Lahaina's Amazing Sunsets

West Maui offers the best perspective for having a cocktail and pupu while watching the sunset. With Molokai and Lanai forming the picture-perfect backdrop, the sight of the sun sinking slowly into the sea never fails to draw stellar reviews. Even those who were born on Maui take time for the big daily moment. The ritual is even more impressive when enjoyed with libation in hand.  Here are What’s Cooking Maui’s picks for the best place to enjoy the sundown show on West Maui.

Cliff Dive Bar at the Sheraton

All across the island, come sundown, you can hear conch shells blowing as tiki torches are lighted, signaling the day’s imminent fall into darkness. At Black Rock you’ll also see a nimble young warrior lope up the lava rock, lighting torches as he goes, before ceremoniously exiting the scene by diving magnificently into the churning waters below. It’s a WOW moment that competes with the sunset itself.

At the Cliff Dive Bar (which is not a dive bar at all)  you’ll have a perfect view of the proceedings with the ocean on one side and the pool, which meanders like a river through the resort, on the other. There is a grill menu offering delightful beach park favorites such as fresh veggies on skewers, grilled flatbread pizza, burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches and a mixed plate of mahi, chicken, and beef kabobs that are the bomb.

Mala’s Ocean Tavern

Sitting on the water’s edge, with the waves lapping the shore and sea turtles bobbing about, if you close your eyes a moment you can imagine having been magically transported to Bali, Bora Bora or Langkawi Island. Something about Mala’s always takes me back to another time and place. Popular for weekend brunch, Mala is equally as popular just before the sun goes down, due to the Happy Hour specials ($1 off wine and beer, $2 off cocktails) and $2 off Mala’s most popular dishes including the Kobe burger, quartet of mezza, and spicy lamb pita.   Enjoy the deal between 3 pm and 4:30 pm but it’s worth it to hang around until sunset (even at full price) since you’ll entertain a ringside seat for the magic moment.

Barefoot Bar and Ocean Terrace at Royal Lahaina Resort

Take your Shoozawf

The newly renovated Barefoot Bar is a total throwback to the little grass shack of Don the Beachcomber days. Of course you’ll order a delightfully delicious Serrano Chili infused Mango Margarita or hand crafted Sangria whenever the shutters are open. Sit on a bar stool barefoot, in your bikini, sandy from the beach;  there is no dress code at the Barefoot Bar. Well, as long as it’s not illegal.

At the Ocean Terrace’s indoor/outdoor bar two of the best servers on the island attend to drink and food orders at the double sided drink station. Lanai tables under the canopy afford the best views of sunset and the nightly entertainment and hula. Food is priced to please with most entrees between $10-$20. Favorites such as crispy flatbread pizza, seared ahi salad, family sized pasta bowls and salads, and gourmet quality gazpacho and roasted red pepper soup perk up the menu which also includes burgers, nachos and sandwiches.

Merriman’s Kapalua

Private little dining hale

The best fine dining option for watching the sundown on West Maui has to be Merriman’s. Take a stroll out to the point and whale watch from a comfy lounge chair. Situated in harmony with the sea and sky, this slice of real estate commands picture perfect vistas. Even from a barstool inside the gorgeous dining room you’ll benefit from food and drink specials without missing a thing. Merriman’s hosts very popular wine tasting events held on the north lanai, another stellar lookout spot.  For special event, or just because, organize a tented dinner table on Merriman’s gorgeous grounds. The VIP service will make you forget that your personal butler’s away on vacation.

Wherever you enjoy the last rays of the day, give a little cheer to what brought you here.

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

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.

Village Cafe

Village Cafe and Sweet Shoppe

New on the scene restaurant in beautiful Kapalua, VCSS bakes delicious muffins, cinnamon rolls, biscotti, red velvet cupcakes, pumpkin scones, cookies, pastries and croissants in-house.  Take in the gorgeous scenery or hike the Village Trail nearby whilst enjoying a morning coffee or cappuccino, a certain way to set your day on the right path.

Maui Bake Shop

This Wailuku mainstay was absent from the scene just long enough that I’d nearly given up the idea of ever finding another such flaky, rockin’ croissant or true to its roots Florentine. Thankfully, owners Jose and Claire Krall are back en force delivering pastries and bread the good old fashioned way the French intended – baked in a vintage brick oven. They also serve great lunches – such as salads, sandwiches and quiche.

