Maui, HI

Eating out in Maui, HI

In recent years, the distinctive Hawaiian cuisine, known as Pacific Rim or Hawaiian Regional, has emerged onto the world culinary stage. Ideally, it combines ingredients and techniques from all the countries and ethnic groups that figure in Hawaiian history, with creative chefs enhancing traditional dishes into a thoroughly contemporary cuisine. Additionally, there are the usual international favorites to choose from, including Italian, American, Chinese, and French restaurants. Many of the island's best eateries are in its most expensive hotels, but there are also several budget all-you-can-eat buffets and moderate cafés around the island. Maui's family-owned diners aren't as easily found as they once were, being steadily replaced by modern eateries, but there are still a handful in the resort areas and a few more in the central residential neighborhoods.

Gourmet

The Pacific Café Maui is the finest gourmet restaurant on the island, serving the upscale "New Hawaiian" cuisine of Chef Jean-Pierre Josselin around a huge wood-burning grill. 1279 South Kihei Road.

Highly Recommended

David Paul's Lahaina Grill regularly gets voted as a "People's Favorite." The 1890s decor never changes, balancing the comfort of familiarity with the ever-changing menu. You can always count on some new and delicious invention coming from the kitchen, but you can also count on certain perennial favorites like the kalua duck and tequila shrimp. There are also amazing presentations of fresh island produce to highlight each visit. 127 Lahainaluna Road.

Local Flair

Old Lahaina Luau and Café is regarded as the most authentic dinner show in Maui. The hospitality, cultural integrity, and stunning locale set the stage for an immensely enjoyable evening. You can choose seating on lauhala mats for traditional Hawaiian dining, or tables if you prefer. The stage is set perfectly to give you a continuous view of the ocean throughout the show. A feast of traditional Hawaiian and contemporary Pacific Rim dishes, an open bar, and a lovely flower lei are all part of this memorable evening. 1251 Front Street.

Romantic

Seasons Restaurant boasts world-famous chefs who consistently present highly-imaginative and delectable fare in a refined setting with striking ocean views. 3900 Wailea Drive at the Four Seasons Resort.

Going party in Maui, HI

Though Maui isn't known for a nightlife along the lines of Honolulu - islanders call 10:00pm the "Maui Midnight" - it still offers a pretty good time by Hawaiian standards. Most of the activity is found in the tourist centers, and the Lahaina coast is the place to go for bar-hopping. From Kihei on down the south coast things are thinly spread out, but there's always a party somewhere!.

World Café

This restaurant/bar is the best bet in Lahaina for music of all kinds and bands almost every night. It's also known as a great place for contemporary Hawaiian music.

Hapa's Brew Haus

A large and popular brewpub/nightclub that is owned by - and regularly starring - Maui's most successful Hawaiian musicians, the band Hapa.

Casanova's

This single-story wooden nightclub/restaurant houses a romantic Italian restaurant, a dance floor, and a performance stage that has welcomed stars like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

Sharktooth Brewery

This upscale brewpub is located in central Maui - well away from the beaches and resorts - so its clientele tends to be islanders rather than tourists.

Maui Arts and Cultural Center

This first-class center for the visual and performing arts hosts rock and pop superstars like Carlos Santana, Pearl Jam, and Tony Bennett, as well as cultural performers like the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre, the Maui Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Ballet, and top Hawaiian performers. Whatever their style and chosen artistic expression, only the best appear here!.

Common events in Maui, HI

Huliau

The Hawaii Arts Ensemble presents this concert and show, set in the present day yet opening a window to the past. The modern interpretation and choreography for modern Hawaii is woven into the presentation of old dances and chants. July.

Golf in the Environment Tournament

While players challenge the greens, Audubon International joins with the USGA and local golf staffers to highlight the unique natural resources and wildlife surrounding the Bay Course in Kapalua. August.

A Taste of Lahaina the Best of Island Music

This culinary festival is the largest in Maui and features sample fare from the island's best restaurants while legendary and contemporary Hawaiian musicians perform on stage. Additional diversions include chef demonstrations, a beer garden, and wine tasting, as well as a kid's zone of games, rides, and contests. September.

Lahaina Jackpot Fishing Tournament

This tournament is one of the largest in Hawaii and is famous for the great fun it always creates around its 3 fishing days and awards banquet. October .

Aloha Classic World Windsurfing Championships

It's the final event of the Pro World Tour, where 100 surfers from 25 countries compete in the most prestigious windsurfing event of the year. Legendary north shore winter surf makes this event the most challenging to the world's best! October - November.

Hawaii International Film Festival

This is the preeminent US Film Festival specializing in Asian and Pacific productions, as well as North American films. The packed 2-week event is the only state-wide film festival in the US, and draws filmmakers, critics, and film industry executives to its premieres and workshops. November.

Festival of Art and Flowers and Christmas Lighting of the Banyan Tree The historic Banyan Tree in Lahaina is lit for the holiday season with 5,000 colors lights, kicking off the Festival of Arts and Flowers. Join this celebration of the island's exotic tropical flowers, along with original art and fine crafts by Maui artists. December.