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.

Champagne Point at Merriman's

Many years ago I learned the secret to great cooking from a very famous chef during a cooking class in the south of France. He shared his trick after a fellow student bemoaned that they’d never master the art of precise dicing nor be able to reproduce complicated sauces at home. Hearing that, the Chef wiped his hands, leaned forward on the counter and assured us that 90% of great cooking is shopping. When it comes to cooking, he insisted, the ingredients used in food preparation matter more than anything else.

His revelation wouldn’t have come as big news to Peter Merriman, who in the early ‘80’s had already developed a farm to table approach to cooking in his Big Island dining establishments. His philosophy was simple but novel for the time in Hawaii– use the freshest ingredients available. To accomplish his goal of using 90% local and/or sustainable ingredients he developed partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and growers to ensure he had the best of the best for his customers. It was, needless to say, a hit.

Twenty-some years later it came as no surprise when Kapalua announced that Merriman would take the helm of the newly revitalized restaurant formerly located in the Bay Club adjacent Kapalua Bay. Long recognized as one of the most ideal dining locations on the island, residents and visitors to Maui waited with bated breath for last summer’s grand opening. One year later, the restaurant has developed a following that clearly reflects the value of the restaurateur’s focused appreciation and insistence on using local, prime ingredients.  

 Clearly, since they opened Merriman’s has garnered high ratings as one of the most romantic and elegant restaurants in Maui. After attending a party there last night I can assure you it also ranks as one of the best venues for a special event. 

Merriman's Sunset Reflection

 The party started with hors d’oevres on “Champagne Point,” which competes as the most idyllic setting for a cocktail on the planet. Guests were treated to gorgeously presented and sumptuously prepared appetizers.  Imagine a tray of crisp-fried mushrooms stuffed with scallop and cream sauce, each piece perched elegantly on a little cucumber pedestal, ahi bruchetta floating by on individual slices carrot and bite sized portions of Merriman’s famous duck egg rolls begging for dipping. Brilliant, iridescent rainbows showed up on cue, framing the views to the east as if encouraging the retiring sun to go it one better with painterly swathes of color across the ocean that lingered long after the sun had set.

The crowd moved into the restaurant for the main event, as gloriously orchestrated as the sunset. Seamless, unobtrusive and perfectly timed, Merriman’s created a memorable occasion as forty delighted guests gathered in the south counter of the restaurant. Unencumbered by the goings on in the main dining room and bar area (which were also abuzz with patrons!) guests raved about everything served – the salad, seared ahi appetizer, and one of the most succulent and tender filets this side of heaven.

The event ranked as one of the best private dinner parties I’ve experienced in Maui. What more can a host ask for than attentive service, terrific food, outrageous views, and overjoyed guests who today are thanking their lucky stars to have been counted among their friends?

Table with View

If you’re inclined to spoil your guests with equal aplomb, Merriman’s can accommodate parties up to 60 people in a private area but parties of 61 to 150 require buying out the restaurant. To book a private party or function call (808) 669-6400 or email Joanie Kirk, Event Coordinator at joanie@merrimanshawaii.com.

David Paul's Island Grill Bar

David Paul’s Island Grill

Whoa, this place is pretty! Besides the chic decor, dimly lit bar, exhibition kitchen, there are lots of lovely wines by the glass for under $10, amazing appetizers for under $10 and small versions of entrees for under $20. If you’re like me, content with smaller portions of delicious food, this is the place for you! Even hearty eaters will be delighted to find many full sized entrees under $30.

Chef David Paul Johnson has been granting interviews galore these past few months, hailing the arrival of his new venture. WCM will give him a little more time to settle into his new digs and bring the staff up to speed before running a full feature. For now, suffice to say we stopped in and tried the “Tasting Menu,” a bargain for $45/pp. Having done that, we all concluded it’s not really this restaurants’ forte or focus. We’ll save the six course meals for fancy wine dinners. At David Paul’s, might be best to try some of unique and delicious small plates instead. After all, that’s what will set this restaurant apart.

Merriman’s Kapalua

We hadn’t stopped in for a month or so, having been off island for about that long, so when the trades finally kicked back up we breathed in the VOG free breezes and plunked ourselves down at the bar for a nosh or two at Merriman’s. After our ono-licious salads (spinach and goat cheese; beets and greens) I lost all sense of control when I spied a platter of grilled steak and truffle/parmesan fries being delivered across the bar. I had to have it; and I’m glad I did. That was seriously one of the best steaks I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. Seeing our delight, the server reiterated Peter Merriman’s pledge to use local ingredients as much as possible. To wit, the menu vaguely references “steak” but it depends on the cut of the day which one you’ll score. This night we did good! How shall I describe it? Succulent, with almost crunchy slightly spicy seared surface giving way to a buttery tender core… in a word – perfect.

Pineapple Grill

For a low-key late lunch after a low-key round on Kapalua’s practice course, WCM staff stopped in for a bite at the bar in Pineapple Grill. We shared my favorite, the luxury cobb salad. I add “luxury” to the title since it’s all natural ingredients, including apple dices unlike cobb salads filled with processed meats and cheeses. We also shared the delicious pork quesadillas which come with a small Caesar salad. It was HUGE but somehow we managed to finish it.

Did you know Pineapple Grill offers kama`aina 15% at lunch? Sure you did; we’ve told you a million times.

Umalu at the Hyatt

Cirque Performers Greet Guests Post-show

After watching spellbound the new heart-thumping, death defying show, Cirque Polynesia at the Hyatt Kaanapali, we needed to calm our nerves and quick! Thankfully, Umalu serves perfect island style comfort food nearby, especially the seared ahi salad, kalua pork quesadillas, and one of the best appetizers on the island – ahi nachos. (Cheese free, the ahi nachos are a jumbo serving of ahi tartare/poke accented with avocado and crème fraiche served with taro chips.)

Approach to Umalu

Once we came down from the thrill show’s after effects, we lingered long into the evening while enjoying Umalu’s ideal Oceanside setting, attentive service and terrific appetizers. All this and a 15% kama`aina discount to boot!

Dis and Dat:

We discovered last week that Santa Fe Cantina has the best nacho platter we’ve tried so far.

China Boat has been closed temporarily due to renovations, which made us realize there’s a shortage of carry-out options between Napili and Kapalua. We’ll be reporting on the new upgrades soon.

Every night the Honolua Store, famous for their plate lunches, offers two entrée specials – one fish, one meat. Too bad they had closed the kitchen early the night we’d stopped in to try the New York Rib Eye and Salmon in Cream Sauce specials for $12.95 each. They redeemed themselves after I discovered freshly baked baquettes in a bin near the coffee bar! Like finding a buried treasure on Maui!

You are what you eat so dine hearty and be happy! A hui hou until next time!

Contact individual restaurants for reservations.

Wine aplenty at Who Cut the Cheese Shop and Tastings