I'm sorry but Maui has some of the worst food scenes I have ever experienced (Kihei: closing, restaurant)

[NearFantastica]

If you don't like AAPI food then the state is not for you lol

[KohalaTransplant]

Originally Posted by username9938

I will try these out. Cost is not an issue for me. I just need good food!

Side note - Down the hatch is good but it's hard to go there when it's always packed with tourists.

So, let me see if i understand, you have been in Maui for 2 years, have not tried some of the most popular restaurants, and don't like to go to places that are packed (they are packed for a reason!), but have declared that there are no good restaurants on the island?!?

[trinity1111]

I didn't see "Nuka" on the list. The cuisine is Japanese, with contemporary twist. Depending where you are coming from, Nuka is a bit off the beaten track in the small town of Haiku; Haiku is a small village in North Maui.
The food is delicious and plenty of choices from your sushi to mains of butterfish in miso, prawn salad, yakitori chicken, salmon, etc. Lots of choices of fresh sushi, both traditional and unique rolls. My favorite appetizer specialty are the "Hurricane Fries".
As far as availability, Nuka does not accept reservations and the seating is limited, but the longest we ever waited was 30 minutes.
Deserts are wonderful, a good way to top of dinner with a scoop each of black sesame and Yuzu ice cream.
Yum! I may have to pay them a visit very soon!

[WannabeCPA]

I've never known or even heard of someone moving because they didn't like the food scene. My favorites are Mexican, Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern food. Hawaii isn't know for any one of these cuisines but I've never even entertained the idea of moving because of that. Food tastes are so subjective too. Maui's an island of 164K people. Have you compared it with other areas of similar population?

[prospectheightsresident]

Originally Posted by WannabeCPA

I've never known or even heard of someone moving because they didn't like the food scene. My favorites are Mexican, Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern food. Hawaii isn't know for any one of these cuisines but I've never even entertained the idea of moving because of that. Food tastes are so subjective too. Maui's an island of 164K people. Have you compared it with other areas of similar population?

I agree. While food is very important to me and plays a big part in where I choose to travel/vacation to, it's not a reason for me to move. Not as long as I had access to markets to make my own food. Would it be a minus against a location? Yes, but I'd also try to get out more and experience some of what the local fare had to offer, which it seems like the OP has not done adequately here.

[Futuremauian]

Four of us had an early dinner at Mama's Fish House on Thursday, Jan. 5th.

Two of us had short rib accompanied by a Tristan lobster tail, one had Bouillabaisse, and one had Opakapaka topped with lobster. Crab cakes and sashimi for appetizers. All of it was sublime! Excellent wine and drinks as well.

Our meal, with tip was $800+. More than I typically spend, but this was to celebrate the birthday of my lady friend.

I recommend Mama's to the OP who can't find any great food, and to whom price is not a consideration.

Make a reservation well in advance because they are usually booked.

[prospectheightsresident]

Originally Posted by Futuremauian

Four of us had an early dinner at Mama's Fish House on Thursday, Jan. 5th.

Two of us had short rib accompanied by a Tristan lobster tail, one had Bouillabaisse, and one had Opakapaka topped with lobster. Crab cakes and sashimi for appetizers. All of it was sublime! Excellent wine and drinks as well.

Our meal, with tip was $800+. More than I typically spend, but this was to celebrate the birthday of my lady friend.

I recommend Mama's to the OP who can't find any great food, and to whom price is not a consideration.

Make a reservation well in advance because they are usually booked.

A bit to rich for my blood, but I'm glad y'all enjoyed

[hothulamaui]

Originally Posted by Futuremauian

Four of us had an early dinner at Mama's Fish House on Thursday, Jan. 5th.

Two of us had short rib accompanied by a Tristan lobster tail, one had Bouillabaisse, and one had Opakapaka topped with lobster. Crab cakes and sashimi for appetizers. All of it was sublime! Excellent wine and drinks as well.

Our meal, with tip was $800+. More than I typically spend, but this was to celebrate the birthday of my lady friend.

I recommend Mama's to the OP who can't find any great food, and to whom price is not a consideration.

Make a reservation well in advance because they are usually booked.

Mama’s is always excellent. Sounds like a nice celebration

[hothulamaui]

Add 5 palms restaurant in kihei to the list always tasty and a great view

[LovingMaui16]

Originally Posted by hothulamaui

Add 5 palms restaurant in kihei to the list always tasty and a great view

5 Palms closed like a year ago.