Best of Maui 2018

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MAHALO MAUI For Supporting Us BEST SPA Spa Grande

BEST RESORT ACCOMMODATIONS Grand Wailea

BEST RESORT RESTAURANT Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

Honorable Mention BEST BRUNCH BUFFET Grand Wailea

BEST KAMA’AINA DISCOUNT Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

Book Your Experience Today 808.875.1234 3850 Wailea Alanui, Wailea, HI 96753 www.grandwailea.com

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2018 BESTOFMAUI

Longtime favorites and fresh new faces

Hawai i’s newest, coolest “things to do” app!

MauiNewsreadersselectthisyear’s standoutsinmorethan50categories

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favorite restaurants, shops, tours, cultural programs and activities — everything from Best Chef to Best Surf Shop. Respondents were tasked with writing in their pick for each category resulting in a landslide of disparate nominations and close tallies, proving once again that “Maui no ka oi” is so much more than a slogan: It’s how Maui rolls. Take your time perusing our 2018’s Best of Maui guide and refer to it whenever you’re looking for Maui County’s top dining spots, commercial activities, cultural programs, shopping, spas, treats, discounts and more. After the great time you’re sure to have, thank your friends and neighbors for sharing their favorites, because the best suggestions beat at the heart of our island ohana.

VOTED #1 – BEST GOLD BUYER ON MAUI – BEST PAWN SHOP – BEST COIN SHOP

Kama’aina Discounts

Save at over

The largest, most up-to-date, Kama’aina list ever.

100 RESTAURANTS on Maui with valid state ID

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Discover Hawai¶i like a local

LOCAL

went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully,” wrote Mark Twain about the beloved Valley Isle in 1866. Not much has changed in 152 years. Maui continues to reign as one of the most magical and friendly places to visit and live. Just thumb through any travel magazine or scan social media and you’ll find accolades and tributes aplenty. Maui’s the best of the best. And on Maui and in Maui County, there are also bests of the best. That is why we create a comprehensive guide listing the current standouts — the flavors of the year, if you will — in more than 50 categories. We asked readers to weigh in on their

CATEGORIES CONTENT EVENTS AND MORE...

Find Fun Faster! For everything happening and everywhere to explore, find what’s below and so much more!

www.KamaainaLoan.com 242.5555 52 and 98 N. Market St. – Wailuku M-F 9am-6pm / Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Customer parking on Vineyard behind Maui Sporting Goods

EVENTS

BUSINESSES

PLACES

Cultural Events Lū’au Arts, Festivals & Fairs

Dining & Nightlife Tons of Tours Ocean Adventures

Parks & Trails Beaches & Golf History & Culture

Learn more at intogo.com

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BESTOFMAUI contents food & drink: Ambiance Mama’s Fish House . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bakery Komoda Store & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . 9 BBQ Beach Bums BBQ & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bento TJ’s Warehouse Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Breakfast IHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Brunch Buffet Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel . . . . . 16 Burger Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Business Lunch Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes . . . . 13 Caterer Celebrations by Bev Gannon . . . . . . . . 13 Chef Tylun Pang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ethnic A Saigon Cafe and others . . . . . . 22 - 26 Food Truck Maui Fresh Streatery . . . . . . . . . . 14 Frozen Treat Tasaka Guri Guri . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Happy Hour Monkeypod Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kid-Friendly IHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Lanai Eatery Blue Ginger Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Local Coffee/Tea Maui Coffee Roasters . . . . . 12 Molokai Eatery Kanemitsu’s Bakery & Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 New Restaurant Monkeypod Kaanapali . . . . 27 Noodles Sam Sato’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pizza Fabiani’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Plate Lunch Da Kitchen Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Poke Foodland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Resort Restaurant Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort . . . . . . . 28 Restaurant Overall (Fine Dining) Mama’s Fish House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Restaurant Overall (Casual Dining) Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Seafood Mama’s Fish House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Service Hali‘imaile General Store . . . . . . . . . 31 Sports Bar Ale House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Steak Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sushi Bar (Fine Dining) Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sushi Bar (Casual Dining) Genki Sushi . . . . . 21 Vegetarian Fork & Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Land Activity Piiholo Ranch Zipline . . . . . . . . 39 Luau Old Lahaina Lu‘au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sea Activity Trilogy Excursions . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Spa Spa Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Tour Maui Craft Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

art & culture:

Food Market Mana Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Health Food Mana Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Local Specialty Shop (Food) Maui Specialty Blue Hawaiian Chocolates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Helicopter; Maui Ocean Local Specialty Shop (Clothing) Mahina . . . 44 Center; Teddy’s Bigger BurgOmiyage (Island food gift) Komoda Store er; Humuhumunukunukunukuapua‘a; Mana & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Foods; Pi‘iholo Ranch Mall/Shopping Center Queen Ka‘ahumanu Zipline; Haliimaile Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 General Store; Schaefer Resort/Accommodations Grand Wailea, A International Gallery Waldorf Astoria Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 photos courtesy businesses Sports/Surf Shop Hi-Tech Surf Sports . . . . . .44

Art Gallery Schaefer International Gallery . . 36 Cultural Program Maui Arts & Cultural Center 37 Live Theater Maui OnStage at the Historic Iao Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

tours & activities: Air Activity Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . . . . . 38 Fitness Club/Gym 24 Hour Fitness . . . . . . . . 40 Golf Course Kaanapali Golf Courses . . . . . . . 41 Activity (Kamaaina) Maui Ocean Center . . . . 41

deals & discounts: Early Bird Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse . . . . . . . . 34 Restaurant (Kamaaina) Ko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Senior Discount (Retail) Foodland . . . . . . . . . . 35 Senior Discount (Dining) IHOP .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

shopping & resorts:

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Editorial copy by: Dining Editor Carla Tracy Special Sections Editor Catherine Kenar Special Sections Writer/Layout Designer Mona de Crinis Cover design and layout by Mona de Crinis Contributor Chelsea Duncan Cover photos from top:


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BESTOFMAUI food+drink best chef

TYLUN PANG fairmont kea lani e’s a “chef’s chef.” Respected and liked by his peers, Executive Chef Tylun Pang is a seasoned expert in the field. After four decades in the industry, Pang remains a powerfully creative force in the kitchen, yet he takes the time to tutor and employ countless up-and-coming culinarians. All of which is why Fairmont Kea Lani’s Pang deserves to be crowned 2018 Best Chef on Maui. “It is really nice that the work we do here every day is appreciated by the readers of The Maui News,” Pang humbly acknowledges. “Our efforts to source the finest and freshest ingredients from our farmers, fishermen, ranchers and community partners support the work and talents of our team from the front of the house, to the back of the kitchen to present the flavors that define our island’s heritage in every dish. It is extremely rewarding that these connections resonate with our guests and community.” Beginning in his “small-kid” days, Pang grew up in Hawaii with an inspiration to cook with fresh island ingredients in his father and grandmother’s Chinese kitchens. As an adult, his international culinary career took him throughout Asia, South America and across the United States as a chef with Westin Hotels. In 1996, Pang returned to his beloved Hawaii and became a leader at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Overseeing the luxury all-suite resort’s four restaurants and bars, bakery and deli, as well as banquet and catering operations, Pang embraced his culinary roots

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BEST CHEF TYLUN PANG | Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kealani 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea 875-2210 | www.korestaurant.com

HONORABLE MENTION GENO SARMIENTO | Tri Star Restaurant Group 875-5555 | www.tristarrestaurants.com JEFF SCHEER | The Mill House 1670 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy. | Waikapu 270-0333 | www.millhousemaui.com

Fairmont Kea Lani photos

Above: Fairmont Kea Lani Executive Chef Tylun Pang goes out in the field to procure the freshest produce with Kula farmer Bryan Otani. Below: Chef Pang expertly works the wok to create vibrant, flavorful specialties. when developing the concept for Fairmont Kea Lani’s signature restaurant, Ko. Highlighting Maui’s plantation-era sugarcane past, Ko showcases the island’s ethnic cuisines with Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese recipes brought by immigrants — and then the recipes are kicked up with contemporary twists. From the vegetable tempura with sweet Kula corn, kabocha pumpkin and shimeji mushrooms to the grilled fresh catch with tomato, spinach and Kauai shrimp, each dish stays true to sharing Maui’s history and culture. Pang’s commitment to perpetuate Hawaiian culture,

dedication to local agriculture and unwavering devotion to the mentorship of future chefs are what sets him apart and earned him a distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from a local magazine. He not only sits on the board of the University of Hawaii Maui College Culinary Arts Program, he is a loyal advocate. For the past 21 years, he and the Fairmont have hosted the culinary department’s biggest fundraising gala, and he presents the annual Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship to a deserving student. “Tylun Pang has got such a special place in my heart,” says UH-MC’s Culinary Arts Program Coordinator Theresa Shurilla. “When you mention his name, I get tears in my eyes. I can’t say enough about his demeanor and what he’s done for the college and the students. With his scholarship every year, he gives someone a chance who may not think about applying at a hotel and working at such a high-level an opportunity to do so. Many stay on working at the Fairmont, as he’s so amazing! I’m so excited that he won! Deservedly so.” His lengthy list of volunteerism also includes the Maui Police Department DARE program, Baldwin High Chef Mentorship Program sport program, Seabury Hall annual Craft Fair food booth, Chinese Society of Maui’s Chinese New Year celebration and Kamehameha School Maui’s Hoolaulea. Last but not least, Pang participated in the prestigious Best Hotel Chefs of America Series at the James Beard House in New York.

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food+drink BESTOFMAUI best restaurant overall

MAMA’S FISH HOUSE fine dining he love story with Mama’s Fish House continues. We adore the ono ceviche. Get weak in the knees over the macadamia-nut crab cakes with fire-and-ice relish. And fall head over heels for new items such as glistening Haaheo oysters from Hilo topped with passionfruit mignonette. For 45 years, owners Floyd and Doris Christenson have kept their fondness for each other and for dining fine smokin’ hot at Mama’s Fish House, consistently ranked the No. 1 Best Overall Restaurant on Maui. It all started when they landed on island decades ago after an idyllic life aboard their sailboat in the South Pacific, and they conceptualized their dream. Today, their dream keeps translating as one of the top restaurants in America with too many national awards to mention. Visitors cherish it so much, Mama’s is often the first place they go for seafood straight off the plane, and the last destination they savor before they depart. That’s because it’s also a repeat winner for Best Seafood and Best Ambience and for an honorable mention for Best Service. “Floyd and Doris are like two lovebirds,” says longtime Executive Chef Perry Bateman. “They still hold hands and look into each other’s eyes. Mama’s preserves this intimacy by creating an environment that allows you to fall in love, to make memories, to give or get a proposal. Their fondness for each other and the restaurant carries over to all of us to strive to make their dream come true.” Yes, Mama’s is a mom-and-pop shop that treats the whole Maui community as its ohana from fishers to farmers to diners to all of the employees. “Mama Doris and I and now our daughter Karen (Christenson, marketing manager) are so proud of this award,” enthuses Floyd. “We and our loyal team poured everything we had into Mama’s, rejecting all offers to open other restaurants. Our goal was always to show off Maui’s superb fish and Hawaiian cuisine, and the creative art of Maui’s craftsmen.”

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CARLA TRACY photos

Above: Hostesses Kelsie Meda, Andrea Kresy and Kathlyn Wolpin greet diners at the open air entrance that boasts giant clam shells and fragrant floral arrangements. Below left: Uku caught by Danny Daluyen at 800-foot-depths off of Lanai is skillet seared and spiced with ulu and coconut and topped with caramelized Maui onions.

berries, Kula asparagus, Hamakua mushrooms, Hana breadThe utmost care is put into each dish, each plate, each fruit and much more. tablecloth, each artwork, making for a picture-perfect, “Mama’s prints a daily menu that allows me to be innovaamorous ambience. tive and use what is available and what is in peak season,” “We care about the aunties that sew tablecloths, weave baskets and make flower arrangements, and the uncles who says Bateman. “If the local farmers don’t have it, then we don’t use it. We’re sticking to the original vision of Floyd sand the chairs and do the gardening,” says Tami Joslin, and Doris and staying the course.” general manager. Of course, the two lovebirds continue to guide the vision. “Our relationships are one of the keys of Mama’s suc“We are celebrating this week,” shares Floyd. “First, Macess,” adds Bateman. “Our resources are what make us who we are. I’m very appreciative and grateful for our extended ma and my 64th wedding anniversary, and second, that after 45 years of hard work we and Mama’s family — our family ohana.” — have realized our life’s dream. We are so thankful for the Bateman has seen the fishers’ kids grow up to buy new fishing boats, and now they are the next generation hooking support of the people of Maui who helped us achieve this.” up from ahi to opakapaka to mahimahi. Not only does Mama’s subsidize its fishers with deep-sea BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL | FINE DINING FADs, or fishing aggregate devices, that help them hook up MAMA’S FISH HOUSE to buoys, but loading docks allow them to pull right up in 799 Poho Place | Kuau | 579-8488 back of the restaurant. www.mamasfishhouse.com “It adds to the whole dining experience to open a menu and see the fishers’ names — from mahimahi caught by HONORABLE MENTION Alan Cadiz trolling on the north shore to uku caught by LAHAINA GRILL Dany Daluyen off Lanai,” says Joslin. “When [the servers] see fish eyes so crystal clear with bright orange skin, it gives 127 Lahainaluna Road | Lahaina them confidence to describe exactly to guests that they saw 667-5117 | www.lahainagrill.com come in.” These ties run so deep that former Maui fisher Kirk RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Hardcastle, who now lives near Juneau, Alaska, ships in The Outlets of Maui | 900 Front Street fresh Taku River red salmon from his new environs. Lahaina | 661-8815; The Shops at Wailea “We support sustainable ways of fishing,” says Bateman. 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 874-8880 “We use Kona kampachi and Kula trout in addition to wildwww.ruthschris.com caught pelagics and bottom fish.” Besides fish, Mama’s dishes up local mangoes, poha A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S7


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food+drink BESTOFMAUI best bakery

KOMODA’S radition is still something to reckon with here on Maui, and Komoda Store & Bakery proudly wears that mantle as one of the few mom and pop stores left on island. Anyone looking for a bit of old Hawaii finds their way to this Makawao town treasure, with its aloha spirit and small-town atmosphere. “We are thankful for our loyal customers that vote for us every year,” expressed Calvin Shibuya, owner and sole baker of Komoda delicacies. Even before the advent of online reviews, lines of people frequently snaked out of the building, waiting their turn for a box of Komoda custardfilled long johns, cream puffs

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CATHERINE KENAR photo

A tray of tempting Komoda’s treats or stick donuts, lovingly made the way Master Baker Ikuo Komoda did many years ago. “A lot of people who have moved away return during the summer with their families.

BEST BAKERY KOMODA STORE & BAKERY 3674 Baldwin Ave. Makawao | 572-7261

HONO RABL E ME N T IO N STILLWELL’S BAKERY & CAFE

They want to show off the places and treats they grew up with, so they bring the kids here,” smiled Michele Shibuya, Calvin’s daughter.

1740 Kaahumanu Ave. Wailuku | 243-2243 www.stillwells bakery.com HOME MAID BAKERY 1005 Lower Main St. Wailuku | 244-7015 www.homemaid bakery.com

We at IHOP Kahului would like to thank ALL our great customers for voting us the…

• BEST Breakfast • BEST Kid-Friendly • BEST Senior Discount We will be remodeling soon, make sure to come back to see us again when it’s all done!

