Pizza Paradiso

The kitchen gleams. Right off the bat that’s a good indication of a well-run restaurant.

I’ve always enjoyed the specialty sandwiches and salads here, but being prone to Pizza disappointment,  rarely waste the calories on locally crafted versions. However, taking a chance on a slice topped with roasted vegetables recently really paid off. The selection of veggies — olives, mushroom, green pepper, zucchini, eggplant, tomato slices and onion when arranged on a tender crust, tasted like a ratatouille sandwich. The veggies were cooked just right – not uncooked nor overcooked, as is often the case with vegetarian pizza.

When you have a hankering for decent food that’s quick and well priced, try the lunchtime spaghetti special – $6 includes bread and bowl of pasta with Bolognese sauce. If you’re in the mood for something different, Pizza Paradiso’s delicious gyros or cheese steak sandwiches or shish kabobs are satisfying choices.  If there’s more than a few of you, take advantage of the $3 off coupon (it’s right on the menu)  for a discount on a full sized pizza of your choice.  Stop in anytime of day for an ice cream or gelato scoop or their award winning tiramisu. Arrive early for the 10 inch breakfast burrito for a bargain price of $4.99.

Pizza Paradiso
3350 Lower Honoapiilani Road Lahaina, HI 96761-8404 -
(808) 667-2929
Open Daily 10am-9pm
Wood fired pizzas, breakfast, lunch, dinner, general store and great views!

Hali`imaile General Store

Haliimaile Logo

Not one but two delicious pizza options that are a world away from those you grew up scarfing down on game night. The first is from Hali`imaile appetizer menu. The Crab Pizza boasts a secret ingredient that puts it over the top in taste. Very elegant, as pizzas go. The second, Ahi Sashimi Pizza, is quite a departure from tradition but one bite and you’ll forget all other pizzas you’ve ever known. The thin baked crust is familiar, but the sauce is edamame puree and the topping is raw ahi sashimi sprinkled with and toasted sesame seeds drizzled with soy sesame aioli. This is a perfect example of  the “when in Rome” theory. When in Maui, eat raw fish pizza!

900 Hali’imaile Road
Hali’imaile, HI 96768
Phone:             808.572.2666

Kula Lodge

The kiawe wood fired pizzas at Kula Lodge Restaurant are graciously served from  11 am – 9 pm and have been generating rave reviews. Gourmet toppings such as Arugula and Prosciutto, or Funghi and Truffle are stacked on delicate thin style crusts then melted and crisped in the great artisan brick outdoor oven.  Best of all, you can enjoy your choice of fabulous wood-fired pizzas at Kula Lodge’s upcountry eatery while taking in amazing bi-coastal views of Maui from a seat on their lovely terrace. A diner recently tweeted they could smell woodsmoke and flowers while awaiting their waffle breakfast, a lovely description of the sensory experience you’ll have dining here.

Pizzas range from the simplest Margarita with tomato, mozzarella and basil for $20 to the Funghi and Truffle haute gourmet selection for $28. Kula Lodge also has a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and makes the perfect spot to stop for a meal while exploring Hana, Ulupalakua or  Haleakala National Park.

Three Black Rock Divers Await Their Moment

The sun, hanging by a thread just prior to its daily disappearance, scorched the atmosphere. The resulting luminosity made the earth’s solar master appear even more powerful than usual. Silhouettes in the distance, laser cuts in the camera lens, stood poised against the magical light.

At the Sheraton Kaanapali’s Cliff Dive Bar at sunset you may witness a red/blue/purple explosion in the western Maui sky, or catch the mountain side vistas bathed in golden mele mele light and rainbows. You may occasionally stumble upon something more monochromatic yet just as richly memorable, as we did the other night.

We had stopped by for the nightly spectacle. Every evening, as the sun sinks slowly in the west, a sarong-clad, torch-wielding warrior bounds up Black Rock, lighting the path for all the souls who have gone before on their way toward their heavenly calling.

Black Rock was the ancient Hawaiian entrance to the great beyond known as a leina a ka’uhane, or “soul’s leap.” Every island has such a place where the souls of the dead would leap to the gods in the hereafter. On Maui it is Pu`u Keka`a, or Black Rock.

The Torch Lighter Salutes the Sun

One of Maui’s most well-respected chiefs, Kahekili, excelled in the game of lele kawa (cliff jumping) and was known to have jumped into the sea from heights of 300 to 400 feet. Though Black Rock is nowhere near that height, Kahekili gained respect from fellow warriors for his leaps from the spot, mainly because the fearless warrior was undaunted by the presence of the spirits who purportedly lingered in the area.

