First Time in Wowee Maui - Luau & Restaurant Review

Just back from Maui and had all these wonderful plans to eat in ALLLL these great places but in the end, you end up wanting to do so much, you work in what you can WHEN you can, WHERE you are

I was determined to eat at Ferraros and Humumus... That was my biggest disappointment BUT... could not be helped so made the most of it (who can pout in Beautiful Hawaii??)

Ferraros (wouldn%26#39;t you know) at the Luxurious 4 Seasons---

was undergoing some construction issues and not open for

lunch. (Time-wise, lunch was the only time we could go on our

last day...) so, .............

We went to the Bistro at the 4 Seasons which had amazing

views (better than Ferraros) higher up and very open.. It was

casual but so balmy and relaxing... An economy trick... One

person gets an appetizer and the other gets an entree and share

a dessert... Works well, cheaper and you get more to taste..

The Banana-Chocolate Bread Pudding with Rum and Whipping

Cream was finger-lickin%26#39; (Did you know I was from KY?)

The tale on Humuhumas was that it also was not open when we

were at the Grand Wailea... It was beautiful!!.. Tho the GW was absolutely breathtaking...so large (grand?). . like a marble palace... eye-popping, so lovely and not crowded felt so spacious and tranquil, beautiful blue fountain steps, exotic statues, artwork, stately, soaring up as far as you could see.. (certainly not like anything ever seen in KY).. Okay, okay, getting carried away again...

Back to the Restaurants...

Charleys in Paia does fantastic breakfasts. The servers are all really friendly and helpful. We had lunch there and it was just ';OK';

(not really that good)..and (sorry Charley fans!!) but, it was not that clean.. Probably if you did not go all the way back to the restrooms, you would not know, but trust me, it was VERY unclean.. bathrooms some of the worst I have been in (Hubby echoed this in men%26#39;s bathroom)Towards the bathroom...carpet, walls and doors very dirty, even smelled in the back hallway... Very rundown and unkept... Sorry, but I promised to always be honest.. I would want to know this. They seem like really nice people but cleanliness is a biggie in a restaurant...

Mamas Fish House--

Already did a review on this..It was the BEST... Best location, Best service, Best food, Best decor, Best view, etc. etc... More details on my earlier post (check after May 12).. Even tho I do not like fish, Hubby%26#39;s fish was amazing... So glad we went there!! Make reservations. No sunset view..Daytime is a great beach view...

Hana Hotel--

We loved it. Very tranquil, island feel, relaxing, great food and service. We went at lunch and truly enjoyed it. Lovely setting, nice to walk around and enjoy the resort and view. $$ but worth it!! Great way to unwind after such a long Road to Hana trip...

Marcos Grill and Deli Ate a quick dinner there our first night in. Service was great and our Chicken dish was good. Not great, but good... Nice people... No view. On a busy street...

K ikis Terrace at the Sheraton Maui (our hotel)

We loved it. We read that their breakfast buffet was not that good.. Well, they must have done a makeover because it could not have been better.. Sitting at the huge and lovely Koi Pond, eating a 5* breakfast was a real tranquil and lovely Maui moment... Buffet was pricey ($23?) but something you should do at least once, in my humble opinion. Plus it frees you up for the rest of the day..

Then a nice brisk walk around the lovely grounds to ';walk it off'; is a plus! Such a great location on Kaanapali Beach... End it by going up to the 8th floor for the most breathtaking scenic view of the entire beach... (and mountains...)

Manele Bay Clubhouse (near the 4 Seasons) on Lanai--

Wow! What an unforgettable amazing panoramic view of the Island of Lanai and the gorgeous sparkling ocean.... The Clubhouse Cafe (lunch) at the golfcourse is perched on a hill and has the BEST view, great service and really good food... Another Maui Moment!

We did this following our Challenge at Manele Bay golf experience which was a long-awaited wish for hubby and fun for me too!

Hula Grill in the Whalers Village at Kaanapali

This was a highly regarded restaurant in my research reviews and I see why now. It is right on the walk to the Whaler%26#39;s Village (right there at it).. and a relaxing, casual outdoor area with beach chairs and a sandy area for your toes... Food and service is really great. One of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever eaten.. Lots of unusual toppings to make it taste very tropical and delicious. One sandwich was plenty for two! The couple beside me split a sandwich so they could eat a dessert.. It was a winner!!