Maui Mall • Kahului

871-4000

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food+drink BESTOFMAUI best bento

IHOP

TJ’S WAREHOUSE OUTLET ffer consistent quality, employ great staff and make things customers like to eat is the road to success that TJ’s Warehouse Outlet continues to follow. Located inside the Maui Chemical & Paper Products, Inc. building in the Wailuku Industrial Park, TJ’s talented cooks continually create as they try to hit on the next big bento favorite. What started as a master’s degree project by co-owner Todd Kawasaki ten years ago has turned into a popular place to pick up a bento — those perfectly sized, single-portion take-out or home-packed meals common in Japanese cuisine.

came in for. “We’ve been very blessed to be one of the company’s busiest locations,” Anguiano and, of course, IHOP’s name- stresses, “and want to thank the Maui community for their sakes: pancakes. According to manager Ro- support.” drigo Anguiano, IHOP’s enBEST BREAKFAST during popularity is built on IHOP | MAUI MALL two essential pillars: consistency of the food served and 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. excellent customer service. Kahului | 871-4000 “We do a lot of training www.ihopmaui.com with our servers and staff, including one-on-one training,” HONORABLE he says, adding that cooks and MENTION kitchen staff receive rigorous training as well so customers TASTY CRUST know they’ll get what they RESTAURANT

best breakfast BEST BENTO

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TJ’S WAREHOUSE OUTLET | 875 Alua St. Wailuku | 249-0825 www.tjscateringmaui .com

HONORABLE The Miso Salmon Deluxe MENTION Photo courtesy TJ’s Warehouse

bento tempts diners.

TAKAMIYA MARKET 359 N. Market St. Bentos are great for lunch, for taking to the beach or a Wailuku | 244-3404 football game — even on a www.danismaui.com

plane. “We offer a new bento every month as we try to think about what our customers will like,” explained Vice President Joel Kawasaki, Todd’s brother.

t’s no surprise that IHOP received the most reader votes for Best Breakfast. On any given morning, IHOP at the Maui Mall in Kahului is hoppin’ with folks from all walks of life in search of quality breakfasts at reasonable prices. Expertly weaving through the bustling restaurant, a cheerful and efficient waitstaff balance plates piled high with eggs your way, bacon, sausage, biscuits, hash browns

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IHOP’s servers are committed to providing the best customer service.

PUKALANI SUPERETTE 15 Makawao Ave. Pukalani | 572-7616 www.pukalanisuper ette.com

MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2018

in Makawao

MONA DE CRINIS photo

1770 Mill St. Wailuku | 244-0845 LEODA’S KITCHEN & PIE SHOP 820 Olowalu Village Rd. | Lahaina | 6623600 | www.leodas.com

VALLEY ISLE MARINE CENTER Serving Hawaii’s Ocean Community Since 1970

Congrats to all “Best Of Maui” Winners!

Thank You Maui! Voted Best “Mexican Restaurant”

Now Is The Time For A Honda All Our 2018 Outboards Are On Sale...

Monday Night BBQ NY Strip Steak Dinner $16.95 Baby Back Ribs $14.95

Fajita Madness Wednesday

Boats•Motors•Trailers•Kayaks•Parts Always wear a life jacket while boating and read your owner’s manual.

Fajita Grande for 2 only $23.95

572-7808 Open Daily 11am-10pm See all our Boats, Motors,Trailers and Kayaks at ValleyIsleMarineCenter.com

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BESTOFMAUI food+drink best local coffee shop

TASAKA GURI GURI

MAUI COFFEE ROASTERS ot only does Maui Coffee Roasters treat staff and customers like part of its ohana, but the shop itself is comfortable and intimate — like hanging out in your best friend’s living room. For more than 30 years, owner Nicky “Beans” Matichyn has cultivated a culture of aloha that spills

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(no pun intended) over to the aromatic local coffees served with a smile and the breakfast and lunch favorites, from croissants to organic vegan soup, prepared with love. The casual cafe, accented with a touch of whimsy, also sells coffee grinders and aromatic beans for home consumption. But it’s more fun to enjoy the ambiance while

BEST COFFEE SHOP MAUI COFFEE ROASTERS 444 Hana Hwy. | Kahului | 877-2877 www.mauicoffeeroasters.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with the exception of one rotating Sunday a month Tasaka almost 100 years when they close. ago. Four generations later, BEST FROZEN Tasaka Guri Guri is still a TREAT family owned and operated business with mad love for TASAKA GURI GURI its Maui customers — and Maui Mall | 70 E. the feeling is decidedly mu- Kaahumanu Ave. | Kahului | 871-4513 tual. Serving up strawberryand pineapple-flavored guri HONORABLE guri — fruity, lightly sweet, MENTION creamy, but not ice cream ULULANI’S SHAVE ICE nor sherbet — in a modestly For a location near sized location at Maui Mall you, visit www.ulu is right where they want to lanisshaveice.com be, indicates Ing. “We’re happy where we ONO GELATO are and with what we have,” COMPANY | 815 Front she says. Tasaka Guri Guri is St. | Lahaina | 495open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 0203

best frozen treat indy Tasaka-Ing’s great-grandfather, Jokichi Tasaka, launched the popular frozen-treat shop with a recipe created by Ing’s grandfather Gungi

C sipping single-serve coffee from local farmers or coldbrew iced coffee. As Matichyn says, ‘“We care about your coffee so you don’t have to.”

STARBUCKS | For a location near you, visit www.starbucks.com AKAMAI COFFEE CO. | Drive through: Home Depot parking lot | 100 Pakaula St. | Kahului | 868-3251; Cafe: 1325 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 868-3251 www.akamaicoffee.com

The Maui News file photo

Gail Saito (from left), Cindy Tasaka-Ing and Kelly Kohatsu are Tasaka Guri Guri’s driving force.

Maui! Mahalo Maui! for your continued support for our Hoaloha fam ily ofbusinesses

Na¯ Hoaloha ‘Ekolu Old L ¯ahain¯a Lu‘au 808-667-1998 oldlahainaluau.com

Aloha Mixed Plate 808-661-3322 alohamixedplate.com

Star Noodle 808-667-5400 starnoodle.com

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Leoda’s 808-662-3600 leodas.com


BESTOFMAUI food+drink wide range of tastes while keeping the conversations flowing.

best business lunch

CAFE O’LEI hen dining with coworkers or potential clients and networking with colleagues, a comfortable and professional atmosphere is key. Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes has repeatedly been recognized as the best location for business lunches thanks to the restaurant’s topnotch and speedy service,

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delicious dishes and great atmosphere. Its central location also makes it highly convenient. Many a business partnership has likely bloomed over plates of one of the restaurant’s favorite and original menu items, the crab club. A variety of appetizers, sandwiches and salads are sure to satisfy a

Enjoy a crab club along with the view of the West Maui Mountains at Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes.

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Photo courtesy Cafe O’Lei

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BEST BUSINESS LUNCH CAFE O’LEI AT THE DUNES | 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy. | Kahului 877-0073 | www.cafe oleirestaurants.com

HONORABLE MENTION BISTRO CASANOVA 33 Lono Ave. | Kahului 873-3650 | www.casa novamaui.com

“We pride ourselves on taking our clients vision and, with perfection, bringing it to life.”

best caterer

CELEBRATIONS ers is a story of legend, but when you’ve been a caterer for over 34 years the proof is in the haupia (pudding) that there’s substance to the story. Bev Gannon and her catering company, Celebrations, have set the hallmark of quality catering very high. With her hands still involved in reviewing and designing every

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custom catering menu herself, she has entrusted an exemplary staff with backing her up and ensuring the client’s vision is achieved. “Mahalo to the readers of The Maui News for voting Celebrations Catering the best catering company on the island!” exclaimed Kerri Glover, director of operations at Bev Gannon Restaurants.

Celebrations Catering leaves lasting memories on all who attend one of their events.

KAHILI RESTAURANT 2500 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy. l Waikapu | 2426000 | www.kahili restaurant.com

MIKE ADRIAN photos

BEST CATERER CELEBRATIONS BY BEV GANNON 900 Hailiimaile Rd. Makawao | 572-4946 www.celebrations maui.com

HONORABLE MENTION DANI’S CATERING 880 Kolu St. | Wailuku 242-6652 www.danismaui.com PUKALANI SUPERETTE 15 Makawao Ave. Pukalani | 572-7616 www.pukalanisuper ette.com

“Breathing underwater can be YOUR Super Power!”

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Learn to Dive with Maui Dreams 874-5332 • www.mauidreamsdiveco.com 1993 So. Kihei Rd., #22, Kihei, HI Open Daily: 7 am - 6 pm

ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE AT PINATASMAUI.COM & APPLE APP STORE FOR IPHONE GOOGLE PLAYSTORE FOR ANDROID DINE IN • TAKE OUT • CATERING Open 9 am - 9 pm Everyday 395 Dairy Road @ Hana Highway • Kahului • (808) 877-8707 A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S13


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best food truck

best barbecue

MAUI FRESH STREATERY yle Kawakami, former culinary instructor at the University of Hawaii Maui College and owner of Maui Fresh Streatery, cites local clientele as the key to his food truck’s enduring popularity. “We’re not in Kihei or Lahaina; we’re in Kahului and Wailuku where we serve primarily Maui residents,” he explains. “Locals make up the majority of our customer base, so we want to provide them with quality food and products.” The truck moves primarily between three locations and offers six regionally themed

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BEACH BUMS BBQ & GRILL

menu items driven by locally Photos courtesy Kyle Kawakami sourced ingredients. Chef/owner Kyle KawakaThe entrepreneurial chef is mi hard at work feeding in constant contact with the hungry locals. agricultural community and suppliers to find out what’s BEST FOOD TRUCK being harvested. He then MAUI FRESH builds the menu based on STREATERY what’s fresh and available. 344-7929 | www.maui “If we always offer egg- freshstreatery.com plant Parmesan, but eggplant is not available locally at cer- HONORABLE tain times of the year, then MENTION we would have to get it else- THAI MEE UP | 591 where,” Kawakami explains. Haleakala Hwy. He encourages people to Kahului | 214-3369 follow the truck on social GESTE SHRIMP | 111 media for menu items, loca- Kahului Beach Rd. tions and times, as he updates 298-7109 | www.geste shrimp.com frequently.

arbecue has certainly been having its heyday for the past several years, and Photo courtesy Beach Bums BBQ & Grill no one does smokey flavor and Savor the Pork Belly Plate or Crispy Pork charred crust better than the winner of best Belly Sandwich. barbecue on Maui — Beach Bums BBQ & Grill. Its custom-made kiawe smoker imBEST BARBECUE parts a distinctive taste to its ribs, brisket and pork, which are smoked for five to 12 BEACH BUMS BBQ & GRILL | 300 hours and are the mainstay selections of Maalaea Rd. | Maalaea | 243-2286 Beach Bums. Side dishes of pineapple www.beachbumshawaii.com coleslaw, baked beans, potato-mac salad, HONORABLE MENTION spicy mac ’n’ cheese and moist, tender corn PEARL’S KOREAN BBQ | Queen bread compliment which ever meat you Ka‘ahumanu Center | 275 W. Kaahuchoose. Beach Bums offers fun local-style manu Ave. | 877-0788; 270 Dairy Rd. specials regularly. And don’t forget the Rib 871-8030 | www.pearlskoreanbbqmaui.com Fest on Wednesday nights. “We like to say we don’t offer kamaaina FAT DADDY’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ discounts, but we do serve kamaaina por- 1913 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 879-8711 www.fatdaddysmaui.com tions,” laughed Megan Leake, manager.

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food+drink BESTOFMAUI best lanai restaurant

BLUE GINGER CAFE his family-friendly cafe located in the heart of Lanai City prides itself on its affordability and consistency. Blue Ginger Cafe is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, honoring the vow Joe and Georgia Abilay, Assistant Manager Kanoa Dupree’s grandparents, promised to fulfill when

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they vacationed on Lanai and couldn’t find a place open to get a bite to eat. Everything is made-toorder — the hamburger is fresh, seasoned with a special seasoning blend; the hamburger buns, bread and pastries are baked fresh daily in-house; the teriyaki sauce, marinade and gravies are

Savory teriyaki chicken is a popular dish at Blue Ginger Cafe. Photo courtesy Blue Ginger Cafe

Blue Ginger’s own recipe. “We make sure our customers are fed and happy everyday of the week,” extolled Dupree proudly.

BEST LANAI RESTAURANT BLUE GINGER CAFE 409 7th St. | Lanai City (808) 565-6363 www.bluegingercafe lanai.com

HONORABLE MENTION LANAI CITY BAR & GRILLE 828 Lanai Ave. | Lanai City | (808) 565-7212 www.lanaicitybarand grille.com ONE FORTY Four Seasons Manele Bay 1 Manele Bay | Lanai City | (808) 565-2000 www.fourseasons.com

MAHALO TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED

BEST SEA ACTIVITY

A L L PR O F I T S S U PP O R T PAC I F I C W H A L E F O U N DAT I O N

Book Now (808) 400-8599

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best molokai restaurant

KANEMITSU’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT anemitsu’s Bakery & Restaurant on Molokai had humble beginnings when brothers Shigeo and Fred Kanemitsu began selling their sweet bread back in 1935. The family tried selling the bakery, but no one seemed able to recreate their renowned sweet bread, so Shigeo’s son, George, has been running the place since the late 1970s. The restaurant offers a menu with a variety of daily specials of good, home-style local cooking. It is a simple bakery and cafe which serves breakfast, lunch, pastries and

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their renowned “hot bread,” a treat of piping hot, fresh from the oven bread, broken open then slathered with cream cheese, butter, cinnamon or fruit fillings.

BEST MOLOKAI RESTAURANT

10 Mohala St. Kaunakakai | (808) 5533300 | www.paddlers KANEMITSU’S BAKERY restaurant.com & RESTAURANT 79 Ala Malama Ave. MOLOKAI BURGER Kaunakakai | (808) 553- 20 Kamehameha V Hwy. 5855 Kaunakakai | (808) HONORABLE MENTION 553-3533 | www.molokai burger.com PADDLERS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maui’s Finest Dining at the Mala Wharf FREE NIGHTLY VALET PARKING.

1307, 1295 & 1287 Front St., Lahaina, HI 96761 Frida’s 661.1287 | Mala 667.9394 | Honu 667-9390 MALAOCEANTAVERN.COM | HONUMAUI.COM | FRIDASMAUI.COM

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BESTOFMAUI food+drink best brunch buffet

best plate lunch

TIKI TERRACE

DA KITCHEN

ka‘anapali beach hotel

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Pork Lau Lau, Kalua Pork, Chicken Long Rice and Lomi Salmon accompanied by rice and potato mac salad make up a mouthwatering plate lunch.

oosen your belts and head to Ka‘anapali Beach BEST BRUNCH Hotel’s Sunday Champagne Brunch, a repeat award BUFFET

winner in this coveted category. Kick back and dine indoors or outside, sip ever-flowing bubbly, watch hula dancers sway and listen to live Hawaiian music. The extravagant all-you-can-eat buffet lets you wake up to breakfast favorites such as waffles, smoked salmon Benedict and cheese blintzes. Seafood lovers may dive into poke, crab legs and shrimp cocktail; and for meat lovers, chefs carve slow-roasted prime rib and kiawe-roasted pig. Do save room for the rainbow of desserts. Abundant allyou-can-eat buffet features kiawe-roasted prime rib, iced seafood, Hawaiian laulau, kalua pig and breakfast specialties. Photo courtesy Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel

PATAO

OFFICIAL SAFETY CHECK Station #63

Nails 4u & Spa

Professional Nail Care Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 7:00pm Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

(808) 243-9696 291 Hookahi St., Suite 106 Wailuku, HI 96793

TIKI TERRACE Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy. Lahaina | 667-0124 www.kbhmaui.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Photo courtesy Da Kitchen

GRAND DINING ROOM Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 875-1234 www.grandwailea.com MAUI BEACH HOTEL 170 W. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 877-0051 www.mauibeach hotel.net

ack in 2000, when Mariah Brown and Les Tomita decided to open a plate lunch restaurant here on Maui, neither had restaurant or cooking experience. They just knew what they wanted in a plate lunch having grown up in Hawaii — large portions of good food. Thanks to Tomita’s cooking skills, Da Kitchen is still going strong after 18 years in the Kahului

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HONORABLE MENTION ALOHA MIXED PLATE 1285 Front St. | Lahaina 661-3322 | www.aloha mixedplate.com SURFSIDE SPIRITS & DELI 1993 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei 879-1385

location, 20 years in the Kihei location. Serving very large, localstyle portions on real plates has been a smart decision, separating them from the rest of the plate-lunch purveyors. “Residents and tourists alike really appreciate our aloha spirit and energy that they feel when they walk through the doors,” noted Brown. “We may have a wait to get in —

not enough seats,” she laughed, “but once you are seated, your food comes fast.” Besides the scrumptious traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, be sure to try the Fried Spam Musubi pupu, an explosion of good in your mouth with a tender slice of Spam, sandwiched between rice, wrapped in nori, dipped in tempura batter and deep fried to crispy golden goodness.

