Maui Food And Dining

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch has issued a red “CLOSED” placard to Doner Shack at 79 South Pauahi St. in Honolulu due to repeated instances of employees not wearing face masks while working, the department announced.

Māla Ocean Tavern announced the selection of Rob Farrell as its new general manager. Farell joined MĀLA in December of 2018 and since brought much influence that enhanced MĀLA’s internationally inspired menu.

Tommy Bahama expanded its presence on Maui by opening a new Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar on December 2020 at 900 Front Street in Lahaina.

The Department of Transportation’s Highways Division recognized Hula Grill for its commitment to the Adopt-A-Highway public service program – carrying out dozens of clean-ups in West Maui since 2008.

Frustrations Surface Over Maui Restaurant and Bar Rules, and Interpretation for EnforcementFrustrations Surface Over Maui Restaurant and Bar Rules, and Interpretation for Enforcement

“In light of the recent results from a survey conducted by the Public Policy Center at UH Mānoa showing that more than half of Hawaiʻi’s restaurants may be facing permanent closures, we want to offer our support by way of consultations with our team of marketing professionals during a time when Hawaiʻi restaurants need more support than ever before,” said Jennifer Polito, founder and creative director of Jenerate PR.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Da Shrimp Hale and Moku Roots cooked up free meals for 125 Maui families during a holiday event created with a partnership between Lahaina Gateway and The Salvation Army.

Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate is now welcoming visitors to its Lahaina farm.  As of Dec. 21, Maui Chocolate Tour offers a first-hand look at how cacao is grown and harvested on Maui, and then wraps up with a nine-piece tasting among the trees.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has issued a directive allowing restaurants to create and use outdoor dining areas to allow physical distancing for patrons and employees while retaining as many seats as possible.

The Waikiki Brewing Company Lahaina at the Outlets of Maui is fully certified for onsite brewing and is fully operational for table service. The restaurant and specialty brewpub opened its doors in Lahaina in July of 2020 and have been developing a brewing program that supports the demands of social distancing and safe bar practices.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks, or until Dec. 26, 2020, to stem the recent double-digit increases in COVID-19 cases.

The Pint & Cork at The Shops at Wailea reopens today, Friday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.

Taverna Restaurant, home of Urban Drinks + Italian Eats in the Kapalua Resort, will reopen Dec. 15.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is reopening the Japengo restaurant today Thursday, Nov. 19 for the first time since March.

Culinary Arts students at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College are baking Thanksgiving pies, available for sale for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Several restaurants across Maui have announced that they will be cooking up holiday meals available for purchase for those looking to forgo cooking at home for the Thanksgiving holiday.  

Acclaimed Chef Alvin Savella was named Executive Chef of the local West Maui restaurant group that includes Māla Ocean Tavern, Down The Hatch, and Breakwall Shave Ice Co. Chef Savella known as the “Kitchen Assassin,” was born and raised in Lahaina, Maui.

Hawaiian Electric employees are raising funds for United Way chapters on Oʻahu, Maui County, and Hawaiʻi Island through Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook.

Lahaina Gateway, West Maui’s largest outdoor shopping center, adds Da Shrimp Hale West to its tenant roster. The new eatery marks the first expansion for the family-owned restaurant, which opened its original location in Kahului in 2016.

Hua Momona Farms, a West Maui provider of micro greens, is expanding their weekly offerings to include the new “Maui Meal Kit” product line.