This may help explain why you’ll get chicken skin as the torch lighter, after ascending the rocks, pays homage to the ancestors, tosses a lei into the ocean, then dives majestically into the water precisely as the sun casts its final smoldering glance of the day.
It’s a once in a lifetime event – but on Maui we have the pleasure and privilege of being able to witness the ceremony any night of the year.

I suggest you do it often from the Cliff Dive Bar at the Sheraton, where there’s a daily barbecue to keep you sated during your sentinel (the scents from the grill almost as pleasantly potent as the sunset.) There are multifarious tropical libations, including the winner of last year’s Mai Tai festival. Live entertainment, including a highly educational and absorbing history and commentary, further sets the stage for the breathtaking moment.

• Sheraton Kaanapali Maui
• Cliff Dive Bar
• 2605 Ka’anapali Parkway
• Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
• 866.500.8313

Prince Kuhio Day is right around the corner and Hula Grill is celebrating by offering locals 25% off all food that day. Just show your Hawaii I.D. and enjoy everything from Ahi Tacos to Grilled Steak dinners for 75 cents on the dollar. That’s all day long this Friday, March 25, 2011.

Maui Brewing Co Benefits Maui Forest Bird Project

Maui Brewing Co. makes a big impact on the local community by donating portions of their profits to various charities. Once a month that charity is Maui Forest Bird. Do a good deed while drinking until the wee hours to help out the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

The Brewery will donate half of the nights pint sales to the recovery of Maui’s endangered birds. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is a research organization dedicated to recovering these rare and unique species. For more information, go to www.mauiforestbirds.org.

The Event is from 6 pm to midnight. The Maui Brewing Company is located in the Kahana Gateway Shopping Center off of the Honoapiilani Hwy, just north of Lahaina.

Locovore Menu at Grand Wailea

There are only a few days left to enjoy Bistro Molokini’s locovore menu. The three-course menu includes food grown and produced right here on Maui including items from Evonuk, Anuhea, and Otani Farms.  Three courses for only $39/pp.

This week's grown on Maui menu

On Kaanapali Beach at Whalers Village
2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Bldg. J
Lahaina, HI  96761
(808) 661-4495

Front and center on Kaanapali Beach

Perfectly situated on Kaanapali Beach at Whaler’s Village, Leilani’s hosts one of the best Happy Hours on Maui every day from 3 – 5 p.m. For $4 each, guests can enjoy Mai Tais, House Margaritas, Draft Beers (including Lava Man Red Ale, Dukes Blonde Ale and Maui Brew Co. Specials plus Coors and Bud Light).

Steps from Dig Me Beach visitors enjoy the best people watching this side of St. Tropez while munching on one or all of the following slider creations.

Slider Paradise Menu – $4 each

“DA CLASSIC” 4 oz beef patty, American cheese, grilled onions, thousand island, and pickle

“CRABBY MIKE” 3 oz crab-cake, tomatillo aioli sauce, and hydroponic mixed greens

“PIG KAHUNA” Hawaiian style Kalua pork, spicy BBQ sauce, and grilled onions

“ONO-LICIOUS” Battered Ono and tartar sauce

“DA KINE VEGGIE” Avocado Salad, diced cucumber and tomato, spinach, and Maui onion

“CURRY UP” Curried chicken and green apple salad, organic butter lettuce, tomato, and pickle

Leilani's Fish Dinner

The full menu is also available during Happy Hours.  Leilani’s also has an early-evening special from 5- 6 pm  with entrées for $15.50 pp. Served upstairs in the dining room with ideal perspective for watching the sunset, the special includes a choice of: Maui Style Teriyaki Steak, Shrimp Scampi & Pasta, Free Range Chicken Breast, or the Chef’s Daily Fish Selection.

Longboards Oceanfront Venue

Longboard’s, at the Marriott Ocean Vacation Club Kaanapali, offers casual barefoot dining perfect for families or groups just a few minutes off the heavily trod path of Whaler’s Village. Dig your toes into the sand of their pseudo (but nonetheless satisfying) beach on “Wet Willy Wednesday” when a bucket of hot wings and 4 Heinekens set you back only $16. Watch the sunset on Thai Tuesday and indulge in Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps along with 4 Maui Brewing Co. beers for – you guessed it – $16. Happy Hour beers are $3 and well drinks $4.

There are specials every night of the week, including Service Industry Thursday when a service industry I.D. or paystub nets $4 well drinks and $3 drafts. For the rest of us? Heap on some delicious marble smash potato (or rice) paired with a double filet, New York strip, or sirloin topped with shrimp, for $28.95. Or try my personal favorite island comfort food, the Chicken Katsu with Asian Slaw for $16.95.