Geste Shrimp Mahalo for your Support and for your Votes!

Willie & Marine Patao, owners 744 Lower Main St. Wailuku, HI 96793

BEST PLATE LUNCH DA KITCHEN CAFE 425 Koloa St. | Kahului 871-7782; 2439 S.Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 875-7782 www.dakitchen.com

Open 7 days a week

(808) 242-5567

Delicious, freshly cooked shrimp made to order, party platters available.

Phone orders welcome 298-7109 See us on yelp.com Kahului Beach Road • Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm

Ch ef Stan

OWNERS EDDIE & ELISA GARCIA

Call Us for Catering

Hong Kong Bistro M aui’s F avorite

Specializing in Popular Local and Asian Cuisines! Oyster Chicken Cake Noodle, Roast Duck & Best Hamburger Steak on Maui!

Come Visit Us for the Freshest & Widest Selection of Seafoods & Sashimi Platters

244-7888 Open Everyday • 9:30 am - 9 pm 1900 Main St., Wailuku (corner of Main St. and Central Ave.)

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Phone: 871-5922 275 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului

(Located in the Foodland Supermarket)


food+drink BESTOFMAUI best burger

BEST BURGER

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS ombine 100 percent fresh ground chuck seasoned with a special seasoning blend, fresh locally baked buns, local produce and a “special sauce” accompanied by a hand-scooped milk or malted shake made with Maui’s Roselani ice cream, and you have The Maui News’ 2018 Best Burger winner — Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. Maui owners Henry and Lisa Telles were excited to bring this Oahu mainstay over in 2011, and have continued to extoll the company’s values.

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS 335 Keawe St. #221 Lahaina | 661-9111 www.teddysbb.com

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HONORABLE MENTION Photo courtesy Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Teddy’s Double, with all the fixings, is sure to satisfy your burger craving. Consistency in food and service quality is a given. Telles credits his crew with maintaining the standards Teddy’s is known for. Besides making the best burger in town, Teddy’s helps with fundraisers to support kids’ causes as they

spread aloha through the community. While offering a 10 percent kamaaina discount, Teddy’s allows you to donate that savings to the designated monthly organization. So you get a discount and Teddy’s gives it to the kids — win-win.

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BURGER KING For a location near you, visit www.bk.com FATT CHICK’S BURGERS 28 Kiopaa St. Makawao 242-6666 www.fattchicks burgers.com

T h e B eexstica n F ood M Purchase 1 Entree – Receive 20% Off 2nd Entree Expires: 10/31/18

1132 Lower Main, Wailuku Ph# 249-8463

Mahalo Maui… for recognizing Kobe Steak House & Oku’s Sushi Bar as one of your favorite Japanese Restaurants! Celebrating Over 30 Years IN LAHAINA Dinner nightly from 5:30-10:00 PM Oku’s fabulous Sushi until 11:00 PM

Reservations are recommended 667-5555 136 Dickenson St., Lahaina

COMPLETE DINNERS from $14.95 Mahalo Maui for supporting a Maui-owned business! Hi-Tech Surf Sports Kahului • Paia • Kihei

Since 1982

• Enjoy the exciting art of teppanyaki cooking. Knife-wielding chefs will prepare delicious steak, seafood, and chicken entrees right at your table. • SUPER SUNSET SPECIAL available daily at our 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. seatings.

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BESTOFMAUI food+drink Gladys’ grandson. “We greatly appreciate it. Thank you to our staff for all your hard work. Mahalo!”

best noodles

SAM SATO’S hen something is good, people don’t want anyone tinkering with the recipe. Sam Sato’s has become a legend on Maui and beyond by consistently serving good local food based on the recipes from founders Sam and Gladys Sato. While residents know it’s the place to go for dry noodles, saimin, chow fun and even its non-noodle dishes like roast pork, hamburger steak and must-have manju, visitors from the Neighbor Islands and the Mainland are clued in to be sure to visit the

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BEST NOODLES SAM SATO’S 1750 Wili Pa Loop Wailuku | 244-7124 Photo courtesy Sam Sato’s

Dry noodles served with a side of soup are a favorite at Sam Sato’s in Wailuku.

Millyard location — contributing to the long lines that are worth waiting in. “Thank you, Maui, for continually supporting Sam Sato’s throughout the years!” enthused Kirk Toma, current manager and Sam and

HONORABLE MENTION STAR NOODLE 286 Kupuohi St. Lahaina | 667-5400 www.starnoodle.com WEI WEI CAFE & NOODLE HOUSE 318 N. Market St. Wailuku | 298-0960

drizzled with white truffle oil. The Italian-style pizzas feature a thin crust, and customers may also get creative and select from a wide range of ingredients to build their own dream pizza.

best pizza

FABIANI’S

ith Fabiani’s winning this year’s Best Italian Food honor, it’s no wonder that the South Maui eatery also picked up the nod for Best Pizza. Both the Wailea and Kihei locations offer an enticing spread of specialty pizzas sure to please every palate. Keep it simple — but no less flavorful — with the classic margherita, crafted with mozzarella, tomato and chiffonade basil. Many of the pizza recipes are inspired by the island surroundings, such as the Haleakala, with white sauce, garlic, fingerling potatoes, red

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BEST PIZZA CATHERINE KENAR photo

The Fabiani, topped with salami, mushrooms and Brie cheese, is a popular pizza choice.

onions, bacon, fontina cheese and crispy kale. The retaurant’s namesake chef, Lorenzo Fabiana, has also crafted a namesake pizza, the Lorenzo, a white pizza loaded with fresh mozzarella and mushrooms topped with prosciutto and arugula, then

FABIANI’S | 95 E. Lipoa St. | Kihei | 874-0888; 34 Wailea Gateway Pl. Wailea | 874-1234 www.fabianis.com

HONORABLE MENTION SERPICO’S | 7 Aewa Pl. | Pukalani | 572-8498 www.serpicosmaui.com PIZZA HUT | For a location near you, visit www.pizzahuthawaii.com

Maui’s Best & Largest Selection of: • GLASS PIPES • VAPORIZERS • CBD PRODUCTS • TOBACCO Across Lahaina Cannery Above Blackies 661-1115 Above Blackies Kihei 874-1040 346 Market St., Wailuku (across from Takamiya)

873-3111

Thank you Maui for your votes & support!

Open Daily at 6 am

Serving great food on Maui for over 50 years!

Mahalo Maui for your patronage!

FREE GYOZA

with regular meal purchase presenting this coupon before ordering exp: 11/30/18

Try our new combo selection at a great value!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Tasty Crust

244-0845 1770 Mill Street, Wailuku

We cater for any size party

OPEN: Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:30pm • Sun. 10:00am-9:00pm

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Suite 1043, Kahului • 873-9688

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food+drink BESTOFMAUI mahimahi with crab; cuts ono into chunks for ceviche; steams whole opakapaka in sizzling peanut oil. The everThese same fishers trailer rotating menu changes daily, their boats right up to the load- depending on what’s caught. ing dock, cutters receive it, slice fillets and sashimi, and chefs use bones to make aro- BEST SEAFOOD matic Bouillabaisse and other MAMA’S FISH HOUSE 799 Poho Pl. | Kuau rich soup stocks. Executive Chef Perry 579-8488 | www.mamas Bateman shucks glistening fishhouse.com Haaheo oysters from Hilo; HONORABLE skillet sears bottom fish such MENTION as uku, caught at 800-foot NICK’S FISHMARKET depths off Lanai; stuffs The Fairmont Kealani 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. Just-caught Wailea | 879-7224 Hawaiian www.nicksfishmarket onaga, or maui.com long-tailed red snapper, is plat- HONU SEAFOOD ed atop the & PIZZA freshest Maui 1295 Front St. vegetables. Lahaina | 667-9390 Photo courtesy www.honumaui.com

best seafood

MAMA’S FISH HOUSE

t’s no surprise that Mama’s Fish House lures you in hook, line and fresh catch for consistent annual Best Seafood crowns. For 45 years, owners Floyd and Doris Christenson have captained their expert team to offer the best locally caught fish ever. They even subsidize deep-sea buoys for Maui fishers, so they may easily hook-up out in the deep blue.

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Mama’s Fish House

Fork & Salad’s ingredients are a rainbow of fresh.

best vegetarian

FORK & SALAD

Photo courtesy Fork & Salad

randishing the hashtag #EatLocalEatHealthy on its social media platforms, Fork & Salad raises the bar for farm-to-table quick and casual eateries. Featuring chef-inspired salads, sandwiches, stews, soups, organic coffee and more, the innovative restaurant sources local and organic produce whenever possible. Those ascribing to a plantbased diet rejoice in the myriad options — from apples to wasabi peas — available for healthy, protein-rich salads. Meat-eaters have plenty to

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BEST VEGETARIAN FORK & SALAD | 1279 S. Kihei Rd.| Kihei 879-3675; 120 Hookele St. | Kahului | 793-3256 www.forkandsaladmaui .com

HONORABLE MENTION

choose from as well, and can top off their salads with delectable add-ons such as citrus-poached shrimp, ancho chile-seasoned steak or baked ahi belly with olive oil, capers and kalamata olives. Chef-owners Jaron Blosser, Cody Christopher and Travis

DOWN TO EARTH 305 Dairy Rd. Kahului | 877-2661 www.downtoearth.org JOY’S PLACE | 1993 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei 879-9258 | www.joys placemauihawaii.com

Morrin launched the flagship Fork & Salad in 2016 in Kihei, with their second location recently opened in Kahului. The entrepreneurial trio shares a common vision: to expand the farm-to-table movement and make it accessible to all consumers.

LOWSON & ASSOCIATES West Maui’s Preferred Professionals Since 1970

Laurie Lowson Laurie S. Lowson REALTOR® ABR, CRB, CRS, ePRO, RSPS

Thank you for voting us #1 and support throughout the years!

91 NORTH MARKET ST. WAILUKU

KANEMITSU’S BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP

www.hithaimaui.com • 808 280-8936

(808) 276-8001 Laurie@Lowson.com OFFICE: (808) 661-8771 RB-16475 991 Limahana Pl. #E Lahaina, HI 96761 www.Lowson.com

79 Ala Malama Ave. • Kaunakakai, HI 96778 Phone: 808-553-5855

Thank you Maui for your l oyalty of 25 years!

1792 Main Street • Wailuku, HI 96793 • 243-9560 Vietnamese Cuisine, Naokee’s Steak, Vegetarian Delight! Private Parties • Catering • Take Out Mon-Sat 10 am - 9:30 pm • Sun 10 am - 8:30 pm

Green Ti Massage

Best Massage on Maui at the Best Price!

Mahalo Maui for Loving us for 11 years!

MASSAGE • ACUPUNCTURE GIFTS • FACIAL • WAXING Now Carrying OOFos Footwear

We accept No Fault & Workers Comp Insurance. MAE #2281 40 N. MARKET ST., WAILUKU • 242-8788 • www.greentimaui.com A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S19


BESTOFMAUI food+drink Award-winnning pankocrusted ahi sashimi comprises island fresh ahi tuna wrapped with arugula and spinach, panko crusted and flash fried, served with a soy wasabi butter sauce is a popular menu item.

best sushi fine dining

SANSEI think Maui News readers know us for both quality and value. We offer great traditional sushi along with new and innovative dishes,� offered Kihei General Manager Randy Rinaldi, when asked how Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar wins year after year, poll after poll for Best Sushi on Maui. Known for the unique flavors and textures of its dishes, signature items include the positively addictive rock shrimp dynamite of crispy tempura shrimp

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Photo courtesy Sansei

tossed with a garlic masago aioli and unagi glaze drizzle; mango and crab salad hand roll and panko-crusted ahi sashimi, which is flashfried and served with a soy wasabi butter sauce.

Sansei even has two veggie rolls, the Paia maki roll filled with local greens, avocado, asparagus, kaiware sprouts, cucumber and pine nuts; and a grilled veggie roll with grilled shiitake

mushrooms, yellow zucchini, roasted red bell peppers, creamy avocado, cucumber and asparagus, crusted with furikake spice. Sansei has a nice selection of wine, sake, cocktails and beer (both on tap and bottled) to pair with its sushi. “We really try hard to have all of our guests have an experience that they want to come back for again and again,� added Rinaldi.

BEST SUSHI FINE DINING

BEST SUSHI CASUAL DINING

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR 1881 S.Kihei Rd. Kihei | 879-0004; 600 Office Rd. Kapalua | 669-6286 www.sanseihawaii.com

GENKI SUSHI Maui Mall | 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 873-7776 www.genkisushiusa.com

HONORABLE MENTION NUKA 780 Haiku Rd. Haiku | 575-2939 www.nukamaui.com MORIMOTO MAUI 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 243-4766 www.morimotomaui .com

* U Ĺ&#x; T BO )POPS 8FĹ&#x; S F QS PVE U P S FDFJ WF BO )POPS BCM F .FOU J PO J O U IF #FTU PG .BVJ LJ E G S J FOEM Z DBU FHPS Z .BIBM P U P BM M PVS M PZBM DVTU PNFS T

4FS WJ OH )BXBJ J TJ ODF XJ U I S FTU BVS BOU T TU BU FXJ EF i .D%POBM EĹ&#x; T m

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HONORABLE MENTION SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & BAR 1881 S.Kihei Rd. Kihei | 879-0004; 600 Office Rd. Kapalua | 669-6286 www.sanseihawaii.com ICHIBAN RESTAURANT & SUSHI | Kahului Shopping Center 65 W. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 871-6977


food+drink BESTOFMAUI made once patrons are seated and before long, freshly made sushi arrives via a triple rail system. Begin with a warm bowl of miso soup, pop plain or spicy edamame out of their shells; enjoy tasty nigiri, gunkan or temaki sushi; poke bowls and sashimi are also available. Don’t forget to try one of the fancier rolls like dynamite seafood or volcano roll, soft shell crab roll, rainbow roll or dragon roll. If more variety is desired, Genki offers baked mussels, stuffed mushrooms and deep-fried tempura, gyoza and chicken karaage, plus so much more. As Genki’s website proudly proclaims, “Improving the quality of each plate we serve — this is the driving force behind change at Genki Sushi.”

best sushi casual dining

GENKI SUSHI

CATHERINE KENAR photo

Spicy ahi gunkan (clockwise from left), spicy tuna ebi fry roll and onion salmon nigiri are delectable choices at Genki Sushi. hat began as an Genki Sushi was born. Offerunusual concept cre- ing a way to grab a quick bite ated by sushi chef of sushi, Genki Sushi has Fumio Saito in Japan in modernized again and now 1968, “kaiten sushi,” or “re- uses touch screen ordering volving sushi,” pioneered us- and the “Bullet Express” deing a revolving conveyor belt livery mode. With touch to serve sushi. From that idea, screen ordering, selections are

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2015 – 2018

Thank you for making us the Best Live Theater on Maui. Making Magic, Musicals & Memories

ANNOUNC IN OUR NEW G SEASON

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE ink your teeth into a tempting TPhoto courtesy Ruth’s Chris Steak House bone, a full-bodied New York The Tomahawk hero ribeye sizzles at strip or a fabulously lean filet Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations. mignon. All USDA prime beef cuts are seared to perfection, finished with pats of butter and whisked to your table on BEST STEAK sizzling 500-degree plates. Arriving RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE juicy and hot, the meaty masterpieces The Outlets of Maui | 900 Front St. pair perfectly with heaping sides of Lahaina | 661-8815; The Shops at creamed spinach, au gratin potatoes, Wailea | 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. warm ambience and comfortable ele- Wailea | 874-8880 | www.ruthschris.com gance. Sip a chilled martini, swirl a big, HONORABLE MENTION red wine from the award-winning list, share crab-stuffed mushrooms, crunch a OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE | Piilani steak-house salad and delight in rich Village Center | 281 Piikea Ave. | Kihei 879-8400 | www.outback.com bread pudding with creme Anglaise. To experience the New Orleans inspired DUO STEAK & SEAFOOD | Four Seasons Resort Maui | 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr. cuisine at its prime, just follow the sizWailea | 874-8000 | www.fourseasons.com zle to Ruth’s two locations on Maui

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Voted Maui’s Best Burger Four Years in a Row! Mahalo for your continued support! 2012 – 2018 Aipono Winner

808.242.6969

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S21


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best ethnic chinese

WEI WEI BBQ ith each Wei Wei BBQ W restaurant on Maui incorporating its own style and flavors, fans of Chinese fare are sure to enjoy their favorite dishes whether in Wailuku or Pukalani. At the Wailuku location, in business for over 20 years, the chef-owners from Shanghai add their own special touches on dishes such as the popular

roast duck, house cake noodle and char siu gon lo mein. The family-owned eatery also offers various barbecued meats, including roast pork and siu. Wei Wei BBQ in Pukalani offers its own modern interpretation of classic dishes. The wide variety of menu items ensures something for everyone. Chicken, seafood, beef, pork and noodles come in a range of dishes, and for those who can’t decide, plenty of combination plates are available. Try the sweet sour ribs, beef with broccoli, oyster sauce chicken, fish with black bean sauce or one of dozens of other dishes.

