Maui w/ Kids
My family will be traveling to Maui w another family. Staying in Kapalua but will likely be moving around quite a bit. We will have 4 kids under the age of 6. We prefer non-chain restaurants. Like local spots. Also would like to know of great delis and grocery stores for getting picnic items. Thanks!!!
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Two years ago we stayed at the lovely Kapalua Resort that is now being rebuilt into an overblown time share. Very sad. We found Kapalua a wasteland filled with overpriced restaurants. It killed me to spend 150.00 to 200.00 dollars to feed my family mediocre food. But we did find some spots that I would recommend.
Sansei a Japanese restaurant in Kapalua is fun if you have lowered expectations. The gimmick rolls are fun and pretty good. The straight sushi and sashimi was pretty average. But the restaurant has energy and is loud and would be fine with kids if you eat early. I don't want to oversell the restaurant, it's not perfect, but DK Kodama seems to have the magic touch on the island. We had a more fun meal here than at the local Roy's. It will cost between 125 to 150.00 for four without alcohol. Between 5:30 and 6:00 it is 25 percent off.
Try Okazuya Deli in Honokawai for lunch on the road. It's about 10 minutes north of Ka'anapali. It's located in a shopping mall and is pretty much is a casual take out place(although they do have some stool seats and three tables on the sidewalk in front of the deli). The food is a terrific change from the overpriced food you will find at the hotel. It's basically a plate lunch place. Your kids are younger, but my teen age boys loved the chicken katsu with a side of rice and macaroni for around nine dollars. I had their take on the fish chips, Mahi Mahi with panko flakes (around 9.00) and thought that it was excellent. My wife had the beef stir fry that was loaded with red peppers and sweet onions. It came with an asian influenced cole slaw that was really good. If I had a place like this near at home I would gain 50 pounds and have to go on lipitor.I know you want to avoid chains. But my teenage kids had a fun time at Bubba Gump in Lahaina. The drinks for them were full of sugar, and the food was barely edible, but the view was amazing if you request a table right next to the ocean. At 125 dollars for a family of four it almost seemed like a bargain in Maui terms.
Have a nice vacation.
Aloha -
The Star Market in Ka'anapali is probably the closest and best bet for West Maui picnic items. The kids - and adults - will likely enjoy the many plate lunch restaurants on Maui. Aloha Mixed Plate is close in Lahaina, but several Da Kitchens are around the island. If you are heading out to Hana, a kid-friendly stop is the Pa'ia Fish Market in Pa'ia with excellent fish dishes in a very relaxed atmosphere. Everyone will also probably like Lapperts Ice Cream in Lahaina after a long day on the beach.
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Star Markets Ltd
3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761Paia Fish Market
100 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779Lappert's Ice Cream
693 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761›1 Reply -
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We just returned from Maui last week. Had a great time with friends, family, and our twin 8 year old sons. We only ate one time in Lahaina, but it was good! It was at Kahuna Bobs (or maybe Kahuna Kabobs?) off of Front Street, kind of kitty-corner from Bubba Gumps. Great Kabobs and wraps. The place next to it sold fish and chips stuff (my kids had the fried prawns and chicken fingers) so everyone can get something they like. Seating is in a shaded courtyard area. Enjoy!
