The theme here is fusion. Ginger ahi. Hoisin BBQ quail. It is no better (and no worse) than the above average fusion restaurant in San Francisco or Manhattan, but it's all about location, location, location. After a long drive (or short flight) to Hana, the Hotel Hana Maui is a true oasis and mark of civilization. The view of the hotel grounds and the Pacific from the lanai makes the lunch even more savory and memorable.
Honokowai Okazuya, Kaanapali
Every regular condo renter along Lower Honoapiilani Road knows about this take-out joint. It serves Hawaiian lunch plates that are not only healthy, but tasty and sophisticated. Look no further than the mahi mahi with lemon capers. For 1/3 of the price of a similar entree at other restaurants, you get a generous portion of fresh mahi mahi. After the first bite of the flaky, tender fish with the tangy sauce, you realize that rumors that the Okazuya's owner used to be a chef at Mama's Fish House may just be true.
Honolua General Store, Kapalua
In the middle of Kapalua, where Tiger and Vijay vie for golf dominance every January and the rich and the wannabes spend their precious vacation days, sits Honolua General Store. Inside, you will find it always crowded with tourists loading up on kitschy souvenirs. But if you look carefully on the left end of the store, you'll see a cafeteria line serving artery busting lunch plates such as mac chili and beef with the obligatory scoops of rice and mac salad for under $7. You will also notice that while the store is filled with haole tourists, the lunch line is composed of locals-- hotel chambermaids, gardeners, and contractors. The food is authentic and delicious. But more important, it is a microcosm of overdeveloped West Maui and the uphill struggle by the working class locals to keep their traditional way of life.
Cafe des Amis, Paia
This is my favorite eatery on all of Maui. Once you cruise around for half an hour, find a parking spot, and slalom through the denizens of Paia (pot dealers/users, trust-a-farians, smelly hippies), you come to this quaint, clean, and charming little cafe. It specializes in two things, and two things only-- crepes and curries. I always go for the curries. The young chef in the back is constantly tinkering with the curry recipe. Everyday, it's a little different, but always extraordinary. The curry is served on a bed of white rice in a simple bowl. I am salivating right now, just writing this.
Mama's Fish House, Paia
This is a pretty touristy place and Visitor Channel 7 touts this place ad naseum. Ignore all the hype, go there, and judge for yourself. The ambiance inside is 1950s Hawaiiana with a modern touch. The freshness and quality of the seafood, the variety and creativity of the selection, the masterful execution and presentation-- all this makes Mama's the institution that it is. It's pricey, but well worth every penny, especially when enjoyed with family and friends.
CKY
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