In keeping with its objective of providing a world-class visitor experience in a boutique-like resort while embracing the local environmeent, Andaz Maui at Wailea has announced that Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will head Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and Spa’s master piece restaurant, Morimoto Maui. This will be Morimoto’s second restaurant in Hawaii, following in the footsteps of his highly successful restaurant in Waikiki.
Chef Morimoto is known as the star of Food Network’s Iron Chef, after having earned countless accolades for his inspired fusion of Japanese and local ingredients through all his worldwide ventures – from the Taj Majal, to NYC, to his first endeavors in Philadelphia. With his unique culinary perspective, one can rest assured Chef Morimoto will take advantage of Maui’s bountiful of ingredients: fresh fish, local vegetables and fruits, farm-raised cattle, all prepared under Morimoto’s innovative Japanese techniques and laser-like precision.
We really get into Halloween on Maui: for one thing, you never have to wear a jacket over your costume to keep the cold away.
For those looking to put on a costume and get their spooky on, we have two suggestions for where to go, and more ideas on how to plan a fun evening, below.
Lahaina (West Maui)
For decades, the Halloween celebration in Lahaina was called the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific” — and rightfully so. Visitors and locals alike flooded the streets every October 31, dressed in outrageous (and sometimes downright skimpy) costumes. There was more than a little drinking — especially as the night wore on. As many as 30,000 people would converge on Front Street and party — sometimes roughly. Merchants and restaurants and bars generally loved it; many residents and many of Hawaiians didn’t.
Finally, it became too much for those who felt the area’s incredible, sacred, and unique cultural heritage was (literally) being trampled. They protested, and started insisting the county manage the affair better. For nearly a decade, the whole celebration has been under a pall, and sometimes, effectively shut down.
The LahainaTown Action Committee, the merchant-resident organization which sponsors the celebration in conjunction with the County, is hoping they’ve addressed the many [click to continue…]
I instinctively recoil at the idea of dolphins (or any animal, actually) in enclosed spaces. But I have to admit that I’m glad to have been able to watch this video of a dolphin giving birth. And then watching the calf start swimming right away? Unbelievable. I tear up each time.
Johnny B’s in Paia, in addition to having blessed us with very nice locally-sourced burgers and sumptuous milkshakes, is showing family movies on the lawn behind their restaurant every Friday (or sometimes Saturday) night at dusk. Last night’s film was Up!, and while we couldn’t attend, we thought it was a very nice way to [...]
The delicate, elegant macarons (not to be confused with the dense, intense macaroon) at Fabiani’s in Kihei have become a secret addiction of mine over the past month. Especially the one on the left. I’ve stopped in at least once a week for a $1.75 treat. I know: nearly $2 for a cookie this small? [...]
The last lingering question about the new corkage rules in Maui County seems to have been put to rest. On September 13, 2012, the Maui County Liquor Control Commission met and voted against the proposal to exclude hotel and condos from the new corkage regulations. Hotels and condos were concerned that the new law — [...]
The food truck craze so popular on the mainland is slowly picking up speed in the islands. Food trucks tend to thrive in urban populations where there’s a lot of foot traffic and people are looking for quick bites to eat. Think hot dog and pretzel vendors in NYC, or noodle carts in Shanghai. Maui [...]
Hawaii state food inspectors are proposing a new grading system for the new year, which will use placards in restaurant windows to notify diners about the restaurant’s latest inspection results. For future reference, Green means go, Yellow means caution, and Red means Closed due to immediate and urgent health concerns. Simple enough, yes? Apparently, it [...]
Here’s an event that warms the very cockles of my New England native heart: an outdoor feast that features traditional craft beers. Brewhaha 2012 will take place next Friday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m. The two-hour event will feature 14 beers, none of which are brewed in the US. In fact, there’s an interesting twist [...]
Congratulations are due to Chef Sheldon Simeon of Star Noodle in Lahaina: the new season of Bravo’s Top Chef was just announced, and he’s been competing in Seattle! Of course, we’ll have to wait and watch to see if our Maui boy rises to the top of the heap, but we couldn’t be happier to [...]