Leilanis on the Beach at the Whalers Village on Kaanapali-

I had been wondering where this place was and wanted to eat there and found it when we ate at Hula Grill. They are right across the sidewalk from each other at the Whaler%26#39;s Village. It also is very casual with beach chairs and serves a great breakfast (per some fellow diners)..Our sandwiches were fine but have to admit Hula Grill has them beat!! Servers are all friendly and atmosphere very laid back and beachy.... BOTH OF THESE OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS ARE ALONG THE SIDEWALK WITH THE OCEAN IN FRONT AND WHALER%26#39;S VILLAGE BEHIND...

---LUAU---

FEAST AT LELE-- We researched and studied a lot about this one but did not want to sit on the ground and go thru lines to eat so opted for this more upscale (or so they say..) Luau.. It is on the beach by Pacifico and next to ';Io '; Restaurants (sister dining spots).. in Lahaina... Pricey $110 each but it was a more enjoyable %26amp; relaxed setting, no going thru lines, great servers and we had a table for two in the very front..(due to early reservations..) I do not want to offend the locals and their cuisine, and it may be due to our lack of sophistication but we did not like any of the food.. We know it was well prepared and were told it was the ';best of the best'; of all luaus.. see Io and Pacifico (same chefs).. BUT, We were given approximately 6-7different courses with 2-4 various foods at each course and they explained what they were, and we tried to eat them (and really wanted to) but just could not.. Guess our southern style cooking is just too far from this healthier cuisine.. But, we loved the Luau, the entertainment was top notch and was done in stages so there was no empty time waiting.. It was all very beautiful and artistic and so lovely with the lighting on the beach .. the beautiful water sparking in the background a premier event..I think most people would like the food, we are just a little particular in our tastes, I think. A lot of different cuisines in one Luau---

??Reef at the Sheraton-- Their food was REALLY good .We did a couple of take outs from here for convenience in the evening because we got back so late and I did not want to get ';dinner ready'; to go out again... Food quality and taste was excellent.!!

Sonz at the Hyatt-- (Formally Swan Court).... The most romantic place at the Beach-- We checked them all out--- LOVELY.....

We searched to find the most beautiful and unique place for our special anniversary dinner at the beach... It is stunning...so very beautiful at night..The lighting is sooo romantic and lovely... restaurant opens out into a beautifully lit waterfall in a sparkling lagoon which is beyond words.. beautiful at night.. Lovely in daytime also...

We could not have had a lovelier table or more romantic setting but, it was an extremely busy night and they were short-staffed and had some parties... and, yes, it was NOT smooth sailing... shame, because it was so special The service was very very very slow.... So, I cannot rate it because they said it was an unusual night BUT, the food was really amazing...steak, steamed vegetables and amazing parmesan twice-baked potatoes....Wish I could give it a thumbs up but only can do that for the setting and quality of food!! At least go by and see it or try a breakfast or lunch there....

Aloha Mixed Plate--

I have dreaded sharing this beause I know how many people like it... We each had a mixed plate (two different kinds) and just could not eat it... It ALL had a greasy taste and it just was NOT good. We loved the casual, laid back, on the beach setting and I hope others like it but we did not. Maybe we are just too particular. I have to share our experience though and be honest. I am sure others will like it, according to the reviews...

LAST AMAZING ALOHA EATING EXPERIENCE---

On our last day, we bought the succulent, delicious pastries at the Westin (Continental Breakfast) in the indoor/outdoor waterfall area. They have cereals, fruit, pastries, gourmet coffee and juices with a microwave for warming.... Anyway, it was one of the nicest ';Farewell Hawaii'; moments sitting beside the pink flamingos, the enchanting waterfalls, black swans and lovely foliage as we shared our thoughts on the last day... They also have a $25 breakfast buffet BUT the seating is not as tranquil, private and beautiful so opted for the continental near the waterfall... A wonderful end to our amazing Maui experience...

You must go into the Westin for an enchanting tropical Maui moment! The Hyatt is also a must for a similar experience!!

I sincerely hope all of this helps shed a little light on some of the Maui and Lanai restaurants. We did not do near as much as we planned but that is a lesson too... You have to ';go with the flow'; and not get too bogged down with checklists...';Feel the Island breezes and slow down...';

Please remember this is only our experience and not meant to be critical in any way... Peaceful Aloha to all...