BEST CHINESE

MIKE’S HONG KONG BISTRO WEI WEI BBQ 1900 Main St. 210 Imi Kala St. #201 Wailuku | 244-7888 Wailuku | 242-7928; www.mikeshongkong 55 Pukalani St., Ste. 6 bistro.com Pukalani | 573-8838 www.weiweibbq.com PANDA EXPRESS For a location near HONORABLE you, visit www.panda MENTION express.com

european

GERARD’S erard’s has managed to G indulge Maui’s taste buds with its contemporary island French cuisine for the

past 36 years. Owner Gerard Reversade attributes the enduring success to professionalism, consistency, attention to details and self-discipline. That includes Reversade’s “old school” approach to running

filipino

TANTE’S ISLAND CUISINE ante and Araceli Urban Twhenfollow the “three G’s” it comes to serving

authentic Filipino dishes at Tante’s Island Cuisine: Photo courtesy Gerard’s Good food, Good service Gerard Reversade brings more than a touch of his and Good price. The restaunative France to the dishes he prepares at his rant offers a wide range of Lahaina restaurant, such as locally caught Hawaiian snapper. his business, which has the chef prepping each morning at 8 a.m., personally preparing sauces, filleting fresh fish and attending to all the other fine points that go into overseeing a successful kitchen. He then returns for evening service. One of the most popular dishes? Locally caught Hawaiian snapper, roasted in savory olive oil, fennel fondue, potato and carrot puree, with emulsion of orange and ginger. Even French visitors delight in the authentic cuisine they are surprised to encounter in the middle of the Pacific.

BEST EUROPEAN GERARD’S RESTAURANT 174 Lahainaluna Rd. | Lahaina 661-8939 | www. gerardsmaui.com

HONORABLE MENTION BRIGIT & BERNARD’S GARDEN CAFE 335 Hoohana St. Kahului | 877-6000 www.brigitand bernards.com

Photo courtesy Tante’s Island Cuisine

One of Tante’s Island Cuisine’s most popular dishes is Shrimp Sari Sari.

BEST FILIPINO

PARADISE SUPERMART TANTE’S ISLAND CUISINE 207 E. Wakea Ave. 100 W. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 877-6767 Kahului | 877-0300 GOLDEN COIN BAKESHOP www.tantesisland & RESTAURANT cuisine.com 759 Lower Main St. HONORABLE MENTION Wailuku | 214-5317

Island Style Furniture

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cuisines from the Ilocos, Tagalog and Visayas regions of the Philippines, along with local-style cooking, and steak and seafood. One of the restaurant’s popular dishes, the Shrimp Sari Sari, can only be sampled at Tantes. The Sari Sari, which means an “assortment of things,” includes shrimp, pork, shrimp stock, garlic, patis, eggplant, okra, pumpkin, squash, green beans and broccoli.

1068 Limahana Pl., Lahaina • 808-667-7748 • MindsEyeInterior.com

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S22


food+drink BESTOFMAUI best ethnic hawaiian

POI BY THE POUND hether you’re a Maui resident craving your favorite plate lunch or a visitor right off the plane looking for a taste of local living, Poi By The Pound hits the spot. When it comes to Hawaiian food, poi is pivotal, and patrons to this Kahului restaurant can sample the famous fare alongside Poi By The Pound favorites squid lu‘au combo, lau lau plate or a variety of other dishes. Beef, seafood, chicken and pork dishes abound.

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BEST HAWAIIAN POI BY THE POUND 430 Kele St. Kahului | 283-9381 www.poibythepound .com

HONORABLE MENTION DA KITCHEN CAFE 425 Koloa St. Kahului | 871-7782 www.dakitchen.com ALOHA MIXED PLATE 1285 Front St. Lahaina | 661-3322 www.alohamixed plate.com

indian

KAMANA KITCHEN raditional homemade Tspices recipes using premium and the freshest in-

gredients make Kamana Kitchen in Kihei a standout stop for authentic Indian cuisine. Classic offerings

BEST INDIAN KAMANA KITCHEN 1881 S. Kihei Rd. Kihei | 879-7888 www.kamanakitchen .com

HONORABLE MENTION MONSOON INDIA 760 S. Kihei Rd.

are plentiful, from vegetable and meat samosa and palak paneer to lamb tikka masala and chicken curry. Along with the variety of chicken, seafood and lamb dishes, Kamana Kitchen features an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu. o Lorenzo Fabiani, what Check out the baigan bharta, sets his restaurant apart eggplant char-grilled over from other Italian eateries is the an open flame, mashed and seasoned with herbs than amount of passion that goes sauteed with onions, toma- into all of the dishes. “I grew up in Italy in my toes and fresh cilantro. family’s restaurant and hotel (hotel Cristallo), and I learned Kihei | 875-6666 that caring about the ingrediwww.monsoonindia ents and the methods in maui.com recipes will yield a fantastic result,” said the chef, whose JINI’S CURRY namesake restaurant, FabiWailuku Promenade ani’s, has locations in Kihei Food Court | 2050 Main and Wailea, serving pasta, pizSt. | Wailuku | 243za, bruschetta, carpaccio and 3454 | www.fijiindian other Italian classics. Among food.com the favorites is the lasagna, which is made with layers of

italian

FABIANI’S BAKERY & PIZZERIA T

bechamel, bolognese, pasta and cheeses. “From the service to the food, it’s the combination of every one of our staff taking pride in what they are serving,” Fabiani concluded.

BEST ITALIAN FABIANI’S BAKERY & PIZZERIA | 95 E. Lipoa St. | Kihei | 874-0888; 34 Wailea Gateway Pl. Wailea | 874-1234 www.fabianis.com

HONORABLE MENTION MARCO’S GRILL & DELI 444 Hana Hwy. | Kahului 877-4446 CASANOVA ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND DELI 1188 Makawao Ave. Makawao l 572-0220 www.casanovamaui .com

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S23


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best ethnic japanese

TOKYO TEI t Tokyo Tei, an emphaA sis on presentation, excellent service and authen-

tic Asian cuisine ensures a feast for the senses. Four generations of this family-run Wailuku restaurant have served Maui residents and

BEST JAPANESE

visitors alike since 1935. Shrimp tempura and teriyaki steak are the restaurant’s specialties, while saimin and nabeyaki udon, fresh sashimi, yakitori, chicken katsu and many more dishes tempt those seeking a quick lunch, or others in or fast, fresh and delicious search of a relaxing environcuisine, Korean food ment for dinner. A wide se- lovers know Pearl’s Korean lection of Japanese beers are BBQ is the place to be. All the also on hand to complement your meals.

korean

PEARL’S KOREAN BBQ F BEST KOREAN

65 W. Kaahumanu Ave. | Kahului TOKYO TEI 871-6977 1063 Lower Main St. KOBE JAPANESE Wailuku | 242-9630 www.tokyoteimaui.com STEAKHOUSE & OKU’S SUSHI BAR HONORABLE MENTION 136 Dickenson St. ICHIBAN RESTAURANT Lahaina | 667-5555 www.kobejapanese & SUSHI | Kahului steakhouse.net Shopping Center

PEARL’S KOREAN BBQ Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center | 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave. | Kahului 877-0788; 270 Dairy Rd. Kahului | 871-8030 www.pearlskoreanbbqmaui.com

favorites can be found at the friendly take-out-style restaurant with locations at Maui Marketplace and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. Grab the bi bim bap, or rice with vegetables, beef and fried egg. Sink your teeth into eaturing fresh and homethe kal bi, barbecue short ribs made dishes, Fernando’s in Pearl’s special sauce. And don’t forget a side of kim- Mexican Grill delivers on quality and authentic Latin chee soup. flavors. Among the most popular dishes is the ceviche, the HONORABLE MENTION style rotating based on the

latin

FERNANDO’S MEXICAN GRILL F

JB,S KITCHEN AND LOUNGE 752 Lower Main St. Wailuku | 244-9616 www.jbskitchen.com OHANA KARAOKE & GRILL 740 Lower Main St. Wailuku | 242-8886

freshest fish available at market. The garlic shrimp, “fabulous” queso dip and wide variety of burritos and tacos keep customers returning to this festive restaurant conveniently located at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, with a second store at Maui Marketplace. The sizzling fajitas come in a choice of steak, chicken and shrimp, and pack in layers of flavor with fresh peppers and onions.

BEST LATIN

AMIGO’S For a location near FERNANDO’S MEXICAN you, visit www.amigos GRILL | Queen Ka‘ahumaui.com manu Center | 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave. | Kahului ROASTED CHILES | Azeka 871-5333; 270 Dairy Rd. Shopping Center | 1279 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei Kahului | 873-7759 868-4357 | www.roasted HONORABLE MENTION chileshawaii.com

Serving Maui for over 49 years Commercial/Contract/Residential

For Elegance, Sophistication and Expertise, we are your one-stop-shop for all your interior needs. Floorings, Window Treatments, Upholstery and more. • Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer • Extensive Window Covering Section • Expert Installers and Upholsterers • Draperies and Fabrics • Free Consultation and Estimates • Custom Carpeting • Wood and Vinyl Flooring • Upholstery and Fabrics • In House Upholstery Shop • Waterproof Flooring (808) 661-4268 • 1036 Limahana Place #3L, Lahaina, HI 96761 • Email: sales@lahainacarpets.com • Website: www.lahainacarpets.com • A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S24


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best ethnic mediterranean

PITA PARADISE t’s a paradise within a paradise. Maui’s Imouthwatering Pita Paradise restaurant in Wailea offers Mediterranean dishes that

meld the flavors of Greece and Italy with fresh ingredients from island farms and fish straight from the surrounding waters. Among the most popular dishes are the lamb gyro — a pita topped with grilled Australian range lamb, feta, onion, local Waipoli romaine and tomatoes, served with tzatziki sauce and rice pilaf; and the Mediterranean fish salad — a chopped salad of Waipoli romaine, local tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parmesan, a house-made creamy vinaigrette and topped with owner Johnny Arabatzis Jr.’s fresh catch. For dessert, dive into the baklava ice cream cake. You’ll be glad you did.

Lamb gyros is one of the most popular dishes at Pita Paradise in Wailea. Photo courtesy Pita Paradise

BEST MEDITERRANEAN PITA PARADISE | 34 Wailea Gateway Pl. | Wailea | 879-7177 www.pitaparadisehawaii.com

HONORABLE MENTION CAFE DES AMI | 42 Baldwin Ave. Paia | 579-6323 | www.cdamaui .com HABIBI ON MAUI | 3655 Baldwin Ave. | Makawao | 280-8551

mexican

POLLI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT colorful and fun enviA ronment along with heaping helpings await those who wander Upcountry to Polli’s Mexican Restaurant. With a history dating back to 1981, Polli’s has repeatedly earned a reputation for being Maui’s top Mexican eatery. Guacamole made from Maui avocados, taquitos and tostadas, sizzling fajitas, . . . oh my! Burritos are jampacked with everything from sauteed shrimp and ono to tender roasted pork

and homemade chile verde or add an island twist with sauce. Did we mention the strawberry, mango or lilikoi margaritas? Try an original, flavor.

BEST MEXICAN POLLI’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1202 Makawao Ave. Makawao | 572-7808 | www.pollismexican restaurant.com

HONORABLE MENTION AMIGO’S | For a location near you, visit www.amigosmaui.com LAS PINATAS OF MAUI 395 Dairy Rd. | Kahului 877-8707 www.pinatasmaui.com

MAHALO FOR YOUR SUPPORT! GUXPVRIWKHSDFLÀ FPDXL FRP 808 667 4727 A Tihati Production. TA-161-564-6720-01

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S25


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best ethnic thai

THAI MEE UP ith balanced flavors and W expertly combined aromatic ingredients, Thai Mee

Up’s array of dishes would hold their own at many a fine dining restaurant. Lucky for all Thai food lovers, lemongrass fried chicken with green papaya salad; cashew chicken; fried pork ribs; and so much more come hot and fast out of a food truck window. Keep an eye out for flavorful specials as well, from coconut shrimp with pineapple sauce to grilled lamb chops with jasmine rice.

best ethnic overall

BEST THAI THAI MEE UP | Food truck | 591 Haleakala Hwy. | Kahului | 2143369; 24 Kiopaa St. Kula | 280-7753 HONORABLE MENTION THAI CHEF RESTAURANT | Old Lahaina Center | 878 Front St. | Lahaina 667-2814 | www.thai chefrestaurantmaui.com THAILAND CUISINE Kukui Mall | 1819 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei 875-0839; Maui Mall 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 873-0225 www.thailandcuisine maui.net

BEST ETHNIC OVERALL

A SAIGON CAFE hen asked to name some of her alltime favorite dishes, Jennifer Nguyen of A Saigon Cafe finds it tough to narrow down. “Oh my, there are so many,” said the restaurateur whose Vietnamese fare has repeatedly earned her the Best Ethnic Restaurant title. Among the most popular dishes are the fried spring rolls, which feature ground pork, mushrooms, long rice, carrots and onions, all wrapped in rice paper and fried until crispy. The calamari, another crispy dish, is served with tamarind sauce. Other popular dishes include green papaya salad, rare steak pho, garden party shrimp and Vietnamese burritos, a house speciality. Nguyen said she is honored that the restaurant has been recognized once again. “Our success has been our commitment to quality ingredients, consistency and a friendly atmosphere,” she said.

