This shop is located just across the street from Kihei's popular Kamaole Beach Park. You can literally wander in wearing a swimsuit and flip-flops, and when you do, chances are, you'll fit right in. There is a fairly extensive menu of specialty cocktails and alcohol-free juices. The burgers are delicious, if a little pricey considering the beach-shack atmosphere, but the live music is really the key here.
If you've never heard of Guri Guri, you are not alone. It can only be found at this particular location. However, this stand is a landmark on Maui and a legend among the islands. Guri Guri is a refreshing, frozen dairy product that tastes like a cross between sherbet and ice cream. It comes in two flavors: strawberry or pineapple. The recipe is a jealously guarded family secret. While some people don't find it to be anything special, some people become strangely addicted to it and stop by the stand daily.
Everything about Mama's, from the decor to the service to the amazing cuisine, is iconic. Locals and visitors consider it to be the ultimate special-occasion restaurant. The path leading up to the restaurant is lit by torches and lined with palm trees. Candles light the dining room, and most tables feature an ocean view. Appetizers include Tahitian Poisson Cru, Sashimi Salad, and Shrimp Won Tons with macadamia nut dipping sauce. The Mama's fishermen catch fish daily to offer an indulgent experience. The stuffed fish is known to be tender and flavorful. The wine list completes the dining experience with its elegant pairings.
Named "the best food and entertainment combo in Maui" by Zagat's Restaurant Survey, this lively eatery features energetic dancing and live music upcountry. The sprawling dining area with the bar at one end turns into one of Maui's hottest nightclubs after hours. A huge wooden sun-deck is great for lounging and people-watching in the daytime. The menu features a nice selection of salads (made with organic greens), wood-fired pizzas and delectable homemade pastas smothered in rich sauces and savory meats.
While the witty name is rather charming, it is a bit misleading. This place does not offer everyday cafe au lait, or anything close, but don't be disappointed. Cafe O'Lei has food critics and travel writers raving over its inexpensive, innovative food, made from fresh-as-can-be local ingredients. Sample delicacies such as Blackened Mahi-Mahi with Papaya Salsa. Vegetarians absolutely must try the grilled vegetable sandwich. The array of tempting dishes changes with the season.
The Asian Rock Shrimp Cake served here is an award winner, as is the Mango Crab Salad Roll with Kula greens. The full bar offers a number of Asian beers and sakes. The highly popular sushi bar offers specials almost daily (advance reservation required).
Located just a few minutes from the plantation town of Paia, this new age eatery resembles more of a permanently anchored food truck in charming Haiku than a restaurant. The menu appeals to a very narrow spectrum of those who insist on organic, vegetarian cuisine with an emphasis on macrobiotic selections. The menu includes a long list of vegetable and blended juice drinks including exotic items like daikon, acai berry and bee pollen. There is a great selection of sandwiches that change almost daily. There are also colorful umbrellas and picnic tables where one can relax and enjoy Haiku's wonderfully fresh, tropical air. -Lottie Tagupa
A family run restaurant, Fiesta Time offers one of the best Mexican food with their special homemade salsas and guacamole. The entrées are served with rice and beans—be sure to try the large and fried to perfection 'Natalies rellenos' which comes with serving of smoky tomato sauce. The authentic recipes and the affordable prices are sure to draw you back to this place time and again. A small Mexican joint serving great Mexican food!
This wonderful eatery is not your mama’s health food restaurant. Stylish and modern, it offers a menu of fresh ingredients and fat and calorie-conscious selections for those watching their figure so that they can flaunt their stuff on Maui’s sassy sultry beaches. The décor is cheery and bright with surfboard tables and benches. The wall accents provide cheery color and an education on Hawaiian fish while you wait for the kitchen to do magic on your order. Menu selections include whole wheat buns, brown rice, low fat dressings and more. The grilled fish burgers are made of fresh island fish and prepared with your choice of Asian, blackened, Cajun style dressings or simply with lemon and butter. -Lottie Tagupa
Located just a couple blocks from the Kahului Airport, this funky shave ice stand is kind of an oddity set in an unassuming strip mall. The thatched roof and the colorful exterior make it easy to find, and their shave ice offerings are extremely tempting on those steamy afternoons when a cold bottle of water just won't make it all better. The servings are huge, the ice is fluffy and not chunky, and the service is cheerful and uplifting. The long list of flavors include some fresh new flavors like melona, lilikoi and other island inspired flavors. Lots of free parking is available. -Lottie Tagupa