If you care to dine early while watching the sun go down from 5-6 pm, a perfectly wonderful option for Maui,  there’s a heckuva deal to be had. A simple but satisfying three course menu is only $18 pp. It includes a few sumptuous dessert choices such as carrot cake slathered with cream cheese frosting or hot fudge (think molten lava) cake.

Raku Sushi Bar at the Makena Beach Resort

At the new Raku Japanese Restaurant, enjoy Sushi Chef Ivan’s delicious rolls at 50% off the special Happy Hour Sushi Menu four days a week. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Pau Hana Sushi Menu.pd

Raku (formerly known as Hakone) reinvents the Japanese dining experience by highlighting authentic Japanese food combined with Makena flair. The freshest ingredients from our island farms and from the waters off Maui’s coast are expertly prepared to showcase the familiar flavor profiles of Japanese cuisine and artfully presented in a way that is uniquely Japanese. Raku is more than a culinary delight but a sensory dining experience blending the best of the past with the thrill of what’s to come. Enjoy numerous dishes of raw, cooked, hot, cold, sweet and savory items, not to mention impeccably fresh sushi! The ambience has a blend of modern and traditional that takes you into the heart of Tokyo with its shoji screens and austere look.  In Japanese, Raku means to enjoy. You’ll definitely “Raku” when you dine here.

This Just In –  Raku’s All-you-can-eat Japanese Buffet Is Back!

Starting Saturday, February 19, 2011 Raku Japanese Restaurant recently announced the return of the long loved Japanese Buffet.  Once again, indulge in items like seaweed salads, kabocha pumpkin and cranberries, miso butterfish, shrimp tempura, kalbi beef and more. Hours:  Saturday   5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Raku Saturday Buffet Menu .pdf

AND – An Endless Catch at Duo, Four Seasons Wailea

Four Seasons Resort

Word on the street: for $60 you can snag an endless selection of Sushi at DUO. Let’s face it, that’s far more valuable than $60 worth of breakfast buffet foods. Choose from a variety of your favorites including oysters on the shell, topped with mignonette sauces, aioli, and other spice doused concoctions created to set off a flavor explosion custom made for the bi-valves. Pokes, ceviche, shellfish, sushi and other ocean favorites contribute to the growing popularity of the Endless Catch.

… while in West Maui

Ritz Carlton, Kapalua Offers Stellar Dining Deals

On the other end of the island, the Terrace Restaurant at the Ritz offers two for one entrées for Kama`aina Sunday thru Wednesdays.

Unless you are staying at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua,  it’s easy to overlook this restaurant since it’s located in the lower level below the reception and retail area.  We tried it on Valentine’s Day and were blown away by how wonderful the food tasted. The deliciously delicate Thai Coconut soup was unexpected and amazing, the tender grilled filet was out of the world, and the fresh island fish escabeche bordered on sublime.

The first we knew of the special was after we overheard the manager revealing the news to a nearby table of kama`aina from Wailea. Our meal was so impeccable we would have willingly paid full price, but  this news was the icing on the cake, the sweet spot of our dining experience, the piece de… I’m getting carried away.  The point is, it’s a fantastic deal and we were eager to share the news!

Ritz Lobby

And don’t forget, The Banyan Tree restaurant, Ritz Carlton, Kapalua’s,  elegant poolside specialty restaurant, offers Wine Wednesday whereby all wines on their extensive list are 50% off. Kai Sushi, located directly left of the Ritz Lobby bar, offers 50% off their luscious sushi from 5:30-6:30 pm Thursday –Sundays.

Showcasing Hawaii’s Restaurants and Supporting the

Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head

Dine out, November 15 – 21, 2010

The third annual Restaurant Week Hawaii will be a seven day celebration of the cuisine scene in Hawaii. From fine dining to fast-food, participating restaurants will feature special menu items, promotions and discounts. Diners can sample Hawaii’s newest restaurants, dine at old favorites and taste a variety of exceptional dishes now being prepared by Hawaii’s chefs using locally grown produce. Restaurant Week is a reminder that Hawaii is a culinary destination with top chefs, farm to table dining, wonderful wine and a lot more to discover and explore.

The goal of Restaurant Week Hawai`i is to realize a vision of an advanced culinary campus—the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head. Graduates of Hawai`i’s first four-year culinary program will go on to serve Hawai`i’s restaurant and hospitality industry and ultimately the greater community.

