Capsun's Corner – by Capsun M. Poe

Since many people either are off or took off today, I’m not expecting as many visitors as usual.  So, following up on my post about places I like to eat at in Kona, I will share places I like to get food from when I’m on Maui.  I’ve been meaning to get this post up since I travelled to Hana and had to fly on go! Airlines, but still managed to enjoy some of these places.

I visit Maui quite often, mostly for work – so while I have never lived there, I know some good places to eat.  In fact, I joke with co-workers and friends that I may not know where the meeting place is, but I can get us to the food either before or after meetings.  I like to highlight mom and pop places or places off the beaten path.  And I also like comfort food places.  If you’re interested in chain restaurants, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding them.  So, here goes:

• Ichiban (47 Kaahumanu Ave, 808-871-6977):  This is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve tried on Maui.  They are a great option for a satisfying, but affordable lunch or dinner.
• Sam Sato’s (1750 Wili Pa Loop, 808-244-7124):  Most people like to go here for the dry saimin – not too confusing, the noodles are served with the broth on the side.  But I like to go here for breakfast.  They have some of the best banana pancakes I’ve ever ordered for breakfast.  And their fried rice to go with those pancakes is just right – and I’m quite particular on my fried rice, which gets compared to Tutu’s.
• Da Kitchen Cafe (425 Koloa St., 808-871-7782:  Some of the best plate lunch food, served up sit-down style.  The food is good, the service is fast and friendly, and the restaurant is clean.  Everyon I take here is absolutely hooked from the first trip.  It’s become our obligatory lunch place of choice.  They also have Da Kitchen Expresss in Kihei, which serves similar food in a to-go setup.
• Tasty Crust Restaurant (1770 Mill St., 808-244-0845):  This is definitely a no-frills restaurant.  You go here for the food and friendly service, not the ambiance.  They have all the local favorites, but make sure you check out the specials.  You can really find some gems.
• Haliimaile General Store (900 Haliimaile Rd., 808-572-2666):  Don’t let the name fool you, this is a fancy place and is by far the most expensive place on this list, but it is well worth the price and the soothing drive to Haliimaile.  Chef Bev Gannon helped start Hawaii Regional Cuisine and plans first class meals on Hawaiian Airlines – some of the best food I’ve eaten in the air.

And you know I have a raging sweet tooth, so don’t forget to pick up dessert:

• Tasaka Guri-Guri (70 E Kaahumanu Ave., 808-871-4513):  Guri-guri is just good.  They sell more than their signature dessert, but I’ve never had anything else.  No matter how short my trip to Maui, I never miss a stop here.  The guri-guri comes in two flavors, strawberry and pineapple, and you should definitely get a combo of both.  This place is cheap!  Just a handful of coins should be able to get you two scoops (about $1).  Conveniently located right in Kahului, so there’s no excuse to not stop here before catching a flight.
• T. Komoda Store & Bakery (3674 Baldwin Ave., 808-572-7261):  Most other people I know love the cream puffs and rolls.  I, however, think they have some of the best long johns.  Definitely worth the drive up to Makawao, but not if you’re pressed for time.

So next time you’re on Maui, do stop by and try these places.  If you really only have a little time, start with Da Kitchen and Tasaka Guri-Guri.  You won’t regret it.  In fact, you might leave a comment here about how great they were.

Mahalo!

Tags: guri guri, ichiban, maui, sam sato