Bruce & Kolleen Wheeler's
Maui Dining Suggestions
.
= OUR LISTINGS FOR A VARIETY OF "BETTER" ISLAND EATERIES, ONES THAT WE BELIEVE ARE ESPECIALLY WORTHY OF YOUR CONSIDERATION =
.
" WE'RE NOT FOOD CRITICS, BUT WE KNOW WHAT WE LIKE, AND WE WANT YOU TO KNOW, TOO."
.
Our personal favorites are in green lettering.
We do not list hotel (house-run) restaurants.
.
"Cheap!"  "Inexpensive"Moderate"  "High!"
Bon Appétit!
please visit maui-angels.com


. . . New 2 Us . . .
our two most recent "dishcoveries"
.
Napili: Iron Imu Bar-B-Que at Napili Shores Condos, 5315 Lower Honoapi'ilani Rd. (808) 442-3700  A family run business, Rob & Kristin Wheeler (no relation) have been serving their superb bar-b-que offerings - for a couple of years - from a pair of custom trailers they park weekly at various west Maui locations. They've recently "grown" the concept by moving into a nicely appointed "brick and mortar" location in mid December. We can't say enough about how good their yummy "southern style" meats and sides are, so we're just going to let you see for yourselves. (You'll be glad you did!) Their hours of operation and menu are at ironimubbq.com
..
Wailuku: Old Wailuku Grill  62 N. Market St., Wailuku (next to the I'ao Theatre) ~ Lunch M-F 10:30~3:00, Full Bar 10:30~7pm, Bar Menu 4~7pm (808) 986-0044  Located in the former Cafe O'Lei space, the creative forces at OWG have quickly made it "the place" to do lunch in Central Maui. Specializing in all manner of fish, fowl and local beef, they are "inspired by the concept of 'comfort food'... the menu is casual, affordable & innovative." Find them on Facebook, and (barely) online here . . .
.


= GO HERE FOR SOME ADDITIONAL DINING RECOMMENDATIONS =
.
= AND HERE FOR A LIST OF ISLAND NATURAL FOOD STORES & VEGAN/VEGETARIAN CAFÉS =
.


Listings are alpha, arranged by region:
= South Maui ~ West Maui ~ Central Maui ~ Upcountry =

