Maui Food & Dining

Admission is free to the 5th Annual “Maui County Agricultural Festival” at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu on Saturday, April 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Owner Mike Phillips opened Coconut’s Fish in April 2009, bringing in a mix of visitors and residents into his restaurant at the Azeka Center. “All our business has been referrals,” he said.

Fresh local produce stars in a composed roasted beet salad demonstrated by celebrity chef Joey Macadangdang of Roy’s Kaanapali.

The upcoming Maui County Agricultural Festival is in search of a new locally-made food product that utilizes the most amount of locally grown products. The winning local entrepreneur will get help in taking their product from idea to the store shelf.

Hospitality and Culinary students at the University of Hawai’i Maui College join in a collaborative effort to present: “Trans-Mediterranea: Cuisines of the Mediterranean Trade Route.”

Tucked behind Haiku’s Town Center is Maui Kombucha, a local hub that offers freshly made kombucha on tap, elixirs, and raw/vegan food.

The Kula Bistro, a new Italian restaurant, is creating a buzz upcountry.

“Tasty Crust is the place where our family used to go all the time so my parents wouldn’t have to cook.”

Jeff Endervelt, CEO of Maui Tacos, has opened a new location at the old Alexander Fish-n-Chips location at Kihei Kalama Village.

What’s not to like about traditional live Hawaiian music and discounts on pupus every Thursday pau hana at Buzz’s Wharf in Maalaea.

Celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon put a new spin on poi and taro in his cooking demo at Whole Foods.

“When I first got here I made the rounds of all the Mexican restaurants on Maui. This was by far the most authentic.”

When she’s not busy as a bee with local community initiatives, Helen Nielsen is creating a buzz with her Maui Natural Bee honey.

Geste Shrimp Wagon and Cian’s BBQ are popular food-wagon stops at the Kahului Harbor. Both feature plate lunches with generous portions and friendly service.

In addition to dinner service already underway, today marked the start of lunch service; and befitting of its name, RubyTuesday will begin offering breakfast selections as well next week, “Tuesday”, February 7.

Newly opened Johnny B’s in Paia Town has the making of an instant success. The old favorites, burgers, fries and shakes have been upgraded to gourmet status with fresh and healthy island ingredients.

Vineyard Food Company and Soup to Nuts Catering have thrived at their store front in Wailuku. They’re located on Vineyard between Market and Central.

A one-of-a-kine, the Ale House in Kahului tends mainly to Mauians, and while it wore many hats before, it now has a new one.

Three Wailuku bakeries feature sweet and tasty treats to suit every taste.

Some of Maui’s favorite places to eat have lasted for generations. Most of them are not fancy, not really advertised, and year after year they still the offer the flavors that residents favor.