628385 Tue Jun 16 07:49:10 -0700 2009 3 25 Elsewhere In America 0 4777287 The girlfriend and I will be going to Maui and Lanai in August for 3/4 nights each Staying at the Four Seasons on both islands. Any suggestions for restaurants on either island? I have read some very helpful posts so far just want to make sure I cover all the bases. We are looking for traditional Hawaiian food as well as anything super high quality across just about any type of cuisine. Thanks, Matt Tue Jun 16 07:49:10 -0700 2009 1084084 mmreinbold 1 4778985 Matt, I live on the island of Lanai, but will cover Maui first. It all depends on what your idea of Hawaiian food is. Real Hawaiian food is difficult to find on Maui and nonexistant on Lanai. Real Hawaiian food is Kahula pig, lomilomi salmon, poi and laulau. To try these, either go to a Luau or go to "DaKitchen". DaKitchen is a restaurant in Kahalulu at "triangle square" behind Krispy Kremes before the airport. The servings are huge, might want to share something. There is a smaller DaKitchen in Kihei (near Dennys) and another smaller one at the warf in Lahaina. Good quality food which is really fresh would be at Mamma's Fish House in Paaia (it's expensive, but the view is outstanding as well as the food and service, make reservations). Also excellent for dining is Sansei in either Kihei or Kapalua which is regional pacific food and sushi. Make reservations. Spago in the Four Seasons in Wailea also has excellent food and the service is excellent, the view is superb and make reservations and go before sunset. The Plantation restraunt in Kapalua is the best place for breakfast, and I'm sure the other meals are just as good. Now for Lanai, there is no real Hawaiian food on the island. In town to eat would be either Pele's other Garden which is little Itallian bistro at night and deli lunches (the best sandwiches) for lunch. Barbara and Mark are the owners and make reservations, its where we all go . The Ocean Grill at Manele Bay (not sure if you will be at Koele or Manele) has a great view,it's by the pool, food isn't bad. Food at the clubhouse for lunch at either is good. Hotel Lanai is in town and they have the Lanai City Grill open for dinner. It was redone and the place is really nice, they have music on Friday nights. Acclaimed chef Bev Gannon consults on the menu, many people love the food there, I m not sure it's that great, but you might want to try it. Have a great trip, enjoy Hawaii. Aloha Tue Jun 16 14:36:03 -0700 2009 4777287 1084220 kaila 2 4779964 Kaila, It's been a while for us, since we last visited your island. I still have wonderufl memories and we hope to be back sooner, rather than later. I have a few questions, especially as the Four Seasons was not a presence back then. In Lanai City, the Lanai City Grill that you mention - is it still run by two brothers from Westwego, Louisiana (IIRC, or maybe Gretna)? While the two higher-end meals at both Koele and Manele were great, and the less-formal dining at Manele was very good, we really enjoyed the Lanai City Grill. That night, the chef brother (the other ran the FOH) was working on a praline recipe. His brother out front recognized my wife's accent, and began talking to her. In short order, she was consulting on the pralines in the kitchen. This was some time before Chef Gannon was involved. The chef brother had wonderful spirit and was cooking with great passion. The meal was great. Also, as you so aptly point out, there was not a true Hawaiian restaurant on the island. There was actually more influence from Portugal, but that should be expected, given the recent history. Friends from O`ahu, who had their honeymoon on Lanai, told us that we were spending too much time there - six days. They missed that boat. We could have spent ten and not missed a beat. The food, the service, golf and tennis were great, although a bit different than other islands and sides of islands. Still, we must go back, even if we just hang out and eat for 10 days. In the end, an absolutely fantastic vacation, that was too long ago. To Mmreinbold, I hope that you are taking the ferry over from Lahaina. That alone is worth the effort and the greeting at the dock was wonderful. Enjoy and much aloha, Hunt Tue Jun 16 20:49:17 -0700 2009 4778985 11329 Bill Hunt 1 4779312 Hi Matt. Was just on Lanai last week at Four Seasons and it was amazing! We had plans to venture to the town, but ended up staying at the hotel for all of our meals - glad we did, it was great! If you're looking for Hawaiian food, go to the restaurant at Manele called Hulopoe Court. I wouldn't say it's traditional, but more of a "fusion" type of menu. If you're not Hawaiian, or from Hawaii, your palette may not enjoy the traditional Hawaiian food anyway. The Italian food was excellent at the restaurant across the lobby and we had a great lunch at the golf club up the road - try the mahimahi fish tacos or the shrimp BLT! Food is a little on the pricey side, but so worth it. You can't go wrong with Four Seasons! Have a great trip, I'm sure you'll score big points with the GF for this one! On Maui, I suggest Mama's Fish House in Paia for great food and views (very romantic); David Pauls in Lahaina - I had the best lamb chops there. They have decent Hawaiian food at the Old Lahaina Luau, but very commercial and kind of touristy. Plantation House in Kapalua is also good for the views and the food is pretty good. Tue Jun 16 16:26:31 -0700 2009 4777287 1084261 mummum