SOUTH MAUI ~ Kihei - Wailea - Makena - Ma'alaea
.
Kihei: 808 Bistro 2511 S. Kihei Rd. (behind Fred's, across from Kamaole Beach Park II) 879-8008
Although open for nearly a year, we finally got around to giving it a try, and we're glad we did! They
specialize in well prepared "comfort foods." We enjoyed their Crab Dip and Lox & Tart pupus, a
decent Caesar salad and a Short Rib Potpie (enhanced with a tasty wine preparation). Nice.
Breakfast 7am~12n, "Sunset" ($25 3-course Spl.) 5pm~6pm, Dinner 5pm~9pm daily (BYOB)
808 Bistro.Com
.
Kihei: Café O'Lei Kihei  2439 S. Kihei Rd. (upstairs at the Rainbow Mall)
Serving local seafood, steaks, sushi and one of our "Top-5" favorite
desserts, a delightful Kona Coffee Creme Brulée! Open for lunch,
10:30am to 3:30pm, and dinner, 4:30 to 9:30pm daily. Dinner
reservations are strongly recommended, 891-1368.
cafeolei.com/kihei
.
Wailea: Capische? at Hotel Wailea Maui (formerly Diamond Resort) 879-2224. One of
the most romantic restaurants on the island, with one of the very best wine lists, too.
Featuring fine Northern Italian cuisine (with subtle French influences), every seat in
the house has a panoramic view of the south Maui coast. Great food, great service!
Visit their web site...
.
Kihei: Cuatro 1881 South Kihei Rd. (at Foodland Center, next door to Sansei) 879-1110
Open for a little over two years now, this "unique" restaurant has a lot going for it.  With a
menu that blends Pacific Rim & Latin American cuisines, it's a bit difficult to describe the
end result. Suffice it to say, go see for yourself - we don't think you'll be disappointed!
Dinner only, from 4 to 10pm. Seating is limited to just 46 persons so reservations are
highly recommended. See their menu online at cuatromaui.com
.
Kihei: Dina's SandWitch at the Sugar Beach Resort, 145 N. Kihei Rd.
is a "smallish" place that's more a locals bar scene which also serves
very tasty sandwiches and pupus! Call 879-3262 for orders to go...
.
Kihei: Fat Daddy's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q  1913 S. Kihei Rd. 879 8711 - Delicious Texas-style
BBQ prepared from old family recipes. This place is small, casual and worth checking out.
Open 11am to Midnight, seven days a week.
fatdaddysmaui.com
.
Wailea: Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman  10 Wailea Gateway Pl, 891-2322
Celebrity Chef Peter Merriman's latest Maui eatery is a fun adventure in
casual dining. Serving Maui's largest selection of beers and ales, and a
menu to please almost every taste. Visit their website for further info.
monkeypodkitchen.com
.
Kihei / Lahaina: Outback Steakhouses  Pi'ilani Shopping Center, Kihei,
879-8400 and in Lahaina, above Barnes & Noble (across the highway
from Long's Drugs) 665-1822. They simply are what they are, so put
another shrimp on the barbie, mate, and hold the salt!
outbacksteakhouse.kihei
.
Ma'alaea: Porto "Flame Fired Artisan Pizza" at the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops, 856-8337
Open for a little over a year, this restaurant can now -as far as we're concerned- lay
claim to the title Maui's Best Pizza.  Also serving a tasty selection of appetizers,
salads, soups, pastas, panini, desserts & espresso ~ all sure to please! Open
daily for lunch and dinner, 11am to 8pm ~ Happy hour 3:30-5:30
portomaui.com
.
Wailea / Lahaina: Ruth's Chris Steak House  874-8880
Generous portions of exceptional "American" food in a casual, yet
elegant setting, upstairs at The Shops at Wailea shopping center.
Often voted "best steaks" in local opinion polls, and deservedly so.
ruthschris.com/wailea
.
Kihei / Kapalua: Sansei Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Voted "best sushi" in
many polls. Superb! The Kapalua Resort location is @ 600 Office Rd.,
and their central Kihei location is at the Foodland Shopping Center.
"Heavy discounts" on sushi from 10pm to 1am, Thurs., Fri. & Sat.
For big savings inquire about their "early bird" specials pricing!
sansei-kihei.com
.
Kihei: Sarento's On The Beach  2980 S. Kihei Road  875-7555
Located on the ocean behind the Maui Oceanfront Inn. Italian
with an island flair. Great food, great service & decent views!
Breakfast, 7 - 11am Dinner, 5:30 - 10:00pm
sarentos_maui.com
.
Kihei: Shaka Sandwich & Pizza  1770 S. Kihei Rd. 874-0331 Open
daily 10:30 am to 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays/Saturdays).  Noted for
their "New York style" pizzas & Philly cheese steak sandwiches.
.
Kihei: The South Shore Tiki Lounge
1913 S. Kihei Rd., adjacent to the Foodland Super
Market. An unusual bar/lounge/restaurant serving
pizzas, gourmet sausage sandwiches and one of
Maui's better cheeseburgers.
southshoretikilounge.com
.
Wailea: Wolfgang Puck's Spago at the Four Seasons Resort Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui, 874-8000. "Just like L.A!"  Dinner only.
wolfgangpuck-maui.com
.
Kihei: Stella Blues Café Azeka Mauka Shopping Center. Good food with
casual indoor/outdoor seating. Their menu is, essentially, "All-American,"
with steaks, local seafood, 'comfort food,' pasta & more. Recommended
for breakfast & lunch and for their vegetarian offerings, too!
go here for photos and contact info
.
Ma'alaea: The Waterfront  300 Ma’alaea Road 244-9028
A favorite of ours for seafood has recently reopened at
the Ma'alaea Harbor Village (by the Maui Ocean Center).
waterfrontrestaurant.net
.
WEST MAUI ~ Lahaina - Honokowai - Kahana - Napili - Kapalua
.
Napili: The Gazebo overlooking the ocean at the Napili
Shores Condominiums, 5315 Lower Honoapi'ilani Rd.
  A wonderful, fun place for breakfast and lunch!
Open daily from 7:30am - 2:00pm
.
Lahaina: Gerard's  174 Lahainaluna Road, just off Front St.
 Delicious French cuisine in a lovely, intimate atmosphere.
 Open for dinner from 6pm  Reservations 661-8939
gerardsmaui.com
.
Lahaina: Lahaina Coolers  180 Dickenson St., 661-7082
Open 8am 'til 2am, full menu served 'til Midnight.
Creative menu in a room with a casual, "surfer" feel.
.
Ka'anapali: Hula Grill at Whalers Village Shopping Center.
On the most popular beach on the Island. Recommended for
local "catch of the day" fish entrees. Lots of vintage Hawaiian
collectibles used in the decor. 667-6636 for reservations.
.
Lahaina: Kobe Japanese Steak House  136 Dickenson St. 667-5555.
Featuring teppanyaki-style food preparation, and a great sushi bar.
Gets our "yum! yum! yum!" rating without question!
.
Lahaina: CJ's Deli & Diner aka "The Comfort Zone"  2580 Keka'a Drive
in The Fairway Shops at Ka'anapali Resort. 667-0968  Open daily from
6:30 am 'til 7:30 pm for breakfast, lunch & dinner...especially noted
for their gooey burgers. Visit cjsmaui.com to learn more . . .
.
Lahaina: Mala "An Ocean Tavern" 1307 Front St. (behind Safeway) 667-9394 - Reservations
suggested for larger parties. A Chef Mark Ellman restaurant. "Very hip" best describes this
popular eatery. A tapas & wine kind of place, we enjoyed their crunchy calamari, rich potato
soup, homemade totilla chips & guacamole, a great Kobe beef cheeseburger with "pommes
frites," and an absolutely "killer" flan for dessert! Highly recommended! Open for lunch &
dinner, Mon/Fri, dinner only Sat/Sun. (Now at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort, too!)
See this photo....and their web site