A portion of the proceeds from Restaurant Week Hawaii will support the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head. There are many restaurants and sponsors from Maui, so be sure to show your support.

Participating Restaurants Click on restaurant for menu.

12th Ave Grill Golden Pineapple Sponsor Dinner $30	J.J. Dolan’s Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Roy’s Restaurants – Hawaii (Oahu locations) Five Star Sponsor Special Menu
Alan Wong’s Honolulu Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	JJ Bistro & French Pastry Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	Ruby Tuesday/ RT Hawaii Restaurants, Inc. Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
Azure Restaurant Five Star Sponsor Dinner $40	Ka Ikena Restaurant / Kapiolani Community College Grand Cru Sponsor Lunch $20/Dinner $30	RumFire Five Star Sponsor Dinner $30
Beachhouse at the Moana Five Star Sponsor Dinner $40	Kai Market Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
Betty’s Beach Cafe (Maui) Grand Cru Sponsor Lunch $10/Dinner $20	KAIWA SUSHI&TEPPAN Golden Pineapple Sponsor Dinner $40	Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar Five Star Sponsor Dinner $40
BIG CITY DINER Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Kani Ka Pila Grille Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	Señor Frogs Restaurant Golden Pineapple Sponsor Lunch $10/Dinner $20
BLT Steak Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu	L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu	Sizzler Restaurants Hawaii Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
Bluwater Grill Five Star Sponsor Lunch $20/Dinner $30	Le Bistro Grand Cru Sponsor Dinner $40	Stage Restaurant Grand Cru Sponsor Lunch $20/Dinner $30
Cane & Taro (Maui) Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Mahaloha Burger Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	Taormina Sicilian Cuisine Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu
Cheeseburger Beachwalk Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	Maui Tacos Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	The Flatbread Company (Maui) Five Star Sponsor Lunch $30
d.k Steak House Five Star Sponsor Dinner $40	Morimoto Waikiki Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu	The Leis Family Class Act Restaurant (Maui) Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
Diamond Head Market and Grill Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Murphy’s Bar and Grill Grand Cru Sponsor Dinner $20	The Melting Pot (Maui) Five Star Sponsor Special Menu
Doraku Sushi Golden Pineapple Sponsor Dinner $30	Neiman Marcus Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	The Pearl, Leeward Community College Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
Eggs ‘n Things Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Nobu Waikiki Grand Cru Sponsor Dinner $40	The Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort (Maui) Five Star Sponsor Special Menu
Haliimaile General Store (Maui) Grand Cru Sponsor Lunch $20/Dinner $30	Orchids at Halekulani Five Star Sponsor Lunch $30/Dinner $40	The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong Five Star Sponsor Special Menu
hank’s haute dogs Grand Cru Sponsor Lunch $10	Paina Cafe Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	Tiki’s Grill & Bar Five Star Sponsor Dinner $20
Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	PF Changs Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu	town Golden Pineapple Sponsor Special Menu
House Without a Key at Halekulani Five Star Sponsor Lunch $20/Dinner $30	Pikake Terrace Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	VINO Five Star Sponsor Special Menu
Hy’s Steak House Grand Cru Sponsor Dinner $40	Plumeria Beach House/The Kahala Hotel & Resort Five Star Sponsor Lunch $30/Dinner $40	Wailana Coffee House, LLC Grand Cru Sponsor Special Menu
IHOP Restaurants Five Star Sponsor Special Menu	Prince Court Restaurant at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Five Star Sponsor Special Menu

Special Donors

Amazing three course pre-fixe meals for
$29, $39 or $49 per person
(beverage, tax and gratuity are not included)

17 Wailea Resort Restaurants will be participating
in this spectacular celebration of cuisine!

Click here for Full menu:
Restaurant Week Wailea Printable Menu November 2010.pdf

Here’s your chance to smack your lips on some of the island’s classiest gourmet dining for the cost of going out to breakfast in Paradise.

Back by popular demand, Wailea Resort is proud to announce the return of its very successful dinner promotion, “Restaurant Week Wailea”. This celebration of Wailea’s finest cuisine will take place at 17 participating resort restaurants throughout Wailea starting Sunday, November 7th, through Saturday, November 13th.

Wailea Resort has long been known for its award winning culinary talent, delectable restaurants and celebrity chefs; and have once again created some remarkable three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*, $39* or $49* per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have enhanced this promotion, by creating wine pairings to enjoy with your meal, at a very special price.

