Vol. 33 No. 1 – Winter 2017
Editor: Christie Stilson
LAHAINA -- The long time store Seabreeze closed. It opened in the early 1970’s and was one of my favorite shops for all that traditional and funky tourist memorabilia.
Next to Safeway at the Lahaina Cannery is Lulu’s. They have a large and varied menu and are open late which is great for folks who are night owls or have a late arrival on the island. I always recommend a visitor pick up all the free Maui publication booklets. There are stands of them in front of Long’s and just about every corner on the island. Do a little scouting and you’ll likely find a coupon or two to save you a few vacation dollars. Lulu’s currently has a 25% off discount if you dine 5:30-6:30pm. Last year I had the ox tail soup and it was fabulous. This year I went with the fresh fish plate that had a papaya cream sauce. The food is good, portions are large and prices are fair even without a coupon. 1221 Honoapillilani. Hours 8am-2am. Prices $12-25. They have a second location in Kihei.
Pho Saigon, at the Wharf Cinema Shops, remains a top contender for the best affordable meal in Lahaina. While you don’t have the ambience or the view, you get a delicious meal for $11-17. I favor the Pad Thai which has loads of fresh vegetables and a mild peanut sauce, or often just a bowl of Pho! Lots of vegetarian options as well as seafood, chicken, beef or pork dishes. The restaurant is located at the back of the shops at 658 Front Street. 11am-9pm with the same menu for lunch or dinner. Or get an order to go. (808) 661-6628.
What a surprise to walk into Hilo Hattie’s and see that it has shrunk by 80%! It is now a shadow of the once huge location in Lahaina. No more welcome with a shell necklace and a cup of Hawaiian punch. They carry some clothing items but it is a limited selection and they have far fewer Hawaiian food items and memorabilia. They do still have Dole Whip (for purchase). They have also closed their Kihei location. We were told by staff they are planning a new Maui location but it appears they need to do something different to make this a twenty first century business success. You may remember the old red double decker bus that would pick up passengers up at the Lahaina Harbor with stops at the Wharf, Sugar Cane Train Depot and Hilo Hattie’s. I believe that same bus is now being used as part of the paintball course in Olowalu. You’ll find them in the shopping center at 900 Front Street.
Island Grocery Depot opened in the industry center up the hill near Star Noodle. They have another location in Kahului and they are sort of a mini-Costco. We stopped by and found only frozen (no fresh fish) and a small selection of meat. I was impressed they did have organic chicken and organic ground beef. If you want a gallon of kimchee this is the place to go. We didn’t see many items that would be used by vacationers and they were not all that inexpensive. However, to be fair, we went before their grand opening. They do promise to have local products from area farmers so perhaps they weren’t completely up and running when we stopped by. 58 Kupuohi Street.
If you’re interested in the Elvis show at the Maui Theater you can now do a dinner and show package. Guests to the show who purchase Gold, Platinum or Diamond level seats can add on a dinner certificate at Fleetwood’s on Front Street. The $50 per person pre-show special is a three course, prix-fixe meal. Also new at the Theater thru mid July are two shows each week of “Magic on Maui.” The show stars magician Seth Gabel from America’s Got Talent. You can still enjoy U`lulena and on Wednesdays you can take a step back to the 20th century with the Forever Fab Maui doing a tribute to the Beatles. They begin with their ‘black and white’ era, when those of us that are a certain age will remember being huddled around the black and white television to see them perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. For any of the shows check out www.MauiTheater.com or call (808) 856-7900.
KAPALUA- The newest resort in Kapalua is the beautiful Montage at Kapalua Bay. Their signature restaurant is Cane & Canoe and they were recently joined by new Executive Chef David Viviano. The Hawaiian word for ocean is maka`i so if you are giving directions you might say ‘maka`i’ because it is on the ocean side of the road and mauka means mountains so this restaurant has used the essence of these terms in their name. Cane is the food from the land and Canoe are foods from the sea. They offer sides for the Ohana (means family) which include lobster mac and cheese, kimchi rice, Kula corn or baby bok choy to name just a few. Entrees run $39-68 and include vegetable ramen, lamb chops, tempura ahi, or cioppino as well as daily specials. Breakfast 7-11am, Dinner 5-9pm and entertainment 6-9pm. (808) 662-6681.
