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.

Five Palms Oceanfront Dining

Five Palms now hosts an exciting venue guaranteed to perk up the work week.  Third Tuesdays is a night of music, art, wine and pupus presented at Five Palms glorious oceanfront setting in Kihei.

This week’s entertainment is a real treat –  jazz by steel guitar great, Henry Allen,  a living legacy of Hawaiian music,. Henry has received numerous awards from the State of Hawaii for his work as master ukulele teacher and steel guitar virtuoso. To round out the evening, Betty Freeland, one of Maui’s most popular  award-winning artists, will be on hand showcasing her work .

Pupus may include (but are not limited to) braised shortribs, duck spring rolls and any number of other delectables from Five Palm’s appetizers menu, such as coriander seared ahi. All this art, music and food for $20 which includes 2 glasses of Frank Family wine (one of my favorite vintners!) or $25 for three.

With everything it has going for it, Third Tuesday’s is sure to be one of the best deals on Maui!

Five Palms is located on the bottom floor of the Maui Kai Resort
2960 S. Kihei Rd.
Kihei, Hi 96753
phone(808) 879-2607
fax (808) 875-4803

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.

Rainbows over Lahaina

Not many restaurants can compete with I’o and its sister/neighbor, Pacific’O, when it comes to ambiance and setting. On an island brimming with dining spots touting picture postcard views this one on the Lahaina shores grabs all five tikis.

The dreamy vision of the sun setting beyond distant Lanai escorted by sailboats and canoe paddlers would be enough eye candy but I’o also serves up an award winning, dazzling interior. Etched glass aquariums, hip lighting, a bar just begging for an enchantress to take a seat and challenge its sensuous curves, and a “must peak” exhibition kitchen compete with the views. With so much to see, my preference is actually a window table rather than the more popular al fresco seats on the front lanai. That way, you don’t miss a thing including what’s going on at the bar and in the kitchen.

Wherever you settle in while awaiting the glorious sunset, you’ll notice Martinis rather than Mai Tais predominate the drink menu. Although I don’t drink the potent devils, the Dreamsicle and Lemon Drop versions sound mighty tasty served with ocean breezes wrapped around them.

Various wines offered by the glass are also enticing. The menu recommends vintages to specifically match various dishes; for instance, the fois gras topped ono served on “wilted Hana vegetable salad, tropical fruit coulis and balsamic reduction” served with a nice Vouvray. Yea! That I can handle.

I`o’s also prepares some of the best appetizers on the island; Cowboy Ribs, Smoked Sashimi, or Crab Cakes can all stand alone as dinner. But you won’t want to stop there. The Waipoli Road Salad is tossed with assorted organic O’o Farm greens, seasonal produce, herbs and heirloom tomatoes with Maui onions and feta cheese tossed in citrus mustard vinaigrette, everything grown or produced not more than 20 miles away at the O`O farms in Kula and Surfing Goat Dairy.  The Crispy Ahi, fresh sashimi tuna rolled in nori and panko crust and green papaya salad, ($27.00) purportedly has inspired a cult following but don’t feel you have to dress up in funky garb or join a chat room to admit you love it.

A table with a view is obviously a major asset for restaurants on Maui but I`o doesn’t take its location for granted or slip guests mediocre food hoping they won’t notice. (It happens!) On the contrary I`o goes the vistas one better by presenting outstanding sustainable, healthy, original dishes using local ingredients spiced with considerable originality.

Aloha! Lovely Ocean Views: Bargain Prices

First, The History!
No self-respecting lunch counter in Hawaii would fail to give a nod to the revered Mixed Plate. This particular meal evolved from the plantation era when workers toiled long and hard in the sugar and pineapple fields carrying their energizing, calorie-laden lunch in bento boxes, baskets and tins with them. Eventually, the various cultures from around the world that had converged in Hawaii to work side by side in those fields began sharing the flavors and preparations of one another’s homelands.

Then, The Evolution
In time the mixed up plates, as they could more aptly be called, became the Hawaiian diet mainstay. Char-sui chicken, chow mein, chow funn, (Chinese), shoyu and teriyaki (Japanese), lomi-lomi salmon, laulau, and kalua pig (Hawaiian), adobe stew and ribs (Filipino), all found a place on the menu along with the famous and required “two scoop rice” and macaroni salad, included with everything from chili to spaghetti dinners.

Place Your Order, Grab Your Grub

Now, The Truth!
Available all over Hawaii from deli counter at grocery markets to walk-up windows at fast food joints, the place voted unanimously as the best location to try the cultural dining icon is Aloha Mixed Plate. Due to its revered locations just across from the Lahaina 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 ocean views and dining at its relaxed best.

The Real Truth!
One major appeal of the mixed plate is that it fills you up and costs just a little. It seems construction workers and surfers to crave the high calorie content of the mixed plate but unless you’ve been biking up Haleakala, snorkeling Molokini or swimming the Paniola Channel, you may opt for something a bit lighter if you want to fit into your bikini tomorrow. Besides the calorie rich menu items Aloha also serves a tasty Asian chicken salad to take a bit of the carb out of the mix. For health nuts and vegetarians try a taro burger, a version of the meatless hamburger made from the famous Hawaiian root. To simply sample the mixed plate from the cultural immersion perspective, order Aloha’s mini plate option served with single scoop rice (sic).

The Keiki
The restaurant also offers a Keiki menu but before the kids rush into the same old grilled cheese and hotdogs 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 a few vegetables (anything from onions to bean sprouts) combine to make a satisfyingly mild, salty flavor that kids and adults adore.

The Wrap-up
It’s little wonder people return time and again to indulge in the hearty local comfort food where a few bucks buys views that rival upscale establishments. With a demeanor that’s decidedly barefoot in the sand and low prices, it’s everything “Maui as a local” is about.

Every Hour Happy Hour

Aloha Mixed Plate

1285 Front St
Maui, Hawaii 96761
(808) 661-3322