Visit Maui: Oku's Sushi

My Maui foodie friend, Julie, mentioned that Oku's Sushi in Kihei was the place to go to satisfy my friend's sushi craving.

So we drove to Kihei and stepped into this inconspicuous eatery with a few tables and a sushi counter.

Veggie Dynamite

The Dynamites are a specialty, and even though I was stuffed from lunch, I had to give it a try.  I don't eat a lot of seafood, but luckily there was a Veggie Dynamite with just mushrooms and zucchini.  The Dynamite Sauce was delish - it reminded me of those broiled sushi bakes so popular throughout Hawaii.

Tamago Nigiri

Oku's Assorted Sushi Special

Oku's Assorted Sushi Special included 8 pieces nigiri and 1 piece tekka maki.  

Maguro Tataki

My friend had his sushi craving satisfied.  He really enjoyed the tataki, which he requested to-go since he was so full from the sushi, but there is no take-out (although you can "order when dining in and 'take home' any leftovers in a to-go-box" - like we did with the tataki).

Thank you, Julie, for the recommendation!

Oku's Sushi
1993 S Kihei Rd unit 17

Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Visit Maui: 808 Sugar HI

We stopped at 808 Sugar HI for some cool treats while on Maui!

Kona Mud Pie

Kona Mud Pie gelato consisted of Kona coffee, cookies, and chocolate.

Banana Delight

Banana Delight also included chocolate and caramel.

Lahaina Sands

I had the Lahaina Sands gelato, which consisted of mac nuts, coconut, PB, graham crackers and caramel.

It was nice and peanut-buttery with a pleasant coconut taste. It wasn't overly sweet, and I liked it very much!

808 Sugar HI also offers sorbets, popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and more!

808 Sugar HI

2511 S Kihei Rd

Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Aloha Maui Day Trip: Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips

We only had a handful of things planned for our Aloha Maui Day Trip. While in Kihei, @konaish texted a friend for some suggestions.  One suggestion was beef jerky from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue!

Once you step into L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, there are no signs of the Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips for sale, so you need to ask an employee.

There were several flavors to choose from.  

@konaish bought a couple of flavors, and said they were pretty good.

If you or someone you know loves beef jerky, check out L&L!  The beef jerky also makes great omiyage!
 

Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
247 Piikea Ave #102

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 875-8898

Read More

Aloha Maui Day Trip: Fork and Salad Maui

We ate non-stop during our Aloha Maui Day Trip, but for our first official "meal," we dined at Fork and Salad Maui for lunch.

You can choose from one of their signature salads or create your own.

The salads are gigantic!

You can also get soups, sandwiches, or combos.

I decided to get a Tomato Bisque with a Keiki Grilled Cheese (which comes with a small salad).

It was total comfort food.  The Tomato Bisque was so delish! 

Fork and Salad is a great spot to get healthy, satisfying meals!

Fork and Salad Maui
1279 S Kihei Rd #204
Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Aloha Maui Day Trip: Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice can be found all over Maui.  We went to the Kihei location, where a long line awaited us on an unusually warm day in February.  But don't let a long line deter you, because the shave ice is really good! 

@konaish thought it was the best shave ice she ever had!

The shave ice is super fine, and you can choose from a variety of flavors and add-ons, such as ice cream, mochi, and azuki beans.

It's a great treat no matter what the weather!

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
61 S Kihei Rd

Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Aloha Maui Day Trip: Sugar Beach Bake Shop

I have a very strong sweet tooth, as most people know.  So of course I couldn't resist buying something when I walked into Sugar Beach Bake Shop.

I love all things cheesecake, so I bought the Caramel Apple Cheesecake.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

It was divine!  Rich and creamy cheesecake atop a buttery crust, topped with an apple, oatmeal and caramel layer.  It was part cookie, part pie, and part cheesecake.  A perfect combo!

There are so many confections to select from at Sugar Beach Bake Shop, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Sugar Beach Bake Shop
61 S Kihei Rd

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 757-8285

Read More

Aloha Maui Day Trip: Maui Pie

If you love pies, check out Maui Pie while on Maui!

The shop offers fruit, cream, and even savory pies as a whole pie, mini pie, or by the slice.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

If you love chocolate + peanut butter, you must try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.  The silky smooth peanut butter and creamy chocolate in the flaky, buttery crust was just heavenly.

I'd definitely want to try the savory pies next time!


Maui Pie
1280 S Kihei Rd #101
Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Visit Maui: Kihei Caffe

I asked my friend for hole-in-the-wall eatery suggestions on Maui, and one place on her list was Kihei Caffe.

Corned Beef Sandwich

Caesar Salad

The eatery is indeed small.  You order at the counter, then find a seat at the limited number of tables outside.

We were there as Flossie was heading to Maui, and just as we finished up lunch, it started to pour.  Thankfully, we were under an umbrella so we were shielded from most of the rain. 

The food was good and satisfying.  If I return, I'd want to try their breakfasts, which is served all day. 


Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei Rd

Kihei, HI 96753

Read More

Aloha Maui: Kō Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani

When I visited Kō Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani for the first time in 2017, it was was one of the best dining experiences I've had, so I was excited to return during our Aloha Maui trip.

About Kō Restaurant

Fairmont Kea Lani's signature restaurant Kō features award-winning cuisine inspired by the vast collection of ethnicities brought together during Maui's sugarcane plantation era. Taste generations of local cuisine deeply rooted in the island's culture and history. With over 90% of fish, beef and produce sourced locally, the flavors are as authentic as they are sustainable.

Complimentary Rolls

Ahi on the Rock, You Sear It

For a really cool (or should I say, "hot") experience, order the Ahi on the Rock, You Sear It. A very hot stone is presented on a platter with raw chunks of shichimi spiced ahi, which guests sear by themselves (you can watch a video here). It's recommended to sear each side for four seconds, and dip in the accompanying orange ginger miso sauce.

What a neat way for guests to immerse themselves in local cuisine and culture!

Stir Fried Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Island Shrimp Saimin

Mauka Harvest Salad with Prawns

Lumpia Filipino Spring Rolls

Kim Chee Fried Rice

Hamakua Mushroom Flatbread

My personal favorites were the Hamakua Mushroom Flatbread (you can't go wrong with the flavorful blend of mushrooms, roasted garlic, Maui onion, and mozzarella), the Kim Chee Fried Rice, and the Lumpia Filipino Spring Rolls, which is a recipe of one of the chefs.

Dessert Platter

We could barely eat another bite, but somehow, there's always room for dessert, right?

We were presented with a beautiful dessert platter, consisting of Macarons, Kona Coffee Brulee, Brown Butter Banana Bar, and Upcountry Lilikoi Chiffon Cheesecake.

The Lilikoi Chiffon Cheesecake was my fave.  It was rich and slightly tart.  I also really enjoyed the Brown Butter Banana Bar, with its various crunchy and chewy textures.

During our meal, Executive Chef Tylun Pang welcomed us and explained the story behind the food, including his father's recipe for saimin broth. The Saimin consisted of Chef Tylun's father's bone broth recipe, Chinatown noodles, egg, pork, mushrooms, and scallion. You can tell there was a lot of history and heritage in that single bowl.

All of the food was representative of Hawaii's myriad cultures, and it's really special how the dishes are inspired or interpreted from family recipes.

This visit to Kō Restaurant was just as memorable as the first, and I already can't wait to return!

Kō Restaurant
Fairmont Kea Lani
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 875-2210

Mahalo to Kō Restaurant for hosting our meal. Gratuity was paid on our own.

Read More

Top 10: Reasons Your Family Will Love the Fairmont Kea Lani

The Fairmont Kea Lani is one of my top 3 favorite resorts of all time.  The amazing service, stunning views, and fab dining options, are just a few reasons why I adore this hotel, but one of the main reasons why I absolutely love this hotel is because of how family-friendly it is.

Here are my top 10 reasons why your family will love the Fairmont Kea Lani:

1. Spacious suites for families

2. Kid-friendly pools

3. Keiki Lani Kids Club

4. Shuttle service in the Wailea area

5. Kid-friendly dining

6. Microwave and fridge in suite

7. Fish feeding at the Koi Pond

8. Gorgeous views

9. Amazing Cabana Experience

10. Torch-lighting ceremony

Read More

Visit Maui: The Pint & Cork

While on Maui, we went to The Pint & Cork at The Shops at Wailea for Happy Hour.

Son of an Itch

Deviled Eggs Rockefeller

Pork Belly Slider

Mac & Cheese

Garlic Parmesan Fries

I really enjoyed everything we ordered!

The Deviled Eggs Rockefeller included smoked bacon, spinach, Parmesan, and a bernaise sauce.

You can order several varieties of sliders during happy hour, but we opted for the Pork Belly.

Since my kids love Mac & Cheese, they each ordered a bowl.  It sure was cheesy, consisting of Gruyere, white cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

And happy hour would not be complete without fries, and the Garlic Parmesan Fries were sure delish!

The Pint & Cork was a great place for Happy Hour!

The Pint & Cork
The Shops at Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 727-2038

Read More

Visit Maui: Paia Fish Market

Prior to heading back to the Kahului Airport to return home to Honolulu, we picked up lunch at Paia Fish Market in Kihei.

Fish Quesadilla

Fish Soft Taco

Fish & Chips

We called in our order, and our food was hot & ready by the time we got there.

Everything was just absolutely delish!

My fave was the Fish & Chips.  The fish was perfectly seasoned, and I loved the fresh tartar sauce!

Lunch plates (the Quesadilla and Fish Taco) come with hand-cut cole slaw, tartar sauce, and your choice of Cajun rice, home fries, or French fries.  For both plates we got half Cajun rice and half home fries.

If you love seafood, definitely check out Paia Fish Market!

Paia Fish Market
1913 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 874-8888

Read More