How to Nab Great Dining Deals in Maui

This all started about a year ago when, being a deal hunter by heart, I first noticed a number of restaurants responded to the economic bubble burst by offering discounts and specials, especially for kama`aiana. I started assembling a list of said specials and sharing it weekly via email. My friends liked it and shared it with their friends which only egged me on.

Soon the deals newsletter expanded into dining reviews, notices of upcoming events, photos of food, and screeching to a halt for garage sale signs – oh, sorry that had nothing to do with What’s Cooking Maui but everything to do with the start of all this – the downturn in the economy. I may be willing to wear recycled clothes but the last things I’ll scrimp on or compromise is the quality of the food I eat. To me, it’s easy to decide where you tighten and where you should spend –inside vs. outside – one matters, one doesn’t. Spend your money on food preferably shared somewhere. That way, you’ve got your health, you got your friends; you let the rest ride.

Since starting WCM we’ve expanded the staff by two ( sometimes four when they are up to it) but lately there are so many specials flooding the dining scene we can barely keep up! Fortunately, this week Maui Times helped us out by presenting their own Taste of Maui special food edition in which they list what they’ve deemed as the top 25 dining deals around Maui. They rightfully admit there’s is not a comprehensive list; in fact, they’ve only scratched the surface of what’s out there, deal-wise. I’m passing along their suggestions and adding WCM notes to further expand upon their recommendations. Hey, we’re just here to help one another!

For the original Maui Times article and comments look here.

I’o
505 Front St., Lahaina
The deal: Half off entrees for Kama’aina daily in September
WCM Says: We love I`o! We told you all about this one!

Gian Don’s Italian Bistro
1445 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 874-4041
The deal: Pay by the time of night, Thurs., 4:30-9:30pm
WCM Says: The earlier you arrive the cheaper it is. Clever approach to a money-saving special.

Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea Rd. #211, Maalaea, 249-8811
The deal: Half-price sunset dinner cruises every Sun. through Nov.
WCM Says: Great way to get out on the water for an inexpensive 3-course meal, even though the whales won’t surface for a few more months.

Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, 667-5117
The deal: Half-price entrees every Mon. in Sept., 6pm-close
WCM Says: We love Jurg and the entire Lahaina Grill staff, menu, wine list and ambiance. Reviving the Kama`aina special is just what the Doctor ordered. See full feature on this and WCM’s exclusive interview with Mary Swiger!

Diamonds Ice Bar and Grill
1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-9299
The deal: Buy one, get one half off
WCM Says: Well advertised and on our list to review soon.

PS: Another ice bar, Maui Brewing Co, also offers some great menu deals, as does their friends at Maalaea Harbor, Beach Bums.

Matteos Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
100 Ike Drive, Wailea, 874-1234
The deal: Half off pizza and wine by the glass
WCM Says: Happy to learn about this one! Matteo’s is awesome!

S&Q’s Coffee & Shave Ice Shack
Rainbow Mall, 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 344-6598
The deal: Buy any drink over $4 and get a free breakfast sandwich, Mon. & Thurs., 7am-12pm
WCM Says: This is cool – usually you buy the food get the drink free but I guess when drinks are $4-5 smackeroos it’s okay to toss in a sandwich. Sounds like a great early morning deal.

PS: How about Los Pelones’ ½ off breakfast entrees?

Ruby’s
275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, 248-7829
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one free
WCM Says: Perfect for when you’re playing Auntie for the keiki, since kids love this 50’s style diner. They love the hotdogs and hamburgers, shakes and little put-together cardboard choo-choo trains. They love the giant gum balls hurtling down a loop-de-loop track before popping out of the machine directly onto the floor so you have to buy another one (whilst you secretly stuff the supposedly contaminated ball into your own pocket for later. Heheh…) In other words, great fun for kids and kids at heart.

Mulligan’s on the Blue
100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131.
The deal: 2 for 1 pupus and half-off drinks, daily, 4-6pm
WCM Says: All early bird specials share a similar benefit – perfect for when you get off work early and want to be home for prime time. Cheap easy, sociable, forget your workaday cares — just don’t overdo it on the half-priced drinks.

PS: For many more super Happy Hour and Pupu Specials reported on WCM:

Check these out!

