We visit Maui and Kauai as often as we can. The brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean, the scent of Hawaii’s many tropical flowers and spectacular sunsets always inspire and re-energize us. Our last visit was in November 2021 to celebrate Thanksgiving. While our stay in Kauai was limited to cooking in our condo – no rental cars available over the holiday!- we did some considerable exploring and dining out during our ten days in Maui.
For those of you planning a trip, here are some of our latest dining picks based on our recent visit:
A quick list
Ka ‘Ana Kitchen at The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (Wailea) Go for cocktails (Julie Reiner created the bar program), the food and the sunset! Listen to our interview with Chef Chance Savell on The Connected Table Live below.
Coconut clams with ulu (breadfruit)- Ka’Ana Kitchen
Macadangdang (Kaanapali). Joey Macadangdang is a former show guest. His newest restaurant offers sophisticated Pacific Rim fare plus a sushi menu.
Joey’s Kitchen (Napili). Joey Macadangdang’s casual eatery serving homestyle Filipino-Hawaiian fare.
A’A Roots (Napili). Casual and small, serving terrific Buddha Bowls, Acai Bowls and other vegan dishes.
Acai bowl with fresh fruit at A’A Roots
Fleetwood’s on Front (Lahaina) Rocker Mick Fleetwood’s restaurant has a spectacular waterfront view and sunset ritual.
Honu Seafood & Pizza (Lahaina). This restaurant is our special place to go our last night in Maui to enjoy the ahi bruschetta and local mushroom pizza.
Ahi Bruschetta with Avocado Cream at Honu
Sea House Restaurant (Napili). Located at the luxury Napili Ka Beach Resort, this restaurant has one of the best happy hours and beach front dining.
Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village (Kaanapali). Local restaurateur Peter Merriman serves up craft food and cocktails. Nice wine by the glass list and live music.
Star Noodle (Lahaina). A new waterfront location and COVID restrictions make this southeast restaurant a tough reservation to snag. Consider takeout. It’s worth it!
Castaway Café (Kaanapali). Go for breakfast/brunch for the macadamia nut-banana-coconut pancakes and the island’s best Bloody Mary. Beach side casual.
Macadamia nut-banana-coconut pancakes at Castaway
Listen to The Connected Table Live!
Meet Chef Chance Savell, Ka’Ana Kitchen, Andaz Wailea
Ka’ana means “to share” in Hawaiian. At Ka’Ana Kitchen at the Andaz Maui at Wailea, Chef Chance Savell creates shareable dishes using ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. An Arkansas native, Chef Savell has his special version of buttermilk fried chicken with pineapple on the menu alongside delicious mains of Big Eye Ahi, Prime Sirloin Strip and fresh caught fish. Enjoy a spectacular Maui sunset while dining and don’t miss the cocktails created by celebrated “mixtress” Julie Reiner.