Visit Maui: Patticakes Bakery

While on Maui, I saw Patticakes Bakery cookies in a shop, and wondered if there was an actual bakery we could go to.

I Googled and saw the bakery was just a few minutes away.  The door was covered, and it was hard to tell if it was open for business, so I opened the door and saw a commercial kitchen.  I was surprised and a little embarrassed to have walked in during the middle of operations, but asked one of the employees if we could buy cookies, and I could!  She talked about how they don't have a storefront and I could indeed buy cookies, and most purchases are done online for pick-up.  
 

I bought some cookies for omiyage as well as for the family.

If you love crispy, bite-sized cookies, you will love Patticakes Bakery cookies!

I'm team chewy, but these cookies were yummy!  The flavors were really balanced, and it was not uncommon for me to eat two at a time - they were just so good!

They also make all sorts of other goodies, such as banana bread and brownies. Pre-order via their website, or find them in shops around Maui!

Patticakes Bakery
1464 Lower Main St STE 104

Wailuku, HI 96793

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Visit Maui: Kumu Farms Cookies

We stopped at Maui Tropical Plantation, and in the Country Market, which is a joint venture between Kumu Farms and Maui ‘Oma Coffee Roasting Company, I found huge cookies from Kumu Farms.   Kumu Farms not only produces fruits, but other snacks and products.

At the check-out stand, I couldn't resist getting the cookies.  

I bought some Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chewy cookies for the kids, as well as a Tutu's Gourmet Aloha Cookie for myself.

It was bigger than my hand!  It was very peanut butter forward, with oatmeal, mac nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut.  It was reminiscent of a "cowboy cookie," and although a little on the crisper side (I'm team chewy), it was a good cookie.

The Country Market also offers various other locally-made goods, coffee, souvenirs, and more.

The Country Market

1670 Honoapiʻilani Hwy
Waikapu, HI 96793

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Visit Maui: Hāliʻimaile General Store

For a taste of the 1990s Hawaii Regional Cuisine Era, make a visit to Hāliʻimaile General Store.

Chef / Owner Bev Gannon is one of the founding chefs of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. 

Crab Pizza

The Crab Pizza incorporates imitation crab on stone fired flat bread.  It was really good!

Kalua Pork Wonton

The wontons were stuffed with kalua pork and goat cheese.  The pork was a little too much on the dry side for me. 

HGS Cobb Salad

I really enjoyed the HGS Cobb Salad, which had baby romaine, mayak egg, SPAM Katsu, gorgonzola, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a ranch dressing.  I thought the SPAM Katsu was an interesting choice for the salad, but I liked it on its own, and would have preferred bacon on the salad instead.  

Sashimi Napoleon

The Sashimi Napoleon is a signature dish, with ahi sashimi, ahi tartare, smoked salmon, crispy won ton, and a wasabi vinaigrette.

Fresh Banana Cheesecake

The Fresh Banana Cheesecakes was amazing.  I love cheesecake, and I thought this dessert had a nice balance of textures and the flavor was so pleasant.  

Service was excellent.  

Hāliʻimaile General Store

900 Haliimaile Rd

Haliimaile, HI 96768

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Visit Maui: Sam Sato's, Inc.

Sam Sato's, Inc., a mainstay on Maui, has been feeding the community since 1933.  They are known for their Dry Mein, but offer other local faves as well. 

Dry Noodles

A small Dry Noodles portion is enormous IMO.  The large must be able to feed a family!  The noodles were loaded and the soup was good.  My friend thought the noodles were too thick for his liking.  

Fries

Hamburger Steak

My friend did not care for the Hamburger Steak, which he said had too much fillers.  

Service was friendly, and the food came out faster than any other place I've dined at before.  From the time we sat down, got our menus, telling our server our orders, and our food coming out, only 6 minutes passed!  I swear the food came out one minute after we ordered.  

When we arrived there was no line, but we did have to look for street parking since the lot was full.

Sam Sato's, Inc.

1750 Wili Pa Lp

Wailuku, HI 96793. Directions

 

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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: Maui Ocean Center

It's been well over a decade since I've been to the Maui Ocean Center, and since then, the "Aquarium of Hawai‘i" has opened up new exhibits and initiatives that continue to shine the spotlight not only on ocean life, but also on Hawai‘i and how the ocean is critical to all life - including to humans.

