Just paying it forward - I checked this thread before our trip to Maui 2 weeks ago - we ate at Sansei one night, and had a lovely evening. Not cheap, but excellent value for what we paid. The fish in the sushi and sashimi was absolutely buttery-tender; service very good (mid-evening - 8 pm). Good wine list, again - not cheap. Next time we're on Maui, we'll try the early-discount madness!

Thanks for all the other recommendations and warnings! Now, anyone interested in a sort-of kosher Seder in West Maui April '09? :cool:

I'd agree completely with those as well.

On our trip last month, we ate at the AMP for the first time and it was our family favorite. It's on the "have-to" list every trip from now on.

(next one in June)

I'd also add the pasta/pizza place that's kitty-corner from the Catholic Church in Lahaina (can't remember the name of the restaurant).

While we like Hula Grill, Leilani's, Kimo's, etc. for atmosphere and good food.....our favorites often are the simpler places.

Maybe it's b/c they're a surprise?

IMHO, these places are kind of like Maui's version of TGIFriday's on steroids.

They're fun and good food, but nothing memorable. I crave Honokowai Okazuya and AMP. :)

Probably not what you had in mind, but I can't hit Maui without hitting Maui Tacos.

The one in Lahaina....and it tastes best after you've been surfing for a couple of hours.

I was disappointed in the one in the Kahului mall when we were there in October.

Maybe it's the "atmosphere" of eating in the True Value hardware store parking lot....I dunno.

Those are the only two I've eaten in.

Not sure what people see in Maui Tacos. Tried it a few times over the years and I am sure one time we got sick from it, other times just not pleasant.

Now Cilantro Mexican Grill is awesome food - nice and fresh, centrally located in Lahaina.


Not sure about all the raves for the Aloha Mixed Plate either. Went there looked quaint, interesting place right on the water. Service, I was not expecting much, but this was even worse. Food, well I would rather eat at Maui Tacos, seriously it seemed way over rated, the fish was off, my wifes meat was tough, and the rice tasted a day old.

A really great place firther up the road in Kapalua is the Pineapple Grill at the Bay Course - fabulous both the dining room and bar (where you can order the dining room menu and kieki's are welcome).

In general the restaurants in Maui are pretty good with nice small establishments such as Honokowai Okazuya or Honolua General Store.

Well.....

There's a reason there are so many places to eat, b/c everyone has an opinion (doesn't make one better than the other....it's just different).

We tried Cilantro last October, and didn't care for it.

Maybe they had an off-night, or we didn't order their specialties, which may have been the same as your experiences with Maui Taco and AMP.

Because, especially with AMP....it doesn't look like much, it's off the beaten path, and I've never seen an advertisement.

But.....they're always packed, with a waiting list whenever you go by there.

That must say something.

Here are my recommendations from a recent trip.

I stayed at Fairmont Kea Lani and had a superb meal at Nick's.

I ate at Hali'maile general store for Lunch. It has a good atmosphere and good food, but pricey.

Perhaps I have simple tastes, but I cannot go to Hawai'i without a few plate lunches. For this, I would go to Da Kitchen Express in Kihei. (I think there is another one in Kahului, but am not 100% sure.) Great plate lunches, huge portions. It was always fun driving up to the valet at the Fairmont with my plate lunches from Da Kitchen and Foodland bags of groceries.

We always stop at Costco on our way to the Fairmont - so we have cases of water and soda, plus maui chips, chocolate macadamia nuts and coffee. Not to mention new boogie boards for the kids. I think the valets are pretty used to this!

Ok, an update.
During our recent trip to Maui, I took the little tn(nr)s up to Kula Lodge to see if the breakfasts were as good as I remember.

They are. Every bit as good. ^

Much as I hate to correct myself, I'm told they have never had cinnamon apple french toast, but the cinnamon raisin french toast I ordered was spectacular. Having it with coconut syrup and some of their excellent coffee with a slight chill in the air and a fire crackling in the fireplace remains for me one of the quintessential "up country" Maui experiences. :)

So folks, skip Kula Lodge for dinner, but do go there for breakfast.
You'll thank me later. :D

We were at the Westin last, last weekend and I had some crazy idea to order breakfast from the Rusty Harpoon because I didn't want to pay for room service. Terrible... absolutely terrible.

Also learned our lesson with Sansei's late night special (50% off menu, kamaaina or not, 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. on Thu/Fri/Sat at Kihei location and Thu/Fri at Kapalua location). Get there early as line starts forming before 9:30. Although I don't think anyone in line didn't get a seat but on a real busy night, it could make a difference.

Tasty crust is a winner over in Wailuku if you're not up for Sam Satos.

My boyfriend and his daughter very much enjoyed the Kula Lodge for breakfast (shortly before breaking his wrist on the rest of the Maui "Downkill"). Not sure what they had, but they were raving about the place.

We had lunch at Milagros in Paia and enjoyed that as well. The salmon salad and greek salads are huge and tasty.

He and I had wonderful dinners at Sansei and I'o. We were planning to go back to Sansei to try the tasting menu, but went to I'o instead. He had the Diver scallops, which were awesome. I had the I'o Trio, which included filet, catch of the day, and veal osso buco. The veal was rather blah, but everything else was heavenly. The artichoke dipping sauce they serve with the bread was amazing!

and I had some seriously yummy laulau at Da Kitchen.

Milagros is history. Went Tango Uniform around March.

What is the status of Charlies in Paia since the Christmas eve fire?

Really?

I'm pretty sure I ate there 4 days ago.