Dining & Restaurants
Kohola Brewing (near downtown Lahaina)
We love Kohola Brewing! They are a new entrant to the craft beer scene with a warehouse setting and first class beer. The employees are friendly as is the house dog! The Pineapple Lokahi Pilsner is remarkably delicious. I'm not a fan of overly fruity beers but this is refreshing and flavorful without being wimpy or gimmicky. The Mean Bean Coffee Stout (I don't drink much stout either) is delicious and satisfying. End your visit with a small pour of that - or better yet, grab a crowler and pour it over some ice cream back at the condo.
Leoda’s (in Olowalu)
When visiting a tropical island, pie is certainly not the first food that comes to mind. However, Leoda’s is certainly a worthwhile stop. Beautiful food - homemade and flavorful. Sandwiches, upscale hot dogs, savory hand pies, and other good eats. While I have a secret love affair with coconut, in my opinion, the banana pie is the best!! However, the lilikoi (passion fruit) is coming in a close second. The savory biscuit - to die for. Stop on your drive in from the airport.
Miso Phat (walking distance)
I have to stop myself from talking about this amazing restaurant, as people will start to think I own stock in the place! This little spot, a short walk from the condo, is heaven for sushi lovers. Super fresh fish, presented beautifully in a casual environment. The 9-piece sashimi with the day’s catch never disappoints. And, while we keep telling ourselves we’ll try something different the next time we go, we continue to order the TNT roll over and over again – it’s that good. It is BYOB, but not to worry, the liquor store a couple doors down carries a large variety of accompanying beverage choices including a nice range (in price and quality) of sakes to select from. If you go for lunch and pay with cash, you can usually get a discount. If you can manage to put anything more in your mouth, order the lilikoi (passion fruit) ice cream - sweet and tart and oh so delicious!! The fact that Miso Phat is SO GOOD and SO CLOSE to the condo is both a blessing and a curse - one visit a trip is never enough.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (short drive)
So excited that Monkeypod Kitchen opened up a location on the west side. Located in Whaler's Village - they have a beautiful dining room and bar with ocean views. The happy hour from 3-5 daily is a great deal. The lobster deviled eggs are, as quoted to me by a fellow foodie, "genius". Wings are delicious - with heat but herby and without the stickiness. Their house Mai Tai with the lilikoi foam is soooo yummy. Great beers on tap as well.
Frida's Mexican Beach House (near downtown Lahaina)
Sure, this is a Mexican restaurant, but don't be fooled - you will be eating some sophisticated tacos here. Creative proteins to fill your tortilla including Ahi Chorizo, beef short rib , fresh fish and others (ask your server if they have lamb, as it is not on the main menu). The black beans are the best I've ever had and the guacamole is beautiful and tasty - covered with Cojita cheese and pomegranate seeds - yes ma'am! Salsa is roasted and just the right amount of spicy. The margaritas are a perfect pairing for your meal. Oh, and I almost forgot, the view is amazing!
Joey's Kitchen (short drive)
http://www.joeyskitchenhimaui.com
Another nearby restaurant and newcomer, Joey's Kitchen at the Napili Gateway is a more than welcome addition to the neighborhood. Affordable and super delicious Filipino/Hawaiian fusion fare. The Lemongrass Tofu over slaw with rice and curry peanut sauce was so good I ordered it twice in three days. The Adobo Pork Fried Rice is so popular that they were out of it the first two times we were there - third times a charm and it was worth the wait!! Casual atmosphere (order at the counter and food will be delivered to your inside or outside table).
Prison St. Pizza (downtown Lahaina)
Delicious and affordable eats in downtown Lahaina! The pizza is well made and tasty with thin, crispy crust. Whole pies and slices available. We are especially fond of the S Turns pizza. Beside the fact that the beach it is named after is our neighbor, the sausage, ricotta, red onion and other tasty bits are right up our alley. They also have salad, including a calamari Caesar – not too shabby. Beers and other beverages available. Indoor and some outdoor seating. Staff is friendly.
Paia Fish Market (downtown Lahaina)
The original is located in Paia, but they recently opened up a location in downtown Lahaina. Delicious fish with generous portions and reasonable prices. Casual atmosphere (order at the counter and food will be delivered to your inside or outside table). Fish tacos were tasty. Seared Ahi burger was delicious. A family member ordered the seafood pasta and I could not believe how big the serving size was – more than enough for two people (maybe even three).
Star Noodle (near downtown Lahaina)
Make your reservation now – you’ll need it.
As you follow your driving directions to find Star Noodle, you will start to think you’ve gotten them wrong. Located in an industrial area, a little off the beaten path, Star Noodle is a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and creative cocktails. A variety of small plates to share and larger plates and ramen bowls, this is a spot you’ll want to be sure to visit. The kimchi wings are an order-every-time item. Garlic noodles are popular and affordable. The scallop shooters (three sake cups each filled with pale green flavorful broth and a giant scallop) are delicately delicious and fill your nose with a citrusy aroma that is both foreign and exotic but at the same time homey and satisfying. The Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) are a great end to the meal, if you can find the room.
The Gazebo (short drive)
Going to The Gazebo isn't a meal, it's an event. This is a great little breakfast spot, but be prepared to go early and wait, a long time, to get seated. But, that's okay, as coffee with the fixings is readily available for all as well as local made artwork and trinkets are for sale within eye shot. Built inside an actual pool-side gazebo, this eclectic spot serves up a hearty breakfast. A pile of fried rice that will feed you for days and mac-nut pancakes with coconut syrup are oh so good. The staff have been there for many years and they are friendly and sassy at the same time. The people watching (and listening) is also part of the experience.
Breakwall – Adult shave ice (downtown Lahaina)
Well this is a special treat you may not have seen before, but I have to say it's such an obvious hit, so I can’t believe no one has offered it before. While Breakwall has good old regular shave ice, they also offer a limited menu of adult (spiked) shave ice options. I am embarrassed to say that (strictly for the sake of research) I actually had two in one day! The Mudslide, slathered in vodka and coffee liqueur was pretty delicious, especially when I hit the cookie ice cream in the bottom of the cup. There is enough to share with a friend. Be warned, due to the alcohol content, you must remain in the general area of the establishment while eating your shave ice.
Da Kitchen (in Kahului)
Da…..Ridiculous!! We had seen a segment on Diners, Drive ins and Dives about this place and thought we’d give it a shot. The Notorious B.I.G. Loco Moco is big indeed and full of everything - fried rice, Portuguese sausage, a beef patty soaked in gravy, Spam, ham, egg, bacon and more. It sounds a bit overwhelming but you'd be surprised how well the flavors mix together to make a super satisfying meal (or two or three).
Like Poke? (in Kahului)
Poke from a food truck? My first thought - bad idea. But after further research as well as poke-loving friends and Guy Fierri providing their support, we jumped in. Located in Kahului near the Costco, this is a perfect little stop to make after arriving at the airport before heading over to the West side of the island. A variety of poke options, including a lightly fried version, Like Poke? is a big winner! Don’t forget to order one of their creative lemonades (watermelon with mint, pineapple with basil and others) as well as the Furikake fries!! So yummy.
