First timers to (Kihei) Maui - need a "Must" list

[ChasingSparkles]

We will be spending 8 days in Kihei, Maui next month.

Any "Must" recommendations for restaurants? Although we are staying with friends, we will have a car and want to eat!! We like everything from local joints to fine dining.

Not "food timid" and hope to enjoy some fresh fish, fruit and sunsets! Not sure what foods to try (native) and if there are any to avoid - LOL!
Grocery is ok, but I don't want to spend my vacation in the kitchen! ACK!

Thanks in advance!!

[mwest9]

I second Merriman's in Napili for fine dining oceanside with a gorgeous view. Food was fantastic when I went last summer. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/711971

If you go to Hana, stop at Bruddah Hut's roadside outdoor BBQ. Its in his front yard, just at the edge of town as you are leaving Hana towards the Pools. I hope its still open, it was delicious! http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/712854

[palmtree38]

Is the kihea a good area to stay in for chow food rec's? We plan our holidays with meal fun and want to be in a area we can walk to good happy hour or must try restaurant/dives. Or short drive.

[pilotgirl210]

Second the Kihei Caffe suggestion. Great breakfasts priced reasonably. Go for the mo jo. Yummmmmy. Rice topped with a hamburger pattie, fried egg and *brown sauce*, a local favorite.

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Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

[pilotgirl210]

Grrrrrrrrrr. This horrible cold is really affecting me!! I meant to say loco moco, not mo jo. Geeze Louise. I know better. I truly do :=)

[ChasingSparkles]

Thanks everyone!
All places noted and googled and mapped!
31 days....
31 days....
31 days....

[whoopdido]

Second Paia Fish Market for lunch. It's a hole in the wall joint, although not dirty in any way--just small, seat yourself, amost a fast food experience, but VERY good. I had the fish tacos with ono and they were delicious. Be prepared to wait though. Like I said, it's very small and it's very popular. If you're into art, Paia, along with Makawao, are two neat little upcountry "artsy" towns. If you're looking for something to do it's worth it to drive up to those 2 towns, hit up Paia Fish Market for lunch and look around the hippy, artsy fartsy towns. :) Shouldn't take more than a couple hours.

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Paia Fish Market
2A Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779

[manomin]

I have always enjoyed Stella Blues.

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Stella Blues Cafe
1279 S Kihei Rd Ste 201, Kihei, HI 96753

[Tifa2276]

I would go to:

Casual eateries and take-out:
Da Kitchen - go to the Kahului one, the Kihei "express" version is not the same. It's not that far from Kihei. They have lots of local style foods with large portions and good prices. Things like kahlua pork, lau lau, loco moco. Although the Kihei version is mostly takeout, they have seating available.
Star Noodle in Lahaina - a modern, fusion-style cafe which was quite good depending on what you ordered. The best thing was the vietnamese crepe.
Kihei Caffe in Kihei - best breakfasts ever! The fried rice is sooo yummy
Gazebo in Napili - Great brunches but beware of the excessive flies!
Paia Fish Market - good fresh fish
Alexander's Fish market in Kihei for fish n chips

More fine dining options, all were excellent:
Mama's Fish House
Haliimale General Store
Class Act at the Maui Culinary academy
Hula Grill
Merriman's

Enjoy!

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Da Kitchen
2439 S Kihei Rd Ste 107A, Kihei, HI 96753

Mama's Fish House
Paia HI, Paia, HI

Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Paia Fish Market
2A Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779

Star Noodle
286 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761