Banyan Tree Deli

Right there at 626 Front Street in Lahaina, this relatively new deli makes super sandwiches but we are here to talk about the bakery. Banyan Tree Deli produces the usual highly desired suspects, scones, muffins, cookies, which share the spotlight with handmade chocolates.

Pita Paradise Baklava Pie

Pita Paradise

My favorite go-to spot when in south Maui, Pita Paradise opened a new outlet in the Wailea Gateway recently (besides their first venue in the Kihei Triangle) and I can’t decide which I like better – the familiar homey version of the Mediterranean super star or the beautiful and elegant new made-over version. Each has its charms but more importantly, each produces what I consider the most decadent dessert on Maui – the one worth packing a specially prepared cooler for the drive home so you can also treat your family or guests to the sinfully delicious Baklava Ice Cream cake. I mean, since you’re in love, why not introduce it to the family?

Kai Ala Store at Westin Kaanapali Ocean Villas Resort North Tower

Unless you are staying at the gorgeous timeshares of Westin’s KOR you’d likely not think to stop in for gourmet supplies or baked goods, but I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the area, for the Westin bakers produce one of the best Croissants and Apple Streudels  in West Maui. If there are any left over after 2 pm all baked goods are two for one.

Patisserie at Paina Food Court – Maui Culinary Academy, UH Maui

Aspiring bakers and pastry chefs turn out superior patisserie in the form of cakes, tortes, pies, and other scrumptious goodies densely packed with calories. Since that’s the whole idea behind pastries, it’s a wonderful thing. Dining here or taking home a few treats for your co-workers or family members brings happiness while helping to promote our future chefs, which transforms dessert into a noble service.

The Bakery – Lahaina

In the obscure location tucked into the industrial section of Lahaina (near the pawn shop across from Lahaina Carpet) you’ll find treats like those from a bygone era when every neighborhood had a bakery and each was better than the next. Although known primarily for their delicious breads, over the holidays I ordered a MacNut Pie which will grace every holiday table at our house from now on. Great muffins and macaroons, too.

The more well-known bakeries, Stillwell’s, Home Maid, Komodo and Moana carry wonderful super products for the lucky people who live in Wailuku and Makawao.

Got Fish

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.

I mean, how could lunch be any faster than an oyster shooter or two (buck a piece!) or a plate of sashimi just pulled from the ocean? (If there were any question regarding the shelf-life of the fish, be assured I’ve witnessed as fishermen deliver seafood snagged but hours ago.)

If you have a little more time, try the ahi “burger,” or better yet, the grilled mahi with shoyu carmelized onions on a soft bun. Any of the three tasty varieties of soup — gumbo, bisque and chowder — serve up immediately and satisfy as quickly.  Salad fans rave about the garden fresh Caesar topped with grilled catch of the day or the house salad made with locally grown veggies drizzled with lavender soy dressings that’s so ono you’ll be back again tomorrow.

Besides fish in every conceivable form (gumbo, bisque, tacos, in sammies, on salads…) Fish Market also prepares pulled pork served in various wrappings, including tasty quesadillas. Crab cakes, ono, mahi, and pulled pork are also presented as a plate lunch for hearty eaters.

Ahi Poke

But it’s the shrimp ceviche, lobster salad, ahi poke and sashimi that have me hooked on the Fish Market. For a perfectly easy to assemble gourmet dinner, order small servings of each, plus six oyster shooters, a container of lobster bisque, and a maybe piece of ocean fresh fish for the grill. You’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in time to put your feet up before watching the sun set over the ocean.

Address

3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #h1
Lahaina, HI 96761
(North of Lahaina in ‘Honokowai)

For really fast food, call in your order: 808-665-9895

Inside dining at the bar, al fresco at a few sidewalk bistro tables. Nothing too fancy, just delicious fish!

Japengo Dining Room

The Hyatt Maui’s highly anticipated sushi restaurant, Japengo, was officially blessed and given a huge “E Komo Mai” by the community on January 21, 2011. It’s difficult to say which was most beautiful; the décor, the food, or the guests who gleefully took it all in, but one thing is certain – it was probably the best grand opening party I’ve ever attended on Maui.

