7 Years in Maui and So Much Has Happened

This week marks the 7^th anniversary of my move to Maui. What a seven years it has been! Looking back I am astounded at all the progress we’re seen in the Maui Nui food world. I’m not only speaking of the restaurant openings and closings, celebrity chef shifting, new culinary talent appearing, old stalwarts retiring, new favorites emerging, or old favorites coming back to claim their turf. Those items are newsy, but inevitable pretty much anywhere. What I’m talking about are all the things that currently exist on Maui that didn’t a mere seven years ago; those things that arrived to make my life here more enjoyable.

For the first few years after arrival on island it seemed every social gathering was marked with at least one discussion of the “things we wish we had here.” The conversation always started, “Maui is wonderful, but I miss…” and the commenter would mention a few things integral to total happiness presently absent from the Maui food scene. Things most often noted (besides a great haircut, Bed Bath and Beyond, and hospital on the West Side) were good pizza, Chicago style hotdogs, real Italian beef, a true gourmet pantry store, a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, a place to get imported cheese that wasn’t shrink wrapped, authentic Mexican and Indian restaurants, Italian style gelato, to name but a few items on the wish lists.

Reminiscing on these chats, it occurs to me there may actually be something to the notion of putting your desires out there for the universe to  manifest. After all, just a few years of dreaming and all these things seem to show up! Or, maybe in our free-enterprise society someone was bound to notice a niche in the market and when those particular stars cross, the right person, the right opportunity – voila! You got gelato on every corner and Whole Foods in Kahului. You’ve got Chicago-style hotdogs in Maalaea at Aloha Deli! It’s mind-boggling.

We now have Penguini’s in Pa`ia and `Aina Gourmet dishing up home-made versions of the frozen Italian confection in Honua Kai.  We have Maui Prime in Lahaina, Wine Stops in both Kihei and Lahaina, and Gourmet food shops in Wailea, Kaanapali, and even the Kaanapali Ocean Resort North Tower catering to home chefs with gourmet ingredients from around the globe! We can now obtain Mozzarella Fresca and Burrata cheeses  (at times) at Lahaina Farms or Who Cut the Cheese in Kihei.

Maui now has many wonderful pizza choices, from Flatbread in Pa`ia to Pizza Madness in Kihei. Even the Ritz Carlton serves a delicious thin-crust version from their room service menu (available at the bar – but don’t tell them where you heard it.)

And Mexican food?! When I moved here from Austin, Texas the lack of great Mexican and Barbeque was almost painful. Now it seems a great new Mexican place pops up regularly, including one soon-to-be unveiled in the old Giovanni’s space at the entrance to Kaanapali. As for Barbeque, I’ve been won over by Kalbi Ribs to the point I barely miss Brisket and when I do now there’s Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse in Kihei.

A few things we didn’t even think to ask for have appeared. There’s French creperies, including the forthcoming Paradise Found in the old Quizno space at the Lahaina Center.  For a short while the dearth of Naan and Indian curries was resolved by the opening of Shangri-La in Kihei.  Sadly, it was shuttered recently, but we hope someone steps up to the Tandori and tries again.

Overall, in seven short years Maui has edged closer to truly having it all. Let’s do our part to ensure the courageous entrepreneurs who cater to our hearts’ (and stomachs) delight will continue to prosper and thrive long into the future.  And by all means, continue dreaming!

- Marti

Lunch Lahaina

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 Lahaina. We’ve noted the most outstanding aspect of the recommendation whether prices($$$), views, food quality, selection.

Lahaina Coolers $-$$                 PRICE/FOOD
Location: 180 Dickenson Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Cuisine: Island style American with Ethnic Nods
Hours: 8 am – 2 am (they almost never close!)
Celebrating 20 years on the scene in Lahaina, this local favorite has endured for good reason. A  casual, island-style place (you know what that means – no dress code) with indoor and outdoor seating, Coolers serves everyone’s favorites such as fish tacos, sandwiches, salads and burgers, and unique house specials that will quickly become favorites. We recommend the Evil Jungle Pasta and Truffle Chicken, Tofu stir-fry, Whaler’s Stew (with all kine fish and veggies), and Brown Goat Pasta (fresh local veggies in a brown butter and goat cheese sauce with pine nuts and dried currents- yum!). The diverse menu gives us something to look forward to when running errands in Lahaina town or after a late-night run to the airport.

