Here are What’s Cooking Maui’s top picks for best place to enjoy the Daily FREE Sundown Show on West Maui. (Extra charge for food and drink.)

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

If you prefer 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 at Longboard’s. A simple but satisfying three course menu is only $18 pp.

Being a pastry fan, I’m often on the lookout for sources to satisfy my butter and sugar tooth. Here are a few I’ve come across lately in my culinary journeys.

Whether as an alternative lunch or fabulous carry-out, do at home dinner, few outlets on Maui’s west side have better fast food than the Fish Market in Honokawai.

Japengo has an extensive menu of sushi, rolles and sides, along with exotic starters that include Kobe Carpaccio, thai quail satay, and steamed manila clams. For meat lovers there’s Kalbi Beef short rib, Kurobuta pork cooked Vietnamese style, and surf and turf consisting of Angus filet and New Caledonia prawns.

Pulehu, An Italian Grill, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villa’s award-winning dining venue, recently hosted the latest Aipono Award Wine Dinner, which also turned out to be the most successful in the history of the series sponsored by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine. Three factors made this particular dinner exceptional – food, wine and aloha.

Famous Dave’s, a national restaurant franchise that originated in the midwest (Hayward, Wisconsin to be exact) has answered my prayers and opened a first class barbecue joint in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Mala Ocean Tavern Prime Views
Every town has that perfect spot for weekend lunch; in Lahaina, that place is Mala Ocean Tavern. Opened in 2005, by Mark and Judy Ellman, right off the bat Mala’s was the undisputed best place to linger with friends on a long afternoon while sipping a refreshing drink.

Owner, Jurg Munch, imparts a classy, cosmopolitan flair to the Lahaina dining room with a graciousness that is reflected by his entire staff.

Now I believe the Cannery Mall has everything. From tshirts to tacos. Let them shop while you dine on some home grown enchiladas.