Where to Wine and Dine Your Valentine

By Vanessa Wolf

All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.

~Charles M. Schulz

Whether you’re in the market for love, chocolate or a little bit of both, Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, Feb. 14.

We’ve rounded up some options so you can take your pick of activities geared to couples, singles and hungry foodies.

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Couples are invited to enjoy an intimate prix fixe dinner at Black Rock Kitchen or picnic under the stars on the resort’s Anuenue Lawn while enjoying a live show.

The dynamic performing duo Amy Hānaiali‘i and Willie K perform from 6 to 10 p.m.

Hānaiali‘i’s falsetto vocals combined with Willie K’s eclectic guitar set the romantic tone.

Couples will have the choice of enjoying a five course prix fixe dinner at Black Rock Kitchen for $150 per person or a romantic picnic basket filled for two for $85 per person.

General admission tickets to the concert only are available at $40 each online or $50 at the door.

For reservations for Black Rock Kitchen’s dinner or the picnic for two, call (808) 921-4600.

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Na Kane, Men of Paradise. Courtesy image

Prefer your men half-dressed and gyrating?

The Men of Paradise presents a choreographed Las Vegas-style show that features hip-hop, country and Polynesian dance performances.

The resort notes that “while hoots and hollers mingle with hip-hop, country, and traditional island music, the Men of Paradise perform sexy routines in getups that range from halter-top tuxedos to grass skirts and headdresses. It all adds up to an explosive evening of bachelorette-friendly fun and fantasy delivered by seven chiseled men and a 42-pack of abs.”

Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door.

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Later that same evening, meet the men of Na Kane at the after-party in Black Rock Lounge.

Held from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. it’s Ladies Night. Entrance is free with a Na Kane ticket stub or $10 at the door.

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Kai Kanani

The Kai Kanani. Courtesy image

Looking for something less, er, sweaty?

Kai Kanani is offering a Valentine’s Sunset Cruise along the South Maui coastline. 

The trip includes freshly prepared appetizers such as:

• Deluxe veggie platter and hummus dip
• Caprese skewers
• Imported and domestic sliced meats and cheeses with crackers and baguette
• Jumbo shrimp cocktail
• Chilled chicken satay
• Smoked salmon platter and garnishes
• Fruit platter
• Assorted mini desserts

Enjoy the open bar while Bradda Dwight of Hawai‘i On TV serenades you with love songs.

What about chocolate covered strawberries and champagne?

Yep. They have that too.

The cruise is from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. and costs $119 per person. Call (808) 879-7218 for reservations.

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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

This Saturday, the resort offers three dining options for celebrating sweethearts.

Son’z Steakhouse

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the newly renovated Son’z Steakhouse is featuring a three-course prix fixe dinner priced at $85 per person.

Menu highlights include:

• Blackened ahi with Moroccan spices, red onions, Poblano peppers, avocado and spicy mustard soy sauce
• ½ oz. grilled spiny lobster tail with baked Yukon Gold potato ravioli, pancetta and shellfish bisque
• Australian Kobe New York steak with roasted baby potatoes, green beans, caramelized onions, and brandy-peppercorn sauce
• Traditionally-made tiramisu with espresso and rum-soaked lady fingers.

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Japengo

Japengo, the resort’s Pacific-Rim restaurant is featuring a number of Valentine’s Day specials, the highlights of which include:

• Tengu duck sliders with steamed bao buns and hoisin glaze ($16)
• Butter-poached Kona Gold lobster tail with edamame risotto, bacon, Hamakua mushroom and truffle oil ($44)
• Tomahawk Ribeye for two with bacon-mushroom-tatsoi bread pudding, loaded mashed potato, and truffled demi-glace ($100)
• Sweethearts Dessert with chocolate dipped strawberries, pineapple sorbet-champagne shooters and chocolate decadence torte.

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“Taste of Japengo”

Light eaters may prefer the Taste of Japengo event, hosted in the outdoor Halona Kai.

Held from 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy butler-passed small bites from Japengo, sparkling wine and mai tais, and fresh leis for celebrating couples.

Guests will also receive a $25 Expedia gift card and a $50 gift certificate to Japengo. The reception is $99 per couple, tax and gratuity included.

For more information call (808)-661-1234.

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Mākena Beach and Golf Resort

A small plate offering from an earlier Makena event. Photo by Vanessa Wolf

Last but not least, Mākena is preparing a special six course romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at the Molokini Bar & Grille (or, for an additional cost, on their oceanfront lawn with private butler service.)

Offered at $125 per person, the dinner starts with an amuse bouche of prosciutto wrapped sea scallop with crispy basil polenta and morel mushroom butter broth.

Next is new style ahi sashimi. Anticipate fresh island ahi and local avocado, chef’s garden herbs and shaved jalapeño with South Pacific splash.

After that enjoy a warm goat cheese salad made with Kumu Farms mixed greens, Kula strawberries, marcona almonds and blood orange vinaigrette followed by an intermezzo of raspberry sorbet with a splash of champagne.

Save room for a duo of grilled filet of beef with butter poached lobster tail, truffle whipped potatoes with white asparagus Kumu Farm’s baby carrots and sour cherry demi-glace.

In conclusion, dessert features coconut panna cotta with a vanilla tuile cookie and fresh lilikoi sauce.

For reservations, call (808) 875-5888.