Moose McGillicuddy’s $-$$
Location: 844 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Fun American Stuff
Telephone: 808-667-7758
With a name like Moose’s, it’s not surprising to find a menu filled with what we at WCM like to call “kid’s food” – very tasty goodies your health-conscious mom would only allow once in a while but which makes a great hang-over cure. In other words, people love it! Burgers, fries, sandwiches, pulled pork, fries, fried calamari, fried onions, fried fish, fried shrimp, breaded meat, chili, nachos, cheesy fries, sliders wings… If it’s your kind of thing, indulge! The whole vibe reeks of fun and nightly dinner and drink specials are popular for the under-30 set. Breakfast is the best bet with affordable, hearty, delicious egg creations and such. Go for it! Mama’s not lookin’.  You can surf it off later…

Penne Pasta $-$$     PRICE/FOOD
Location: 180 Dickenson Street, Lahaina, HI
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Lunch and Dinner
Telephone:  661-4811
A wonderful family style place where you can either dine in or carry-out an assortment of well-priced, scrumptious Italian style favorites such as Chicken Piccata and the tremendously popular Baked Penne. Nothing on the menu is over $16.95 but I’m crazy about the Butternut Squash (emphasis on BUTTER) and Roasted Beet side dishes for $5.95 each. Daily specials expand the menu considerably with favorites like Lasagna, Osso Bucco, Fresh Fish with Pasta and Roasted Chicken. Don’t overlook the tasty flatbreads or open faced oven roasted eggplant sandwich! This place is so laid-back and welcoming you’ll feel as if you in your home watching the Food Channel while you dine .

Kimo’s $-$$$
Location: 844 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Cuisine: Island Style American
Telephone: 808-661-4811
Smack dab in the middle of Front Street, Kimo’s commands the premiere oceanfront location for lunching Lahaina Town style. This place is everything you picture when you think of lunch in Maui. You gotch’yer artichoke and smoked marlin appetizers, ahi sashimi, Hot Wing Salad (with prawns, wontons, veggies), plate lunch, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, burgers and fresh island fish roasted in sweet basil, lemon and garlic and extraordinary burgers and pork ribs for the less adventurous or uber-hungry diners. Kiddie menu, great ambiance, tropical drinks and energetic servers add further to the winning formula that has made this restaurant such an enduring success.
Mai Tai Lounge $-$$$   VIEWS/FOOD/VALUE
Location: 839 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: (808) 661-5288
Cuisine: Island Style American
With it’s lovely oceanfront, rooftop setting right next door to Kimo’s, Mai Tai Lounge promises to deliver (not surprisingly) the Best Mai Tai on Maui. Maui Times readers agree, having voted it such two years in a row along with runner-up for best new restaurant in 2008. Some surprisingly delicious menu items including lobster quesadilla, lobster and shrimp enchilada, seared ahi salad, and heavenly mahimahi BLT wrap, help elevate lunch into a truly memorable meal. With killer views, good service and a novel menu, you can’t ask for more from a Front Street eatery.

Lulu’s $-$$     PRICE/FUN AMBIANCE
Location: Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapi’ilani Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-0808
Cuisine: American/Island Favorites
Gotta love Lulu’s for the high energy they bring to everything from the eclectic, fun menu to the special events like Sizzling Samba and HHH Saturdays.  What would you expect from a place that lists Sake Ponzu Oyster Shooters, Big Sweaty’s Slippin’ Dippin’ barbeque meats, Chicken Jamaican Me Crazy, Caesar and Please Her Salad, and the Dick Butkus Burger (complete with peanut butter) on the menu? We think this sort of literary fun clearly sets the tone for a laid-back, two drink lunch experience. Like one reviewer said, in spite of the Oxtail Soup, a nod to old-fashioned plantation days food, it’s not exactly a place you take your elderly relatives or young children, but it’s perfect for the young and young at heart when you want to let loose a little.

Genki Sushi $-$$     PRICE
Location: Cannery Center next to Lahaina Farms
Telephone: (808) 873-7776
Cuisine: Sushi
Genki Sushi is popular because it’s fast, fun, easy and inexpensive. The sushi may not be as interesting or inspired as it is elsewhere but it holds great appeal nonetheless. The hook at Genki is the conveyer belt laden with mini platters of sushi that rolls continuously around the dining counter begging you to help yourself to the next tasty offering. Ingenious, really, because who can resist eating more sushi when so cleverly presented?