First Time in Wowee Maui - Luau %26amp; Restaurant Review

Wow! Thanks for the great reviews. I appreciate your honesty. I have a question about Mama%26#39;s Fishhouse. I know it probably sounds weird, but my husband and I are are not big fish eaters...but from everything that I have heard I still consider this a ';must do';. Can you tell me if they also offer steak on their menu? I checked their menus online and only saw fish.

First Time in Wowee Maui - Luau %26amp; Restaurant Review

In answer to your question....

I also do not like fish but knew we HAD to go... I ordered duck and it was mahvelous-- I had to taste my honey%26#39;s fish and I could not believe how much I loved it. I was told if you do not like fish, ';Wait till you go to Hawaii';, they have so much, so unique and so wonderfully prepared, you will love something!. They were right.

We could not believe how much I loved it. It is not your basic mainland fish.. but much better tasting and more qourmet there...

The servers at Mamas were sooo accommodating since there are some things I cannot eat (or do not like) and they worked with me and adjusted the entree to suit me. I was surprised and did not expect it at all... A glorious experience... Maybe we just got a nice and helpful server? He (and another) went out of his way to please... The best meal of our trip!!!

Feel free to call them (not that expensive) and ask any questions...

Have a great trip.... Aloha

Thank you Buni for your detailed report. It has helped me decide on a couple of places. Hula Grill sounds like a must do. Did the construction at Ferraro%26#39;s look like a long term project? We are going in a couple of weeks. Did you notice-does the Bistro only serve lunch? I am considering a day trip to Lanai-do you need reservations at the Manele Bay Clubhouse? Our family does the split appetizer and entree thing too.

Thank you Buni for your detailed report. It has helped me decide on a couple of places. Hula Grill sounds like a must do. Did the construction at Ferraro%26#39;s look like a long term project? We are going in a couple of weeks. Did you notice-does the Bistro only serve lunch? I am considering a day trip to Lanai-do you need reservations at the Manele Bay Clubhouse? Our family does the split appetizer and entree thing too.

Dreamin and First time Maui-

Wow! I also had some type of fowl (duck?) entree because I don%26#39;t normally like fish either but tasted my hubby%26#39;s fish and really did like his. It all looked great. I think his fish was Ahi but not sure. I think a lot of people who do not like fish go there and find something to eat. We found the servers to be eager to help and explained items on the menu. There were other people we noticed who did not get fish tho it was difficult to tell what exactly they got. I did see some shrimp, I believe. It was a wonderful dining experience...

When were you there, Dreamin? We just got back.

First Time Maui--You should go. I am sure you will find something. Beautiful setting! A real Hawaiian experience! Enjoy!!

Flamom-

The Bistro is so casual that I am sure it is probably only for lunch tho I am not positive. Ferraros did not seem like it would be a long term construction. Just a small thing. Bet it will be over in 2 weeks or sooner. Lucky you! I hope you enjoy it! It was my big favorite of all that I researched.

The Manele Bay Clubhouse was not crowded (also casual) for lunch the day we went. What a lovely view! No, no reservations needed but yes, definitely for the golf course... If you have kids, they will LOVE the ferry ride, especially going back (if the waves are high) wow!! what a ride!! I could not stop giggling (once I knew we were not going to turn over) Aloha

Thank you Buni. I have a 13 and 14 year old. I am looking into the Jeep rental expedition on Lanai with the ferry ride. It sounds like fun.

Dreamin %26amp; Bunibleu -

Thanks. I will definitely keep this on my ';must do'; list. Thanks for making it an easier decision. I am so happy to have finally discovered trip advisor. I know that our trip will be so much better because of everyones honest feedback.

Aloha Bunibleu ~ Sounds like you enjoyed your trip very much and you made the best of everything. What a great detailed report, and I you certainly have your opinion on the restaurants that you didn%26#39;t really care for, that%26#39;s why we are all here, we can%26#39;t all have the same experience.

As far as Charley%26#39;s goes.... I understand what you are saying. It%26#39;s not the best place in town to eat, it%26#39;s more of a bar type atmosphere, but Charley%26#39;s fits right in with the atmosphere of the town. As I worked right up the street, we would stop in to play pool and happy hour, and hoping for a glimpse of Willie Nelson, and for years I never even knew Charley was named after a dog.