Maui's Hidden Affordable Culinary Gems

When in Maui, Don't Miss These Fabulous Foodie Haunts

May 29, 2009

The general misconception about eating out on Maui is that fine dining will break the bank. But if you know where to look, you'll be pleasantly surprised--and satiated!

Even on Maui, often perceived to be the most expensive of the Hawaiian islands, dining out up to three times a day can be both affordable and delicious. Some of the "Valley Isle's" best-kept secrets offer fish so fresh it could've been caught that morning, customer service that treats guests like family, and artful presentations and local flavor that other tourists pay four times as much for at the priciest resorts.

These hidden gems are conveniently located in West Maui, an easy drive or walk from most tourist accommodations.

Every day in Hawaii is packed to the brim with activity, and you need a big breakfast to give you your boost. Craving a tortilla wrap overflowing with egg, cheese, peppers, homemade salsa,and Portuguese sausage? How about a mountain of yogurt piled high with local fruit? Or perhaps the "Loco Moco" has what it takes to get you moving, with a half-pound angus beef patty, two eggs, your choice of potatoes or rice, ladled generously with Maui onion gravy?

Whereas breakfast items along the Ka'anapali resort path run upwards of $12 per item, CJ's offers plenty of options that can keep breakfast for two under $10 (the afore-mentioned substantive Loco Moco is only $8.25!). Tucked away in the Fairway Shops just above the Maui Eldorado, CJ's is also an ideal lunch spot, with sandwiches, plate lunches, and even the popular "Hana Box Lunches," which for $12, offer everything a person can want for the drive to Hana: fresh fruit, sandwiches, chips, juice or soda, brownies, all presented in a gigantic cooler. And for visitors who plan to spend awhile enjoying their food on-site, there's free wi-fi inside.

Lunch is best enjoyed oceanside in Ka'anapali or Lahaina, but you don't need a railside table on Front Street or in Whaler's Village to eat well. Do it yourself: head to Foodland (yes, it's a grocery store) and go straight to the deli or seafood counter for rotisserie chickens (for less than $6 per chicken!), Pacific Rim platter lunches, and even the local delicacy of "Poke" (pronounced "po-keh"). There is also a wide selection of fresh cheeses, fruits, and veggies, and an unbeatable offering of wines and beers, costing less per bottle than a glass or pint does at some of the oceanfront establishments. Pack up a picnic lunch and hit the sand to watch the spinner dolphins or humpback whales while you eat. You can feed an entire family of four for less than $20 and have plenty leftover for snacking.

While entrees at this fantastic oceanside dinner spot run from $28 to $40, you can more than eat your fill on the sumptuous appetizers (locally known as pu'pus) and happy hour-priced martinis for around $25 per person. Their toasty, hefty flatbreads, such as the Spicy Lobster flatbread, cost around $13, and the divine Potato Gnocchi is only $13. And every martini on the menu is $5 off between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The rest of the generously-portioned cocktails and wines on the drinks list are just as reasonably priced as they are in the poolside grill; not inflated, as with some hotel's signature restaurants.

The view of the sunset is unparalleled, as Tropica is set so close to the water that you can wave to boaters sailing past. And regardless of whether you're ordering their most expensive entree or simply pu'pus and drinks, whether you're there for a romantic dinner for two or with a less-than-quiet baby, the customer service is outstanding. Do not miss Tropica.

The copyright of the article Maui's Hidden Affordable Culinary Gems in Hawaii Travel is owned by Brett McKenzie. Permission to republish Maui's Hidden Affordable Culinary Gems in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.