It’s dispiriting when a good restaurant closes, and we’re truly sorry to say goodbye to David Paul’s Island Grill in Lahaina, which closed on September 1, laying off 25 employees and leaving a gorgeous 7,800 square foot location empty. We’ve heard rumors that Lahaina Center, where the restaurant was located, will be turning into an [...]
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“Much much thanks for the book – my wife was reading excerpts to me while we were returning to Kapaua after buying the book at Costco. You hit every one of the many restaurants we visited on the nail. We were wondering if you were somehow dining with us! Thanks muchly – only regret was [...]
—Geoff
“We’ve been vacationing in Maui for the last five years and have started to rely on your book so much –it’s been wonderful. Right on the money with all your recommendations!!! Thank you.”
—Nancy
“Thank you for the superb book. A true value for the money. Well written, easy to understand and informative. Many of your reviews have our mouth watering!!”
—Todd & Carole
“I just downloaded your book and will be using it to guide me when I visit in September. I visit almost every year and usually find some good places to eat, however, I find your guide book such a wonderful read that I am going to use it heavily during my visit.”
—Joe
“Your book has been a lifesaver this week, and we’ve had some great, affordable meals—thanks to you.”
—David
“We’ve been to Maui many times, most recently in February this year. Your guide helped us find some gems that we hadn’t previously dined at. I purchased both the on-line copy for my Kindle as well as your hardcover edition.”
—Gary
I DO NOT LIKE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! I love it. 2 years ago I learned the hard way that when vacationing in an expensive area like Marco Island near Naples Florida. The restaurants were very expensive and at least 50% were serving microwaved frozen foods It was horrible. My lovely wife and I started to argue [...]
—David
“My wife and I own two vacation rental condos in Kihei which we visit 2-3 times each year. I just bought this book as a digital download a couple of days ago and it is fanstastic. I started by reviewing our favorite places as well as some expensive disappointments we have been to, and their [...]
—Rob M.
Wow! Love your book, your blog, your video, and your spirit! We love Maui and will be taking my mother in law this June. Our food experiences in Maui have been awful! We have discovered only a handful of restaurants that we liked and would recommend to our friends. It was exciting to see that [...]
—Lynn C.
“This is the one book I took everywhere when we were in Maui, just in case we came across a “must visit” restaurant. I also used it to plan some special dining and events before we even left for our trip. All I can say is…wow. The reviews were right on, every time, and thanks [...]
—Heidi R.
Very useful on North Shore (Pa’ia) and UpCountry, too. Every comment in the book was “right on.” Highly recommend using this book when in Maui.
—Marjorie & Duane E.
ALOHA. Have been on the island since Feb. 5 and leaving Feb. 25. Once again, your book was “right on the mark”. I was pleased to see that the book is now on sale at many of the local stores. Good luck, it is a great accurate source of information.
—John K.
“We are just back from our trip and I wanted you to know that we used your book for nearly every meal choice. Not once did you steer us wrong! We had amazing food at many restaurants we wouldn’t have know existed. Thanks bunches!!”
—Karen
Very handy book, we read and reviewed before our trip to Maui and went to the restaurants we wanted, just wish we had more time as the ones we visited were exactly what the book described.
—Wareor
“I just wanted to let you know how very helpful your restaurant guide is! My husband and I just got back from Maui Saturday and we found your guide to be very informative! I printed the whole guide and punched holes in it and put it in a 3-ring binder and kept it in the [...]
—Melanie and Willie Harrell, Roxie, MS
“We’ve just returned from our fifth trip to the island in five years, and we used your guide for the first time on this trip. What a great time and money saver! It was nice to have some information about places that weren’t there last year (Fred’s), and places we’ve been by in the past [...]
—Samantha Mar, Seattle, WA
“In the past, we used another book on Thrifty Restaurants of Maui. This new book is a must on saving money but most of the restaurants listed are in a bit more pricey range. I liked that they also listed restaurants that they DON’T recommend and explain why. Restaurants are divided into areas of Maui; [...]