We were very fortunate to have been hosted by Maui Ocean Center and go on the Behind the Scenes Tour, where we learned about the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, which helps to rehabilitate turtles and restore coral reefs.  

We got to see the coral nursery, feed coral, feed young sharks, and even food turtles!

Our guide, Izabelle, was awesome and sure taught us a lot!

The Behind the Scenes Tour is one of several tours you can book for an additional fee. 

Of course, even without an added tour there is still so much to see and learn at the Maui Ocean Center.

The Open Ocean is my personal favorite exhibit.  It features an underwater tunnel, so you get a great view of sharks and more swimming above and next to you.  

I also love how they really incorporate Hawaiian tradition and stories into the displays. There is also a Kaho‘olawe: History and Healing Exhibit that is well worth the time to peruse. ​

Aquariums are always fascinating - you get to see sea creatures that most don't encounter on a daily basis.  

What really impressed me with Maui Ocean Center is the abundance of local fish that were on exhibit.  It's a great place for keiki to learn about common fish that are eaten in Hawai‘i, like menpachi, moi, kala, and taape.

The Maui Ocean Center is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to not only learn about sea life, but to also learn more about Hawai‘i! 

Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Rd

Wailuku, HI 96793

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Visit Maui: Seascape

Back in 2023, Nadia went on a media visit to Maui Ocean Center, and I remember seeing her photos for Seascape, a Platinum Certified “Ocean Friendly Restaurant” on site, and I was pretty impressed with the food and how the dishes looked culturally-rooted versus tourist-driven.  

Honestly, I completely overlooked the restaurant when planning my recent visit to Maui - primarily because I was staying in Kāʻanapali, but I'm so glad I connected with one of my favorite Maui people, Julie, who reminded me about Seascape and recommended we dine there (she consults for Maui Ocean Center and graciously hosted our meal).  

Seascape was the best meal we had in Maui on that trip, and one of the best meals that I've had on Maui in a while.  The menu is crafted by Chef Enrique "Henry" Tariga, and is a reflection of his roots and heritage. 

Kalo Poke Nachos

The Kalo Poke Nachos (complete with a honu won ton chip!) were excellent.  Diced kalo, tomatoes, and onions were mixed with taro and sweet potato chips, and combined with a truffle vinaigrette and topped with guacamole.  All the elements melded nicely together.

Swiss'cape Burger

Roasted Root Vegetable Salad

Crispy Pork Belly Bowl

The perfectly cooked pork with mushroom gravy was absolutely delicious.  The curry cashew green pea salad was a surprising, but pleasant accompaniment.   My colleague, who is a chef himself and can be hard to please, said his favorite meal of the entire trip was the Pork Belly Bowl.  

Maiʻa Crème Brûlée

I'm not much of a crème brûlée fan, but I trusted Julie's judgment when she ordered the Maiʻa Crème Brûlée, and I'm so glad I did. It was like a banana pudding / ice cream / pie with a caramelized topping. It was absolutely divine. I ate nearly the entire thing myself! The textures and flavors were just delicious!

Chef Henry was off that day, and it was a testament to his team that all the dishes were executed well.

You do not need Maui Ocean Center admission to dine at Seascape.

Seascape offered an authentic taste of Hawaiʻi that is hard to find these days at restaurants.

Highly recommend!

Seascape
192 Maalaea Rd

Wailuku, HI 96793

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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: Baked on Maui

We went to Haiku and stopped at Baked on Maui for some breakfast eats.

They offer sandwiches, skillets, omelets, and lots of baked goods!

Cinnamon Roll

I'm not usually a sweets-for-breakfast kind of person, but the Cinnamon Roll was beckoning me!

It was light and so fluffy! 

Pauwela Bar

Baked on Maui is located in the former Pauwela Cannery, so I had to get the fittingly-named Pauwela Bar.  It was very reminiscent of those no-bake Magic Cookie Bars. So yummy!

The Mops

The Mops Sandwich included shaved ham, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, Muenster cheese, and over easy eggs.  

Simple ingredients, but so delish!

Baked on Maui was a nice stop for breakfast!

Baked on Maui

375 W Kuiaha Rd # 37

Haiku, HI 96708

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