Makawao Garden Cafe

3669 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768 808-573-9065

Description: MAKAWAO. In a town that was once the realm of cowboys, this hip eatery is part of the changing scene. Offering healthy, gourmet food, it fits right in with the popularity of yoga, herbal remedies, and the like. However, that's not to say that it's solely a refuge for the alternative crowd. The cuisine resonates with everyone. Taking cues from local produce, the menu features incredibly fresh salads, sandwiches brimming with grilled vegetables and lean meats, and deliciously complex soups crafted from simple ingredients. A decidedly international influence can be found throughout, and the results are addictive, as evidenced by the return crowd. Baked goods and coffees are also available.
More Details

Maui Tacos

5095 Napilihau St, Napili Plaza, Napili, HI 96761 808-665-0222

Description: NAPILI. This local chain, founded on Maui, redefines fast food with its well-priced, flavorful fare. The hip, beach-shack decor is as appealing as the food, which consists largely of burritos and tacos with a variety of fillings. Named after towns and beaches on Maui, these hefty rolls come stuffed with beans, cheese, steak, chicken, marinated seafood, and guacamole. They're accented with island spices and, along with the salads and quesadillas, offer lively alternatives to tired fast food standards. It's obviously a formula that's working, because there are locations across the island, and the business has even expanded onto the mainland. Great for a quick bite.
More Details

Pacific'o

505 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761 808-667-4341

Description: LAHAINA. Well-respected and popular, this oceanfront restaurant consistently delivers terrific food that celebrates Polynesian and Indian cuisine. Diners may choose to sit inside or enjoy the tropical ambience at outside tables. Either way, entrées are spectacular. Start with ahi tuna tartare or mussels baked with blue crab and ginger. Then try lobster in saffron sauce, sesame-crusted lamb, or the famous ahi and ono tempura (two types of local fish cooked medium-rare and served with white miso dressing and lime-basil sauce). A vegetarian special of tofu, lentils, and vegetables is also popular. For a terrific ending, sample mango cheesecake or a fruit sorbet while you listen to live jazz, played Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 9pm.
More Details

Polli's Mexican Restaurant

1202 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768 808-572-7808

Description: MAKAWAO. Popular, affordable Polli's has a large following on the island and a somewhat stereotypical decor. The food is a combination of Mexican and American fare, meaning you'll find everything from burgers to fajitas on the menu. Chicken and ribs sit alongside quesadillas and enchiladas, and everyone is pleased by the options. That satisfaction extends to vegetarians too, because the restaurant will substitute tofu in its meat dishes if you so desire.
More Details

Stella Blues Cafe and Deli

1279 S Kihei Rd, Azeka's II Shopping Center, Kihei, HI 96753 808-874-3779

Description: KIHEI. With Grateful Dead posters and a penchant for organic foods, this eatery might seem like a holdover from the '60s, but it's actually more mainstream than that. Loud and animated, the place is busy throughout the day, accommodating everyone from bikers to families. Breakfast brings all of your morning favorites, including pancakes, omelets, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and French toast. You'll also find yogurt, fresh fruit, bagels, and a tofu-vegetable scramble for the vegetarian crowd. Juices, smoothies, and coffee drinks (iced and hot) round out the menu and combat hunger pangs until lunchtime rolls around.
More Details