- by Chuck Racine

Do you know what is most annoying about the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous shows on TV? Nothing they show you is obtainable unless you hit the lottery. You’re not going to stay in a hotel room for $15,0000 a night, you’re not going to hire a butler to shop for you, book a private chef to prepare your meals, or pay a pool attendant to peel you a grape. However, you can mingle amid the sweet air of the rich if you know where to go and when.

Kapalua - the name alone evokes visions of  movie stars and professional athletes. A vacation spot for many exclusive types who like the peace and quiet of West Maui while getting away from the touristy areas that dot the coast, Kapalua also feature some of the best restaurants on island that cater to a discriminating clientele. As you’d expect they  carry a hefty price tag that typically keeps riff-raff out.

Ah, but that hasn’t stopped me from managing  to find my way into three famed hot spots that feature out of this world Happy Hour (drinks and food) far beyond the usual pau hana pickings.  Visit any of the Kapalua restaurants noted here during their value menu hours and impersonate a big spender, impress a hot date, or simply revel in the pleasures of life like the rich and famous.

Ritz Carlton: Kai Sushi

Thursday – Monday, 5:30-6:30

Half off all sushi!

Alaloa's Dramatic Bar

Bar seating is available as well as dining in the comforts of a sumptuous table with view. Afterward, relax in the lobby and enjoy the live music while watching the stars from the lanai.

Kai Sushi has stiff competition, seeing that the popular Sansei is right next door, but that only makes it one of the hardest challenges you’ll face -  deciding which is best. Simply being at the Ritz Carlton implies you’re somebody special, since their operating mantra is “ladies and gentleman serving ladies and gentleman,”  an automatic vote in Kai’s favor. The ambiance is elegant; the clientele equally gorgeous.

Try anything on the menu, from the fresh Ahi to one of the many specialty rolls. At full price it’s just standard that dinner at the Ritz  equals a very expensive evening, however at half off it is affordable and accessible for everyone. Bring a date, or just meet up with friends; it’s sure to impress as it did my “mother-in-law to be” when she was in town. Dining at Kai gave me instant worthiness and mum no longer questioned whether or not I was right for her daughter… until I ordered the 3rd round of sake bombs!

Pineapple Grill

Thursdays and Fridays, 8-10pm

Half Off the Bar Menu!

Pineapple Grill Pupus

A relaxing, upscale atmosphere that features live music both nights. You can indulge in complete meals or merely lounge with pupus at half off, so sample everything!

Stay up in the bar area and enjoy the musical styling of their jazz trio who play on Fridays. On Saturday they have the nice local Jawaiian music being strummed on the ukulele. You get all this, plus great bartenders, while enjoying plate after plate of half-off pupus along with a few specialty items. One evening I topped my record and had four helpings of the chicken sate with peanut dipping sauce. At around $7 a plate, you couldn’t make it at home for less.

There’s a large bar and lounge area and plenty of seating outside where you feel the cool breezes coming through Kapalua and with the money you saved, you may even stay for a dessert or two.

It’s the perfect time to try all the pupus you would otherwise shy away from on the last of your vacation dollars.  Whether wontons, the sate trio of steak, chicken and shrimp, or the very stylish and excellent brie platter, everything on the extensive bar menu is super tasty with options sure to appeal to everyone on the guest list, including the ultra finicky…. Future Mom-in-law!

Sansei

Sundays and Thursdays, 5:30pm

Thursdays after 10pm

Half Off

Sansei's Famed Logo

A don’t miss spot for sushi; ask anyone where to get the best sushi and you’ll always hear the name “Sansei’s.”

Get there early on discount days, because there will be a line. On Thursday evening after 10pm enjoy Karaoke along with the same half off special which is always a great time.

If you’re driving toward the Ritz Carlton, Sansei will be the place with a line out the door, and for good reason. Everything on the menu is amazing; from Caterpillar Rolls to Sliced Steak with Udon noodles.

It’s a classic dilemma: though it’s hard to resist screaming the name from the rooftops, the joy becomes bittersweet when you’re required to wait a little longer each week because the new fans expand the long line. Once bitten, you, too are sure to fall in love with the food, the atmosphere, and sheer fun you experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you feast your eyes on the colorful, fresh as it gets rolls.

Open the bill and see the prices slashed in half — now fall even deeper in love. It’s the only time I’ve seen diners on Maui do a double and triple take on their check because they expected to pay more.

“This can’t be right, could it?” He puts on his readers. “Honey, don’t make any plans for  Sunday or Thursday at 5:30!”
“Next week?” she asks.
“Every week!” he assures.
Smart guy.

Tune in next week for more Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous – I mean, more outstanding deals at hot spots further down the coastline in West Maui from Kahana to Lahaina! Until then, see you in Kapalua!