A SAIGON CAFE 1792 Main St. Wailuku | 243-9560 www.asaigoncafe .com

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HONORABLE MENTION VIETNAMESE CUISINE | 1200 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei 875-2088 | www.maui vietnameserestaurant .com Photo courtesy A Saigon Cafe

Rice in a claypot, Vietnamese ice coffee, rare steak pho and shrimp summer rolls are favorites at A Saigon Cafe.

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S26

BA-LE SANDWICH SHOP For a location near you, visit www.bale maui.com


food+drink BESTOFMAUI daily from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and again from 9 to 11 p.m. Live music rotates daily with popular island performers. As for food and drink, get happy with 50 percent off appetizers (except poke tacos and raw bar) and bite into an array of $10 flatbreads (except the Bourgeous with lobster as a topping). Culinary cocktails are $9.50, house red and white wines are $7 a glass, Ocean Vodka drinks go down easy for $6 each and the numerous draft beer selections start at $5.

best new restaurant+best happy hour

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN BY MERRIMAN best new restaurant

emember the old Rusty Harpoon building? In its place is shiny and new Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, the “Best New Restaurant” on Maui. Fabulously radiant in a contemporary open-air structure by famous architect Mike Nicholls, it glistens over Kaanapali Beach in the center of Whalers Fine Shops & Restaurants. Monkeypod Kaanapali opened in October, and quickly rose as the brightest new hot spot on Maui for both locals and visitors to hang out and enjoy. It’s no surprise, as partner Peter Merriman is an acclaimed chef and restaurateur with numerous success stories under his belt — on Maui, the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu — and everything he touches turns to gold. A lively gathering place, Monkeypod boasts a ginormous bar, cushy booths and expansive dining room —

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gogi pork tacos with handcrafted kimchi, jalapenos, Asian pear and Thai chili aioli served on locally made corn tortillas; and Waipoli Farm greens with beets, bacon, chevre and Maui onions in orange-ginger vinaigrette. Live music two-to three times daily and lots of personable Monkeypod Wailea veterans with GM Ryan Schooley at the helm add to the overall gleam. “We are very excited to be voted Best New Restaurant on Maui,” enthuses Schooley. “In all of our restaurants, we aim to be a positive contributor to the community, and strive to leave the world a better place. To be recognized by The Maui News’ voters as the Best New Restaurant on Maui is a great honor. A huge thank you goes out to all of our staff, farmers, fishermen and the island of Maui! Now come in and have a Mai Tai!”

all perfect places to check out the phenomenal buildout by Maui-based Viking Construction. Cool off with an icy boutique beer and enjoy creative comfort foods on the menu. “We use a Blizzard Beer system to serve our 36 craft beers at a crisp 29 degrees to beat the Kaanapali heat,” says Chief Operations Officer Sara Hill. “Our pizza dough is aged three days, hand tossed and finished off in a Woodstone oven — you can get a front row seat for the pizza show every day at our pizza bar.” Executive Chef Brandon LaClair serves an eclectic menu so everyone can find something they love. He sources fresh seasonal products from local Maui farmers, ranchers and fishermen — sustainable practices for which the Merriman restaurant empire is famous. his year, the happiest Signature items are macadamia-nut-crusted place on Maui is Monmahimahi with Maui pineapkeypod Kitchen by ple relish, organic brown rice Merriman at the Wailea and lemon beurre blanc; bul- Gateway plaza for a No. 1

best happy hour

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT

win for Best Happy Hour.” A sea of familiar resort faces make it their “party central” between hotel and restaurant jobs, and visitors escape the heat of the beach to cool down with an icy brew, relax and enjoy. Happy Hour runs twice

BEST HAPPY HOUR

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN BY MERRIMAN Whaler’s Village 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy. Lahaina | 878-6763 www.monkeypodkit chen.com

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN | 10 Wailea Gateway Pl. | Wailea 891-2322; Whalers Village | 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy. | 878-6763 www.monkeypod kitchen.com

HONORABLE MENTION

HONORABLE MENTION

MAUI BREWING CO. 605 Lipoa Pkwy. | Kihei 201-2337 | www.mbc restaurants.com

ALE HOUSE | 355 E. Kamehameha Ave. Kahului | 877-0001 www.kahuluiale house.com

CUPIE’S DRIVE-IN 134 W. Kamehameha Ave. | Kahului | 8773055

BISTRO CASANOVA 33 Lono Ave. | Kahului 873-3650 | www.casano vamaui.com

Mahalo Maui for supporting Geno Sarmiento Corporate Executive Chef for

and Nick’s Fishmarket Honorable Mention for “Best Seafood” A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S27


BESTOFMAUI food+drink best resort restaurant

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA‘A amed after the state fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is once again swimming ahead of the school for a return win as Best Resort Restaurant after impressive renovations and stellar menu additions.

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Situated oceanfront in the middle of a million-gallon saltwater lagoon, the thatched-roof restaurant’s new design makes your heart sing as does the menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Lofaro, an expert waterman. His culturally conscious cuisine is off the charts with

ulu, or local breadfruit, risotto; hamachi carpaccio with ginger shave ice; crispy mahimahi with forbidden rice and baby bok choy; and the Humu chocolate garden dessert with chocolate “stones” and pistachio “moss.” The bottom line is, anything you savor will be worth every bite.

BEST RESORT RESTAURANT

HONORABLE MENTION

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA‘A Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 875-1234 | www.grand wailea.com

KO | The Fairmont Kealani 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea 875-2210 | www.korestaurant.com CANE & CANOE | Montage Kapalua Bay | 1 Bay Dr. | Lahaina | 662-6681 www.montagehotels.com

There are tours ... Then there is ...

Tours offered Saturdays at10:00 a.m. Kama‘aina $25 • Out-of-town $50

For Reservations: (808) 242-0818

Take a one-of-a-kind farm, botanical, architectural and historical tour of one of Maui’s most glorious estates. After the tour, enjoy your own picnic lunch while you soak up the island’s most spectacular panoramic views.

C AT E R I N G

242-6652

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www.LonaRidge.com

Dani’s 8 8 0 K o lu S tr e e t W a ilu k u In d u str ia l

Photo courtesy Grand Wailea

The Best Resort Restaurant was revamped earlier this year and its Humuhumu Bar & Lounge entrance area is the place to “see and be seen.”

359 M a r k e tS t. M o n -S a t 5:15 a m - 6:0 0 p m

244-3404

M ahalo M aui an d to our loyal custom ers throughout the years... Haw aiian Food •LocalFavorites BanquetHallSeats 200

Mahalo Maui for your support! Check out Social Media for daily locations & menu Mon-Wed-Fri: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm • 344-7929 www.mauifreshstreatery.com Find our menus on…

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S28


food+drink BESTOFMAUI best sports bar

best restaurant overall casual dining

ALE HOUSE

CAFE O’LEI AT THE DUNES

hen looking for a favorite sports bar, there are a few must haves — a lot of big screen TVs, great beer and ono grinds. Kahului Ale House supplies all those necessary features. Forty-five 1080i high-definition TVs are hung up around the interior allowing KAH to show 24 different events at any one time. And even though it’s known as a sports bar, parents can be assured KAH is family-friendly. This full-service restaurant offers a delicious menu of local favorites like hamburger steak, teriyaki chicken, salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches. If you want something more pupu-like, try the loaded nachos; Maui Cattle Co. beef or kalua pork sliders; rich, flavorful spinach artichoke dip with warm tortilla chips; or the pupu platter with a healthy helping of a variety of the pupu. The dips and dressings are housemade. KAH keeps 38 beers on draft served below freezing. They raised their profile

orld-class views meet a friendly, laidback dining experience at Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes. Those who count this jewel amid the fairways of the Maui Lani Golf Course among their favorite dining spot are locals who know that they can come by to relax and enjoy expertly prepared cuisine. Visitors will delight in the koi pond welcoming them to Cafe O’Lei. Diners can choose between comfortable indoor seating or outdoor patio tables with views of the course and the towering West Maui Mountains resting in the background. Cherub Lang, sales and marketing director for Cafe O’Lei Restaurants and daughter of chef-owners Mike and Dana Pastula, said the Cafe O’Lei team is elated to win the Best of Maui honor of Best Restaurant - Casual Dining. “We know ‘Best of Maui’ is voted on by locals, and that makes it even more special to us,” she said. “We strive to make Cafe O’Lei Restaurants a place where

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CATHERINE KENAR photo

Enjoy ono foods, numerous HD TVs and friendly atmosphere at Kahului Ale House. when they added KAH Sushi & Sake bar. Available seven days a week, KAH Sushi slices, dices and rolls from 3 p.m. KAH Sushi offers many popular rolls like California and volcano, along with delectable firecracker rolls and baked Alaskan.

BEST SPORTS BAR ALE HOUSE | 355 E. Kamehameha Ave. Kahului | 877-0001 | www .kahuluialehouse.com

HONORABLE MENTION TIFFANY’S BAR & GRILL 1424 Lower Main St. Wailuku | 249-0052 www.tiffanysmaui.com LAHAINA SPORTS BAR 843 Wainee St. | Lahaina (844) 898-1314

Photos courtesy Cafe O’Lei

Savor a Maui Onion Soup en Croute to start, then relish the tender, fall-off-the-bone Asianstyle braised beef shortrib.

everyone can come dine, feel comfortable and be taken care of.” The Pastulas have worked together over the past two decades to create a brand that encompasses several restaurants around Maui, as well as an esteemed catering enterprise. The secrets to making their restaurants, including Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes, so inviting and popular start with quality food, beautiful presentation and great value. “People see that, and appreciate the efforts we put into making sure our dishes are made with the freshest ingredients,” Lang said. “In turn, we strive to buy from local farms and businesses as much as we can.”

Along with the popular daily plate lunch special that flies out the door at lunch time, Cafe O’Lei at the Dunes offers several favorites. The lettuce wrap, for example, features sweet ginger chicken with the textures of water chestnuts and shiitake mushrooms, wrapped up with the freshness of crisp green lettuce. “There’s something about the flavors of this dish that people love to come back for,” Lang said. The Maui onion soup also tempts with what Lang calls its “comforting experience.” “If you’ve had this soup, I think it’s safe to say that the best part is breaking into the flaky and buttery puff pastry crust and reaching in for the creamy, hot Gruyere

M ahalo for your votes!

Wei Wei BBQ ‘N Noodle House

Komoda Store & Bakery

Mahalo for voting us Best Chinese Restaurant

Handmade pastries since 1916

& Bakery

Cream Puffs • Stick Donuts • Butter Rolls • Cookies We will be on Vacation September 9th thru October 1st. We will REOPEN on October 2nd!

3674 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, Maui • 572-7261

(Millyard location) Serving Maui for over 20 years.

242-7928 210 Imi Kala St., 201, Wailuku Wed-Mon 9:30am-9:00pm Tuesday Closed

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S29

cheese,” she said. And finally the Asianstyle braised shortribs, Chef Mike Pastula’s specialty, feature a large portion of shortribs slowly braised in a unique blend of Asian spices. For the Pastulas and their family members who help keep the Cafe O’Lei brand humming, it’s the personal touches that make their restaurants special. “We are family owned; we are not a big corporation, so we understand the importance of great value without compromising on quality ingredients,” Lang said. “So ... it’s simple — we are fresh, local and family-owned.”

BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL CASUAL CAFE O’LEI AT THE DUNES 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy. Kahului | 877-0073 | www. cafeoleirestaurants.com

HONORABLE MENTION DA KITCHEN CAFE 425 Koloa St. | Kahului 871-7782 | www.da kitchen.com SEASCAPE | Maui Ocean Center | 192 Maalaea Rd. Maalaea | 270-7068 www.mauioceancenter.com


BESTOFMAUI food+drink love. We’re honored to be recognized for the hard work and efforts of our seafood employees on Maui!” enthused Sheryl L. Toda, spokesperson for Foodland Super Market, Ltd.

best poke

FOODLAND imply explained, poke is diced raw fish mixed with shoyu, Hawaiian sea salt, green onions, Maui onion, maybe a bit of limu. Anyone who has eaten poke knows there’s much more to it, and when Maui wants poke, our readers choose Foodland’s as their favorite poke. On any given day, Foodland offers more than 25 different flavors of this Hawaiian comfort food. Favorites such as Fresh Ahi Hawaiian-style, Ahi California Roll and Spicy Ahi tempt the taste buds, along with Ahi Auntie’s Special poke and White Crab Kim Chee poke,

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BEST POKE FOODLAND | For a location near you, visit www.foodland.com Photos courtesyFoodland

Foodland’s seafood departments know what their customers like. which ratchet up the flavor levels to the stratosphere. “Our seafood departments put a lot of heart and aloha into making each batch of poke fresh daily with the flavors they know our customers

HONORABLE MENTION TAMURA’S FINE WINES & LIQUORS For a location near you, visit www.tam urasfinewine.com KAOHU STORE 1833 Kaohu St. Wailuku | 244-7878

Thank You Loyal Tante’s Customers for voting us

best kid-friendly

IHOP eiki and IHOP go together like strawberry syrup and a stack of Silver 5 (silver-dollar sized pancakes that are a favorite IHOP meal for kids). From ordering fun items off the kids’ menu, which they can color to their hearts’ content, to games (also on the menu) and a take-home sippee cup, IHOP is the place families with youngsters go. “Parents tell me that their kids will say, “I don’t want to go to grandma’s; I want to go to IHOP!” jokes Rodrigo Anguiano, general manager of the IHOP at the Maui Mall in Kahului. Parents love Maui IHOP too, but for different reasons.

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Their keiki are too busy with their crayons to misbehave out of boredom and from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, kids eat free! IHOP Maui also supports local high schools with a 10 percent discount card available for purchase. Participating schools keep the proceeds from each card sold — a gift of community appreciation from your local IHOP.

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT IHOP | Maui Mall 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului | 871-4000 www.ihopmaui.com

MONA DE CRINIS photo

Four-year-old Kamalani enjoys playing with crayons and drawing on the kids’ menu provided by IHOP at the Maui Mall.

HONORABLE MENTION MCDONALD’S | To find a location near you, visit www.mcdonalds.com ZIPPY’S | 15 Hookele St. Kahului | 856-7599 www.zippys.com

Have Lunch or Dinner NOW at our Newly Added Mä‘alaea Location!