The evening began as Maui’s movers and shakers gathered at the resort’s Terrace overlook bar while the sun was yet to tuck behind Lanai in the distance. Luscious libations and tropical cocktails went down easy during the frolicking meet and greet, and tasty morsels passed thru the smiling crowd on silver trays served merely to whet the appetite for the main event.

Before I’d even had time to say Aloha to all the familiar faces in attendance, entertainment kicked off on the adjacent lawn. Hula dancers swayed to the rhythm of the breeze through the palms and as soon as the last note played on this portion of the evening’s program, the conch shell blew to beckon us to the star of the show – Japengo.

Fire Dancer Warms the Crowd

Painted faced geisha girls, feigning haughtiness, greeted guests at the entrance to the newly refurbished resto as smoke from strategically positioned dry ice whirled about their colorful kimono’s, adding significantly to the to the evening’s mystique. We were told to gather at the back of the open air-dining room where stunning decor gives way to views of the ocean. Two costumed samarai sat at the ready for their upcoming encounter while drums drove home the significance of the big moment. Over the loudspeaker, the mythological tale of the birth of Japengo was retold to the crowd’s amusement as the sun set just in time for the fire dancers to light the torches that dramatically blazed the name Japengo in a showy fire long to be remembered.

Then there was food!

Various hot and cold serving stations were positioned throughout the restaurant but the highlight was the sushi bar where attentive chefs took special orders as guests filed through cafeteria style. Sashimi, sushi, roles such as tekka, kappa, mahmay and tootsie, quickly overtook my plate before I’d even asked what was on the menu.

At the hot station we tried China Town Chow Funn and miso glazed fish – both delicious. I couldn’t find the Japengo Fried Rice and Singaporean Chili Crab that night, but having tried them on an earlier visit, deemed them worthy of a repeat sampling.

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.

Dining at Japengo is pricey, with entrees ranging from $36 – $46, although sushi rolls are $5 – $20, about what you’d expect for top grade raw fish. Try the lobster Dyno-mite if you’re in a celebratory mood, for at $32 it’s not an everyday side dish but it is decadent. Toro Tartare is another standout though at $28 for what is truly a single serving side, don’t offer to share with anyone who doesn’t fully appreciate the Toro’s buttery succulence. Poached young abalone, a rare find these days, is a better value at $12, if you just want to try something different.

On our holiday visit we also sampled desserts, and left that evening loving the mocha ice cream and green tea panna cotta the most. All in all, Japengo is a welcome addition to the dining scene in West Maui with a menu offering the familiar sushi fare along with a superior selection of creative and exotic dishes.

Pulehu, An Italian Grill

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 so exceptional – food, wine, and the Westin’s famed hospitality.

Le Food

Chef Francois Millet and his sous chef, Saipin Kumlor, created a luscious four course menu that included a deft combination of both familiar and unexpected ingredients. Rather than attempting to parade every new flavor trend on a single plate, the chef revealed restraint mixed with the ideal dash of creativity.

Starting with the grilled fennel dusted prawns, served atop a basil canellini bean emulsion, the textures were highly satisfying. The surprise was the jerky-like prosciutto garnish. Although I prefer prosciutto simply sured and raw, it was eye-opening to find the Parma delicacy can also offer significant smoky crunch when baked.

Monchong, Crostini and Croquette

Next up was Parmesean crusted monchong, a mouth watering, tender fish garnished with a garlic crostini and Olowalu tomatoes, dished up with the most fabulous grana padano potato croquettes laced with a surprising dose of spiced honey. The final surprise ingredient subtly magnified the potato’s sweetness and was such a hit that even my carb-averse friend couldn’t resist downing every last morsel.

After those two hearty courses diners were allowed time to interact and digest a bit while enjoying what seemed to be an unlimited supply of out of this world Grgich Hills vintages (more on that later).

For the third course, Chef prepared an ultra-tender Maui Cattle beef medallion atop creamy polenta with shaved carrots and grilled asparagus. To my great delight, Chef Millet didn’t over do it with the porcini demi glace, but wisely used the sauce at its highest calling – to enhance but not overpower the superior earthy flavor of the locally raised, grass fed beef.

