Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kahului

Service was excellent, and the food was excellent. You can choose a number of plates to share depending on how hungry you are and what your budget is. The vibe is trendy and upscale. The pork steamed buns and the "bacon and eggs" was amazing. I personally didn't care for the Lahaina Fried Soup - the Fatt Chow Fun noodles were so thick they were more like dumplings, which I'm not a fan of. But we still really enjoyed our evening here. Reservations are a must.

We were initially seated at a table right in front of the musician. I asked to be moved and was accommodated with a table on their lower patio. It was quiet and lovely with sparkling little white lights around the canopy poles. Our server, Robert, was excellent. He was very personable and helpful but never intrusive. His menu suggestions were terrific. The filet and mahi-mahi were perfectly cooked and served with yummy potatoes or rice and veggies. Salads are crisp and delicious as our their other starters. If you have room for dessert, they are decadent. My husband says their Mai tais are the best and the no Kai oi martini is my favorite. Merriman’s is pricey but worth it for the great drinks, food, and service. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

We made 5:45 reservations for Valentine’s Day dinner. Our table wasn’t ready for 25 minutes after, but it was worth the wait. The menu was limited, but my wife and I found an entree’s that was delicious. My wife had ahi tuna and I had chicken. Both meals were prepared perfectly and the food was great. Our server, Astrid, was cordial, prompt, attentive, and competent. We tipped generously, as she earned it. Very nice evening.

On Valentine’s Day, my wife and I had a late lunch at Duke’s. We were seated on the lower deck closest to the beach with a wonderful view. Our server, Keeley, did a superb job and delivered our salads, a mango BBQ chicken and a shrimp & crab. Both were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will go back again.

Monkeypod Kitchen was amazing. It surpassed my expectations, we had an amazing dinner. We ordered the seabass special and the ahi steak. Both were phenomenal. Mai tais and espresso martinis were delicious. Strawberry pie was to die for. We would definitely go back again. Also props to our amazing server, Ryan. He was attentive and gave great suggestions!