This blog is for you...my guests.  It's just a little place for me to share some of our favorite restaurants and other little tips to help you make the most of your Maui vacation.  I know dining in Maui can be expensive, so I've tried to include places with good happy hours or tips to try the most expensive restaurants for lunch instead of dinner.  We also love to cook in Maui...there's just something about the warm, balmy weather and fresh fish for dinner.  Many people are afraid to cook fish, but the reality is, if you start with really fresh fish, you don't need more than some lemon and salt and pepper.  I'll try and add a few more recipes soon.  There are bbq's throughout MKV, as you'll see in another post...mix up a little cocktail and go down to grill some fish and veggies...maybe even picnic on the beach and watch the sunset. :) 
I'd love to say I have tons of advice on all the different activities around Maui, but honestly my laziness factor kicks in the second I walk off that plane and we mostly just enjoy eating, drinking and swimming.  As our girls get older, I'm sure we'll get more active and I'll have more advice. 
Biking down Haleakala at sunrise and zip lining are on my list.  Also a snorkel cruise to Molokini is supposed to be amazing! (They sell cheaper tickets for these at Costco) Once the girls are a little older we're planning on the drive to Hana.   I hope to one day detail for my guests the best stops and hikes along the road.  So, if you go and have some tips, please send them to me! There are apps you can download to that are supposed to be really helpful with things to do and places to stop.  I've heard "Maui Revealed" is really good, but I haven't used it myself.
I should also mention that we're creatures of habit...we tend to frequent the same restaurants every time we visit...so, just because a restaurant is not on my list, doesn't mean it's not good...we just haven't gotten there yet. :)  Again, if you have an amazing meal somewhere, please share!
I hope this helps a little and if you have any specific questions, don't hesitate. 
ALOHA!

Shearton

The Shearton at sunset is a tradition for my family- we go at least once every trip.  At sundown they have a little show and a warrior climbs out to black rock while lighting all the tiki torches and then dives into the ocean.  The mai tais there are deadly (ask for and old school one) and the bar is situated up a bit, so you have a beautiful view of the ocean and sunset. 

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Kaanapali Beach Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on Kaanapali Beach.  It's between the Shearton and the Whaler on the south side of black rock (from MKV).  You can either walk there following the "Beach Walk" or take the free trolley to Whalers Village, walk out to the beach and head north.  I love this hotel for it's very "Old Hawaii" feel...the grassy expanse has a huge checkers board where the pieces are painted coconuts and the pool is shaped like a whale.  There is a tiki stand with various fried foods.  My personal opinion is that the food is crap.  The chicken wings are okay, if you must eat.  Or just go for a burger.  Warning, there is NOTHING healthy here.  But the cocktails are cheap and the show is free.  Every single night they have a hula show...from 6-9pm with music and you can get up and dance if you want.  The singers are Hawaiin and it's a laid back show.  If you have little ones they will love it.  The show used to be like a Don Ho show, but the husband and wife duo packed up and moved further south to the Cook Islands.  The show is still good though, sometimes they have the local children perform.  It's definitely worth a stop by and if your kids are anything like mine they will BEG and PLEAD for a hula show every day...and this is a great free option. :)

http://www.kbhmaui.com/cms/View.aspx/Show/Home

Castaways Restaurant at MKV!

MKV is lucky enough to have it's very own restaurant!  Yay!  The food here is good and one of the most resonable around for ocean front dining.  I personally LOVE the low-key, old Hawaii feel of this place.  The tables are the closest to the water that I think you'll find in all of Maui.  (No one is allowed to build new this close to the water due to new city codes).  SO, enjoy it!!  There is rarely a wait.  Also, while you're lying by the pool, you can walk over to the window and grab a drink.  So convenient!  They also have a happy hour and we usually sit out to play some shuffle board and watch the sun set.    Since  I do not rent my condo through the rental program, you won't be able to put your meals on your room.  Sorry.  This place is a gem though and has one of the most extensive wine lists on Maui. 

http://castawaycafe.com/

Hula Grill

Hula Grill is another of the T's Restaurant chain.  It is also one of my favorites.  Situated in Whalers Village right across from Lelani's and with an ocean view it also offers a casual Barefoot Bar  with drinks and food and another area for finer dining.  They have live music every day/night...call for times.  My biggest tip for this place is the crab wontons!  They are to die for.  And (only here) they serve them with both a sweet thai chili sauce and a mustard sauce.  (You may have to ask your server to bring them to you).  The combination with the crab wonton is amazing and spicy- fair warning.  My other favorite dish here is the  "Firecracker"fish preparation.  It is also spicy, but it will not diappoint.  I order it every time and never get tired of it. :)   The view is great...if you're there for Whale season you may see a humpback jumping out towards Lanai!  Gorgeous.  This is what you think of you when you think of Hawaii...a little guitar and ukulele, they have a hula dancer some nights, and cocktails with more calories than alcohol.  :) Aloha! 

Kimo's in Lahaina

Kimo's is another T's Restaurant (Lelani's, Hula Grill, Dukes).  It's in Lahaina and the deck over the water is amazing!  The food is great.  My tip is go for happy hour or lunch and sit on the deck (the bar area).  While dinner here is great, you usually get seated upstairs and you won't have a view. ;(

http://www.kimosmaui.com/menus/dining-room

Reservation for Dinner Recommended

Beach at MKV....