“Restaurant Week Wailea continues to grow, not only in the number of restaurants and menu variety, but in popularity”, said Bud Pikrone, General Manager, Wailea Community Association. “The Maui Food Bank will continue to receive the benefit of this community promotion as over $13,000 has been raised through the previous events.  Having it again this November is perfect timing to raise money for the Maui Food Bank as the Holidays approach” said Pikrone.

Each participating restaurant has agreed to make a contribution to the Maui Food Bank for every pre-fixe entrée sold during Restaurant Week Wailea, as part of the resorts community giving.

This pre-fixe menu is not valid with any other discount, coupons or promotion being offered at participating restaurants. Diners may contact each restaurant direct for reservations, as advance reservations are strongly recommended or visit www.opentable.com for select restaurants* which offer online dinner reservations.

No tickets, passes or coupons needed ~ simply make your reservations and enjoy!

17 Wailea Resort restaurants are participating:

Bistro Molokini (Grand Wailea)

Capische? * (Hotel Wailea)

Duo Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons)

Gannon’s ( Wailea Gold & Emerald Course)

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Grand Wailea)

Joe’s in Wailea (Wailea Tennis Club)

KAI Wailea ( The Shops at Wailea)

Kō * (Fairmont Kea Lani)

Longhi’s  * (The Shops at Wailea)

Mala Wailea * (Wailea Marriott)

Matteo’s (Wailea Blue Course)

Mulligan’s  on the Blue (Wailea Blue Course)

Nick’s Fishmarket Maui * (Fairmont Kea Lani)

Pita Parardise Bistro Wailea ( Wailea Gateway Center)

Ruth’s Chris Steak House * (The Shops at Wailea)

Spago (Four Seasons)

Tommy Bahamas Restaurant & Bar* (The Shops at Wailea)

OR visit http://www.opentable.com/ to book reservations with participating restaurants*

My choice comes as no surprise, since Lahaina Grill is named the Top Restaurant in Maui year after year in multiple dining polls. They even secured a berth recently on Open Table’s 50 Best Restaurant list nationally. Competing with dozens of big cities having dozens of great eateries each, being named to this list is impressive.

Lahaina Grill Maui

What makes Lahaina Grill so great? Simply put, it’s the quality of the food, service, and ambiance. Owner, Jurg Munch, imparts a classy, cosmopolitan flair to the Lahaina dining room with a graciousness that is reflected by his entire staff. It’s not just about being friendly; that’s common place in Hawaii. At Lahaina Grill dining becomes an experience. Not stuffy, not haute, simply exceptional.  Jurg and company’s staff is well-trained, well-versed and knows the difference between being attentive and obtrusive; a rarity in the islands.  Then there’s the food.

The menu is similarly superb and includes multiple dishes that regulars crave equally. Take the incredible Rack of Lamb, always cooked to perfection; or the glamorous Opakapaka with Grilled Prawn, heavenly in texture, sauce and flavor. Even a dish that is routine in other hands, Penne and Meatballs, is elevated here with impeccable balance and richness.

Lahaina Grill Kona Coffee Rack of Lamb

Salads, what is often a mere nod to getting your vitamins, are prepared at Lahaina Girll with the same attention to detail as everything else, resulting in a starter course you should never forgo when dining here. As for appetizers, what foodie would go to the grave without having tried the Ahi with Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Dalmatia Fig at least once? This is also one of the few places on Maui that serves exceptional Kobe Beef Carpaccio and Fried Oliver Gray Oysters, dusted first with cornmeal, then highlighted with fennel endive, horseradish cream, ancho-chile glaze and topped with lilikoi mustard sauce. If savoring flavor is your thing, this dish will be among your favorites.

There’s no denying – the tab is pricey at Lahaina Grill. As with all things great things that rarely come cheap, one needs an appreciation to pop for a night out here. The good news for the unconvinced and seasoned fans alike —  for a limited time only you can treat your palate to a limited menu for only $20 per entrée!

Sit at the bar (the best place to dine, if you ask me) by 6 pm, Sunday – Thursdays and order one of the following for only $20, leaving you plenty leftover to indulge in one of Lahaina Grill’s utterly amazing desserts.

Lahaina Grill

• Tequila Shrimp & Firecracker Rice
• Wild Pacific Salmon
• Kalua Duck
• Roasted Shelton Farms All Natural Chicken
• Marcho Farms Veal “Osso Buco”
• Certified Angus Beef Braised Short Ribs

Reservations are recommended. This special is offered from September through December 19, 2011. For more info please call 808.667.5117 or visit www.lahainagrill.com.

Also recently announced, the grand re-opening of the Lahaina Inn! Next time you dine at Lahaina Grill for a big night out, order that special bottle of wine then check into the Lahaina Inn.