Highlight of the Week
Umalu recently opened at the Hyatt Kaanapali with a fanfare-filled evening hosted by the Budweiser Girls and Miss Hawaii. If you missed the all-you-can-eat buffet that showcased every item on their extensive menu, not to worry… Every Thursday evening, this chic poolside venue hosts “Hot Maui Nights,” featuring live music and well-priced pupu and drink specials.  We recommend the Chinese Chicken salad, mini Kobe sliders and chicken al pastor quesadillas. Try not to stay out all night

Location: Kahana and Wailea
Price: $40
Grinds: Kama`aina enjoy a 4-course prix-fixe meals, including the famous lava cake. The luscious chocolate dessert releases enough feel-good hormones to banish all stock market blues.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Location: The Shops at Wailea and at Lahaina Center
Price: $40
Grinds: Sizzlin’ Prime Time Dinner Special features a three-course menu in the main dining room from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
*For the lighter appetite, Sizzlin’ Happy Hour in the lounge from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., features 50 percent off all appetizers.

The Banyan Tree
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Price: $55
Grinds: A three-course sunset menu between 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. Choose from Waipoli Greens Salad or Maui Onion Soup as a starter; braised Pacific Flounder, Beef Tenderloin, or Herb Organic Chicken for an entrée; and Pineapple Caramel Cake or House-Made Sorbet for dessert.
*Also, don’t miss Wine Wednesdays—all bottles of wine are 50% off

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar continues to offer enticing dining specials at both the Kapalua and Kihei locations. Get 25% off the entire menu from 5:30 – 6pm. For late-night revelers, enjoy 50% off the menu on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 p.m.-1 a.m.—and don’t miss the free karaoke.

The new Mala Wailea at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is offering a three-course special for $38 per person. Choose between a white bean soup and a farmer’s salad; teriyaki chicken breast, blackened rib-eye steak, or herb crusted mahi mahi; and a special dessert. The restaurant is also open for breakfast and its lobby bar offers pupus during happy hour. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 808-875-9394.

Lahaina Grill entices you to their world-renown bar where loquacious locals gather for food for thought over luscious libations and victuals. Arrive by 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and your food is half price.

One of the best ongoing deals on Maui continues at the Maui Culinary Academy restaurant, Class Act. The fine dining restaurant is run by students at the Academy and serves a four-course prix-fixe lunch for $27 on Wednesdays & Fridays during the school semester. Led by chef-instructor Tom Lelli and dining room instructor Juli Umetsu, Class Act offers gourmet fare highlighted by local ingredients and flavors. Price includes iced tea, amuse-bouche and dessert. Reservations are required. Class Act, Maui Culinary Academy, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732, 808-984-3280.

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!!!!  I’O is offering half price appetizers and salads to Kaamaina dining at the bar. Offer ends Oct. 31st.

Oktoberfest at Brigit and Bernard’s Garden Café in Kahului is in its last weekend. Don’t miss it! Join the oomph band on the biergarten for authentic German specialties like spaetzle and sauerbraten. The Veal Brats will threaten your thighs, but the flavors are worth every calorie!

Bone up on your Chicken Dance and gather your friends for an old-fashioned chug fest featuring 1.5 liter steins — just like in Munich! The buffet includes lentil soup, roasted chicken, veal sausage, pork bratwurst with sweet mustard, German pork roast, German-style meat loaf, spaetzle (home-made pasta dumplings), German potato salad, sauerkraut, Bavarian kraut salad and braised red cabbage.
The all-you-can-eat buffet costs $38 per diner. Apple strudel with vanilla sauce an extra $8.50, also worth the risk!