la haina and kaanapaali area. been to mamas, very very good, but a bit of a drive. how are the restaurants in the ritz carlton? tia
We loved Hula Grill, Duke's, Leilani's - I think they're all owned by the same company. But they're all different. Leilani's was probably our favorite
Make reservations...we got there just before 5 when they open with no reservations and got seated at 5. But after that you will need a reservation for sure. Mai Tai's at Hula Grill are the best!! Duke's is supposed to be the same recipe, but tastes a little different. Food at Leilani's was probably our favorite of all three. Great atmosphere because you sit on the 2nd floor and can get a great view if you sit by the railing. Duke's and Hula Grill are 1st floor, so the view can be obstructed ... eh, who cares! It's MAUI!!!! Hoping to live there in less than 12 years!!
The Ritz rocks - absolutely one of the best places I've ever stayed. The concierge service was second to none, 100% recommended. My wife and I honeymooned at the Grand Wailea 20 years ago, I think the Ritz blows that property away. Sansei is near the property (walking distance) - I recommend it. Of course, if you want scenery, Mama's is unbeatable (but it's a drive)!
+1 on the ritz; especially if you go through Amex. Paia fish market is my favorite restaurant in Maui. It's close to mamas- so it's a drive from kapalua Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi, Just returned from Maui, and had a couple of really excellent meals in Fleetwood's on Front St. Can recomend the Beef Wellington and the Pork Chops with red cabbage and apple sauce! Got lucky and walked into a book signing with Mick himself , which obviously made the visit extra special. Great cocktail bar and live music , also. BR, Jez
Went to Maui recently for 10 days. Fleetwood's was by far the WORST dining experience we had on the island. From the attitude when you first walk in to the average food and service. Second worst was Bubba Gump. Still not sure how I let wifey talk me into going there. Ironically the best food we had on the island after many many locals recommended it, was Shark-Pit-Maui Shark Pit Maui - Lahaina, HI | Yelp
everything in lahaina is mediocre. always hit or miss. skip ruths cris steakhouse. skip roys. mamas is tops along with the general store. going back this summer, will try the ritz and plantation house. tried a place that was on diners, driveins etc, it too was soso. suprisingly difficult to find great food.
I can second this place for good food.. Very good, but not fine dining to relax at unfortunately. Paia Fish Market - Paia Fish Market
I have a meeting in Maui every year at the Ritz... if the meeting wasn't there, I probably wouldn't stay at the Ritz but that's personal preference. It is an extremely windy side of the island and I get annoyed that there are no umbrellas or otherwise covered areas around the pool, unless you want to buck up and pay for a cabana. But I digress.... In terms of food, I agree that Mama's is very tasty though as others point out, a bit of a haul...awesome food and fantastic venue though. In or around Lahaina, I like Gerard's, Lahaina Grill and Star Noodle. Definitely hit Star Noodle but go early b/c it is a small place that gets crowded quickly. Pacific'O is often cited as great place in town but I've found it to be hit or miss...some good things on the menu, some not so much. Around Kapalua, Merriman's is ok as is the Plantation House but I've never walked out of either saying "wow, that was fantastic"...I'd maybe characterize them as solid but not anything outstanding.
Mama's - high end Paia Fish Market north side or Pita Paradise south side (2 locations, Wailea or Kihei) affordable and excellent lamb gyro's!
Can't deny Mama's as being fantastic. We stay in Kihei, and found 5 Palms restaurant 5palms at the sound end of Kihei, just before Wailea. It gets top ratings from all the review sites, has a gorgeous location on the beach, a fantastic happy hour, and really GREAT food. Not cheap, but neither is Mama's It's definitely worth a visit.
Im writing this from a conference room at the grand wailea(Business trip). This is my sixth time in maui and the wailea side of the island is the place to stay. Constant sunshine while the rest of the island is dealing with rain. There are two mountains/volcanoes blocking all the weather. Plus there's less wind too. Plenty of good restaurants in the hotel and at the four seasons next door.
haha. not much of a blizzard 6-8" of snow hardly qualifies as a blizzard though. From what I was told it was all hype and a huge bust.
Reviving this thread. Heading to Maui with the family in February. Have reservations at Sansei, Monkeypod Kitchen, and The Mill House. Could not get dinner reservations at Mamas Fishhouse, so going there for lunch. Any other good recommendations that is not very touristy or inside a resort/hotel? Thanks in advance!
I like Gerard's in Lahaina. I also have always liked Longhi's in Lahaina, although its reviews recently have not been that good. I have also enjoyed Cheeseburgers in Paradise for casual dining, although more for the view than the food. Again, its recent reviews have not been great. I hope you have a great time on Maui!