Good Restaurants in South Maui (Kihei)

Maui Onion Grill

Local gourmands rave over this place's lunch menu, which features such delicacies as pesto fish sandwiches and Greek salad with the fresh catch. While the hamburgers are a bit pricey ($9), the enormous fruit boat with banana loaf is big enough for two. Visitors enjoy the cuisine as well as the lovely Maui ambiance. The restaurant is located on a sunny yet shaded terrace, right next to a swimming pool. It is conducive to cocktailing even on early Monday mornings.

Bistro Molokini

Located in the opulent Grand Wailea, one of the top five luxury hotels on Maui, this restaurant offers a casually elegant setting and a tempting menu. The delicious scent wafting from the wood-burning oven hints of culinary delights to come. The menu is contemporary Continental, but most dishes feature local ingredients. From the Hawaiian Ahi Carpaccio appetizer to the Tartuffo Alla Maui (a dreamy, creamy vanilla/mango/chocolate/caramel blend), this is a Maui-style feast.

Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

The name of this restaurant is enough of a mouthful to be a meal in itself—many people shorten it to "Humuhumu." Aside from its name, the restaurant has also received high acclaim for its delicious seafood and its setting. It floats on a lagoon, surrounded by tropical flowers. The signature menu item is the spiny lobster, but be forewarned: it costs a pretty penny. To anyone who is still wondering about the name, it translates to the rather inexplicable phrase "Trigger Fish with a snout like a pig"—the Hawaiian state fish.

Dian Don's

The palatial structure that stands in lonely splendor on South Kihei Road is not a hotel, or a mall, or even a gourmet restaurant. Instead it's a newer sister restaurant to Marco's Grill & Deli. Day and night, diners flock here to feast on Chocolate Cinnamon French Toast, homemade pasta and deli sandwiches. Marco's in Kahului is a longtime favorite in a small, modest building that's easy to bypass. Dian Don's is about three times bigger and caters to South Kihei condominium dwellers.

Wailea Steak & Seafood

Thick, juicy steaks and fresh-caught local fish are the stars of the culinary show at this new Wailea restaurant. The menu is fairly standard for the area, serving classics such as Ahi sashimi, prime rib and prawns. Island fish such as opah and mahi mahi are prepared in various ways each night. Prices range from $17.95-42.95, the most expensive item being the grilled lobster tail. Vintages from a number of different countries and regions are featured on the sizeable wine list. This is one of the only restaurants in Wailea that is appropriate for families.

South Shore Tiki Lounge

Hawaii is the place to revel and party any time of the year. This eatery, set in the tiny town of Kihei, is the perfect illustration of the laidback and party-crazy life. A restaurant-cum-bar during the day, it doubles as a rocking night club once the sun sets. The menu comprises of the usual American grub like fries and burgers, and smooth cocktails are offered in bulk. If you don't want to feel out of place, make sure you are not over-dressed. Locals and casual tourists, who don't give a damn about matching shoes and Louis Vuitton clutches are seen here!

Señor Taco

While this eatery does not do any advertising whatsoever, it is quite a neighborhood favorite. The few outdoor tables are full during the dinner hours. In the fine tradition of the West Coast taqueria, the place offers delicious, healthy burritos and tacos for just a few dollars. Selection is limited to the basics, and no liquor is served. If you want a cerveza to wash it down, pop into Mack & Jack's Lobster Shack next door. The two restaurants share tables and customers.

Royal Thai Restaurant

Arguably the best Satay on the island of Maui can be found at this Azeka Place eatery. The Evil Prince Chicken is also terrific, as is the Lobster Tail Curry ($11.95). The strip mall location doesn't allow for much of a view, but the place is roomy, comfortable and attractive, with many Thai and Asian artworks on the walls. The staff is friendly and the prices won't break the bank. Take-out and catering services are also available.

Thailand Cuisine

While Maui has no shortage of Asian restaurants, most of them fit into two categories: touristy and expensive or local and run-down. This neighborhood gem happily falls somewhere in the middle. The ambiance could best be described as upscale authentic. Hints of Thailand show all over the restaurant, but this definitely is not a little grass shack in Bangkok. Potted plants dot the dining room, while ceiling fans whir overhead. The menu features quite a few unique seafood dishes. Scallop curry and seafood salad are both worth considering.

Capische?

The catchy name boldly emblazoned across the entrance of this restaurant is a bit at odds with the cozy, upper-crust scene inside. Diners huddle over candle-lit tables, enjoying such dishes as Tagliatelle alla "Capische!" and Corona di Agnello The impressive wine list features domestic and European varietals. The service is excellent. Proprietor Carlos Garcia, a hearty man with a toothy grin, manages to convey the image of an Old World don, though he actually earned his stripes managing nearby Carelli's on the Beach. Chef Brian Etheredge comes from the world-renowned kitchens of the Grand Wailea. Open daily from 5:30 p.m.

Joy's Place

Located in the Island Surf Building (on South Kihei Road), this cafe caters to a local crowd as well as to tourists. It serves an amazing variety of delicious, healthy fare. Smoothies include a Granola Shake, Ginger Jolt, Apple Sundae and more ($3.75-$4.25 each). Try the Turkey & Avocado sandwich ($6.50) or the unique Raw-wich (cilantro pesto with veggies and carrot-almond pate). The cafe features organic ingredients and caters to a vegetarian crowd, but does also offer free-range meat items.

Hula Moons

The atmosphere is lovely, the service is friendly and down-to-earth, and the dress code allows for Aloha shirts and sandals. The contemporary Hawaiian menu features grilled meats, fresh fish and a few vegetarian specialties. Signature items include the rack of lamb and the Lobster Lau Lau. There is also Hula dancing on some nights which is performed by the locals. If you are interested you may contact the hotel to check for more entertainment.