Favorite Maui Restaurants
We often catch a show at the MACC, and our favorite pre-show dinner is at Hali'imaile General Store located between Kahului and Makawao. Don't let the name fool you, this is fine dining featuring locally sourced produce, meats and products as well as an array of unique cocktails to get you started.
Mala located at 1307 Front Street up past the Cannery Mall is an excellent place for lunch, brunch or dinner. They have an excellent lamb sausage eggs benedict. Dining can be out on the deck at the water's edge. Add a glass of wine and it is an experience.
If you dare to try the Road to Hana, or just venture a bit along that fantastic drive, after you leave Pa'ia you will soon pass Mama's Fish House. Located right on the ocean facing east, the fish could not be more fresh. Coupled with a very attentive wait staff, this is so relaxing and delicious. Always make a reservation and this is not an undiscovered gem, but always worth the extra planning.
For a special evening out, try Merriman's located a short drive up in Kapalua. Excellent views of Molokai and Lahaina Roads. The staff is so attentive, and the specialty cocktails worth a look, but the dishes speak for themselves. Fresh and imaginative.
Pa'ia Fish Market located in the heart of Pa'ia is the best place to sample a fish burger. Sound strange to you? Well, I'm here to tell you that it is excellent and a DO NOT MISS! When you arrive, just hop in line to the counter and place your order. It is one of those places that call out a number when your food is ready. The tables are all shared space, but do not let this put you off. This is just too good to miss. If all the tables are filled when you are ordering, do not worry. Space always clears while you are waiting for your food to get ready. Just sip your drink, watch and wait. It will definitely be worth it. Also, if you have trouble with parking, there is public parking on the right just as you enter Pa'ia. I'd recommend that you go ahead and park here as parking can be scarce. Besides, the walk to the middle of town is full of wonderful window shopping and a short walk anyway. Oh, and they have a second location in Kihei!
Sam Sato's in Wailuku is another local favorite. Located at 1750 Wili Pa Loop, this noodle shop has the best saimin, dry noodles (a specialty) and chow fun on the island, at reasonable prices. Absolutely delicious. When you arrive, you visit a little window outside to put your name on the list as there is almost always a wait during meal times. The wait was short, and the experience well worth it. Very filling though so keep this in mind when you order.
Soup Nutz & Java Jazz at 3350 Lower Honoapiilani in Ka'anapali is a great place for lunch. They have excellent imaginative sandwiches, great soups, salads, and a very friendly staff. Though we've only enjoyed lunch there, it appears they have a fun nightlife. After lunch, just up the street on the left is a small farmer's market with a nice assortment of papaya varieties.
We searched and ate and searched and ate and FINALLY found an excellent sushi restaurant in an unlikely place. Located in the food court of the Lahaina Cannery Mall, Sushi Ko serves up delicious sushi. They have excellent imaginative specialty items, all the traditional things you would expect and an accommodating staff. You can also order online for pickup.