Kapalua: Merriman's Kapalua  One Bay Club Pl. 669-6400  Chef Peter Merriman
is called "The Pied Piper of Hawai'i Regional Cuisine" by the Los Angeles Times.
There must be some truth in this since he's developed a very loyal following over
the past twenty years with his innovative, delicious creations. One of Maui's best
restaurants, Merriman's has few peers in this realm. Not only is the food great, the
restaurant's location, overlooking beautiful Kapalua Bay, is quite easily the "most
scenic" anywhere on the island. If you're planning to be wed on Kapalua Beach,
this fine dining establishment is perfect for post ceremony dinners. Open daily
for dinner from 5:30~9pm. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5pm, with a limited menu.
Reservations highly recommended. "Resort wear" apparel is appropriate.
merrimanshawaii.com/maui
.
Lahaina / Kihei: Outback Steakhouse  Pi'ilani Shopping Center, Kihei,
879-8400. In Lahaina, above Barnes & Noble (across Hwy. 30 from
Long's Drugs) 665-1822. They simply are what they are . . .
outbacksteakhouse.lahaina
.
Lahaina: Penne Pasta Café  Owner/chef Juan Gomez's cozy Italian eatery.
Quite affordable and "Maui-casual," our favorite Maui Italian restaurant!
180 Dickenson St. - 661 6633  Open 'til 9:30 pm daily, 10 pm Fri/Sat.
Check out their web site for menu items, etc.
.
Kapalua: Pineapple Grill  200 Kapalua Dr. (at the Kapalua Bay Course club house) This superb restaurant
has been open for about five years, way too long to not have given it a try sooner. Well, as the saying goes,
"better late then never." They've been the recipient of numerous "best this" and "best that" awards, so I don't
know if there's very much more I can say short of "dine there!" (While not right on the ocean as are some
other similarly popular eateries, the 18th hole at Kapalua's famed Bay Course is really quite beautiful!)
Lunch, 11am ~ 2:30pm Grille Menu, 2:30pm ~ 5:30pm, Dinner, 5:30 ~ 9pm
Dinner reservations recommended, 669-9600
pineapplekapalua.com
.
Kapalua: The Plantation House  2000 Plantation Club Dr. 669-6299  Their website proclaims,
"Casual Elegance ~ Island Style." We're completely in agreement here, and then some! We
dined at this beautiful establishment for the first time on our own the other evening. (Our
previous three experiences were as guests of wedding couples, never allowing us to
get very "adventuresome" with menu selections.) Now that we've finally had the
opportunity to be more "selective," we can say our dining experience easily
met our expectations and beyond!  Open daily; breakfast, lunch & dinner.
theplantationhouse.com
.
Ka'anapali: Roy's Ka'anapali Bar & Grill at the Ka'anapali golf course clubhouse,
2290 Ka'anapali Parkway ~ 669-6999. Roy's offers some of the best cuisine on
Maui, and their fabulous chocolate soufflé dessert is not to be missed!
(We often celebrate birthdays or anniversaries here.)
roysrestaurant.com
.
Lahaina / Wailea: Ruth's Chris Steak House  900 Front Street, 661-8815.
Generous portions of exceptional "American" food in a casual, yet
elegant setting. In Wailea at The Shops at Wailea shopping center.
Often voted "best steaks" in local opinion polls.
ruthschris.com/lahaina

