Vol. 33 No. 1 – Winter 2017
Editor: Christie Stilson
LAHAINA – Tiki Tiki Thai has opened in the Wharf Shopping Center (near Amigo’s restaurant). They are open 10am-10pm for dine-in or take-out. They also have a location in Kahului near the airport. They have a very expansive menu from seafood to curries, soups to noodles or rice dishes. The manager of Pad Thai is now the owner of this new eatery. (808) 661-1919. (Pad Thai restaurant, around the corner, is closed for renovation and will reopen serving Japanese and local food.)
Paia Fish Market has now arrived in West Maui. The former Burger King location, at 632 Front Street, has been popular since they first opened their doors. The menu includes charbroiled fish, chicken or cheeseburgers. They also feature lunch and dinner plates such as chicken or fish soft tacos, shrimp quesadillas, seafood pasta and more! Fish Market prices daily for plates with snapper, Wahoo (Ono), Mahi, Ahi, Opah and Salmon that can be served charbroiled, sautéed, Cajun, or blackened. Menus are the same for lunch or dinner and start at $6-9 for appetizers, and burgers are under $16. Seafood plates include coleslaw, tartar sauce, Cajun rice or home fries and run in the mid $20 range. Beer and wine available. In a “Fish Burger” taste off, the group was split as to whether Paia Fish Market or Down the Hatch had the best one! (808) 662-3456.
Pi Artisan Pizzeria has new ownership. Located at 900 Front Street in the Outlets of Maui. www.Pi808.com
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation, as part of a grant, will be adding more shade and seating by the Lahaina Harbor. It will offer shaded tables, an improved pedestrian pathway, new lighting and additional native flora. This will be a welcome addition to those waiting to head out on a boat or some who just enjoy the harbor view and cool trade winds!
An outdoor market has begun at the Outlets of Maui. The event is weekly and held 4-7:30pm on Wednesdays. In addition to crafts, apparel, and artwork there will be Maui grown produce. Other activities will include cooking demonstrations, live music, hula shows and other cultural activities. Stores at the Outlets of Maui will be doing special sidewalk sale promotions during those hours. This center is located at 900 Front Street.
Kohola Brewery has moved into the old Maui Brewing Company location at 910 Honoapiilani (Kahana area). They have worked from the ground up to develop their line of brews and now feature ten varieties. The tasting room is open 1-8pm daily but only to those 21 and older. A Happy Hour is featured daily 5-7pm. They also make a kombucha. They plan on doing special event “beer dinners” periodically. If you’re hungry the Ono Tacos food truck is nearby. The tasting room has no food service. If you’d like some beer to go, they can make that happen with their hydro flask growlers.
KAANAPALI – In March the sand began to fly when the County of Maui started to enforce free parking for public beach access. Each of the Ka`anapali Resorts is required to provide public beach access parking for free. A former boat captain, Randy Draper, spearheaded the effort. County research into the topic showed that not all resorts were providing the required number of public parking spaces, while others had illegally posted signs against parking at night. The Deputy Planning Director, Michele Chouteau, reported that there are no time restrictions on public access beach parking. In May letters were sent out to six Ka’anapali resorts as well as Whaler’s Village. In April the Maui Time reported that most resorts had complied. The signs, however, are not always easily visible, so it may take a little searching!
If you are missing your Zumba, Yoga, or Bootcamp classes check out Valley Isle Fitness at the Fairway Shops above Ka`anapali. They invite guests to drop into their cycle, hula, or other exercise classes. Gym facilities available too. (808) 667-7474.
After a long wait, the ground breaking for the new West Maui Hospital and Medical Center was held in July. They are located on 15 acres just north of Ka`anapali and will include a 25 bed critical access hospital, 24 hour emergency room, a 40 bed skilled nursing facility and a 40 unit assisted living center, in addition to two medical office buildings. (There may be an alcohol and drug rehab facility in the future as well). There will also be three operating rooms, a radiology department, laboratory and pharmacy. The completion date is set for late 2018. For more information check them out at WMHandMC.org
KAPALUA – Pineapple Grill has had some ups and these past few years but opened early this summer and is under new management. They have added breakfast service and updated their entire menu. Happy hour will be daily 2:30-5pm with pupus and beverages. Breakfast served 6:30-11am weekdays and until noon on weekends. The lunch/dinner menu will be 11am-8pm weekdays and start at noon on weekends.
Taverna Restaurant in Kapalua has ended their lunchtime meal service and will focus on their dinner service. They opened earlier this year and are also available for special events, weddings and private functions.