Food Court at Cannery Mall $          SELECTION/PRICE
Location: Cannery Mall
When atmosphere is less important than convenience and price, this is a great option. Japanese Edo, Vietnamese/French Bale, Athens Greek, L&L Drive-in, and Chopsticks Express compete for your on-the-go dining pleasure. Los Pelones also has a kiosk open to the food court side for take-out or dining at the collection of tables in the mall. We especially like the surprisingly good Greek Salad, Shish-ka-Bob and superb grilled pita at Athens, and the Pho soup and croissants (not together) done up with considerable pride at Bale. Additionally, the Orange Chicken at Chopsticks, the Yakisoba at Edo are always a treat. Top it off with an Orange Julius or Smoothie from Dairy Queen across the hall and sip while watching the free keiki hula shows.
Aloha Mixed Plate $-$$     VIEW/PRICE/FOOD
Location: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Hawaiian Plate Lunch
Telephone: 808-661-3322
In Maui, Aloha Mixed Plate is consistently voted the best location for the cultural icon – the plate lunch.  Due to its revered location just across from the Cannery Mall, right next door to the Old Lahaina Luau and directly on the ocean under the shade of ancient trees, visitors and locals alike flock here for oceanfront dining at its relaxed best. Besides the calorie rich (plate lunch) menu, Aloha also serves a tasty Asian chicken salad for carb counters in the crowd. For health nuts and vegetarians, Aloha offers a Taro burger, their version of meatless hamburger made from the ubiquitous Hawaiian root. For those who want to try the mixed plate for the purposes of cultural immersion and curiosity, Aloha has a “mini” plate option served a single scoop of rice.

The restaurant also offers a Keiki (children’s) menu but before the kids order the same old grilled cheese and hotdog, suggest they try the favorite of local kids instead – chow funn. This is the island version of mac ‘n cheese, without the cheese. Egg noodles cooked in broth, mixed with meat (beef, pork or even spam) and a few vegetables (anything from onions to bean sprouts) combine with a satisfying, mildly flavored sauce that island kids and adults adore.

Los Pelones $-$$     FOOD/PRICE
Location: Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapi’ilani Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Mexican/Tex-Mex
Telephone: 808-661-6900
The minute you’re seated in one of the cushy booths or rustic tables a dedicated server delivers hot fried tortilla chips and equally hot salsa to your table. I suspect that’s because the minute you try them you’ll want to order a top shelf margarita, which is especially delicious at Los Pelones. I’m not advocating drinking before cocktail hour, for heaven’s sake, unless you’re on vacation or lunching at a Mexican joint in Maui, that is. An extensive collection of Mexican favorites – rellenos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, mole, guacamole, all kinds of ole! are made from fresh ingredients grown or made in Maui (though the tortillas are crafted in far-away Kihei.) Big portions, great value, good food and servers who have a personal stake in the success of the restaurant, and are thus particularly attentive, await you.

Santa Fe Cantina $-$$     FOOD/PRICE
Location: 900 Front Street, Suite f-3, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Santa Fe Style Mexican
Telephone: 808.667.7805
Where the Land of Enchantment Meets Paradise - the slogan of Santa Fe Café. Located directly across from the Lahaina Front Street Theater, Santa Fe Cantina makes a perfect pre or post-theater stop. The more often WCM staff dine here, the more we like it! With Burritos, Tortas, Faijitas, and other typical Mexican fare on the menu you might not notice the difference between New Mex food and Tex Mex until you keep at it awhile. In any case, you’ll likely enjoy the simple things most such as piled high luscious tasting Nachos and super deluxe Taco Salad or Pork al Pastor as much as we do, with due respect given to the fact nearly everything is under $10 at lunch.

Sunrise Café $-$$     PRICE
Location: 693A Front Street, Maui, Hawaii, 96761
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch American style
Telephone: 808-661-8558
Eating here is a little like stealing onto a neighbor’s back porch then being invited to stay for breakfast. Sunrise Café is cool, casual, inexpensive, and relaxing. The food is satisfying and tasty and the best place to be when you’re in Lahaina early in the morning or for early lunch.

Cool Cat’s Café $-$$     PRICE/FOOD
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: Burgers/American
Telephone: 808-661-4900
The 50’s style diner overlooks Front Street and the majestic Banyan Tree and serves what the Maui public has repeatedly declared (5 years running) the Best Burger in Maui. We at WCM concur wholeheartedly! Cool Cat’s offers indoor dining near the juke box and soda fountain but most everyone takes a seat on the picnic tables out on the Lanai to watch the world walk by while indulging in big, juicy, hand thrown burgers (fresh Angus beef – never frozen) and fries. It’s a diner, so of course they also craft shakes, floats, and banana splits. Cool Cat’s caters to everyone so there are salads, fish, and ribs on the menu, too, if for some odd reason burgers aren’t your thing.