“Best-Of ” in Filipino Food!

keiki

Held by The Maui News

menu Available

Open for Breakfast & Lunch 100 W Ka‘ahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732 • (808) 877-0300

Sushi Bar

Fresh Island Fish! Poke Bowls! Local Food! Filipino Cuisine! Call (808) 868-2148 300 MÄ‘ALAEA ROAD BY MAUI OCEAN CENTER ABOVE MÄ‘ALAEA HARBOR

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S30


food+drink BESTOFMAUI best service

HALI‘IMAILE GENERAL STORE ver the past 30 years, Hali‘imaile General Store has earned its place in the hearts — and stomachs — of countless Maui residents and visitors who know that the unassuming restaurant tucked away on Haleakala’s lower slopes is a jewel among the former pineapple fields. The restaurant is renowned Chef Bev Gannon’s first, and it continues to shine with its eclectic American dishes that infuse Asian influences, and of course, its phenomenal service. “At Hali‘imaile General Store, many of our team members have been with the restau-

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rant for 10, 15, 20 years or more, which creates a comfortable atmosphere for our returning customers, and a welcoming experience for our new guests,” said Kerri Glover, director of operations. Top-notch servers take pride in knowing their customers’ preferences and favorites, Glover said, and look forward to creating new memories with their Maui guests and visitors. The culinary team and menu features the best of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Gannon is the driving creative force for the menu offerings and cuisine experiences,

Photo courtesy Hali‘imaile General Store

A welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike, the Hali‘imaile General Store entrance. and Executive Chef Marc McDowell is a champion of locally sourced ingredients. The menu currently features connections to 21 of Maui’s local farms, Glover said. The lunch dishes are as comforting and inviting as the service and atmosphere, from

Stitch Best Shop Dog on Maui!

the sashimi Napoleon, featuring layers of ahi tartare, smoked salmon, sashimi ahi, crispy wontons and wasabi vinaigrette, to the BBQ pork sandwich with creamy basil slaw and spicy pickle chips on a roll. The dinner menu takes the

experience to the next level. Try the coconut seafood curry with fresh island fish, shrimp, day-boat scallop, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and snap peas, steamed in coconut milk and mixed with house-made green curry paste, lemongrass pesto, fish sauce and jasmine rice. Or opt for the crispy half duck, with celery root puree, pineapple chutney and Grand Marnier orange jus de volaille. Among the desserts to tempt your sweet tooth are the Hali‘imaile pineapple upsidedown cake with caramelized Maui gold pineapple and buttery vanilla pound cake served warm with whipped cream, and the lilikoi creme brulee with almond brittle and seasonal fresh fruit. Specialty cocktails, such as the hibiscus champagne and the lemongrass ginger frost, abound, as do fine wines by

BEST SERVICE HALI‘IMAILE GENERAL STORE 900 Haliimaile Rd. Makawao | 572-2666 www.hgsmaui.com

HONORABLE MENTION LAHAINA GRILL 127 Lahainaluna Rd. Lahaina | 667-5117 www.lahainagrill.com MAMA’S FISH HOUSE 799 Poho Pl. | Kuau 579-8488 | www.mamas fishhouse.com

Vietnamese Cuisine Authentic Vietnamese Food - Catering & Carry Out

Thank you Maui for your support! Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner 10 am - 9:00 pm

875-2088 92 Market Place • Wailuku 244-0011

the glass. “We are thankful to be celebrating our 30th year on Maui serving this wonderful community,” Glover said.

1280 S. Kihei Rd. #107

Azeka Place, Makai

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BESTOFMAUI food+drink best ambiance

MAMA’S FISH HOUSE feast for all of your senses, Mama’s Fish House & Inn proves time and again it’s beyond compare as a repeat Best Ambiance on Maui winner. Situated oceanfront in an idyllic Kuau Cove with swaying coconut palms, tide pools and lapping waves, Mama’s boasts an outrigger canoe for picture taking (Leonardo DiCaprio once playfully posed on the bow as if it were a Hawaiian “Titanic”). Follow the gecko-shaped stone walkway past the banyan arch, giant clamshells, exotic

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Right: The famous walkway of geckoshaped stones take you oceanfront under a lush coconut grove. Left: The sunset view under the coconut grove in idyllic Kuau Cove fronts Mama’s Fish House on the north shore. Photos courtesy Mama’s Fish House

florals with enticing fragrances, celebrity picture “wall of fame” and fine artwork. Then be seated at comfy tables or booths with gorgeous platewear and Tahitian fabric tablecloths hand sewn by tutu, all as envisioned by owners

Floyd and Doris “Mama” Christenson. Servers and hostesses wear vintage muumuu and Hawaiian shirts, taking you back to a simpler time, and adding eye candy to the everevolving Best Overall Restaurant on Maui.

BEST AMBIANCE MAMA’S FISH HOUSE 799 Poho Pl. | Kuau | 579-8488 www.mamasfishhouse.com

HONORABLE MENTION RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE The Outlets of Maui | 900 Front St.

“The Cupies Ohana would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support. We are truly thankful, grateful and blessed to be a part of this wonderful community! We will always strive to be one of Maui’s original one stop shop for all your local… comfort… homecooked grindz!” (808) 877-3055 contactus@cupiesmaui.com Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm Fri & Sat 10am-Midnight Closed Sunday 134 W. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S32

Lahaina | 661-8815; The Shops at Wailea | 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 874-8880 www.ruthschris.com THE MILL HOUSE | 1670 Honoapiilani Hwy. | Waikapu | 270-0333 www.millhousemaui.com


food+drink BESTOFMAUI best omiyage (island food gift)

KOMODA STORE & BAKERY he Japanese tradition of bringing food items back from their pilgrimages to share with friends and family, known as omiyage, is embraced by all cultures island wide. For Maui residents and visitors alike, the omiyage choice is custardfilled long johns, cream puffs and stick donuts from perennial favorite Komoda Store & Bakery. Once you’ve bitten into a Komoda bakery item, you truly can relate to “heaven on earth.� Tender pastries filled with traditional vanilla custard, or for a change of taste, chocolate custard or straw-

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berry and guava fillings. For something a bit simpler, but decadent all the same, try their famous butter rolls, rich with butter and just the right amount of sweet sugar. Good to note, TSA no CATHERINE KENAR photo longer considers Komoda’s Deciding which pastries cream filling a threat to be to include in your omiyage confiscated. is a challenge.

BEST OMIYAGE KOMODA’S STORE & BAKERY 3674 Baldwin Ave. Makawao | 572-7261

HONORABLE MENTION MAUI SPECIALTY CHOCOLATES

180 E. Wakea Ave. Kahului | 871-1222 www.mauispecialty chocolates.com HOME MAID BAKERY 1005 Lower Main St. Wailuku | 244-7015 www.homemaidbakery .com

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best local specialty shop

MAUI SPECIALTY CHOCOLATES ith a pastry degree from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Valerie Jones returned to her island home of Maui. She spent years creating pastries and desserts for Maui’s luxury resorts and hotels. Then a different opportunity presented itself as a result of the chocolates she was making for family and friends. Twenty-eight years later, Jones’ fine crafted chocolates and mochi made daily are available only in her store. You have to arrive early to

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get some of the most tender, delicate mochi found anywhere, and Jones will take orders in case you can’t be there at opening. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, be sure to freeze whatever mochi you don’t finish that day —

BEST LOCAL SPECIALTY SHOP (FOOD) MAUI SPECIALTY CHOCOLATES 180 E. Wakea Ave. Kahului | 871-1222 www.mauispecialty chocolates.com

Photo courtesy MSC

Milk chocolate peanut butter mochi can only be found at Maui Specialty Chocolates. Jones doesn’t use preservatives in her mochi.

HONORABLE MENTION PARADISE SUPERMART 207 E. Wakea Ave. Kahului | 877-6767 MAUI STYLE MARKET 65 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Ste. 3A | Kahului 877-3308

Maui’s newest woodfire pizza spot is open! • Maui’s most unique collection of FresH toppings and infused crust oils

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9JL ;D9KK=K =P@A:ALAGFK @AKLGJQ K@GHHAF? LGMJK Gh]f <Yadq 1Ye % ,he >J== 9\eakkagf *0,) :Yd\oaf 9n]& EYcYoYg$ @A 1./.0 `mafg]Ym&[ge

505 Front St Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761 surfsidepizzamaui.com | (808) 793-2650

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BESTOFMAUI deals+discounts best early bird discount (dining)

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Entree choices in the Sizzling Prime Time Menu include an eight-ounce filet mignon, cooked to perfection. Photo courtesy Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

ring your appetites to Ruth’s Chris Steak House for the Sizzling Prime Time Menu, served from 5 to 6 p.m. nightly. Begin with crisp Romaineheart Caesar or steak-house salad, followed by your choice of six entrees with an accompaniment. You may opt for petite filet, chef’s fish selection or stuffed chicken breast for

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$54.95. Or go for the gusto with an 11-ounce filet, New York strip steak or ribeye for $64.95. In addition to salad and entree, the price includes one popular side such as mashed potatoes, creamed spinach or steamed white rice. Desserts of ice cream, sorbet or white-chocolate bread pudding are also included in the bargain.

best kamaaina discount (dining)

KO RESTAURANT

BEST EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE The Outlets of Maui 900 Front St. Lahaina | 661-8815; The Shops at Wailea 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 874-8880 www.ruthschris.com

HONORABLE MENTION SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR | 1881 S. Kihei Rd. | 879-0004; 600 Office Rd. Kapalua | 669-6286 www.sanseihawaii.com SEA HOUSE RESTAURANT 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy. | Lahaina 669-1500 | www.sea housemaui.com

BEST KAMAAINA DISCOUNT (DINING) KO RESTAURANT The Fairmont Kealani 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. Wailea | 875-2210 www.korestaurant.com

HONORABLE MENTION HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA‘A | Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 8751234 | www.grandwailea Ko extends love and .com

nspired by the ethnic cultures from Maui’s sugar- appreciation to kamaaina cane plantation era, Fair- with a favorite discount: mont Kea Lani’s signature buy-one-get-one entrees, Ko restaurant cooks up buy-one-get-one appetizers award-winning cuisine and 30 percent off bottles of thanks to award-winning wine for lunch and dinner Chef Tylun Pang. everyday. A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S34

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PULEHU, AN ITALIAN GRILL Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort & Villas | 6 Kai Ala Dr. | Lahaina | 6673254 | www.pulehu restaurantmaui.com


deals+discounts BESTOFMAUI best senior discount (dining)

best senior discount (retail)

FOODLAND

IHOP ny time of the day, you’ll find our kupuna at IHOP enjoying delicious, healthy meals — from savory omelets and steaming pancakes heaped to the sky to crisp salads, sandwiches, pastas and the Ultimate Steakburger — and all at great prices. But from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, hungry folks 55 years of age and older really score at the popular Kahului eatery. During those times, seniors can order two MONA DE CRINIS photo meals and get the third for All smiles, Glaiza Salcedo serves up delicious free, which can really help meals at IHOP at the Maui Mall. diners on fixed incomes or ones who just love getting BEST SENIOR DISCOUNT (DINING) a good deal. According to General IHOP | Maui Mall | 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. Manager Rodrigo An- Kahului | 871-4000 | www.ihopmaui.com guiano, making sure seniors are well-taken care of HONORABLE MENTION is a big priority at IHOP. ZIPPY’S | 15 Hookele St. | Kahului One look inside the restau- 856-7599 | www.zippys.com rant, and it’s clear that WENDY’S | 349 S. Kamehameha Ave. Maui kupuna are feeling Kahului | 877-2719 | www.wendys.com the love in big numbers.

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Mahalo for your voting Ka‘anapali Best Golf Course on Maui in 2018!

ge has definite advantages when it comes to shopping at Foodland. Voted “Best Senior Discount (Retail),” Foodland implemented the Senior Thursdays program in 2010 to show appreciation to seniors for their loyalty to the grocery brand, notes Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Sheryl Toda. “We recognize that many of our kupuna are on a set budget, so we wanted to create an easy way for our senior customers to save,” she explains. The Thursday senior disPhoto courtesy Foodland count is offered at all Food- Be sure to use your Foodland Senior Discount in land, Sack N Save and Food- the bakery for yummy treats. land Farms stores throughout the state and can be layered on to the many ways to save BEST SENIOR DISCOUT (RETAIL) at Foodland, such as Maika‘i FOODLAND | For Maui locations, visit prices, weekly ad specials www.foodland.com and more. Toda has this message for HONORABLE MENTION seniors: “Remember to PUKALANI SUPERETTE let your cashier know that 15 Makawao Ave. Pukalani | 572-7616 you’re a senior (age 60 years www.pukalanisuperette.com or older) when you shop on Thursdays to receive 5 per- ACE HARDWARE | For a location near you, visit www.acehardware.com cent off your groceries.”

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TOKYO TEI RESTAURANT

A B ig M ahalo to All O ur C ustom ers! 242-9630

808.661.3691 Follow us on Instagram @kaanapaligolf

CATERING (Free Estimates) COCKTAILS • TAKE-OUTS Gift Certificates available 1063 E. Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S35

Famous for Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura


BESTOFMAUI art+culture best art gallery

SCHAEFER GALLERY

SCHAEFER GALLERY Maui Arts & Cultural Center | 1 Cameron Way Kahului | 242-7469 www.mauiarts.org

HONORABLE MENTION LAHAINA GALLERIES WAILEA | The Shops at Photo courtesy the MACC Wailea | 3750 Wailea Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Alanui Dr. | Wailea Cultural Center is a place people can experience the 874-8583 | www.lahaina visual arts. galleries.com

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he vision for the gallery is to be a place of inspiration that consistently offers people an opportunity to experience the visual arts and learn about things they never imagined,” said Neida Bangerter, Schaefer International Gallery director. The gallery is a “comfort

best live theater

BEST ART GALLERY

space,” she says, for many people who need memorable experiences to keep their minds engaged and curious. Through its exhibits, the gallery seeks to highlight a wide range of experiences that reflect various cultural views, places and people. Admission to the Schaefer gallery is free, a blessing

VIEWPOINTS GALLERY 3620 Baldwin Ave. Makawao | 572-5979 www.viewpointsgallery maui.com

IAO THEATER or the past 33 years, Maui Community Theater, doing business as Maui OnStage, has been a crucial component of keeping theater thriving on Maui at its home theater, the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. One of the longest consistently

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running theater companies in the U.S., MOS’s pledge of making theater affordable for the Maui community remains its driving force while turning out a wide variety of professional-quality shows each season. In further keeping with its focus on the community,

MOS offers its popular free ONO! series on the second Monday of every month; regular acting, singing and dance classes for adults and children; and MOS Youth Theater, which teaches useful life skills to kids ages 5 to 17. “Maui OnStage has built a tremendous sense of community,” marvels Executive Director N. Andrew Toney. “Our people come with us, like a loyal family.”

BEST LIVE THEATER IAO THEATER | 68 N. Market St. | Wailuku 244-8680 | www.mauionstage.com

HONORABLE MENTION

MAUI ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Bangerter hopes will endure as Photo courtesy Maui OnStage 2027 Main St. | Wailuku | 244-6272 future generations step in to Maui OnStage at the Historic Iao www.mauiacademy.org support the MACC through Theater provides affordable, PROARTS | 1280 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei 463-6550 | www.proartsmaui.com quality shows for the community. memberships.

$34.95

2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S36

$23.95


art+culture BESTOFMAUI only adult hula competition, and the Ki Ho‘alu Festival. Coming up is the 13th annual ‘Ukulele Festival on Sept. 30. “In our coming season, we’ll be offering another great set of new and established artists in dance, film, world music, theater, spoken word and, of course, Hawaiian music,” Maluo said. “The MACC will continue to be a center of diversity in its artistic presentations.”

best cultural program

MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER hrough performances, exhibits, events and educational programs, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center infuses new understandings of people and places, eras and experiences into the lives of Maui’s residents and the visitors who flock to the island. Cultural Programs Director Kahulu Maluo works to reinforce the MACC’s main mission of presenting a variety of visual and performing arts and cultural programming that enriches the Maui community in so many ways. “Our blending of worldclass entertainment, Hawaiian cultural performances and history, and visual arts with both local and global perspectives, and a diversified arts education program benefitting both students and teachers, continue to make the MACC the most comprehensive arts center in Hawaii,” Maluo said. “That’s something to be very proud of.” The hula and chant of

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Keali‘i Reichel and Halau Ke‘alaokamaile returned this year to the MACC stage in Kukahi 2018. MACC venues also saw a Hawaii-based historical drama from Kumu Kahua Theatre, a reenactment of the 1898 Hawaiian annexation debates, and a variety of Hawaii’s top musical artists in concert, including Kuana Torres Kahele, Henry Kapono, Jake Shimabukuro, Natalie Ai Kamau‘u, and the Three Maui Divas — Raiatea Helm, Napua Greig and Amy Hanaiali‘i — among many others. Key programs continue to bring beauty and creativity to Maui residents, such as the Artists in the Community initiative, through which artists and performers visit Maui Nui residents in their homes, places of employment and gathering places. “For community members who may not have an opportunity to come to the MACC, the MACC may just be coming to them with a noted artist in tow,” Maluo said.