PSS: Loads of Early Bird Food Specials as reported on WCM (exact times vary by restaurant). They are on the WCM calendar, too, so check there.

Lulu’s, Lahaina -50% off all food
Sands of Kahana – second entrée 50% off
Round Table Pizza, Kihei, Kaanapali – buy 1 get 1 ½ off
Ruth’s Chris Sizzling Prime Time Special, Lahaina, Wailea – $40
Ruth’s Chris Happy Hour – ½ off appetizers
Sansei, Kihei, Kapalua – 25% off entire menu
Joe’s Bar and Grill, Wailea – BOGO on entrees
Jacques, Paia – 50% sushi rolls
Tropica, Kaanapali – 20% kama`aina food
Kai Sushi, Ritz – ½ off before 6:30 p.m.
NEW!! Rusty Harpoon – Power Hour – Half off Entire menu 6-7 p.m.

Pho Saigon 808
Wharf Center, 658 Front St., Lahaina, 661-6628
The deal: Buy one special entree, get the second half off, Tues. & Sat.
WCM Says: I think Maui Times said this one best: You can never go wrong with pad Thai and curry.

Sansei
1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-0004
The deal: Half-price sushi, Sun.-Mon., 5-6pm for kama’aina; twenty-five percent off sushi, Tues.-Sat., 5:30-6pm
WCM Says: This deal’s been offered forever so it’s not really new or the result of economic downturn. It serves to pack ‘em into a place that would already be packed without the special. To note: last Sunday we arrived at 7:30 p.m. , and there was still an hour wait.

PS: Kai, next door at the Ritz, also offers Kama`aina ½ off superior sushi until 6:30 p.m.

Polli’s Mexican Restaurant
1202 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-7808
The deal: Buy one taco plate or burrito supreme, get one half-off
WCM Says: That’s almost as good as Taco Tuesdays! Okay, even better!

PS:  Los Pelones at the Cannery Mall does a dynamite Taco Tuesday with loads of topping and choices of fillings plus half off second breakfast entree daily, so does Fred’s in Kihei.

Dog and Duck
1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei 875-9669
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one half off; buy three appetizers, get one free
WCM Says: We’re really digging the buy two get one free appetizer specials being offered at various places. If you have two people and three appetizers, you’re generally set for dinner.

PS: There are similar specials available at Maalaea Grill and Pioneer Inn!

RB Steakhouse
4465 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina, 669-8889
The deal: Half price pupus, $2 drafts, $3 cocktails, 3-6pm daily
How to work it: Start with a $2 draft of Widmere Heffewizen and pair it with the escargot—expertly prepared in garlic butter and bearnaise—for $4.50. Please, don’t be one of those food sissies who say they don’t eat snails; the French really know what’s up. After that you can easily cruise through the $3 cocktails or a glass of wine with the lobster artichoke fritters, a shrimp cocktail or the half-pound clams—or simply more beer.

PS: They might not have snails on the menu, but Rusty Harpoon, Dollies Pub, Sands of Kahana,  Canoes, all have half price pupus, $2 Drafts and $3 cocktails during happy hour. In fact, so do many others on this list of Happy Hour and Pupu Specials

Big Wave Café
1215 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 891-8688
The deal: Buy one, get one free daily, 5-6:30pm
WCM Says: Nice place to stop in for early bird specials.

PS: Also try Five Palms down the street. Drink specials and half priced sushi and pupus from 3-7 p.m. Enjoy their sunset 3 course dinner special for only $29.95.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The Shops at Wailea, 874-8880; 900 Front St., Lahaina, 661-8815
The deal: Twenty-five percent off ala carte menu Sun.-Mon.
WCM Says: Think that’s good! There’s even more! They also offer ½ price appetizers at the bar and kama`aina specials.

Stopwatch Sports Bar & Grill
1127 Makawao Ave., Makawao, 572-1380
The deal: Buy one entrée, get one half-off, Wed.-Thurs., 5-8:45pm
WCM Says: Great deal on already well priced menu and wonderfully eclectic décor.

Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front Street, Lahaina, 667-9394
The deal: Half off food nightly, 8-10pm for Kama’aina
WCM Says: This place is really perfect for foodies on a budget because the menu is excellent, the location stellar and it exudes just a hint of class so you never feel like you’re hunting for a deal, though you are.