Taverna has opened in Kapalua. The owners promote it as a mid-price neighborhood style restaurant with plenty of comfort food. Lots of pasta and risotto, entrees such as oven roasted chicken, salads to share, and hot pizza from their wood oven. A dozen craft beers are on tap and the bar features four HD TV screens. Hours are 11am – 2:30pm for lunch, afternoon bar menu and dinner 5:30-close.. 2000 Village Road (808) 661-CIAO.
MA`ALAEA – Paul and Preston Cheng purchased the Maui Harbor Shops in 2015 and immediately started making the complex more attractive to visitors. They are also co-owners of the new restaurant at the center and fingers crossed that they have a winner. The menu is described as rustic American with some Mediterranean influences. The executive chef is Gary King who trained at the French Culinary Institute and hails from some of New York’s fine restaurants. Currently their hours are Tuesday thru Sunday with lunch 11am-3pm, a mid-day menu 3-5pm and dinner served 4-9pm. Dinner salads run $14-16 and entrees $25-40. They specialize in locally sourced foods and cater to vegans and those who eat gluten free. Chef King’s time at the Ristorante Reale in Italy means their homemade pasta is authentic! The menu is small but it makes good sense to do a limited menu and make sure every item is top-notch. Dinners include fried chicken, spaghettini, cioppino and daily specials as well as salads and appetizers. (808) 868-3481. oceansidemaui.us (In addition they have an offshoot Oceanside Café is located in the middle of the complex.)
KIHEI -- Maui Brewing has new and improved brewery tours three times daily. The 45-minute experience includes a tasting of four flagship beers, a token for a full size beer or root beer and a tasting glass. The tour includes their brewhaus, cellar and packaging plant. Reservation only, $15 per person. (808) 213-3002 at 605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei.
The true coffee aficionado should head straight for The Belle Surf Coffee House & Crepes. You can pick out your beans that are roasted fresh twice weekly. They can also prepare your cup of java as cold drip, V60, Chemex, espresso, cappuccino, flat white or macchiata. Their menu offers sweet and savory crepes, yogurt or bananas for mornings. Salads, crostinis, or tartines (toasted baguette) for lunch. Monday to Saturday 7am-3pm, Sundays 7am-noon. 1794 South Kihei Road. www.bellesurfcafe.com
What Ales You is in the former Pita Paradise location at 1913 S. Kihei Road. They have “Happy Hour” 12-3pm and a whole wall full of beer on tap (16 rotated daily). They even have some GF beer in bottles. Their specialty is brats which are certified organic and prepared to order. Try cheese chili brats, the caprese brat, the Mediterranean brat and more. Also on the menu are baby spinach and Surfing Goat’s cheese salad, pupu platters or try a chili and rice bowl. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am-4pm, Monday 4-10pm. 1913 S. Kihei Road. (808) 214-6581
WAILEA – While we miss the comfortable quaint location in Kihei, Pita Paradise made a great decision to move to Wailea and offer a full restaurant. The food is still delicious and check out their happy hour specials. I usually get the lamb gyros but this time I tried the moussaka and was not disappointed. It is a mixture of lamb and beef and was perfectly seasoned. This is a favorite dish of mine so I was delighted with the large portion. This new mall along the highway has grown in popularity and the parking lot is usually at capacity during dinner. Call ahead for group reservations or dine early and enjoy happy hour specials. Daily 11am-9:30pm. (808) 879-7177. 34 Wailea Gateway.
WAIKAPU – The Mill House opened their patio dining and bar some months ago but the restaurant celebrated their grand opening in June. Lunch is available 11am-3pm ($12-19) and dinner is 5-9pm. For dinner choose pizzette or pasta, small plates or main dishes (entrees $18-45). The bar has plenty of specialty cocktails and is open 11am-9pm. Executive Chef is Jeff Scheer. (808) 270-0333. (Seems like the new trend on Maui is Italian food!) You’ll find them tucked into the Maui Tropical Plantation location and plenty of free parking.