Chocolate, Raspberry Heaven

Since nothing pairs better with beef than chocolate, the meal’s finale, Waialua chocolate raspberry tart, was as close to perfection as dessert can be. The ganache filled tart was layered in white chocolate mousse then set atop a delicate cookie crust accented with fresh raspberries and lilikoi couli drawn appropriately as little hearts dancing across the plate.

The Wine

Along the route to complete dining satisfaction, guests were treated to copious amounts and varieties of Grgich Hills’ wonderful vintages. Our shrimp course was paired with 2008 Fume Blanc, and the Monchong served with one of my favorite whites, the 2007 Chardonnay. Red wine lovers came to life when the 2007 Zinfandel showed up alongside the beef tenderloin and not coincidentally, that’s also when the party really kicked into high gear. Spirits (no pun) were higher than ever by the time the 2005 Merlot was poured to accompany the chocolate dessert course.

Aloha

As for the third enchanting ingredient, everything seemed in sync to create an remarkably welcoming atmosphere of Aloha. Enhanced by excellent mood lighting, gorgeous room design (with open air views of elegant koi ponds and gardens), and lively conversationalists, I bore gleeful witness as hotel guests, part-time visitors, full-time residents and passersby interacted and shared the warmth of the evening. New friendships were struck, romance blossomed, and I suspect even hurt feelings were mended. The staff was over indulgent in allowing the evening to progress organically, until diners became so relaxed we felt as comfortable as in the home of dear friends.

Such an evening can be attributed to fine food, noble wine, and enjoyable companions, but above all the credit goes to Westin’s staff and management. They are consummate pros at creating an ambiance that exemplifies exceptional hospitality.

Aipono Awards - What's Good to Eat

The Aipono Awards, hosted by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, are presented annually to food related individuals and businesses in Maui. Selected without prejudice by Maui No Ka Oi readers, these coveted awards represent the honest and uncensored opinions of actual diners who determine what’s best in the Maui food scene. Aipono Award-winning restaurants also host Aipono Wine Dinners, with exclusively created menus and wine pairings from various vineyards. Proceeds from these dinners benefit the Maui Culinary Academy Programs and give students another valuable opportunity to work side-by-side with top chefs, further enhancing their educational experience.

Famous Dave's on Front Street

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. Dave’s story reads like the classic American achievement tale, as summarized on the Famous Dave website:

Dave Anderson is the founder of Famous Dave’s of America, the legendary BBQ franchise, with over 170 restaurants and growing. Voted the “Hottest Restaurant Concept in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition. Anderson has helped found several publicly traded companies on Wall Street and created over 20,000 new jobs. In Dave’s own life, he has experienced adversity, frustration, and bankruptcy as well as tremendous success. Dave’s life story is featured in two New York Timesbestsellers. He has served two Presidents and three governors in advisory positions. David has provided key testimony before Congress and the U.S. Senate. Always tackling the impossible, this bottom half of the class high school student has earned his Master’s Degree from Harvard University without an undergraduate degree! He has appeared on all major networks including: Regis and Kathy Lee, Oprah Winfrey, CNBC The Next Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Crook & Chase, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network, National Public Radio and over 300 radio shows.

And further, according to the website:

Realizing that his dream was to one day open his own barbeque restaurant, Dave spent more than 25 years of his adult life searching all over the country for the best barbeque and feasting on a variety of smoked meats available from every barbeque joint he could find. His passion was almost religious in nature – his understanding of the holy trinity is “Smoke, Meat and Sauce”. His trips to these most famous bastions of barbeque were like “pilgrimages” to the most “hallowed shrines” of barbeque! And the heavenly aromas wafting from ribs fresh from the smoker, were like answered prayers. And once the ribs were slathered with barbeque sauce — they were “baptized!”‘ During his travels, Dave visited every barbeque restaurant he could find — literally thousands over 25 years. From the neighborhood storefront BBQ shacks in Memphis, Kansas City, and Chicago, to the backwoods smoke-houses found in the Southern foothills of Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee the Carolinas, and finally, to the huge mesquite pits of Texas.

You gotta love a guy like that who loves to cook and share his expertise with everyone. I might also assume he didn’t become “Famous” for being mediocre. So how about the food?