—Sara Chelanllama, Chelan, WA
“Not having visited Maui in 30 years, and given the fact that Hawaii, in general is so expensive, this wonderful book not only gave a comprehensive and entertaining review of Maui’s offerings, but it was organized, thorough and easy to use as a daily guide…which we will for the next two weeks! This book made [...]
—Kraig and Debbie, York, PA
“We just got back from a week in Maui and found this book very useful. We love to eat well on our vacations and it was fun to read before the trip. One restaurant we went to twice after their recommendation – Mala – and it was one of my favorite memories on our trip, [...]
—K. Mash, Houston, TX
“We haven’t been to Maui in several years so we thought that getting advice on the best restaurants would be worthwhile and this book really fit our needs. So far every restaurant we’ve tried has been good and we have tried a few that we might not have considered. We still have 4 more days [...]
—Ellen Arnold, Seattle, Washington
“I love the honest and artful writing style, as well as advice that is unbiased and never steers me wrong. I have found many excellent recommendations and new favorites in this book. I have also had my suspicions confirmed….(why did I think that meal was so average when this restaurant is supposed to be so [...]
—DeLane
We used this book in early June. Every place we ate at was worth the money. We also tried some things we wouldn’t have because of the book. They do seem to cover all the same restaurants our hotel concierge lead us to. This was helpful actually. While we were in Maui one of the [...]
—Local Beans
“We bought the Jacobson’s “Top Maui Restaurant” on the second day of our visit to Maui. It was worth every penny and allowed us to avoid some bad choices. It also helped us make good decisions. Ultimately, we ended up favoring one of the restaurant not far from our hotel (we had dinner at Longhi’s [...]
—Maria Salapska
“My wife and I are planning a 25th anniversary trip to the islands in May, and I have been trying to get an itinerary as to where we would like to visit and dine. We only have four days on Maui, and I am starting to find we could easily have spent our entire trip [...]
—Bob Starks, Indianapolis, IN
“This guide was extremely helpful and is highly recommended. We’ve been to Maui twice and this helped us find favourites and also discover gems we would not have known about. We went from cheap and great to expensive and great and all price levels in between, all of them great food and/or service. The guide [...]
—Scott, Toronto, ON
“This book has been extremely helpful while vacationing in Maui. Dining out is always a big part of our vacation and this guide definitely helped us avoid disappointments. The reviews were right on and the rating system accurate. We are here for three weeks and plan to try many as many restaurants as possible. This [...]
—Gini Ma
“We went to Maui with only breakfast and 2 dinner plans for the whole week. We studied the book before we left. We knew exactly what to expect before we ordered dinner anywhere. From the top onion rings at the Hyatt to the Bento box at Cascades, we were truly surprised at the quality. A [...]
—The Treats, Nebraska
“Very helpful info! Carried this book with us at all times during our stay and found the reviews very accurate. Also, found some great restaurants we wouldn’t normally have tried. Highly recommend.”
—Jetguy
“James and Molly Jacobson are a pair of well-heeled restaurant reviewers who don’t want you to miss a four-star restaurant or bargain dive that serves great food. They make sure your visit is packed with options for great food broken down by location. They will direct you to the very best of places to eat [...]
—Brenda Poklacki, Trabuco Canyon, CA
“If you are going to Maui and you are not planning to eat all your meals at one resort, then you have to buy this book. We went to Maui twice in 2008, the first time without the benefit of this book, and ate at several restaurants with poor food, poor service, high prices, or [...]
—Elizabeth B. Cooney
“I did hours and hours and hours of research on sites such as tripadvisor, Yahoo! Travel, citysearch, yelp, etc. etc. Then I bought this book, and found that I could have bypassed the entire onerous task. Top Maui Restaurants 2008 agreed with all of my research, and provided a lot more. For example, the description [...]
—Curtis Jackson, San Jose, CA
“There’s nothing worse than trying to pick out a place to eat and then finding out that the reason there are few other cars in the parking lot is because the food (1) is too expensive or (2) is poor in quality or selection. With this book, you can have a much better chance of [...]