PS: Another classy joint where you can save face and cash, Merriman’s offers 25% off kama`aina food at the bar every night. Tuesdays you can sit with the gentry in the dining room and no one will be the wiser.

PSS: Buzz’s Wharf, the venerable harbor side stalwart in Maalaea, also dove into the discount dining scene recently. 40% discounts on select menu items for kama`aina from 8-10 p.m. daily.

Stella Blues Cafe
1279 S. Kihei Rd. #201, Kihei, 874-3779
The deal: Twenty percent off daily, 7:30-8:30am, 5-6pm
WCM Says: Classic early and earlier bird specials at reliable favorite.

Kau Kau Tin
2102 W. Vineyard St., Wailuku, HI 96793.
The deal: Call for daily deals
WCM Says: Before we can agree this is a top deal we have to see the actual deal and eat the food. You’re on your own to trust Maui Times on this one.

Kahului Ale House
355 E. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului, 877-9001
The deal: Half price beer-battered fish and chips all day Fri.
WCM Says: We like what MT said about this one:
How to work it: This one’s pretty foolproof: check the calendar to make sure it’s Friday, walk in, order the beer-battered fish and chips and eat them. (A side dish of beer is recommended.)

Maui Coffee Roasters
444 Hana Hwy, Kahului, 877-2877
The deal: $1 cappucinos after 2pm
WCM Says: Zzzzzz….zzz… huh? Oh, yeah, give me one of those.

Santa Fe Cantina
900 Front St., Lahaina, 667-7805
The deal: Half-price entrees every Sun. in Sept.
WCM Says: We’ve mentioned SFC’s specials many times. Specials also include a great happy hour and Taco Tuesdays.

Roy’s
4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, 669-6999
The deal: Buy one, get one free
WCM Says: Half off entrees from the king of Pacific Fusion cuisine? Sweet! But there’s more. Also take 25% off Classic Fusion dishes served at the bar and early birds in the dining room get a four-course prix fixe from 5:30-6:30 -  great value at $39. Wine is half off on Wednesdays, including cheapies like Esser Chard for $15 and monster’s like Shafer Hillside, normally priced at $450 for a mere $219, proving even big spenders like a deal now and then.

The Melting Pot
Lahaina Gateway Center, Keawe St., Lahaina, 661-6181
The deal: Four-course menu for $35 per person (minimum 2 people)
WCM Says: Nice change of pace and monthly ladies’ night out events keep the girls’ going wild.

Restaurant owners, please let WCM know if you have anything to add or change in the information included here.

Try one of WCM's ocean side lunch suggestions in Kaanapali, Maui, HI

Lunch is one of the best things to do in Maui. Restaurant tabs can get out of control at dinner, so enjoying the best restaurants Maui has to offer during lunch can be a way to stretch your dollar without scrimping on experiences.

Here are our suggestions for lunch in Kaanapali. We’ve noted the most outstanding aspect of the recommendation whether prices($$$), views, food quality, selection.

Castaway Cafe VIEWS/PRICE
661-9091
Kaanapali $-$$
Location: West Maui, Kaanapali Villa Resort
Cuisine Type: American/Local
Hours of Operation: Open 7:30am – 9pm

Castaways is considered a hidden gem by locals and visitors alike. Located directly on the ocean at the Maui Kaanapali Villas, everyone loves it for casual, inexpensive, friendly service, beach side ocean views, great whale (and people!) watching and a menu packed with wonderful late breakfast choices and very decent versions of sandwich, burger, or salad lunches.

Castaway's lowkey decor gives way to a fabulous ocean view.

CJ’s Deli and Diner PRICE /SELECTION
667-0968
Kaanapali $-$$
Location: In the Fairway Shops near the entrance to Kaanapali
Cuisine: American/Local

Specializing in picnic baskets, meals to go, Road to Hana specials, catering, and casual café dining, CJs has an extremely varied menu consisting mostly of good old American favorites as well as island specialties like moco loco, saimen and fish and great pastries. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, you can get it all at CJs. Just wish they’d bring back the malasadas!