To find out, What’s Cooking Maui sent Divemaster Richard to the opening a few weeks back. Here is Richard’s report:

Honest to Goodness Barbecue at Famous Dave's

“I went and checked Famous Dave’s Thurs. night, having never been to one, they are in 37 states, so maybe you have tried them in your travels. The food was great, very tender Brisket, fall off the bone Ribs. We had the Feast for Two which has Brisket, Ribs Chicken, Corn,Corn Bread, Fries, and for our  sides we had Cole Slaw, and very tasty Chile Beans. Lots of left overs, with 2 diet sodas, everything was 50 bucks. We had no room for desert,but they have a great desert menu I need to go back and try. The staff was very friendly with lots of energy and well trained in the menu, sauces, etc. Looks like they have a full bar, and our server said they will have Kama`aina specials later. When you order one of their Feast plattersthe entire staff breaks into a chant of Feast,Feast,Feast! Pretty fun. I have a take out menu to share with readers.”

Hearing this, I’m pretty stoked to try out Famous Dave’s for myself. If Dave’s barbecue bears resemblance to the good stuff from my sweet home Chicago, I’ll personally send Dave a thank you note for landing this welcome addition to emy new hometown, Lahaina.

Lahaina – NOW OPEN!

736 Front Street

Lahaina, HI 96761

808-661-1125

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.

Sharing a table on the open-air lanai is best; from there you can watch the sea turtles engage in their underwater paddling contests, moving close to shore, then back out to sea with the waxing and waning surf.  Order a custom muddled mojito, one of Mala’s specialties, and soon you’ll also be going with the flow, which is what dining with friends should be about. Also highly recommended is the Spanish style sangria, crafted of red wine, soda, fresh fruits and a secret ingredient as invigorating as it is delicious.

Appetizer Medley at Mala's

Start with something for everyone (you wouldn’t want to rush) such as the stir-fry Brussels sprouts, edamame guacamole or the Mediterranean Quartet (a platter of feta cheese, hummus, olives, and babaganoush served with the island’s tastiest grilled pita). Although you’ll be tempted by a fantastic selection of healthy, vegetarian, and unique flavor options (such as lamb raita or gado gado salad) don’t overlook the standard burger and fries. At Mala the burger is delicacy in a bun, a hand formed Kobe beef graced with caramelized onions and your choice of cheese. The accompanying fries are sprinkled with fairy dust in the form of truffle oil and taste-bud stimulating spices. Aloha Friday never tasted so good!

Appetizer Medley at Mala's

Weekends are for catching up, so if you’re still in the mood for breakfast, even though it’s long past lunch hour, the beauty of Mala’s, (besides the oceanfront setting on a crystal clear morning) is that Saturdays and Sunday brunch is served from 9 am clear through to 3 pm. Choose from the Great Start Breakfast ( a departure from the standard with meat choices of lamb sausage or prosciutto), the cult favorite, Mala Benny (with fresh fish or mushrooms replacing the standard Canadian bacon under the hollandaise), or Teddy’s Loco Moco, (that artery busting local delight elevated to nearly healthful status with the use of Organic Rice and Kobe Beef under the mushroom gravy. )

Overall, Mala offers a particularly enticing menu in an utterly soothing setting. Casual, yet hip, the chef creates tasty preparations that surprise and delight, using local ingredients whenever possible and served with a healthy dose of Aloha.

• Dining Style: Casual Dining
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood, Pan-Asian
• Neighborhood: Lahaina
• Cross Street: Kapunakea
• Menu: View menu on restaurant’s website
• Price: $31 to $50
• Website: http://www.malaoceantavern.com/
• Email: eatmaui@maui.net
• Phone: (808) 667-9394
• Hours of Operation:
• Brunch: Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 3:00pm
• Dinner: Monday – Saturday: 4:30pm – 10:00pm, Sunday: 4:30pm – 9:00pm
• Happy Hour: Daily: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
• Payment Options:
  AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
• Executive Chef: Mark Ellman
• Dress Code: Casual Dress
• Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
• Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
• Parking: Private Lot
• Parking Details: Parking stalls next to the restaurant and next to Local Motion and also you may park on the street and across the street at Safeway or Longs Drugs at the Lahaina Cannery mall.

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.