Restaurants abound on Maui’s north shore, within a few minutes from Treehouse and Treetops. Paia is rich in excellent restaurants, and Hana Hou in Haiku Center is a good close-by choice. Some selective comments follow:
Restaurant row in Paia includes a wide selection of happy choices. Milagros, Charley’s (breakfast!), and Paia Fish Market are all good. The Flatbread Company gives the best meal for the price west of the California coast. Locals eat here.
Mama’s Fish House is unmatched for ambiance, service, and European-style attention to the smallest detail. The combination of exotic wood, tile, and textile match the beachside setting perfectly.
Visit www.mamasfishhouse.com for menu selection and photos.
Cooking is correct without haute cuisine pretentions. 99% tourist clientele, and big city prices… your guests will appreciate your generosity. Personal appetizer and dessert choices are seared ahi with tamarind sauce, and liliko’i (passion fruit) crême brulée. Nobody does these better.
The General Store in Hali’imaile is as different from Mama’s as two good restaurants can be. Ambiance is up-country, reminding of cattle ranching and farming. Emphasis is on the food.
Bev Gannon is an inventive chef whose success has expanded far beyond this, her first restaurant.
To get there, drive up Haiku Road and through Haiku Center – Haiku Road turns into Kokomo. Turn right at Kaluanui Road, descend into Maliko Gulch and up the other side. Turn right onto Baldwin Avenue at the “T”. After about 200 yds, turn left on Hali’imaile Road. Continue a half mile. Six miles total, and about twelve minutes.
Reservations advised – 808 572 2666
Two popular restaurants in Makawao are worth the short drive up. Polli’s offers good Mexican food in an informal setting. Casanova’s provides good Italian food.
Drive up Haiku Road, straight through Haiku Center (becomes Kokomo Road) to the top, and turn right at the “T” onto Kaupakalua. Makawao is about a mile further on. Polli’s is on the left just before the main intersection with Baldwin Avenue. Casanova’s is on the left just past the intersection.
dee@deechapon.net 190 Haiku Rd., Haiku, HI 96708
