty brews.
Mala Ocean Tavern
Recommended for: Happy Hour
Price: Average
Tips: Two words: Oyster Shooters.
Great place for a little happy hour and mid day snack, and ask for a table on the deck.
Pacific O and Pacific Io: they are right next to each other
Recommended for: Luau Dinner Show
Price: Expensive (in comparison to standard group luaus)
Tips: Bottomless Tiki Drinks with dinner. I kid you not, it's true. They pour the liquor sparingly though, and the drinks are really sweet. You may be challenging your blood sugar levels to drink more than 3.
I had already been to one of those big, family filled cheezy luauas. You know, the kind you see in movies? Don't get me wrong, they are a MUST if you haven't. But for those who have, and didn't care much for the cafeteria style line up (or the steam tabled food) but still want a show, I have an alternative for you. You'll be "lei'd" on the beach just in time for a photo opp, and led to the table that was reserved just for you and your party. No communal seating. This is a sit down, plated dinner, and to mention it again, bottomless tiki cocktails. The view for the show is spectacular, as you can watch the sun set on the raised deck with the ocean as the backdrop.
Paia
Mamas Fish House
Recommended for: Dinner with Friends, Family
Price: Average to Expensive (decent potential to rack up a bill with the seafood entrees and drinks)
This is just what people do when you drive through/into Paia. It's a good memory, so I recommend it, and take a few pictures.
No comments:
Post a Comment