There are a vast number of culinary influences here on Maui. Those familiar with Hawaii Regional Cuisine know it honors the blend of cultures that originally settled this land: Polynesian, Chinese, Japanese, American, Portuguese, Korean, and Filipino predominantly. Puerto Rican food isn’t...

If you’ve ever watched – or joined a 12-step program to address your addiction to – Top Chef, Iron Chef, or Chopped, chances are you’ve wished you could be one of the judges. You are not alone. Happily, my dream finally came true. Don’t be hating, but it turns out the role is as awesome –...

Within a few days, most leis have withered into something rather sad-looking. Not so with the feather-based creations done by Pattie Hanna and her students. Those students took  home nearly a dozen blue ribbons at the 90th annual Maui county fair, it is clear Hanna’s goal is coming to...

Lilikoi Grill in Haiku has been open less than a year. Many things are good, but one is left with the impression that they have truly mastered one quality: inconsistency. This was gleaned sight unseen from the mixed word of mouth endorsements and caveats. A perusal of some online review sites...

Rachel Helmich of the Maui Tattoo Company started tattooing in 2001, when her then-boyfriend – now husband – approached her and asked if she wanted to learn. “I’d graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and had enrolled in an engineering program.” Helmich explained. “We’d gotten to...

If the sight of the Joe’s waiter dropping off a steak knife for the chicken and waffles didn’t serve as a warning, the accompanying “you’re going to need this” probably should have. KFC doesn’t give out heavy-duty cutlery. In fact, one can usually can get by with just a plastic spork. So why...

Tucked off Lipoa Street, smack dab between South Kihei Road and the Piilani Highway, Fabiani’s Bakery and Pizzeria is a little tricky to find. The restaurant is in part a family affair. Owners Lorenzo and Michelle Fabiani met on Maui. Italian-born Lorenzo was the maitre’d at Matteos, and...

On November 6, Californians will vote on an issue both critical and unique to all Americans: labeling GMO foods. We are one of the only industrialized nations that does not disclose this information. Europe, China, and Japan all require disclosure of GMO levels over 1 percent. If Proposition...

This spring, Maui No Ka Oi magazine granted Kahili Restaurant the silver ‘aipono award for “best kept secret.” You can find out why tonight. On Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Kahili offers their ‘all you can eat’ prime rib and seafood buffet. Is it worth it? Mostly. Strategic eaters know...

If you have written Beach Bums in Ma’alaea off as just another tourist trap: reconsider. Sure, it’s full of sunburned people fresh off snorkeling boats and whale watching tours. Yes, 80s tunes blare day and night, and they sell $20 t-shirts with “Beach” printed on the front and “Bums” on the,...

Per our offer to track down a beloved recipe for you,  B.K. In Lahaina wrote in, “I have been savoring and dreaming of Pineapple Grill’s Steamed Manila Clams ever since I first tried them.  I admit, I was apprehensive at first, I normally DO NOT like clams, but just one bite and you’ll see...

For her 90th birthday, Emily O’Neil Bott reversed traditions. She gave a present to her children: a copy of her book, SILVER STREAK REVISITED. The slim volume contains some of her columns, which ran in The Haleakala Times over the years and recounted the adventures and misadventures of a life...

As of last week, the Waterfront Seafood Restaurant in Ma’alaea now offers lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The location is beautiful, with spectacular views of the harbor. It offers a great place to take in a quick meal or longer dinner (served from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. nightly) The...

Sure Thing Burger in Lahaina is tucked back about halfway in the Lahaina Marketplace on Front Street. Is it a sure thing? Well, most of the time the Sure Thing Burger ($8) is darn good – if a little bit tiny for the price tag. Fresh and moist, the Grass Fed Maui Beef is perfectly seasoned and...

Five words come to your mind: I WISH I WAS DRUNK. Not because the food is bad, but because it’s that good and – possibly, probably – even better with beer; lots of beer. Happily, Tiffany’s Bar and Grill in Wailuku can set you up there as well. In addition to the delicious and vast local style...

If you’ve ever had tempura udon soup, you probably want more. Nestled in a little strip mall on Makawao Avenue in Pukalani, the recently opened Kojima’s Sushi Bar regularly offers the savory soup on the specials board. A former employee at Isana, Cafe O’ Lei, and Sansei, chef and owner Sadao...

Indian food lovers rejoice! Maui finally has an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet. Granted, it’s only on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and yes, you’ll pay about twice what you might on the mainland…but hey, it’s Maui, and that’s how we roll ($17.95 per person, although adventurous eaters...

Tired of deer? Beef-based burgers not gamey enough for you? Well, prepare to get some satisfaction, because there is a source of fresh elk burgers on this island. One of the best things about Maui is how a person can drive an hour in any direction and find yourself in a locale that feels like...

If there is a heaven, the food may very well be prepared by Duo in the Four Seasons Wailea. The all-you-can-eat raw bar ($69) features three to five types of raw oysters, ceviche, poke, shrimp, snow crab claws, Alaskan King crab, and even Kona lobster. Typically only offered Thursday through...

There’s a new pizza joint on the scene. Successful restaurateur Aaron Placourakis (President and CEO of Tri-Star restaurants, owners of Sarento’s On the Beach, Son’z, Nick’s Fishmarket, and Sarento’s in Waikiki) has taken over the space vacated by Matteo’s Pizzeria in April. In its place, he...