There is no shortage of good restaurants here on Maui, but still, I find myself going back to the same places and looking forward to meals from a favorite select few. Here’s what continuously makes the list whenever I’m on Maui:
Saeng’s Thai Cuisine (2119 W Vineyard St, Wailuku)- Best Thai Food on Maui and rivals anything I’ve had in Thailand. This is always our first stop when we get off the airplane, and usually our last (time permitting) before we catch our flight home. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but on the inside there is a nice little tranquil garden and some incredible food. Located in Wailuku, it is a great place for lunch if you are visiting the nearby Iao Needle. We like the Yum Salad with Squid, Fresh Spring Rolls, and the Chicken Green Curry.
Lahaina Coolers (180 Dickenson St., Lahaina, www.lahainacoolers.com)- One of my favorite places to eat in Lahaina. This casual local place has one of the more interesting menus you will find. It is popular among the after hours crowd and also serves some of the best breakfasts in town. Hungry? Try the Surfer’s Special. Also don’t miss the homemade hot sauce. It goes on everything. For dinner I like the Soba Noodle Salad or any of the fresh fish dishes. They keep Kona Big Wave on tap (a personal favorite) as well as a seasonal selection from Maui Brewing Company- if you’re there in the fall or early winter you have to try Amber Reign- it is a treat you won’t find outside of the islands.
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Lahaina Coolers
Penne Pasta Cafe (180 Dickenson St., Lahaina, www.pennepastacafe.com)- a former Mark Ellman restuarant (Maui Tacos, Mala, Honu), this place’s claim to fame is that nothing on the menu is over $17.95. Not much has changed since Mark sold the place to partner and chef Juan Gomez and it is a great place to get a casual bite out. The baked penne is a family favorite, and the flat bread pizzas are always a hit. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the one with mixed greens, edamame, and prosciutto- it’s like a salad and pizza in one.
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Oku’s Sushi Bar (136 Dickenson St., Lahainam www.kobemaui.com)- While the teppanyaki dinner show is always fun, we usually tend to head straight to the sushi bar. Among things on the menu that I’ve never seen elsewhere are the dynomite (a creamy baked seafood dish with either scallops or shrimp) and the spider roll with softshell crab. The Lahaina roll (California roll with sprouts) is also excellent. On Friday and Saturday nights, you may find karaoke in the bar- you’ve been warned Image may be NSFW.
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Foodland Poke (Various locations, www.foodland.com)- You’re may be wondering how a grocery store made the list, and you can expect a followup post all about my obsession with poke, but until then, if you’re looking for a cheap, portable meal, try the poke bowl with rice ($6.99). So what exactly is poke (pronounced “pokey”)? Typically made from cubed ahi sashimi, it comes in different flavors with a variety of things mixed in. The most basic kind usually has just tuna, onions, and a little sea salt or shoyu. My favorite is the California Roll which contains raw ahi, artificial crab, avocado, masago, cucumber, seaweed, and spicy sauce. Perfect for a picnic at the beach and pairs well with a wide array of local beers too!
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Foodland Poke
Lahaina Cannery Mall Foodcourt (Lahaina)- We usually go to either Edo (Japanese) or Bale (Vietnamese) for a cheap family dinner out. I am a big fan of the Pho at Bale and their taro pudding. There are free hula shows inside the mall on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 and at 2pm on the weekends.
Shaka Shave Ice (844 Front St., Lahaina)- My favorite place for shave ice in Lahaina. I always get the Blue Hawaiian mixed with Tiger’s Blood (don’t worry, it’s not actual blood but rather a cherry coconut concoction). The tables in the little courtyard there even have special holes in them to hold your cup. Great ambiance thanks in part to the gorgeous photographs on display at the Christopher Egan gallery next door.
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Shaka Shave Ice
Honorable Mentions- we might not make to these places on every trip to Maui, but they are all good and worth visiting at least once or twice: Mama’s Fish House in Paia- this place is probably the best restaurant on the island and it’s been here forever- a bit pricey but very, very good and fully deserving of its reputation. Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina(malaoceantavern.com)- local fresh island-style cuisine- what famous Hawaii chef Mark Ellman is most famous for. Kimo’s, Lahaina- another famous Maui institution- if nothing else go there for a drink and to enjoy the sunset and ocean views. If you decide to stay for dinner try the Kimo’s style Mahi- you won’t be disappointed.
What are your favorite Maui eats?