Hula Grill VIEWS/FOOD
667-6636
$-$$$
Location: On Kaanapali Beach at Whalers Village 2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Bldg. P Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Bar/Bistro/Fish/Island and American Specialties

What can we say beyond the fact this is the most idyllic lunch spot in West Maui? Hula Grill’s Barefoot Bar is an extension of Kaanapali’s famous sandy beach where diners are treated to alluring island style menu items and great aloha service. Fish tacos, fish and chips, pizza from the Kiawe oven, sashimi, ceviche (my favorite!), gado gado salad, flatbread BLT help round out the tempting menu. This is the place to indulge in an afternoon mai tai and forget about your cares and woes for a while or forever.

Basil Tomatoes            VIEWS/SELECTION
662-3210
$-$$$
Location: 2670 Kekaa Drive, on Kaanapali Golf Course

Now open for lunch! Located directly on the golf course in Kaanapali on the same road that leads to the Royal Lahaina Resort, Basil Tomatoes is one of the only restaurants in West Maui serving yummy Italian style pupus, pasta and entrees at lunch. Try the steamed clams, delicious carpaccio, fried mozzarella or bruchetta. Follow it up with Cioppino and delicious Mediterranean style salad or WCM’s favorite, Caprese. You can also order Johnny’s hamburger here – a real treat since Johnny’s burger was oft voted the best in West Maui until it unfortunately closed a while back. Return for the early bird dining and wine specials after 5 p.m!

Italian menu available for lunch at Basil Tomatoes, Kaanapali, Maui

Kaanapali Mixed Plate PRICES!
661-0011
$-$$
Location: Near the entrance to the Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Cuisine: Local style plate lunch and buffet

Hungry? I mean, really hungry? Kaanapali’s Beach Hotel’s Mixed Plate restaurant offers buffet style all-you-care-to eat dining at lunch. Find the wide assortment of choices bursting with local flavor and style with all the typical mixed plate fare including kalbi ribs, chow funn, shoyu chicken, rice, mac salad, and more. Prices are among the most reasonable in West Maui considering the giant portions available.

Leilani’s on the Beach VIEWS/FOOD
661-4495
$-$$$
Location: On Kaanapali Beach at Whalers Village 2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Bldg. J
Cuisine: Beach/Bar/American/Fish/Island Specialties

A surefire option for beach lovers, Leilani’s Beachside Grill is a perfectly concocted classic ocean side hang-out. Tops for both people and whale-watching, mixing and mingling while imbibing tropical cocktails and beverages, Leilani’s also serves tasty island-style food, the kind you want to eat while your toes are in the sand. Favorites include salad with light papaya dressing, ahi sashimi, burgers and fries, beach style nachos (with giant chucks of grilled chicken), fish and chips and ono fish tacos.

Aina Gourmet VIEWS/FOOD/SELECTION
662-2832
$-$$
Location: Honua Kai Resort Cuisine: Sandwich/Salad/Wraps/Gelato
- see WCM’s recent feature on Aina Market and Cafe –

Grab grocery items to make your own picnic or lunch, order a wrap to go, or sit a spell in the luxurious surroundings of Kaanapali’s newest resort condo development. Chef James McDonald infuses simple fare with haute flavors using locally grown ingredients with healthfulness in mind. Saunter down to the beach with lunch in hand (you’ll likely have it to yourself) or take on the miles-long stretch of walkway that leads all the way back to the Hyatt while munching your nutritious and delicious lunch.

`Aina at Honua Kai Resort

Ono Bar and Grill VIEWS/AMBIANCE/SELECTION
866-716-8112
$-$$$
Location: Poolside at the Westin, Maui, Kaanapali 2365 Ka’anapali Parkway Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Cuisine: Everything under the Sun

Amid the hustle and bustle of this extremely active resort, settle in poolside at the Ono Bar and Grill and indulge in classic lunch favorites with a twist. There’s pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, salads, stir-fry, chicken soup, grilled tomato and cheese salad, surf salad (tossed with grilled chicken, feta cheese, tropical fruits, avocado, roasted peppers, baked chicken nachos, California rolls – just about anything and everything to suit the whole family. Right next door, the popular Sea Dogs serves crowd-pleasing shave ice, popcorn, hot dogs. The energy and action at this place always reminds me more of Waikiki than Maui. In a good way…

Lagoon Bar/Sundowners Bar VIEWS
662-8053
$-$$
Location: Oceanfront, Sheraton Maui Kaanapali
Cuisine: American, Bistro, Island Favorites

No need to change out of your swim wear when lunching at these two Oceanside resort eateries. However, if you show up in street wear fresh out of the morning meeting, that’s fine too.