PAIA – Café Mambo is a fun location for breakfast or lunch in Paia. The new owners are from Rome and they plan on adding a little Italian flare to the cuisine. They have an assortment of burgers on a brioche bun and their specialty is the crispy duck burger which is shredded duck in their special honey-orange glaze. Also on the menu are fish & chips, fajitas, Maui cattle steak and other sandwiches as well as a seven vegetable stew with quinoa or lamb tagine. A pretty eclectic menu! We tried the kalua pork salad and the special of the day which was an ahi melt sandwich. The ahi was in nice pieces and was a good size portion and taste. The kalua pork salad was alright but I wouldn’t seek it out again. Service was fast and the servers were very friendly. Breakfast served until 11am. Kids menu too! 8am – 9pm. 30 Baldwin Avenue (808) 579-8021.
HAIKU -- Stop by Nuka at 780 Haiku Road for some furikake fries and wasabi mayo! I love mayo with my fries. You’ll also see burgers, salads, sushi, acai bowls and more on their menu. Lunch 10am-1:30pm and dinner 4:30pm-10pm.
KAHULUI and WAILUKU – Aria’s in Wailuku is no secret to locals or tourists. They opened with rave reviews at their location at 2062 W. Vineyard and there are hopping all day. Now there is good news for upcountry folks with the announcement that they will soon be opening a new location in the Pukalani area. Wailuku is open 10am-3pm and 5pm – 8:30pm Monday thru Friday. Saturday they open for breakfast and lunch 8:30am-3pm and dinner 5pm - 8:30pm. Sunday 8:30am-2pm. (808) 242-2742.
A new food cart, Alba’s Cuban Colidas, is in the Kahului Harbor now. The truck is named after the owner, Christina Sarasola’s, grandmother. You’ll find her grandmother’s favorite dishes including arroz con pollo, chicken and rice paella style as well as a picadillo empanada and plenty of strong coffee. Alba’s is currently open Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am-2pm. Or check in at info@albascubancoladas.com
UPCOUNTRY – HALI`IMAILE -- The sugar cane industry is going away but you can still enjoy learning about how they grow and harvest pineapple on Maui. The Maui Pineapple Tour is offered daily at 9:30am and 11:45am and includes your own pineapple to take with you! There are also options for add-ons to the tour such as a tour of the Hali`imaile Distillery or an option of lunch at Hali`imaile restaurant. The Pau Maui Vodka is the only vodka in the world made from pineapples. The pineapple only tour is $65 for adults and $55 for children and takes about 1.5 hours. Combination tours prices – check website. http://mauipineappletour.com/tours.
The former office of Captain James Makee (known as the “Old Jail”) has been restored after a 20-year closure. During the plantation and ranching days it would hold wrongdoers while they awaited transport to the county jail. You will find it at the Ulupalakua Vineyards. They also feature a tasting room and you can join their guided winery tour. Bring a picnic lunch or stop across the street for a great burger at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. www.mauiwine.com
Komodo’s bakery is celebrating 100 years in their Makawao location. They originally opened November 1916 in the Polli’s location
LANA`I -- Island Air has discontinued service to Lanai. Only Ohana, by Hawaiian Air, offers regularly scheduled flights.
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS -- The next phase of the Lahaina Bypass will extend to the Olowalu dump.
The new Haleakala National Stamp was recently unveiled at the post office in Makawao. The stamp is among those Forever Stamps that are honoring the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. There are a total of 16 national parks in the series. The photo on the stamp is a rainbow over cinder cones and was shot by wilderness photographer Kevin Ebi of Seattle in November 2008.
If you have an interest in the ukulele we’re noticing a lot of workshops and free introductory classes around the island. Check ukulelemeleonmaui.com or (808) 281-4981. Also at Hula Grill there are complimentary Sunday morning classes.
The Maui Flight Academy offers something you just don’t get to experience on most vacations. Most of us have been a passenger on a plane but not too many sit in the cockpit to fly. This is an opportunity for a first time flyer to actually fly a 2007 Cirrus SR22 G3 GTS and do it among the world’s most beautiful scenery. Check out the video at www.mauiflightacademy.com and you can also learn about the safety features of this plane. (808) 298-5188.
The Maui Update is available by subscription. The quarterly publication is $10 annually by email or $15 by snail mail. Paradise Publications, 8110 SW Wareham, Portland, OR 97223. Email: Paradyse@comcast.net