—S. Littlefield, Missouri City, TX
“We live here on Maui. We also eat out several times a week. The reviews of the restaurants are dead-on accurate! We were amazed at how much we agreed with the so-so review of the fancy restaurant on the beach (Page 212). We are now beginning to work our way through some of the smaller [...]
—Bob & Georgia Kronenberg, Kihei, Maui, HI
“I bought this book before my first trip to Maui, even though I was going with my boyfriend who goes about 2 or 3 times a year. It was fantastic! We both loved it! It would be a really great book to leave at your condo or time-share there, but it’s also good to have [...]
—J. Vincent Pullman, WA
“I love this book and wished that I had one just like it for every place that I visit. I am a travel agent and travel often. I am always buying lots of guides to compare each other with to get the best advice on where to dine. I am a planner to the last [...]
—Marilyn Bates, Central California
“This was a great resource. I especially liked that the authors would give negative comments about certain restaurants – it made the good reviews much more believable. So many of these books seem like puff pieces while this book struck me as fair and balanced.”
—R. Ashley
“I’m a resident of Maui, and think this book is great. So far I haven’t been disappointed by their recommendations. Thanks for bringing honest reviews about restaurants to Maui rather then having to rely on the Menu guide.”
—Laura A. Burger, Kihei, Maui, HI
“This is my last night on Maui, and I just picked up this book… Having it two weeks ago would have saved me some indigestion “challenges”! What I love most about this book is the way the authors (a great husband and wife team) describe not just the food, but their entire EXPERIENCE at each [...]
—Barbara Drazga, Aurora, CO
“Reading your book Top Maui Restaurants in advance of our trip enabled us to plan where we would eat out each night (often with the decision made at the last minute) and not spend valuable vacation time trying to figure out where to eat. All in all it made for a very enjoyable and memorable [...]
—Brenda & Ray Poklacki
“I would like to thank you for the wonderful dining experiences my wife and I had in Maui. Without a doubt, Capische is the best dining experience in Maui [and I found out about it from you]. Once again, your recomendations are excellent and continue providing great reviews. Thank you.”
—Ivan & Doris Taylor
“We just returned from Maui yesterday. We can’t tell how much your restaurant guide helped us. We had many wonderful meals and planned them using your guide. We ate at Lahaina Grill (our favorite), Mama’s, Waterfront, Mala, I’o, Pineapple Grill, John Paul’s (yum), and Paia Fish Market. The chefs tasting menu at Lahaina Grill was [...]
—Denise Douthit
“I love ur book. We just left maui and I used ur book for the second year in a row. U and your wife have the best advice.”
—Alison
“We just got home on Friday from an amazing week in Maui and I wanted to tell you that we only ate at restaurants listed in your guide! It was so great because they came with a little ‘assurance’ that we were not going to be scammed! Your info was invaluable to us and I [...]
—Jeani Adams, Anaheim, CA
“My family has recently returned from Maui (we stayed at Kaanapali Beach Hotel – wonderful!). Your book was our bible and we are so fortunate to have had your expertise. Your reviews allowed us to sample some of the exquisite offerings of Maui and our experience would not have been complete without trying your recommendations.”
—Deborah Rishell
“Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been to Maui over 20 times and this is the first time I’ve bought the guide. It is excellent! I’m recommending it to my friends here and on the mainland.”
—Mike Dinstell, Moraga, CA
“My sister Carol and I visited Maui recently with no clue on how to pick restaurants . . . I loved the folksy and down-to-earth reviews, they get right to the quick about each place and what to expect . . . We were trying to watch our pocketbooks a little, too, so it was [...]
—Susan T, Plainville, CT
“Just a note to thank you for the Top Maui Restaurants guide. My husband I used it extensively and found some great food – your guide was very helpful. Merry Christmas and Mahalo for the guide.”
—Gae Sellstedt, Vancouver, BC
“I ordered your guide on-line. It is excellent. We are from Calgary, Alberta and have been to Maui twice but not for over 10 years, so your guide will come in handy when we visit again in April.”