Kapalua / Kihei: Sansei Restaurant & Sushi Bar  Voted "best sushi" in
many polls. Superb! The Kapalua Resort location is @ 600 Office Rd.,
and their central Kihei location is at the Foodland Shopping Center.
"Heavy discounts" on sushi from 10pm to 1am, Thurs., Fri. & Sat.
For big savings ask about their "early bird" special pricing!
sansei-kapalua.com
.
Honokowai: SoupNutz @ Java Jazz in the Honokowai Marketplace,
3350 Lower Honoapi'ilani Rd. Small cafe and one of Maui's very
best espresso bars, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open
Monday-Saturday: 6am-9pm (Call for Sunday hours) 667-0787
javajazz.net
.
Lahaina: Star*Noodle  286 Kupuohi St. (Lahaina Business Park) 667-5400 This stellar new eatery
takes the old time noodle house concept to a whole new level. If there ever was a "fine dining"
noodle house, this is it! Great food, great decor and great service. Go see for yourself!
Open Daily; Lunch 10:30am-3pm ~ Dinner 5:30-10pm  (Find Star*Noodle on Facebook)

Lahaina: Teddy's Bigger Burgers  335 Keawe Street, in the Lahaina Gateway center, 661-9111
Teddy's is a growing chain, with several locations on O'ahu, and another in Woodinville, Wa.
Open for almost two years in Lahaina, we first ate there four times within a ten day span, it
was that good; for burgers, that is. (We tried the crispy chicken sandwich and fish & chips,
both very disappointing.) But, their hamburgers are great, and that's what a burger joint is
all about, yes? Their fries are quite good, but not too outstanding, while the "potato flour"
hamburger buns are always "fresh" and tasty. Teddy's yummy shakes are extra thick,
and made with Maui's premium Roselani ice creams.  Bottom line; if you want
a decent burger at a fair price, Teddy's has 'em!  Open 10am to 9pm daily.
teddysbiggerburgers.com
.
With aloha from...

...mahalo for visiting this page!

