I'm going to start with the bad news. But it gets better!
COVID and Lahaina Fire: the one-two punch for Maui. Some establishments went up in smoke and some just had to close. Staffing shortages, building locations lost, etc. Here is a quick run down of popular places I've talked about in the past -
Cuatro - in Kihei - gone. Rumor is they will reopen someplace else....unk.
Cool Cats Lahaina - coming to Kihei, near the movie theaters. April is the word...
Ditto for Cheeseburger in Paradise! Trying to come to Kihei date and timing not yet known. Cheeseburger promised they would tell me.
5 Palms - at the Mana Kai - gone to upcountry at Kula Lodge - almost burned in the Kula fire happening at the same time as Lahaina. Nothing has moved into their spot on Keawakapu beach, renovations are in progress. REALLY hope a great spot moves in, rumors are a Merriman's restaurant (they own Monkey Pod.)
Maui Taco Kihei. Closed.
Frieda's is gone with the demise of the owner Mark Elman, locale in Lahaina is rumored to become the new locale for Star Noodle and AMP - Aloha Mixed Plate is coming back to their old location. Honu is not open yet, located in the same quadrant behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall.
Still here and doing great, still on my favorite list:
Pint and Cork at the Shops of Wailea (a zillion big screen TVs for sports) my favorite meal is the Shrimp and Grits.
Humble Market Kitchin at the Wailea Beach Resort - the ribs! AHHH.
That's a Wrap in the Dolphin Plaza in Kihei - Hemmingway wrap if they have it that day.
Tommy Bahama at the Shops of Wailea ( the Lahaina location burned) Happy Hour sliders
Mala in Lahaina just reopened!!!! Ahi Brushetta - you must try it
Burger Shack at DT Fleming Beach at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua - any burger and a Jack Daniels Milkshake. Image is the view from the dining table....
Newer to me anyway:
Penny's Pizza and Pasta - behind Fred's and Moose Mcgillycuddy in Kihei for the best wood fired pizza (gluten free option is great for me)
Kihei Caffe has two locations now - their old spot in Kihei and now at the Maui Coast Hotel, breakfast inside where Ami Ami was (now gone) and poolside for dinner and happy hour. Live music most nights. We have enjoyed both times of the day, same basic good food.
New:
Gather on Maui: the restaurant group took over the Gannon's and Hali'imaile General Store Restaurants. Gannon's name changed to Gather on Maui. Poke Bowl is tasty!
It has a lovely view at the golf course, beautiful green fairway views and ocean views to Molokini. The food is in transition. IMO. But worth a try. Some days fabulous and somedays the happy hour portions are too small and odd. We give them feedback. Redecorated and enjoying the absence of the "Red Bar" which we thought was ugly. IMO. Last But not least:
Pilina at the Kea Lani Fairmont. This is the amazing lobby bar remodeled and expanded. It is gorgeous and should have its own blog post, Arched open window walls behind the bar give you an amazing ocean view. And the lobby area of the bar, has lounge swings with the tables. I loved the thought of a swing in a bar and I tried it out. Open air above you and gardens all around. It's a hit.
Sushi and snacks were on our tasting list and it did not disappoint. Of course, it is pricy, but once in a while you have to splurge. What a view. Right out of a movie set, romantic and classic.
The tall Cook Pines along the driveway are very distinctive....sound on please and play this video!
and at sunset they are filled with the mynah birds singing the evening approaching.
Come back to Maui next chance you get! I'll be here!
#Newdining #Closedrestaurants and the hopes of old favorites to #COMEBACK In the meantime give the #Pilina bar a try. @fairmontKeaLani, #fairmont #Maui #cocktails and #sushi.