OLOWALU – The latest developers have withdrawn plans for an Olowalu community which was scheduled to have 1,500 homes, stores, schools, and parks. Olowalu is located about 4 miles south of Lahaina. The community was not in support of this planned development and the State Land Use Commission rejected the environmental impact statement.
HAIKU – If you are in the area of Haiku you might want to check out the parking lot at The Haiku Cannery for a great selection of food truck and stands. Haiku and I have a long history. On more than one occasion I have managed to get lost! With or without GPS! It has become a joke to get excited when I do find it!
MAALAEA – Café Del Vino has opened at the Harbor Shops at Ma`alaea serving dinner and drinks six nights a week and entertainment too! The owner has worked at an assortment of restaurants on Maui and wants this new bistro to feature simple and delicious foods. Plenty of seafood (even whole lobster), mussels and clams or pasta dishes fill the menu. They hope to add lunch service soon. If you aren’t in the mood for dinner then you might want to enjoy tapas and sangria or stop for the happy hour. They also offer prefix sunset dinner that include soup or salad, daily special and a choice of dessert for $32. Open Monday – Saturday 4-10 pm, Happy Hour 4-6pm (808) 868-0732.
KIHEI -- Lots of continuing praise about the best happy hour at Three Guys Grill. They actually have a double happy hour which makes folks doubly happy. Choose 3-6pm or 9-10pm with happy hour foods $3-7.50 and well drinks or beer just $3. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 8:30am-10pm Monday-Friday and 8am-10pm on Saturday and Sunday. They do have an outdoor patio which is a raised area in their parking lot. It isn’t particularly eye catching but affords a bit of sun and tropical breeze. (808) 879-3133.
Sweet and Savory pies are proving a popular new addition to the Kihei dining scene at Maui Pie. Owners Kellee and Ryan Houghtaling outgrew their first pie kitchen where they began by baking sweet pies to sell at the weekly swap meet. The found a location in Azeka Makai and now Maui Pie has plenty of fruit pies as well as tropical flavors like lilikoi, chocolate haupia and even banana cream. The savory pies and quiches are posted daily and the most popular is the chicken pot pie. They have added coffee cake, turnovers and muffins for even more diversity. With a 24 hour notice you can order a custom pie. 1280 S. Kihei Road. Open daily 10am-8pm.
WAILEA – Rom Yamaguchi will be opening his new Humble Market Kitchin (yes an ‘in’) at the Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa this December.
UPCOUNTRY – Popularity is increasing at the Haleakala National Park’s Summit and the ocean front location in the Kipahulu district. In 2015 the National Park greeted 1.2 million visitors. The parks are both a part of the Haleakala National Park so your $20 per car admission is good at both parks if used within three days. And you seniors (over 62) can receive a pass to all national parks for a one-time $10 fee. It also includes others in your party in that pass.
KAHULUI / WAILUKU – Hawaiian Fiesta food truck is getting the thumbs up. You’ll find the food truck located at the Kahului boat launch and offers tacos, plate lunches, carnitas and chile verde.
More Filipino fare is now available at Golden Coin Bake Shop and Restaurant on Lower Main Street in Wailuku.
If you have time for lunch before heading to your plane, you might consider Oritsu Ramen in the Maui Mall. Oritsu Ramen has the essence of a ramen shop in Tokyo. The location was previously Maui Mixed Plate but the owners have now renamed and refreshed the restaurant and are serving Japanese style noodle bowls. There are twelve styles of ramen as well as chicken dishes, seafood, tempura and a few Hawaiian-style menu items left over from its days as Maui Mixed Plate. 70 E. Ka`ahumanu Avenue.
HANA – Hana Ranch has a burger food truck and a farm stand along the roadside. They also offer a walking tour on their 12 acre farm ($15).
MISCELLANEOUS – Roberts offers prearranged shuttle service. Toll free 1-800-831-5541 or visit www.RobertsHawaiiExpress.com.
Are you visiting Maui and think it might be nice to relocate? A new survey estimates that the cost of living in Paradise is 22 percent higher than being in the lower 48.
Love to find a trail and do a little hiking? The Hawaiian Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Forestry and Wildlife Division has a new site. Hawaiitrails.org. It can be used on a mobile device as well as a laptop. It provides information not easily found online such as trail head directions via GPS. These trails are all sanctioned and improved. Check them out and get on the right path!
And on the subject of hiking, and legal action, the historic Haleakala Trail has been returned the public. This old trail is unmarked, unimproved and crosses private fields with active cattle operations. The trail may now be accessed and enjoyed safely with a qualified guide.