—Terry & Susan Winnitoy, Calgary, Alberta
“We have been home for just two weeks and it seems like we were never away. Your Maui guide was very helpful and we all especially enjoyed Buzz’s and Cafe O’Lei.”
—Gene M, New Jersey
“Thank you so very much . . . Top Maui Restaurants is very helpful for planning a rehearsal dinner next June. We will be spending a week in Maui, staying at the Four Seasons, celebrating a wedding. Your service has been exceptional. Thank you again!”
—Kelly B, Noblesville, IN
“Love your new book!!!!! Thank you for all the work you put into it!”
—Marti
“Thank you for making our first trip to Hawai’i and to Maui so special. We ate like kings and loved every minute of the trip. For your information, we enjoyed Lahaina Grill, The Feast at Lele, Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina, Gannon’s, Hali’imaile, Mama’s Fish Market and the Paia Fish Market. Your restaurant guide is [...]
—Jim & Kathy D, Fairway, KS
“My 2010 book arrived yesterday and I was up late reading it! Great job! I love it!”
—Ronna L
“We have been signing the praises of your book since our trip to Maui in 2009. Thank you!”
—Jim & Kathryn
“I am a returning traveler to Maui-during whale season. I love this book and am bringing it with me as I will be in Maui on the 1st of February. It is informative and I like to compare my feelings on the restaurants I have visited and will check before going some place new.”
—Marjorie B, Las Vegas, NV
This is the third edition of the book that I’ve purchased over the years, and each year James and Molly exceed my expectations and amaze me that they continue to seek out and find gems of restaurants on Maui. This book is more like a “Bible” than a reference book when it come to providing [...]
—Edward M, Weston, FL
“This book is well written and well organized. After about 5 minutes you are using it like a pro and making plans on where and when to eat while on Maui. The new 2010 edition is out and I have just ordered it since I was so impressed with the 2008 addition. Some of the [...]
—Bob S, New Jersey
“I have never written a review for a book or anything else. (Really!) I just had to pass on the delight I experienced in reading this book. Why, you ask? 1.) It’s incredibly well-organized, providing all the information you will need to make well-informed decisions about one of the most fun things to do anywhere, [...]
—Brenda, Salt Lake City, UT
“My wife and I spend a couple months on Maui every year, and we eat out every day, so we thought we knew a lot about Maui restaurants. I even have a website of my own reviewing Maui restaurants, hotels, condos, sights and activities, so I constantly try to keep up on the latest and [...]
—Jon, Michigan
“I had gotten Molly and James first version of this book for our initial visit to Maui. It was a god-send in steering us in the right direction for food decisions both good places to hit and the “misses” to avoid. I had heard due to family health issues (of parents) that an updated version [...]
—Bruce P
“Thank you for the invaluable guide, it made our last vacation much more enjoyable than our first trip to Maui… our dining experiences were actually fun with good food at good prices.”
—Rhonda S
“We are just completing a twelve day trip to Maui, and bought this book while here. We have been coming to Maui for years, and love good food. We therefore have some experience regarding the good restaurants. However, because we bought this book, we happily dined at several restaurants that we would not have otherwise [...]
—Paula, Hilton Head Island, SC
“We have been to Maui counting this year 23 times and so look forward to it….we will definitely use the “Top Meals of Maui” section in making our selections for dinner. You have not let us down in your reviews and your customers (“WE”) appreciate it.”
—Dave & Pat, Sebring, FL
“I recently purchased your Top Maui Restaurants 2010, and I love it.”
—Belia
“Aloha- I just want to thank you for your wonderful book. We just returned from 2 weeks in Maui, and not only used your book for restaurants, but for the “helpful” shopping and touring tips in the back. It is our new bible for Maui…thanks again for a great read and recommendations!”
—Janette
“We picked up your book on our first day here, March 2, and we have enjoyed your tips very much…thanks for the book, it has enhanced our stay.”
—Susan, Farmington Hills, MI
“We are so grateful for all your “hard” research (somebody has to do it!). Yes, we did save money every time we used it!”