Royal Lahaina Resort VIEWS/PRICES/FOOD
281-8155
$-$$
Location: Ocean and Poolside, Royal Lahaina Resort, Kaanapali, Maui, HI Cuisine: Island, Bistro, American

Oft overlooked (since it’s off the beaten track) but exceptional place to park yourself for a few hours while ogling whales and fellow beach lovers at the far end of Kaanapali Resort. Surprisingly great appetizers like Ahi and Avocado Salad or Kula Tomato Gazpacho served both at the quaint little beach shack bar and the indoor/outdoor bar near the main pool.  Main courses include Keka`a Fish Tacos, Kalua Quesadilla, Pulehu Bar-b-q Ribs or choice rustic grilled Pizzas. Try the delightful Kau Wela Rolls, with shrimp, asian noodles, mint, lettuce and cilantro, a refreshing and light lunch option favored by WCM staff. Add Garlic Parmesean or Sweet Potato Fries for dessert.

Lunch poolside/oceanside at Royal Lahaina's Ocean Terrace Cafe

Round Table Pizza PRICE
662-0777
$-$$
Location: Fairway Shops, Kaanapali, and Kihei Cuisine: Pizza Relative newcomer to West Maui, Round Table offers enticing specials on their yummy but conventional pizzas and a surprisingly good salad bar. Ideal family-style dining in a pizza parlor environment or convenient carry-out and delivery.

Umalu VIEW/SELECTION/FOOD
$-$$$
Location: Hyatt Kaanapali pool and ocean side
Cuisine: American and Contemporary Hawaiian

Umalu opened with a splash last year at the Hyatt Kaanapali. Since then the cafe has caught on big time with locals and visitors by offering hearty portions at decent prices in a great setting with interesting and appealing menu options. Favorites include the ahi poke nachos on taro chips, kobe beef sliders, and kalua pork quesadillas. Terrific salads, pizza and big plates such as kurobuta pork chops offer something for everyone with both traditional and adventuresome tastes. The piece de resistance are the garlic furikake stiks, delectably seasoned french fries with wasabi aioli.

Umalu offers great food, shaded dining and ocean views at the Hyatt, Kaanapali Maui

Approach to Umalu from the Hyatt Kaanapali Maui

Magic is guaranteed - Celebrating both the 10th anniversary of Westin's Heavenly Bed and Grand Opening of Pulehu!

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Pulehu, an Italian Grill, at the Westin Kaanapali Resort Villas North Monday, August 10th from 5:30p to 9:00pm. According to online flyer, the night will be full of magical ingredients that will create a true escape; an evening filled with refreshments and a celebration of Italy. Experience an Italian Masquerade (they will have masks for you or bring your own) with live entertainment, and extensive selections of Italian cuisine.

Also on hand are touches of Heavenly in ways that only Westin can inspire on the 10th anniversary of the Heavenly Bed. Guests will find a Heavenly bed floating in the koi pond and another raffled off to a lucky bidder! If you’ve ever slept in one, and I’m sure you have, you can understand the fuss and cause for celebration.

Admission is a mere $20/pp or $15 dollars with the donation of a canned good to benefit Maui Food Bank.  Remember, that includes plenty of spectacular food at various action cooking stations and two drinks per person plus a donation to charity! You can buy additional drinks for only $5 each.

Pulehu means grilled or cooked over an open flame in the Hawaiian language. Appropriately, the restaurant offers flame-grilled favorites and house-made specials such as Mahi Mahi, Saltimboca, Pesto Opakapaka (Hawaiian Snapper), Chef  Adam’s (Tabura) Lasagna and Eggplant Parmigiano Cioppino, Prawn Risotto and Filetto de Manzo (Tenderloin of Beef) served with Portobello Mushrooms and Truffle Potato Puree. The menu was recently revamped to satisfy the hunger for great Italian food at reasonable prices in West Maui.

To RSVP for dinner reservations or the Grand Opening Celebration call 808.667.3254.  See you there!