A tech failure impacted my ability to finish my blog while still on vacation. Since returning home almost 3 weeks again life's demands have hindered my ability to find the time to finish this off. It's sad how that happens and just reinforces my sentiment that we really do make ourselves too busy and don't take enough time to enjoy the finer moments and simpler things in life....
We made an effort to try a few more restaurants this time around and we were never disappointed; probably had a lot to do with a certain someone doing his research on different places. In no particular order we enjoyed meals at the following places:
Monkeypod Kitchen - cool name to start and we learned from their menu that Monkeypod is actually a type of tree that is common in Hawaii, but not native to Hawaii. We went here during happy hour....they have 2 happy hours! How awesome is that? It's not just because their drinks are cheaper, in fact their food discounts were a steal of a deal, but because you didn't have to feel rushed from an afternoon at the beach....3-5:30 or 9-11pm are the options. Appetizers are half priced and drinks are cheaper too, but I can't remember what they cost. The food here was really good....we tried the pumpkin patch ravioli, chicken wings, Portuguese bean soup, pizza and jalepeno poppers. We sat on the outdoor patio which also has great views of the sunset if you time it right. It's located in Wailea and was a 5 minute drive, if that, from our hotel. Great spot, would definitely recommend.
Cheeseburger - our favourite restaurant at the Shops at Wailea mall. Their happy hour is from 3-5pm and offer half off Pina Coladas which is one of my favourite drinks. The food menu during happy hour was more limited than last year which was disappointing and the food was a little underwhelming. I found that part strange because we had regular dinner there once and the food was good. They have a good breakfast special at $6.99 for eggs, hash browns, toast and coffee. Even if you don't eat eggs like me, it's still a good deal considering a coffee alone costs over $3.
Mala - this is the restaurant at the Wailea Marriott. Part of our stay included the buffet breakfast as part of our rate and that made it worth it. Otherwise the buffet costs $28.95 per person and I'd say unless you can eat $30 worth of food, it's not worth it. The options were fantastic again with plenty of options from fresh baked goods, toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, to fresh fruit and an omelette station. The best part of it though are the amazing ocean views you enjoy while eating. There's no wonder that no one sits indoors during breakfast!
Da Kitchen - found in Kahului, it's more of a locals restaurant. We had heard good things about it so we gave it a try. I ordered a daily special of chicken curry which I found underwhelming....the chicken was rather dry and really chewy, but the curry sauce was very flavourful and tasty. Z had the ahi tuna sandwich which he enjoyed but he found the tuna to be a little more on the raw side than he likes. The portions here are huge too! The fresh lemon aid was good. Not sure I'd visit again knowing there are plenty of other options that won't disappoint available.
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice - this has got to be the best shave ice place on the island and so it's no wonder they are rated #1. We went to the one in Kahului and were not in the least disappointed even though it's about a half hour drive from Wailea. We had the extra small size which is a good sized serving. They just do it right here and use a technique that allows the syrups to really engulf all the shave ice. They also give you the option of having a scoop of ice cream at the bottom. How can you go wrong with that? Only difficulties is picking your flavours and even with that if you go more than once, then you can try others. :)
Coconut's Fish Cafe - first thought is why would I go to a place with fish cafe in its name? Well because they don't only serve fish that's why. This is a popular place known for its fish tacos made with fresh catch of the day. They also make a pretty darn good chicken taco. Located in Kihei, it's worth checking out. Just don't be afraid of possibly sitting with other people at your table because they have picnic style tables set up so it's ideal for sharing.
Peggy Sue's Diner- right next door to Coconut's is this great throw back diner that takes you back to the 50's/60's...not that I would know what diners were like back then, that's well before my time. The atmosphere is great with the jukebox and diner booths and swivel chairs. Had a peanut butter milkshake here and it was pretty good!
Gannon's - going for a little higher class with this restaurant. Located at Wailea golf course, this restaurant is the ideal setting for a sunset dinner. We had a lovely sunset dinner here and enjoyed a fabulous tasting meal consisting of organic chicken with greens and mashed potatoes for me, while Z enjoyed cashew crusted catch of the day which was mahi mahi. For dessert we shared a very delightful island fruit crisp with pineapple and mango with coconut strudel on top and vanilla bean ice cream. We could have probably each ordered our own it was that good. They also have a happy hour, but it's restricted to the bar area and a small area of the patio where the sunset probably wouldn't have been as spectacular given the trees in the line of sight. We had the perfect spot at the edge of the patio with no one in front of us and nothing but a uninterrupted view.
Stella Blue's - located in Kihei, we went here for breakfast. Enjoyed their banana pancake with macadamia nuts and coconut syrup. They cook the bananas right in the pancake which just adds a whole different dimension to one of my favourite breakfast meals in Maui.
Kihei Cafe - guess where it's located....right on the main drag of Kihei. Portions here are large and definitely enough to share. Banana nut pancakes were the order. The bananas are cut fresh on top of the pancakes here and sprinkle with a generous helping of mac nuts. This is the place where I was first introduced to the banana mac nut pancake a couple years ago. Very tasty! This place gets very packed during the breakfast rush so we went a little later than usual to avoid that. They get you to order inside first before finding a seat which at peak rush can be a challenge.
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop - located on the highway to downtown Lahaina, this place is famous for their pies. It could be easy to miss unless you're paying attention because it's on the side of the highway and you can easily just drive past. Well worth a stop here for food though. We had lunch here and had their chicken pot pie. And of course we had to try a pie, well actually we each had to try our own pie. I had the coconut cream pie and Z had the chocolate pie. My only regret was that I ordered the mini pie....it was gone before I knew it. So good!! True comfort food here. All is made fresh daily and they are known to sell out of pies too. They are open from 7am to 8pm.
Lahaina's Pizza Co - located on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, this place offers great pizzas which are made with very thick crust so you end up filling up quickly.
Pita Paradise - located in Wailea and actually in the same shopping complex as Monkeypod. Just as the name might suggest, here you'll find some tasty Mediterranean food. They too have a happy hour, but restrict it to the bar area and we didn't feel like sitting there so opted for their outdoor patio. Why wouldn't you sit outside when in a place like Maui with the sun shine providing more than enough warmth? They serve lunch from 11-5pm and then switch to their dinner menu. We luckily got in before the switch because I really wanted to try the falafel pita sandwich and it's not on the dinner menu. Really enjoyed my falafel which Z really enjoyed his lamb kabob.
Longhi's - also located in the Shops at Wailea, right across from Cheeseburger. This place is a little on the fancier side and their prices reflect that. We had breakfast here one morning just to give it a try and it tasted good, but not sure we'd come back just because of the prices especially knowing across the way at Cheeseburger, is a much more reasonable costing breakfast special.
Lappert's - also at the Shops at Wailea, this is an ice cream place with locally made really good tasting ice cream. They make their waffle cones fresh daily and in fact while you're strolling around the shops you're likely to smell the aroma of the cones being made. Ingenious on their part because it really makes you want to go and get an ice cream cone from them!
So these were the restaurants we ate at this time, sometimes more than once, but who's really counting? I'd have to say that I'd go back to all with the exception of maybe Da Kitchen, but maybe their cooks were just having an off day and it's worth a second chance. We'll have to see if we ever make it back there. It's funny what the heat and sun can do to you....we generally had breakfast, no real lunch just some snacks and then an early dinner most days. At every chance we go we sat outside because why wouldn't you? It's such a treat to be able to do that and not worry about getting cold when the sun goes to bed. I didn't find that there were too many bugs either that can sometimes ruin a nice outdoor meal.
