You know what they say about “when in Rome.” When on Molokai, expect to find plenty of locals retrieving “to go” orders, catching up on the latest news and getting their grinds on at Kualapu’u Cookhouse. Follow their lead. Here you can find plenty of time to think your...

When you enter the slightly misleadingly named Maui BBQ & Grill, proprietor Mrs. Han will no doubt be waiting there by the register clearly having been pining all day for your arrival. Like an answered prayer, you appear in her doorstep. The adorable proprietress lights up like a...

Lahaina Grill, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. La-hi-na: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the roof. La. Hi. Na. Grill. Founded in 1994, Lahaina Grill is no nubile underage temptress. Almost old enough to drink, she...

A weekend late night institution, if you’ve ever been to Sansei after 10 p.m. you developed a whole new appreciation for drunken karaoke performances. But we’ll get to that. The Boom Boom Pow? Sansei is a sushi Mecca. Yes, they have grilled fish, salads and some appetizer-y items, but if you...

Once upon a time, the Ma’alaea General Store sold hammers and red hot dogs. They still sell the hot dogs, but these days there’s far less in terms of hardware. However, there is a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches, as well as a few salads. At the urging of the man behind the counter,...

Oh, Capische?, you’re twisting our arm. We’re guessing this was some kind of “People don’t know how to pronounce it so let’s give it to ‘em phonetically” decision, but in proper Italian, it’s spelled Capisce. Capisce? Enough of our nitpicking. About grammar anyway. We started with the Salumi...

Tucked into an extraordinarily nondescript strip mall off a constantly jammed up stretch of Dairy Road, this nearly invisible little hole in the wall looks sketch, but offers some unexpected surprises. If the digs don’t clue you in, allow us: the grub ain’t fancy schmancy, but tasty and...

Big Island-born and Maui Culinary Academy-educated Chef Sheldon Simeon appears on tomorrow night’s premier episode of Top Chef Season Ten: Seattle. His profile on the Bravo website reveals “Sheldon talks the Hawaiian talk and loves to cook with local island ingredients, but is confident when...

Local musician and Ulalena cast member Anthony Natividad died unexpectedly last Sunday, October 28th, a week and a half after this interview was conducted. He was an influential and beloved member of this community and will be missed. A handmade traditional Hawaiian nose flute is placed...

If you’re headed to Wailuku for First Friday tonight and dreaming of a four-course meal on a budget, consider  a stop at Vineyard Food Company on (imagine that) Vineyard Street. This little restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. They also offer a four-course...

Matthew Galena came to therapeutic massage and stretching – and ultimately Thai massage – intuitively. After a significant muscle injury at age 11, doctors were largely unhelpful, suggesting that he simply “walk it off.” Galena then discovered a large walnut-like lump in his inner...

Any holiday celebrating the dead – and particularly the undead – is (hopefully) intrinsically gory. Why stop at costumes and decorations, when your food can be gross too! Spice up dinner or your neighborhood get-together with these easy, entertaining, Halloween-themed additions from Maui Now....

Realizing you have Halloween plans…but nothing to wear? Have no fear: throwing together an awesome last-minute costume has never been easier. We took the liberty of turning to the best sources of fodder for Halloween ideas – pop culture, hit films, and embarrassing political moments – to...

Mala Wailea in the Marriot Resort offers a gorgeous view and a surprising range of excellent vegetarian options…alongside some duds. Perhaps knowing what to order before venturing in is the key, so allow us to help with the navigation process. The Quartet of Hummus, Raita, Olives,...

Senior Executive Chef Geno Sarmiento of Sarento’s on the Beach, Nick’s Fishmarket, and Son’z didn’t start out knowing he’d be a chef. Sarmiento was born in the Philippines and moved to Honolulu in 1988. “I was 16 and the culinary industry was just starting to get recognized. I figured I knew...

“When dealing with aliens, I gave them everything ?except the kitchen sink.” This is how artist Jefferson Stillwell summarizes his painting; “Aliens Want My Donut.” Stillwell arrived here on Maui eight years ago. “The island breezes, the colors of the water, the smell of the air: it was...

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...