BEST CULTURAL PROGRAM MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER Photo courtesy the MACC One Cameron Way Earlier this year, Jake Shimabukuro (center) brought his ukulele and gave Kahului | 242-7649 pointers during an appearance in the MACC’s Artists in the Community program. www.mauiarts.org “This outreach in the community demonstrates firsthand how the arts help link and build communities — we see that every time.” Maui favorites Jake Shimabukuro and Henry Kapono were among the artists earlier this year who visited schools, homeless centers and retirement communities to share their talents. Last year alone, 13,928 people were served in MACC’s

Artists in the Community program, through 161 events in community centers, social agencies and school shows throughout Maui County, according to the MACC. Free festivals also provide valuable outreach to the community, drawing thousands of people each year. Other events such as Starry Night Cinemas, ArT=Mixx events and free exhibits at the Schaefer International

Gallery help draw tens of thousands. Winning the title of Best Cultural Program, Maluo said, validates what the MACC does and stands for, and she is grateful for the honor. Her goal is to continue enhancing the organization’s role in the community, including through its commitment to Hawaiian cultural offerings with events such as Ku Mai Ka Hula, Maui’s

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70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., C-4 Kahului, Hi 96732

1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753

873-0225

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S37

HONORABLE MENTION CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS | Ritz Carlton Kapalua | 1 Ritz Carlton Dr. | Kapalua | 669-6200 www.kapaluacelebration ofthearts.com HUI NO‘EAU VISUAL ARTS CENTER | 2841 Baldwin Ave. | Makawao 572-6560 | www.huino eau.com


BESTOFMAUI tours+activities best air activity

One of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ fleet of 34 stateof-the-art aircraft ready to take to the skies.

BLUE HAWAIIAN HELICOPTERS awaii’s air-tour leader since 1985, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters passionately showcases the beauty of the islands with popular excursions such as the 45-minute Maui Spectacular, a combination of West Maui and Hana/Haleakala Tours featuring rugged valleys, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls and majestic Haleakala capped by a mid-tour refreshment stop at a private Ulupalakua Ranch location. “It’s one of our best sellers and allows guests to experience a deep connection with nature and Hawaii,� notes Blue Hawaiian Helicopters President and CEO Gregg Lundberg. Effectively blending innovative technology and a fleet of 34 state-of-the-art aircraft with a team of highly trained pilots

Photo courtesy Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

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and staff well-versed in island history and culture, Blue Hawaiian is dedicated to excellence and service with aloha. Although Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is the state’s air-tour leader since 1985 and the only helicopter company serving all four major islands, the company does not complacently rest on its laurels but rather continually raises the bar. “We love to be creative as we expand and introduce new excursions such as the HeliRanch Experience which combines a private helicopter tour and

horseback ride at Pi‘iholo Ranch for the ultimate air and upcountry Maui adventure,� Lundberg explains. Another tour implemented since Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ 2017 Best of Maui win is the Heli Pau Hana — an aerial exploration of West Maui sweetened by a sparkling toast at an exclusive landing at one of the island’s most picturesque locations. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters clearly rules the Valley Island skies.

BEST AIR ACTIVITY

BEST LAND ACTIVITY

BLUE HAWAIIAN HELICOPTERS 1 Lelepio Pl. | Kahului 871-8844 www.bluehawaiian.com

PI‘IHOLO RANCH ZIPLINE 799 Piiholo Rd. Makawao | 572-1717 www.piiholozipline.com

HONORABLE MENTION AIR MAUI HELICOPTER TOURS | 1 Keolani Pl. Kahului | 877-7005 www.airmaui.com PARAGLIDE MAUI 1100 Waipoli Rd. Kula | 874-5433 www.paraglidemaui .com

HONORABLE MENTION HIKE MAUI | 219-0437 www.hikemaui.com IRONWOOD RANCH 741 Hui Rd. A Lahaina | 669-4991 www.ironwoodranch.com

Maui’s only adult hula competition

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S38

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tours+activities BESTOFMAUI best land activity

PI‘IHOLO RANCH ZIPLINE

Photo courtesy Pi‘iholo Zipline

Ziplining side-by-side at Pi‘iholo Zipline is a fun, adventurous way to fly across Maui. drenalin junkies flock to Pi‘iholo Ranch Zipline where they can soar 700 feet above the ground and experience the longest side-by-side zipline course in the state with more than half a mile of hair-

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raising fun. Even the more cautious in your group will find the courage to let loose on the line, thanks to the Pi‘iholo Ranch Zipline’s highly experienced staff. With two incredible courses — a tree-top course that

skips across the green canopies of Upcountry Maui, and the lengthy main course with views of south and central Maui coastlines — you can’t go wrong if you’re craving an adventure tempered with inner peace and serenity. “It’s just a beautiful location and atmosphere,” notes General Manager Cori Seki. In addition to the location’s supreme natural beauty, Seki credits the zipline staff with yet another Best of Maui win. “Every time I talk to a guest afterward, they tell me that the staff is amazing,” he says. “They are approachable, with a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for the job.” As a thank you to Best of Maui voters and the community at large, Seki is planning a special kamaaina day in the near future (date still to be determined) with “super cheap rates” in exchange for a donation to Maui Food Bank. Thrill-seekers, stay tuned!

Old Lahaina Luau presents hula that tells the story of Hawaii.

best luau

OLD LAHAINA LUAU resenting an authentic Hawaiian experience, Old Lahaina Luau has held Hawaiian values of aloha, hookipa (hospitality) and pookela (excellence) close to its “heart” for over 31 years. When friends Michael Moore, Robert Aguiar, Kevin Butler and Tim Moore formed the business partnership in 1986, they felt there was a need for more culturally sensitive entertainment than what was available at the typical hotel luau. The partners, operating as Hoaloha Na Eha, Ltd., have designed a luau that showcases traditional Hawaiian music, dance and food. Guests are embraced by a welcoming atmosphere including a fresh flower lei. Interactive cultural stations

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Photo courtesy Old Lahaina Luau

occupy them upon arrival before the removal of the pig from the imu (underground oven). Once the feast begins, multiple buffet huts (hale ‘ai) keep food lines moving quickly as guests partake in a traditional meal. After dinner, enjoy an award-winning production of the story of Hawaiians as told through hula, performed with respect and honor for ancestors. “It was very important that our luau was culturally significant,” explains General Manager James Cacal. “There are no fire dancers here. Our purpose is to create memories. It’s what we do best.”

having fun … that’s how these past 45 years have felt,” remarks Co-Founder and CEO Jim Coon. “Buildrolls still served on board — ing this family business with Trilogy recently announced my brother, we haven’t althat they are updating their ways seen eye to eye, but fleet with three new customwhat we have always agreed built sailing catamarans, set on was our desire to serve to arrive later this year, which our guests with aloha and will continue to adhere to the give them memories to cherUSCG safety and sustainable ish for a lifetime. ecotourism standards that “Our dedicated employhave become synonymous ees make that happen — Photo courtesy Trilogy with the company. As committed stewards of Trilogy Excursions is updating their fleet with three they are a true part of our ohana and, without a doubt, the environment, they recent- new custom-built sailing catamarans later this year. remain our greatest asset. ly banned aerosol sunscreen on all of their tours, instead eco-forward initiative, the community, funding other lo- Mahalo to our Maui comoffering complimentary reef- Blue‘Aina campaign, con- cal non-profits (the next munity for this honor and safe sunscreen to everyone on ducts monthly reef cleanups cleanup is Sept 15th). privilege to be awarded Best board. In addition, Trilogy’s with volunteers from the “Time flies when you’re Sea Activity” A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S39

BEST LUAU OLD LAHAINA LUAU 1251 Front St. Lahaina | 667-1998 www.oldlahaina luau.com

HONORABLE MENTION FEAST AT LELE 505 Front St. | Lahaina 667-5353 | www.feast atlele.com HYATT DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC 200 Nohea Kai Dr. Lahaina | 667-4727 www.drumsofthe pacificmaui.com

best sea activity

TRILOGY EXCURSIONS elebrating 45 years, Trilogy is Maui’s oldest family-owned and operated sailing company. Their reputation for excellence has won the hearts of thousands of island travelers and is the go-to recommendation among the kamaaina. Trilogy offers first-class snorkeling, sunset and dinner sailing excursions that depart out of Lahaina and Ma‘alaea Harbors and directly off of Ka‘anapali Beach. Though some things will forever be unchanged — like Mom Coon’s homemade cinnamon

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BEST SEA ACTIVITY TRILOGY EXCURSIONS 207 Kupuohi St. Lahaina | 874-5649 www.sailtrilogy.com

HONORABLE MENTION MAUI DREAMS DIVE CO. 1993 S. Kihei Rd. 874-5332 | www.maui dreamsdiveco.com PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION 300 Maalaea Rd. Maalaea | 249-8811 |www.pacificwhale.org


BESTOFMAUI tours+activities 24 Hour Fitness staff: Rich Wu (from left), Mike Wegzyn, Reid Okano, Jacqueline Herndon, Nicole Davis, John Conners, Dayton Alo, Kapena Williams, Lita Catiel, Taylor Burrill, Vilma Casio Dickenson, Allen Lat and Robbie Gaoiran.

best fitness club

24 HOUR FITNESS

rimming with energy and enthusiasm, General Manager Reid Okano personifies the collective passion for fitness exhibited by staff members at 24 Hour Fitness in Kahului. “Much of the staff has worked here or been involved with the club for more than a decade,” Okano explains. There’s a sense of camaraderie at the club that Okano attributes to the Maui community, culture and lifestyle. At 24 Hour Fitness, everyone is treated like family, he stresses. “We want members to feel like they belong to the 24 Hour Fitness ohana and encourage them to expose friends and family to our club,” he says. Low pressure sales tactics

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MONA DE CRINIS photo

combine with myriad amenities and programs including top-notch cardio equipment, functional training equipment, Olympic power weights and racks, personal trainers, group exercises, clean locker rooms and showers and fully stocked pro shop onsite create a topnotch facility. There’s also a

BEST FITNESS CLUB 24 HOUR FITNESS | 150 Hana Hwy. l Kahului 877-7474 | www.24hour fitness.com HONORABLE MENTION PLANET FITNESS | 32 Hookele St. Bldg. 8

popular Kids Club, where parents can drop their keiki off while they get a muchneeded workout. As for that special ingredient that separates 24 Hour Fitness in Kahului from other gyms and clubs, Okano says with a grin, “You just have to come and experience the difference.”

Kahului | 215-7468 www.planetfitness.com ANYTIME FITNESS 24 Kiopaa St. l Pukalani l633-6463; 54 Maui Lani Parkway Shops l Wailuku 244-2348 www.anytime fitness.com

best tour

MAUI CRAFT TOURS ur mission is to Tropical Plantation in the connect the sto- Mill House Roasting Co. ries of people be- Each tour then makes three hind the products and how or four stops at various food, they support local agricul- beverage or farm locations ture,” explained Maui Craft where guests celebrate the Tours Co-Owner Carrie artisans behind Maui’s craft Adelmann, who along with traditions. Walking tours her husband David, started a with guided tastings at stops novel business back in Feb- like Hali‘imaile Distilling ruary 2017. With their Co. and Maui Brewing Co. shared love of craft beer and and locally sourced lunches local food and beverages, from sources such as Surfing they set about creating a tour Goat Dairy round out the exthat would introduce people perience. Groups are kept with similar loves to the pur- small, four to 14 people, to “Best Chef” Winner Tylun Pang. veyors of these products, make the trip fun for all. This which in turn supports local is a great time for visitors and Fairmont Kea Lani | @ko_restaurant| korestaurant.com| 808 875 2210 agriculture. kamaaina alike. Advance All tours begin at Maui reservations are required. A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S40

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BEST TOUR MAUI CRAFT TOURS 633-1801 | www.maui crafttours.com

HONORABLE MENTION MAUI TROPICAL PLANTATION | 1670 Honoapiilani Hwy. Waikapu | 244-7643 www.mauitropicalplant ation.com SURFING GOAT DAIRY 3651 Omaopio Rd. | Kula 878-2870 | www.surfing goatdairy.com


tours+activities BESTOFMAUI best kamaaina activity

MAUI OCEAN CENTER ince opening its doors in 1998, Maui Ocean Center has been a proven leader in providing ocean education, marine life encounters and family-friendly experiences while protecting and advocating for Hawaii’s marine life. Overlooking Maalaea Bay, Maui Ocean Center’s The

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regular adult visitor price and only $9.95 for kids. “There are very few places where you can take your kids someplace like this for under $10,” says Elyse Ditzel, MOC director of marketing. One of the most popular exhibits locals repeatedly flock to, says Ditzel, is the Open Ocean with a

BEST KAMAAINA ACTIVITY MAUI OCEAN CENTER 192 Maalaea Rd. Maalaea | 270-7000 www.mauioceancenter .com

best golf course

KAANAPALI GOLF COURSES

HONORABLE MENTION TRILOGY EXCURSIONS 207 Kupuohi St. Lahaina | 874-5649 www.sailtrilogy.com LONA RIDGE | 588 Kulaiwi Dr. | Wailuku 242-0818 | www.lona ridge.com

BEST GOLF COURSE KA‘ANAPALI GOLF COURSES | 2290 Kaanapali Pkwy. Lahaina | (866) 4544653 | www.kaanapali golfcourses.com

Photo courtesy Ka‘anapali Golf Courses

The Royal Ka‘anapali Course offers wide fairways and wavy, flowing greens with magnificent sunsets. ccomodating and friendly sum up the atmosphere at Ka‘anapali Golf Courses. Offering a variety of options to involve residents and visitors alike, KGC tries to be very family friendly. From junior golf and clinics in the summertime, to Footgolf for keiki after 4 p.m., KGC keeps coming up with new ways to make everyone feel welcome at its two courses — the Royal Ka‘anapali Course, the classic Trent Jones Senior design, which offers wide fairways and wavy, flowing greens; and the Ka‘anapali Kai Course, which

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tests golfers course management abilities and places a premium on accuracy at the tee and a controlled touch on the greens. Director of Operations Todd Madden, with the organization since 1981, pointed out two programs currently offered: the Ka‘anapali Club, which offers reduced rates to residents with valid Hawaii ID; and the Ohana Club, which offers special rates to all employees of Ka‘anapali Resort. “We try to be accessible to most people,” he explained.

HONORABLE MENTION

Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center

Children learn about marine life in the Open Ocean Exhibit at Maui Ocean Center.

