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

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Visit Maui: Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Nalu's Chicken and Waffle - served all day!

On the last night of our "Friends-cation" my friends and I like to have a nice sit-down meal together at a restaurant. Staying in Kihei, Maui there are many great options, but we found Nalu's South Shore Grill a great choice since we could make a reservation for our group of 15. Also great is the casual, open air atmosphere and the many menu options. 

What made splitting the bill easy was that the restaurant has you order and pay for your meal before you sit down. We picked up our drinks from the bar and then sat at our table. The food came quickly and we enjoyed our tasty meals. 

Poke Bowl of the Day

Sammy's Lobster Roll

Apple Brie Burger

Island Style Ribs

Loaded Grilled Cheese

Nalu's is open 7 days a week 8 am – 9 pm and offers a daily Happy Hour from 3 pm – 6 pm. 

Nalu's South Shore Grill
Azeka Shopping Center – Makai
1280 South Kihei Road, Ste 132,
Kihei, Hawaii 96753

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Visit Maui: Maui Coast Hotel's New Kai Tower

My friends and I chose to spend our annual "Friendscation" trip in Maui so that we could support Maui businesses as much as we could. We decided to stay in Kihei on the south coast of Maui. I had stayed at the Maui Coast Hotel before and remembered it was a great location and they were adding a brand new Kai Tower that would be completed a few months before our stay. We took advantage of their great kama'aina (Hawaii resident) rate. 

While the original hotel tower was built in 1992, the new tower, Kai, added 162 guest rooms and suites and opened in the summer. We were upgraded to an ocean view and we loved the great views of the pool and ocean. Our double queen room sleeps four and was a very spacious 388 sqft with a walk-in shower and lanai. We just loved the layout of the room especially the well-thought-out placement of seating along the wall with drawer storage underneath. The clever layout allowed us to spread out and still have ample space when the other families came over. There was a total of 15 of us comfortably talking story and playing cards in the room before bedtime.

Kai Tower Ocean View Double Queens 

Rooms include coffee maker, microwave, and mini refrigerator.

Leave your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at home!

Lobby of Kai Tower. The building is secured so you need your key to enter.

Our convenient wristband hotel keys.

Complimentary self-service washer and dryer located on each floor next to ice machine! 

Complimentary cruiser bikes

The Fitness Center is open 24 hours and is equipped with cardio machines, including Peloton Bikes, yoga mats, weights and dumbbells.

13 EV charging stations are available to guests.

Main lobby for hotel registration. You can also check in through their app.

There are plenty of lounge chairs under umbrellas by the pool and lap pool. Enjoy food and drinks and a daily happy hour from the pool bar. There is also live music daily from 6pm to 9pm.

Lap pool

Kihei Caffe is on property and also provides the food for the Hanohano pool bar.

Other hotel amenities include complimentary shuttle service available daily from 7am to 10pm for transportation within the Kihei and Wailea areas. There is no charge for self-parking. Coming soon to the resort are pickleball courts and the 2025 opening of a sundry shop and Miso Phat Sushi restaurant. 

We all agreed we had an amazing stay at the Maui Coast Hotel. One friend thought the new Kai Tower was nicer than many five star hotels he has stayed in. From check-in to pool service and housekeeping, the staff and service was excellent. The location is also hard to beat with so many great restaurants within walking distance and Kamaole Beach I just across the street. I would highly recommend the Maui Coast Hotel for your stay in Kihei!

Thank you to the Maui Coast Hotel for the complimentary upgrade. All opinions are entirely my own.

 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Visit Maui: Poolside Eats at AMA Bar & Grill

At the Fairmont Kea Lani is AMA Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy a cocktail at the swim up bar, order a poolside lunch, or enjoy a nice dinner in the restaurant.

During our stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani, we ordered lunch to eat in our cabana.

Rum Runner

Keiki Hot Dog

Keiki Macaroni & Cheese

Grilled Chicken Nachos

Tsunami Fries

The Grilled Chicken Nachos were topped with Maui salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

The Tsunami Fries were a very generous portion of fries drizzled with a spicy aioli and sweet sake glaze, and sprinkled with furikake.  It was yummy!

Keiki meals included sides.

Of course I just had to try a cocktail - the Rum Runner - silver rum, Hana Bay dark rum, pineapple, coconut, Chambord, banana, float of Bacardi gold rum - was the perfect poolside drink. 

Whether you dine poolside or in the restaurant, AMA Bar & Grill offers great food and service!

AMA Bar & Grill

Fairmont Kea Lani
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 875-4100

Our lunch was hosted; gratuity was paid on my own.

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