Maui has a variety of restaurants with widely varying prices. This is a small summary of places The Plantsman considers great.

Recommended Restaurants

Pacific Grill  Located inside the Four Season Resort at Wailea at 3900 Wailea Alanui, this open-air oceanview restaurant offers an incredible breakfast buffet. It has a wide variety of meats, pastries and fresh fruits; it even has a Japanese style menu available. It has some of the best coffee on the island. It is somewhat pricey at around $22.00 for the full buffet (other buffet options are available), but you'll never get a breakfast like this at Shoney's.

Mama's Fish House  Located on Ku`au Cove just past Pa`ia at 799 Poho Pl. (on Hwy 36), this oceanfront restaurant is a favorite with both tourists and locals. When you order here, you really are getting the catch of the day, as they have their own fleet of boats! The menu even tells you which boat it came from and where it was caught. They offer their fish prepared a variety of styles. If you happen to see Moonfish (Opa) on the menu, you really should try it. The ahi and ono are great too. This place is somewhat expensive, but it's really worth it if you want to have one memorable meal on Maui. Be sure to get dinner reservations from your concierge, or be prepared to wait in line for some time. Even if you have to wait, the view of the surfers just outside makes for a good diversion.

If The Birdman is there (you can't miss him), be sure to see his little dog. It does an interesting trick you'll have to see to believe. The Birdman makes some of the finest carved kukui nut leis we've seen and pretty woven pandanus (lau hala) mats.

Alexander's Fish & Chips  Located across from 'The Whale' at 1913 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei, this a very popular place with the locals for great fish dinners and more. The prices are about as reasonable as you'll find on Maui (or anywhere else for that matter) and they don't get much more casual than this. You order inside at the counter and take it with you or eat outside under the covered lanai on picnic tables. The broiled mahi-mahi is delicious.

A Saigon Cafe  This unmarked Vietnamese restaurant at 1790 Main St. in Wailuku is a favorite among the locals and the tourists that can find it. "Just look for the satellite dish" is how many will give for directions. Not fancy, but it has excellent food at very reasonable prices. Reservations are recommended due to the popularity.

Seasons Restaurant  Also located in the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea, this is a very nice upscale restaurant with world famous chefs. Very imaginative and creative is the best way to describe the food. A beautiful restaurant with great views of the ocean in one incredible hotel.

Old Lahaina Lu`au & Cafe  My Favorite! This lu`au at 1251 Front St. in Lahaina is probable the most authentic luau on Maui and has been given several prestigious awards and commendations. An all-you-can-eat buffet of traditional and some modern foods, flower lei, open bar and hula show are included in the price (about $65.00). They have craft demonstrations that might prove interesting. In case you forget your camera, they have photographers strolling around to get your picture. Reservations well in advance are a must at all of the luaus. Call (808)667-1998 for reservations.

The Maui Marriott Lu`au  Located in the Marriott in Ka`anapali, this lu`au has the buffet (with kalua pig baked in an traditional imu oven) with lots of variety and open bar. The nice after dinner show includes fire dancers and traditional hula dancers. A nationally recognized lu`au. Check the guides for discount coupons for this one.

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Last modified on Aloha Friday, May 25, 2001