2010 – Best New Restaurant on Maui

*** Update ***

Of course the opening of Duke’s Beach House in December qualifies it as the Best New Restaurant on Maui. I’ve written extensively about Duke’s click here for more information.  Duke’s is fantastic and folks from around the world go out of their way to find a Duke’s restaurant.

Duke’s is ocean side on the grounds of the Honua Kai Resort & Spa.  The lucky owners and guests at the Honua Kai can simply stroll to Duke’s and not have to worry about parking or crows or finding their way back in the dark after watching the Maui sun set and enjoying watching the Pacific ocean while dining.

• 1st Place -Cuatro
• 2nd Place – Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill
• 3rd Place – Merriman’s

I’m going to be honest with you folks, I’ve not been to any of the above so I’m going to recap what others have reported.  All three of these restaurants offer great food and service at an affordable price – not a small feat for Maui.  #1 and #2 are not in the league of a Roy’s so think of them as a great place to visit on your way to some activities on Maui.  Merriman’s is upscale and worth of trying for a sunset dinner.

Cuatro

1881 South Kihei Road, Suite III in the
Kihei Town Center. Call 808-879-1110.

I know exactly where this restaurant is locate in Kihei – nice mall.  The reviews I read indicate that this restaurant serves great food and is worth your time to give it a try.  When you are in Kihei or going to and from Wailea this place could offer you a great dining experience.

One review ranks this restaurant #1 out of 135 restaurants in Kihei – definitely worth a try.  This place has an unusual concept – Mexican/Asian fusion in Maui.  I’ve read 50+ reviews and the place sounds fantastic – can’t wait until our next visit to Maui.  I can see why it’s #1.

Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill

1221 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761
(in the Lahaina Cannery Mall)
Lahaina, Maui • 808-661-0808

The reviews I read state “The food was good, the drinks were tasty and big, and the service was great.”  I don’t know about you but that’s a great start to a great meal in my book.  The Cannery Mall is a 10 minute drive south from the Honua Kai.  I could find no review that really slammed the place and most were very glowing.

There seems to be discounts if you eat between 5 pm – 6 pm.  The mall has the Safeway store attached so this could be a great place to eat when you arrive in Maui and before you shop at the Safeway and bring the groceries back to the Honua Kai.  That’s exactly what we will do on our next visit to Maui.

Merriman’s

One Bay Club Place
Kapalua, Maui • 808-669-6400

Website: www.merrimanshawaii.com

Kapalua is a beautiful area 15 minute drive north of the Honua Kai.  I know the area but I’ve not been to Merriman’s.

The restaurant is located at the Kapalua Resort, directly on the ocean, and view tropical sunsets from “The Point.”  Peter Merriman, the chef-owner, has brought  his unique style of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine to this beautiful ocean-side setting  within the Resort.

The reviews put this restaurant #5 of the 144 restaurants in Lahaina and I wonder why this isn’t the #1 pick for new Maui restaurants?  We will definitely have dinner on this ocean front restaurant the next time we are in Maui.