CENTRAL MAUI ~ Kahului - Wailuku - Waikapu - Airport
.
Wailuku: A Saigon Café  1792 Main St, 243-9560  The Island's very best
Vietnamese cuisine. (One of the more popular "local style" restaurants
on the island.) Recommended...
Urban Spoon Review.
.
Wailuku: A.K.'s Café  1237 Lower Main St. 244-8774  Creative
dishes with a local flair. Chef/Owner Elaine Rothermal has
managed to cram a lot of value into her extensive menu. Out
of the way but well worth finding. To quote Elaine, "Eat Better!"
A.K.'s on the Web
.
Kahului: Ba Le French Sandwich & Bakery  Food Court at Maui
Marketplace, 270 Dairy Rd. next to Sports Authority. 877-2400
Despite the name, Ba Le is, essentially, a good Vietnamese
"fast food" restaurant. They also serve a variety of tasty
sandwiches served on homemade French baguettes,
and are noted for their yummy pastries, too.
..
Kahului: Café O'Lei at The Dunes at the Maui Lani Golf Course club house (enter off
Hwy. 380) 877-0073 Innovative preparation of local and "American" favorites. Open
most days for breakfast, lunch and dinner (closed Monday for dinner).
cafeolei.com/the-dunes-at-maui-lani
.
Waiehu: Café O'Lei Waiehu Golf Course  200 Halewaiau Rd. 242-2770
By the ocean at the Maui County municipal greens.
cafeolei.com/waiehu-golf-course
.
Wailuku: Giannotto's Pizza  2050 Main Street. 808 244 8282 Owner David Giannotto is from New Jersey,
and maybe that's all I need to say. (Capische?) Besides very good pizzas, David serves the best meatball,
sausage and cheese steak subs to be had, and a lot of other family-recipe-inspired Italian specialties. David's
web site tells it all. (Believe it or not, he's a die-hard Redskins fan. You want 'skins stats? David's got 'em!)
.
Kahului: Marco's Grill & Deli  Dairy Rd. at Hana Hwy. 877-4446
Another very good Italian eatery. The closest restaurant to Maui's main
airport. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner - 7:30am 'til 10pm.
.
Kahului: Maui Coffee Roasters  444 Hana Hwy., 877-2877
Espresso, pastries and other light fare. Open "early" until
late afternoon. Retail sales of whole bean and ground
"gourmet" coffees, roasted on the premises.
hawaiiancoffee.com
.
Wailuku: Saeng's Thai Cuisine  2119 Vineyard St, 244-1567
One of our favorite Thai restaurants, seating in
a comfortable, semi open-air garden setting.
.
Wailuku: Tokyo Tei  1063 Lower Main Street, 242-9630
Good local-style Japanese dishes served in a pleasant
dining room setting. An Island favorite for over 30 years.
.
UPCOUNTRY ~ Hali'imaile - Makawao - Kula - Ha'iku - Pa'ia
.
Pa'ia: Charley's Restaurant  142 Hana Highway, 579-9453
 If heading to the top of Haleakala, or on your way to Hana,
  we highly recommended it for breakfast. This is also where
part-time Maui resident Willie Nelson and his friends often
hold impromptu back bar jam sessions. A very casual, fun
experience. While good for breakfast, it's just OK otherwise.
.
Makawao: Casanova Italian Restaurant & Deli  1188 Makawao Ave,
572-0220. Very good pizzas and traditional Italian dishes plus
live (often "big name") musical entertainment on weekends.
(Tip: Check out their very cool tee-shirts!)
casanovamaui.com
.
Pa'ia: The Flatbread Company  89 Hana Highway - 579-8989 Open daily from 11:30am 'til 10pm
The Maui location is one of seven restaurants in a chain, the other six are all in (and all over) New
England. There's a Hawaiian word, "pono," that translates as "righteous" or "to do right." This is
one pono outfit, beyond any doubt, and without exaggeration! So, what exactly is a 'flatbread?'
Essentially, a pizza by any other name, but their pizzas are far better than, and very different
from, most others we've ever had! So, without belaboring this any longer, let me send you
to their web site....it'll save me from writing a much longer overview! BTW, Pa'ia is a
former sugar plantation town, now a center for "ocean sports" here on the Island.
As such, it's a great people watching town! Well worth a visit whether you dine
there or not!
.
Hali'imaile: Hali'imaile General Store  900 Hali'imaile Rd, 572-2666
Famous for Chef Bev Gannon's crab pizza and tasty Hawai'i regional
treats to delight your palette. Located in a former plantation camp
store, and well worth the drive to beautiful upcountry Maui! Visit
their website for directions, open/close hours and such.
.
Kula: Kula Lodge & Restaurant  Haleakala Hwy. 878-1535
Well established dining room, good food, exceptional views.
kulalodge.com/restaurant
.
Makawao: Café O`Lei's Makawao Steak House  3612 Baldwin Ave, 572-8711 A
local favorite now open under new ownership. Call for hours & reservations.
cafeolei.com/makawao
..
Pa'ia: Moana Bakery & Café on the left two blocks up Baldwin Ave from Hana
Hwy. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Innovative menu, casual dining and
a very good bakery, too.   (Live entertainment on selected nights.)
Call for info: 579-9999