—Margo
WV”My husband & I are planning our first trip to Maui and I am a research, plan ahead nut. I bought this book so we can enjoy some of the local places without totally and completely breaking our budget and get some good food in the process! I love how once you purchase the book [...]
—WV Book Lover, West Virginia
“If you are a foodie visiting Maui, this book is a must. The reviews are accurate and honest. Maui has some excellent restaraunts, but also has some that it is best to avoid. This book will help you with food, views, and service.”
—G Jo, Plano TX
“Can’t wait to put this book to use on our vacation coming up. This book had everything in it that you can use in maui – tips on restaurants and just plain good tips on going over there for vacation.”
—C Ligh, Richmond, VA
“Your book was priceless during our recent 7-day visit – I knew as soon as I started reading that your reviews would help guide us to some gems.Thank you for sharing your research and passion, and helping make our trip easy and tasty!”
—Laura A
“My wife and I want to thank you for your wonderful guide.We used it extensively on our trip to Maui in April. The reviews were right on.”
—Stan & Fran F
“Your newsletters and your book, which i bought, was very helpful before and during our vacation. Thanks again for helping make our time in maui very lovely.”
—Carol L
“I have been to Maui a few times and your book has been a remarkable guide to culinary satisfaction. I mean is there any better way to travel than by one’s taste buds?”
—Lori M
“I purchased your book a few weeks ago and have had my Kindle in hand ever since. My husband and I are coming to Maui ( from Pennsylvania) in August with our kids for 10 days. I have thoroughly enjoyed the book and take real heart and notes with your impressions and reviews of the [...]
—Beth D, PA
“If you are going to Maui and want to make the most of your dining out budget, I’d highly recommend this book. It rates many restaurants for food, ambience, value and more. We’ve used it for two years now and dined on some fabulous island food and avoided the pitfalls of dining based on advertising [...]
—Beach Girl
“My husband and I absolutely love your book. It has been our bible for eating on Maui for the last 2 trips we have taken and I have to say that the reviews and info you provided were spot on. I have also bought one as a birthday gift for my sister who is going [...]
—Carole, Colorado
“Just got home from Maui and this book was great in helping decide where to eat (both in advance and for some last-minute decisions). The tips section in the back had some good information as well on more general questions like “Should I drive the road to Hana.” However, this is a restaurant guide and [...]
—Maya, North Carolina
“I can’t tell you how much my wife and I have enjoyed your book Top Maui Restaurants. I’m being very honest in telling you that we have been coming to Maui since 1975 and have been going to the same old restaurants year after year. This year, however, was a totally different experience. I accidently [...]
—Bill & Norma
“James & Molly: You changed our lives. Literally. We danced at the bar in Capische, beat the crowd at HGS on the way up the mountain enjoyed LGrill after the theatre, lunch crowd twice at Cafe O’Lei. Spago’s and Joe’s….next time. Stayed in Makena and never got on the road without your book. I have [...]
—Lanning
“We went to several restaurants that were reccommended. All were excellent! probably would not have found some of the places if we had not read about them.”
—Lynda
“Thanks for your book, Maui’s Top Restaurants. My wife Lisa ordered your book from Amazon before our recent trip to Maui. It had been around 21 years since our last trip to Maui; this was the first trip to Maui for our two daughters: Lauren 21 and Carrie 18…We loved everything about the book. Accurate [...]
—Pete, Lisa, Lauren & Carrie in Sunnyvale, California
“We Really LOVED all twelve restaurants we visited based on the books advice. Wasn’t sure it would be worth spending the money on the book for a week and a half stay on the island, but we are so glad that we did, as the restaurants gave us terrific food and memorable experiences at fair [...]
—Misha
“This book gives such good useful information. We love the good and the negative comments. Also the other “where to” recommendations are great. We signed up for the blog information and received a rapid reply to a question.”
—Pat
“Top Maui Restaurants gives reader a fair and thorough review of the restaurants but also informs best places to shop, farmer’s markets, types of fish available on islands, etc. We got much more than a restaurant guide. Would definitely recommend