Bats and monk seal were the two mammals in the Hawaiian Islands prior to the arrival of humans. In 1981 a bat skeleton was discovered in a cave and has now been identified as an endemic mammal that likely went extinct shortly after man arrived. It is a very different species of bat than that previously identified hoary bat. This new species is in non-Latin terms the vesper or evening bat.
The first wave generator is up and running on O`ahu! There is plenty of electricity to be obtained from wave energy but the technology has not caught up to wind and solar powered varieties.
In other ‘energy’ news ….. A new plan has been approved by regulators which means Hawaiian Electric customers may soon pay more for power based on when they use it. Currently a pilot program, the theory is that electricity demands peak in evenings when people return home and start laundry, dishwashers, computers and air conditioners as well as lights. The bottom line is it costs more to generate electricity at night than during the day. One pricing example cited that, on O`ahu, customers would be charged 14.82 cents per kilowatt during midday (9am-5pm) and that would increase to 34.88 cents from 5-10pm. A sizeable bump!!
Every summer the Maui Times puts together a Best of Maui edition. It’s an explosion of listings with everything from the best preschool to the best mani-pedi or tattoo. As an island visitor, you might not need to see all 85 pages of listings but here are a few that I thought would be good to share. BEST HOTEL: Fairmont Kea Lani … I have to agree it is one of the best with suites that have a separate livingroom and bedroom. That’s a rare treat on the island! An adult pool is quiet and tranquil and the restaurants are top notch. Plus it is on one of the best beaches on the island. BEST FISH SANDWICH: I haven’t ever had a sandwich at the winner, Paia Fish Market in Paia but I will drive across the island to eat at Coconuts Fish Café (runner up) in Kihei. BEST SUSHI: Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar. This is a no-brainer. We’ve been telling you this since DK Komoda himself served sushi from behind the small counter at the Shops at Kapalua. BEST DINING WITH A VIEW: Merriman’s is first followed by Mama’s and Five Palms. What about Napili Kai folks? BEST FINE DINING: Lahaina Grill took 30% and runner up, Capische was second but since closed, Spago at the Four Seasons came in third place. BEST BREAKFAST: Kihei Caffe is the winner every year! No ambiance but they open super early (5am) and serve until 2pm! BEST KEPT SECRET: And the winner is The Beach House Bar & Grill! Tokyo Tei came in second and although located in Wailuku, it is worth the search! This long time Japanese restaurant still does a bang up job. BEST JAPANESE FOOD: To enjoy this winner you have to travel way over to “Nuka” on the North Shore. The dinner menu is extensive and lot of sake cocktails too! Winner for the West side is Japengo. BEST CHEAP EATS: Wailuku just keeps impressing with great new dining options. Tin Roof came in the leader of the pack and is not only inexpensive but you’ll find the amazing chef/owner Sheldon Simeon designing great food and most items are under $10. Check it out for lunch! 360 Papa Place, Kahului. www.tinroofmaui.com. (808) 868-0753. BEST MAI TAI: Monkeypod in Wailea was the winner. However I have an island friend who especially fancies Mai Tai’s and his vote goes to the Hotel Hana. BEST LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE: Wailuku Coffee Company. BEST BURGER: Cool Cat Café upstairs in the Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina. (Check local advertising books for free dessert coupons!) While casual, I liked Teddy’s Burgers in Lahaina and check out the delicious burger at The Mill House in Waikapu! BEST FARMERS MARKET: Upcountry Farmers Market at 55 Kiopaa Street. I’m not sure it is ‘best’ because of the location -- but it is small but very quaint with the growers, creators and artists selling their locally grown and made products. More vendors with specialized items. So many good farmer’s markets around the island. BEST LOCAL PIZZA: Years ago we did a “Best Pizza contest” and brought pizzas from all over the island to a central location for our judges to try. A newcomer has taken the lead and Prison Street Pizza in Lahaina wins for its New Jersey style pizza. It’s a very small location at 133 Prison Street but it is always packed (no credit cards). BEST FISH AND CHIPS: The winner is a surprise to me … Captain Jack’s in the Wharf Cinema Center at 672 Front Street. They use a lilikoi beer batter for their Ono fish tacos. BEST DINNER AND SHOW: You need to book weeks or months in advance to see the island’s best show. Warren and Anabelle’s is a close up magic show that is so good you may want to return every trip. You can enjoy it as a dinner show or just the show.
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