Da Kitchen $-$$
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-4900
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Da Kitchen food is so ono and the portions so plentiful that their other locations in Kahului and Kihei snare all the awards for best local food.  We expect no less from the new Wharf location. It’s definitely kaukau time when you walk in here. Expect heaping platters of kalbi ribs, lau lua pork, hulihuli and chicken katsu, loco moco, noodles, tempura – overall, an outstanding collection of the most wonderful culinary amalgamations to have ever joined forces to the delight of Hawaii’s hungry.

Aloha Thai $-$$     PRICE
Location: The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone:808-661-1971
Cuisine: Thai
Another dining option close to the Wharf Movie Theaters, Aloha Thai is an unassuming, family style place serving authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Chicken Curry. Don’t expect a lot of atmosphere but do expect some satisfying flavors, friendly service and great prices.

Bubba Gump’s $-$$$   VIEWS/FUN ATMOSPHERE
Location: 899 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-661-3111
Cuisine: Shrimp, Shrimp, and American
Tourists and kids love this place with its nod to the winsome Forest Gump and his mythical Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company. Dining here is a show in itself with perspicacious servers, bell ringing, balloon blowing and other dining circus’ (including a gift shop) that mixes chowing down with clowning around. The food’s not bad, either, with good ole Shrimp Po`Boys, Boat Trash (mixed seafood platter), Bourbon Mahimahi and Dixie Style Ribs. Then there’s beer steamed shrimp, Cajun shrimp, shrimp gumbo, shrimp New Orleans… you get the idea. Some nice salads and desserts round out the menu.

BJs Pizzeria $-$$                 PRICE/LOCATION
Location: 730 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cuisine: American/Pizza
Telephone: 808-661-0700
BJs is actually a chain of restaurants serving Chicago-style pizza, ribs, stuffed potatoes, knife and fork sized sandwiches and popular salad medleys. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, pizza and salad combos, fish tacos, sliders and fries, and even a blackened Atlantic salmon. There’s nothing really new or unique here, but the menu manages to cover the gamut of what most Americans have already tried and know they like– consistent, hearty, and good value.

Cilantro $-$$     FOOD/PRICES
Location: 170 Papalaua Avenue, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-5444
Cuisine: Mexican
Most ethnic restaurants in Maui can’t help but eventually give nod to local flavors and styles and begin incorporating locally grown ingredients into their recipes. As it should be! Cilantro’s is no exception; an example of this might be the grilled pineapple salsa served on the taco al pastor, or the scallop and prawn chili relleno. Delicious adobe pork and rotisserie chicken are flavored with organic herbs which is evident in the resulting taste. Overall, the interior Mexican recipes elevate the menu to an entirely new level beyond typical South of the Border lunch and dinner.

Longhi’s $-$$                 LOCATION/FOOD
Location: 888 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-2288
Cuisine: Seafood/Italian Overtures
Noted favorite for breakfast and brunch, Longhi’s also serves a nice lunch with the ocean across the street in view through the open-air dining facility. Been there forever, a local and tourist favorite.
Mala Ocean Tavern $-$$                 VIEWS/FOOD/SELECTION
Location: 1307 Front Street, Lahaina, HI
Telephone: 808-667-9394
Cuisine: Eclectic Island Mediterranean
Mala’s is the go-to place for no-fuss lunch meetings, with atmosphere aplenty and hearty but healthy choices abounding. Waves crash a few feet from lanai tables and the sea air brightens flavors on the mostly organic and trans fat-free menu. WCM loves the mock-guacamole (soybeans in the place of avocado), the Mezza Quartet of Feta, Olives, Hummus and Grilled Pita, the lamb kabobs and Kobe beef burgers with Maui onions. There’s no better place to score the dish of Royalty– wok fried crispy moi.

Thai Chef                    $-$$                 FOOD/PRICES
Location: In the back corner of Old Lahaina Center, 800 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Telephone: 808-667-2814
Cuisine: Thai/Asian
No views, little space, great food, very inexpensive, locals love it! Dine on terrific Thai specialties like Pad Thai, curries, refreshing salads and Tom Yum soup. Hot, spicy, salty sweet, all sorts of savory thrills await  Thai Chef guests.

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…

Rusty Harpoon SELECTION/PRICES
661-3123
$-$$
Location: At the entrance to Kaanapali Resort above the Golf Pro Shop Cuisine: Regional American/Island Fare

A sports-bar atmosphere where drinks are the thing at the self-proclaimed “Daiquiri Capital of the World.” As for food, regional specialties including Cajun, curry, Philly cheese steak, and Rueben sandwiches infuse the menu with considerable mainland pizzazz, while fish and chips, avocado rolls and seared ahi bring it home again for the island set. Lunch is served 11-5 and an extended happy hour begins promptly at 2 p.m.

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