LUAU SUGGESTIONS
.
OLD LAHAINA LUAU
In Lahaina Towne, on the ocean behind Long's Drugs.
oldlahainaluau.com
OUR LUAU PICTURES HERE
808 667 0700
..
FEAST AT LELE
505 Front St.  Lahaina
www.feastatlele.com
OUR LUAU PICTURES HERE
808 667 5353
.
DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC
HYATT REGENCY MAUI
maui.hyatt.com/luau
808 661 1234
.
HONUA`ULA
GRAND WAILEA RESORT
grandwailea.com/luau
808 875-7710
.

= DA KINE ONO GRINDS =
(Delicious Local-Style Foods)
We're often asked where to find "Hawaiian" restaurants here in Maui.
Sadly, there are no "pure" Hawaiian restaurants left. However, if you want
to sample a nice mixture of really ono local cuisines - Hawaiian, Japanese,
Portuguese, Filipino, Korean, etc. - there are a number of good (and cheap)
dining establishments that you will find quite enjoyable if you make
the effort to experience them. The following seven listings are very
representative of this genre...

Kahului & Kihei: Da Kitchen  Triangle Square (Kahului) 871-7782
and the Rainbow Mall (Kihei) 875-7782. Kahului serves alcohol and has
sit-down service. Kihei has self-service without beer or wine. The food
is similar from one to the other but Kahului's menu is more extensive.
(If you're on a "low salt" or "no salt" diet, be sure to tell 'em!)

Kahului: Ichiban - The Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Kahului Shopping Center, 47 Ka'ahumanu Avenue  871-6977
Good Japanese, "local" & American food plus a truly yummy
sushi bar! Casual setting. Highly recommended!

Wailuku: Sam Sato's in the Millyard industrial park,
1750 Wili Pa Loop, 244-7124  Breakfast and lunch only.
Good local food, specializing in noodle dishes.

Wailuku: Wei Wei BBQ & Noodle House  Mill St. at Imi Kala St. 242-7928
Extensive menu with almost every kind of local dish known to man (and
woman). Open 9:30am to 9pm daily. Now open in Pukalani, too.

Kahului: Ramen-ya  Ground level at Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (near Macy's) 873-9688
Mon-Sat. 10:30am to 9:30pm If you like 'traditional' Japanese-style noodle dishes, this
place is definitely the one for you! But, it's not all about noodles only, they also offer
other popular Asian dishes such as curry chicken katsu and won ton mein, too!

=RETROGRINDS=
Maui has two '50s-style burger joints we think are worth a go. Peggy Sue's, at
the Azeka Mauka shopping center in Kihei town (across the side street from
Long's Drugs), and the Cool Cat Café, high atop the Wharf Cinema Center,
658 Front St., Lahaina.  Both places are "family friendly."

Click here for our listings of Maui nightclubs with dinner options.

"Please let them know we sent you!"
Mahalo! Bruce & Kolleen

Every attempt has been made to list restaurants that
are noted for both the quality of their food and service.
If you feel that things are not quite "up to par" you owe it
to yourself to inform management of any dissatisfaction.

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Page created in June, 2002
Major revision July, 2011
© 2002-2013
.
The Maui-Angels.Com Index
.
This page is brought to you with aloha from
All Ways Maui'd Weddings, Ceremonies & Photography
Seventh Wave PhotoGraphics
.
Please eMail us with any questions or suggestions for additional listings.
Had a bad dining experience, please let us know! A listed restaurant
has closed? Let us know that, too. Mahalo!

Restaurants still in business that we've removed from this list include . . .
The China Boat, The Pu Pu Lounge, Mama's Fish House, Fiesta Time, Mike's Chinese, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Colleen's, Maui Tacos, Gannon's, Tasty Crust, Las Piñatas, Main Street Bistro
.

ALOHA!