Aquarium of Hawaii is home to one of the world’s largest displays of live coral and exhibits teeming with sharks, turtles, stingrays and marine life found nowhere else in the world. A mix of indoor-outdoor displays, behind-thescenes tours and interactive presentations allow guests to conveniently encounter Hawaii’s marine life in a single day that would otherwise take a lifetime to discover. And for Hawaii residents, this wonderland of water is more affordable than ever with MOC’s kamaaina discounts of 35 percent off the

THE DUNES AT MAUI LANI | 1333 Maui Lani Pkwy. | Kahului | 8730422 | www.dunesat mauilani.com PUKALANI COUNTRY CLUB | 360 Pukalani St. | Pukalani l 5721314 l www.puka lanigolf.com

to al o N e w s h a M au i M s! T h e R e ad e r

75,000-gallon tank featuring fish, sharks, stingrays and more with diver presentations sphere theater where guests in which the diver in the tank can watch whales, filmed with can speak to the audience and 3D technology, in their natural habitat. even answer questions. As for why MOC offers MOC is also in the process of building its new Hump- year-round kamaaina disOP EN backs of Hawaii exhibit, set to counts, Ditzel says they’re just NIGHTLY open late fall of this year. Cre- glad people can come see the FOR DINN ER ated in part with local Maui beauty and wonder of Hawaiartisans and marine special- ian marine life. “The ocean is such an imists, the new exhibit will provide an indepth exploration of portant part of who we are humpback whales including here, and we want everyone to Honorable Mention Best Sushi (Casual Dining) interactive learning stations be able to see these animals Honorable Mention Best Early Bird Discount and previously unseen and fish up close; it’s an expeKAPALUA RESORT: 600 Office Rd., Kapalua • 669-6286 footage of whales. There will rience you can’t get snorkelKIHEI: Kihei Town Center • 879-0004 • DKRestaurants.com also be an immersive 3D ing or scuba diving.” A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S41

Maui’s Best Sushi (Fine Dining)


A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S42


shopping+resorts BESTOFMAUI best food market+best health food

MANA FOODS

BEST FOOD MARKET

best shopping center

QUEEN KA‘AHUMANU CENTER

t Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, a great shopping experience is key, but best food market embracing the community is You can’t miss Mana HONORABLE MENTION just as important. The Kahului Foods in Paia — just look for WHOLE FOODS MARKET the throngs of people heading shopping center offers more Maui Mall | 70 E. Kaahu- than 300 events and promointo the colorful building on manu Ave.| Kahului Baldwin Ave. Winner for tions throughout the year, and 872-3310 | www.whole works closely with nonprofits foodsmarket.com FOODLAND | For a location and community groups to near you, visit www.food- reach out to Maui residents. land.com “The goal of these collabo- promotions and events that rations is to benefit and en- help bring the community tohance the lives of our own gether. Themes like January’s BEST HEALTH FOOD MANA FOODS | 49 Bald- Maui County community,” Living Healthy, February’s said Toni Rojas, marketing di- American Heart Month and win | Paia | 579-8078 | Photo courtesy Mana Foods www.mana foodsmaui rector. “That’s what QKC is October’s Breast Cancer Above: You can find almost any kind of cheese you .com all about.” Awareness Month keep the crave at Mana Foods in Paia. Top right: Mana Foods’ HONORABLE MENTION Rojas has helped ensure community focused on posiVitamin Room carries a huge variety of safe, affordQKC remains fresh and excit- tive messages, and programs WHOLE FOODS MARKET able products. Maui Mall | 70 E. Kaahu- ing for Maui residents, adding like “Let It Snow!” help create Ave. | Kahului community performances, memories and traditions. Best Food Market, the iconic recognition of Mana Foods manu 872-3310 | www.whole grocery store boasts literally as Best Food Market.” foodsmarket.com tens of thousands of prodSpreading the love around, ucts, incuding fresh Maui Gilbert credits the more than DOWN TO EARTH | 305 produce, grass-fed island 100 Mana Foods employees Dairy Rd. | Kahului meats and organic eggs, a with anchoring the store 877-2661 | www.down deli offering prepared foods firmly in the bedrock of toearth.com made from scratch daily, vi- Maui’s pono lifestyle. BEST SHOPPING CENTER tamin-packed juices and b e s t h e a l t h f o o d QUEEN KA‘AHUMANU smoothies made to order in Voted Best Health Food, CENTER | 275 W.Kaahuthe Maka by Mana bar, a dazzling selection of cheeses Mana Foods prides itself on manu Ave. | Kahului | 8774325 | www.queenkaahu and an entire wall of choco- carrying products that are manucenter.com healthy for customers and the late treats. Adding to this imHONORABLE MENTION pressive inventory is a environment. “We’ve been carrying a MAUI MALL | 70 E. Kaahustaunch commitment to afvariety of reef-safe sun- manu Ave. | Kahului | 877fordability. “We know how expensive screens long before it became 8952 | www.mauimall.com it can be here, so our goal is law,” says Purchasing DirecTHE SHOPS AT WAILEA to pass along all discounts, tor Christina Gilbert. A comprehensive Vitamin 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr. such as manufacturers discounts, to our customers to Room features the purest, Wailea | 891-6770 | www. keep our prices low,” says safest and most researched theshopsatwailea.com Mana Foods Purchasing Di- products available — and at and, of course, vegan and rector Christina Gilbert, reasonable prices. “We bring in what’s pop- vegetarian. Mana Foods also who’s been an intregral part of the store’s management ular and trending before any- prides itself on a large selection of quality vitamins and one else,” Gilbert assures. for the last decade. Current popular trends in nutritional supplements, of“It’s how we give back,” she explains. “We are so health-food, Gilbert says, in- fering the cleanest protein grateful to the community for clude Paleo-centric products, powders and locally sourced their support and for their gluten-free, low or no sugar products. A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S43

MANA FOODS 49 Baldwin | Paia | 5798078 www.manafoods maui.com

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QKC’s Kokua 4 Kokonuts Fundraising Walk has raised over $50,000 for breast cancer services. Photo courtesy QKC

“QKC will always be where you can shop, dine and play,” Rojas said. “Our team works tirelessly to continue to provide an enjoyable and welcoming venue. Buying on island you not only receive great customer service and care, but just may be keeping a friend or family member employed and a business alive.”


BESTOFMAUI shopping+resorts best sports/surf shop

best local specialty shop

HI-TECH SURF SPORTS

MAHINA

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clothing

ater babies know where to go for the best gear needed for their water sports and activities of choice: Hi-Tech. With another win for Best Sports/Surf Shop on the heels of last year’s recognition, owner Kim Ball

generously gives much of the credit for the company’s success to his sea-loving staff and loyal customers. “Our customers love to have fun, and so do we!” he says. “We try to have the best selection of boards on Maui

FOR: SCHOOLS, CLUBS, EVENTS, BUSINESSES

— surfboards, stand-up reating the ultimate boupaddleboards, bodyboards, tique was a labor of love skateboards, skimboards, sailfor Mahina founders boards and hydrofoil boards.” and owners Joe Wilmot and Ball also gives a big mahalo shout-out to Maui for its sup- Jody Curtin. Built on the concept of a store remininscent port for the past 35 years. of “shopping in your most on the Mahina website. BEST SURF SHOP From the first Mahina store fashion-forward friend’s closHI-TECH SURF SPORTS et,” Mahina offers a perfectly in Paia, opened in June 2006, For a location near you, edited collection of soft, to nine stores across four visit www.surfmaui.com breezy sundresses, wearable HONORABLE MENTION tops and subtle-yet-striking BEST LOCAL WEST MAUI SPORTS & accessories, just ripe for the SPECIALTY SHOP FISHING SUPPLY | Old picking. MAHINA | For a location Lahaina Center | 843 “We’ve always tried to near you, visit www.shop Wainee St. #F3 | Lahaina 661-6252 | www.west keep things from being too mahina.com mauisports.com expensive, so that dress you HONORABLE MENTION just have to have is never out WATERLILY MAUI | 100 HIC | For a location near you, visit www.hicsurf.com of reach,” write the co-owners

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MAHALO FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Follow us on Facebook for our weekly specials

Serving Maui Since 1982 444 Hana Hwy • Kahului, HI 96732 • 808-877-2877 • 1-800-645-2877 Monday - Saturday: 7am - 6pm • Sunday: 8am - 4pm • MauiCoffeeRoasters.com

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S44

islands (Maui, Oahu, Big Island and Kauai), Mahina is a must-stop and -shop for any fashionista.

Wailea Ike Dr. | Wailea 868-4014 | www.water lilymaui.com COLLECTIONS | 3677 Baldwin Ave. | Makawao 572-0781 | www.collect ionsmauiinc.com


shopping+resorts BESTOFMAUI best resort hotel+best spa

GRAND WAILEA Guests cool off with fun libations in the Hibiscus Pool at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Photos courtesy Grand Wailea

best resort hotel

t’s as grand as it gets. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort consistently ranks among the world’s best accommodations and is a repeat winner of Best Resort on Maui. Set on 40 oceanfront acres, it embodies Hawaii’s natural beauty, culture and people and boasts

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award-winning cuisine, multiple restaurants and lounges. The magnificent property features 780 spacious guestrooms, 52 suites, the Napua Tower with private club and concierge services, and Ho‘olei at Grand Wailea with lavish three-bedroom luxury villas. A multimillion-dollar art display, over-the-top ball-

rooms and oceanfront luau grounds make it No. 1 for large groups as well. Hawaii’s grandest pools and water park refresh you with seven waterslides, waterfalls, caves, white-water rapids, grottos, whirlpool and volcano water elevator. The newest addition to the famed Wailea Canyon Activity Pool water park is the three-story towering Lava Tube slide which features a 360-degree exterior loop. An adults-only Hibiscus Pool is a relaxing getaway and beach recreational water activities get you out on the Pacific Ocean.

best spa

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria resort continues to make a splash with Spa Grande, a consistent winner of Best Spa on Maui. The 50,000-square-foot spa soothes all of your senses,

starting with the exclusive Healing Waters of Maui hydrotherapy terme circuit, which you may enjoy as a singular experience or before a massage or a facial. Separate male and female facilities each feature a Roman tub, sauna, cold plunges, salon, fitness center and steam bath, cascading water- squash court all keep it grand. falls, tropical jet showers and Make it an ongoing love affair Japanese furo. Pie-shaped aromatherapy baths immerse BEST RESORT HOTEL you in a rainbow of colorful GRAND WAILEA, A WALDORF waters infused with essential ASTORIA RESORT 3850 oils. Top it off with a compli- Wailea Alanui Dr. mentary loofah scrub and Wailea | 875-1234 rinse expertly executed by spa www.grandwailea.com HONORABLE MENTION personnel for glowing skin. The largest spa in Hawaii, FAIRMONT KEA LANI Spa Grande is a palatial two 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. stories with an elegant lobby Wailea | 875-4100 area boasting inlaid marble, www.fairmont.com original artwork and chande- FOUR SEASONS RESORT liers. Pampering experiences, MAUI | 3990 Wailea Alanui 40 individual massage Dr. Wailea | 874-8000 www.fourseasons.com rooms, a full-service beauty

A couple enjoys a massage experience for two at Spa Grande. with annual spa memberships that offer discounts and perks galore.

BEST SPA SPA GRANDE | Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 875-1234 www.grandwailea.com HONORABLE MENTION WILLOW STREAM SPA Fairmont Kea Lani | 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea 875-4100 | www.fairmont.com FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAU SPA | 3990 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 874-8000 www.fourseasons.com

Thank You Again, Maui! For voting Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Maui’s “Best Air Activity,” Twelve Years in a Row

808.871.8844 BlueHawaiian.com A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S45


BESTOFMAUI mauifoodbank aloha backpack buddies very year millions of people come to visit the beautiful island of Maui. When tourists step off the plane they are enthralled by this irresistible tropical island we call home. Swaying palm trees, lush green West Maui Mountains, white sandy beaches and the deep blue Pacific Ocean welcome island guests. What they don’t see are the thousands of people living below the poverty level who struggle to either pay the rent or put food on the table — families that are unable to make ends meet because of the high cost of living and other hardships they have encountered. In Maui County, including

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rural Hana, Molokai and Lanai, one-in-five children struggle with hunger during the weekends when they are not in school. These are kids who are on the free- or reduced-price breakfast and lunch program. When school is not in session, many of these children do not have access to safe and nutritious food. Many of these kids do not know where their next meal is coming from. Instead of thinking about what fun activities the weekend might hold, all these children think about is whether or not they will have enough to eat while school is out. The Maui Food Bank is working hard to make sure that no one in our island

community goes to bed hungry. Through the Aloha BackPack Buddies program, the Food Bank is able to provide kids in need with a backpack filled with six meals to get them through the weekend. When Kaili gets on the bus to go home every Friday afternoon, her backpack is full of kidfriendly food from the Maui Food Bank. She is grateful that she’ll have enough to eat until breakfast at school on Monday morning. Because of the generosity and spirit of aloha that flows through the community, the Maui Food Bank is able to provide 600 children who are food insecure with enough food to last the entire weekend. Enough food so a child’s time can be spent

Aloha BackPack Buddies makes sure no child goes hungry over the weekends when they’re not in school. Photo courtesy Maui Food Bank

playing and growing . . . instead of worrying and feeling hopeless. Currently the BackPack program is available in 22 schools in Maui County, and this year 144,000 meals will be served to children who are at risk of going hungry. Through the financial contri-

butions of businesses, places of worship, community service clubs, foundations and individuals the Maui Food Bank is able to fill each Aloha Buddies BackPack with food and hope. – Marlene Rice Maui Food Bank Development Director

MAHALO to our amazing customers and staff. We appreciate you.

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S46

❖ In conjunction with our 2018 Best of Maui contest, The Maui News collects donations from our readers, which will help Maui Food Bank reach its goal towards feeding all those in need.


drawing winners BESTOFMAUI design skills acquired at University of California — Berkeley. She moved to Maui after graduating and found her place in the world. She is an avid reader, play and concert goer and loves to travel — especially on cruises. This talented woman is also a fine art oil and watercolorist, whose prefered subject matter is old-style Hawaiiana still-lifes. “I always look in the Maui Cynthia Conrad Scene each week to find out Winner of a $100 gift cer- what’s happening and what tificate to Seascape Restau- there is to do.” rant at Maui Ocean Center in deanna salse Maalaea, Cynthia Conrad has lived on Maui for more Deanna Salse has lived on than 45 years. As owner of Maui full-time for 12 years, Cynthia Conrad Design, she although she’s been a parthas been busy making books, time resident for over 20 political material, logos and years. This pharmacist, who more look polished and proworks at Longs Drugs, is an fessional with her graphic avid cyclist and competitive

years ago and was pleasantly surprised to win again. Salse won a $100 gift certificate to Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar.

cynthia conrad

laurie lowson

Deanna Salse

outrigger-canoe paddler with the Kihei Canoe Club. During her time away from work, she also raises alpacas. Originally thinking she would sell their wool, which is incredibly soft, Salse couldn’t find buyers for the wool, so now the alpacas are retired and living out their lives on Salse’s farm. Salse won a gift certificate in The Maui News Best of Maui drawing about four or five

Laurie Lowson The lucky recipient of a $100 gift certificate to Island Grocery Depot, Realtor Laurie Lowson is so busy, she almost couldn’t make it in to claim her drawing prize. On Maui since she moved here

from Wisconsin in 1977, Lowson has been a full-time Realtor since 1991 and when asked what she likes to do on Maui in her spare time, she laughingly admitted, “Work!” Actually, work came in number three after swimming in the ocean and practicing yoga. This proud grandma of two athletic grandkids who attend Kihei Charter School was elated to proclaim, “I think I’m one of the few people who still receives a physical copy of The Maui News.”

heavy-equipment operator is a loyal supporter of Makawao’s Komoda Store & Bakery. “I’m there every day. Komoda’s have the best pastries,” chuckled Ah Nee Sr. He and his wife, Betty, are the proud parents of three daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In his spare time, Morris can be seen tooling around Maui on his Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle.

morris j. ah nee sr. Morris J. Ah Nee Sr. of Haiku has won a $100 gift certificate to Star Noodle in Lahaina. Arriving on Maui’s shores from Honolulu over 40 years ago, this retired Morris J. Ah Nee Sr.

Locally Grown. Locally Roasted. 100% MAUI.

BEST OF MAUI WINNER MAHALO, MAUI, FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Open Daily 6am-6pm with 2 Convenient Locations: Kahului Home Depot Shopping Center, drive-thru Kihei Plaza, cafe & drive-thru: 1325 S. Kihei Road (enter off of Lipoa St.)

Mahalo nui loa Maui! YOU are the best!

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S47


S ervin g M aui for Over 3 5 Y ears

M ahalo to our custom ers for your patron age! W e S upport Our L ocal G row ers & V en dors

GROCERIES | BAKERY | DAIRY | SPECIALTY CHEESES DELI | PRODUCE | LOCAL SEAFOOD | ISLAND BEEF VITAMINS | COSMETICS | PET SUPPLIES www.manafoodsmaui.com OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 8:30 PM 49 BALDWIN AVE., PAIA | 808-579-8078 A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Page S48


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