Maui Food & Dining

By: Grace Chen The mango has a special place in our hearts.  Its meaty fruit is juicy and sweet when ripe, and is the perfect addition to chutneys when it is not. It is also highly nutritious.  Mangos are rich in a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients. The fruit pulp is high in dietary fiber, […]

Pineapple is a staple here on Maui as it is one of the most versatile of fruits.  Paired with meat, it is the perfect condiment; it cuts the heat when added to spicy dishes; and when grilled and topped with ice cream, it makes a refreshing dessert. With 91% of the recommended daily value (DV) […]

The papaya is used cooked or raw, ripe or unripe, and the seeds can be ground to add a kind of black pepper taste to food.  Unripe, green fruit is typically cooked and used in curries, chutneys and stews, while ripe fruit is typically eaten raw with a wedge of lime.  Today we are bringing […]

Guava trees are so prevalent on the big island of Hawaii; there is ripe fruit on almost every street corner.  They are often called “superfruits” as they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, manganese, folic acid, potassium, copper, and have as much vitamin C in one serving as four oranges.  Locals typically eat guavas […]

This week we’re focusing on one of the best things about Hawaii- the fruit!  Here is a quick pop quiz for you: Which of the following are native fruits to Hawaii? Pineapple Mango Guava Papaya The answer: None.  Well, that’s not entirely true.  There is a pineapple look-a-like called Hala or “Tourist Pineapple” that is […]

At a luau, the kalua pig is the main event.  “Kalua” refers to the cooking process of using an earthen oven, or “imu”, which is really just a large underground steam cooker.  Traditionally ti and banana leaf-covered breadfruit, sweet potatoes, bananas, taro, and other vegetables accompany the pig. Preparations begin early as cooks dig a […]

In Hawaii, luaus are held to celebrate a first birthday, a high school graduation, or some other event, and they are a great way to add a festive theme to your special day.  They are held outdoors under tents or the open the sky, and tables are decorated with elaborate centerpieces of ti leaves, palm […]

Chicken Luau is the traditional Hawaiian dish for which the luau celebration was named.  It is a sweet and savory delicacy and always a crowd pleaser, even though its presentation might be lacking.  The dish can be prepared in various ways and the recipe below has been adapted from www.maona.net, reflecting a healthier version of […]

Sweet potatoes have been a staple at luau celebrations since the first one was held in the 1800’s.  This starchy vegetable originated in South America and spread through Polynesia, Hawaii and New Zealand via early Polynesians who are thought to have traveled to South America and back.  Archeologists believe it is also possible that South […]

The sweet smell of orchid tickles your nose as you feel the rhythm of the drums in your chest.  You bow your head to accept your lei and follow the intense thumping to a large clearing, finding your place among the floor mats and towering constructions of native flowers and ferns.  The savory smell of […]

Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center Presents the 4th Annual Wailea Food & Wine Celebration, Li`ula i Wailea – Twilight at Wailea.  The event is a benefit for the Hui in support of community arts education and is sponsored by Chambers & Shambers Wine Merchants.  The event date is Friday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. at […]

Jessica Gerbode and Marcy Ricketts had never worked with onaga before. But their training and skills took them to the top of an HFM Foodservice Culinary Competition held Oct. 14 at the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Maui Culinary Academy. Gerbode and Rickets placed first among eight teams of Culinary Academy students competing in the […]

On June 9, 2011, the longest-running and most prestigious festival of its kind in Hawaii, celebrates 30 years of fine food and wine with a four-day culinary extravaganza!  Save the dates:  June 9-12, 2011 at the Kapalua Resort in Kaanapali, Maui. Inspired by innovation, excellence and intimacy, the 30th annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival […]

A longtime north shore eatery continues to garner accolades for its fine fish and seafood menu.  Mama’s Fish House, located just west of Hookipa Beach Park, was recognized with two Gold awards-for “Most ‘Maui-est’” and “Best Seafood”-and a Silver award for “Restaurant of the Year” at the 2010 ‘Aipono Awards Gala held recently in Kapalua. […]