Just left Maui; now on Kauai!
Jun 11th, 2004, 08:41 PM
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Just left Maui; now on Kauai!
Just completed six wonderful days on Maui and have just arrived on Kauai. Wanted to post just long enough to let you know that we LOVED the Grand Wailea, no complaints. Sadly, one of the worst meals we've ever had was at Sarento's. All three of our dishes were significantly oversalted and the flies were just awful! I was still able to eat my osso bucco but my family ate just a few bites of the spagetti and crab legs over very rubbery pasta. I'm not a complainer but felt obligated to make this post to prevent others from spending over $150. for a "splurge night" as we did and being very disappointed. I sincerely hope it was just a bad night. I would HIGHLY recommend Wailea Nights at Mulligan's. Delicious food, great sunset view, and two hours of truly fantastic music ( Barry Flanagan of Hapa and Eric Gilliom). Complete report on June 18...
Jun 12th, 2004, 06:43 AM
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Thanks for the information, crazy4Hawaii. It is so disappointing to go to a place like Sarrento's, spend all that money and it not be right. (I hope you complained!) The music at Mulligan's sounds terrific. Let me know if you should drop by Caffe Coco on the Eastern coast of Kauai (it's mostly outside, so you NEED insect repellant before you go!). It's a beautiful little place to eat at night, looks like a fairyland. I know your good times there will continue (you are in Hawaii, after all!) Aloha....
Jun 13th, 2004, 07:10 PM
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Please tell me more about the Grand Wailea. Is there a construction going on at the resort? We are currently booked at FS but thinking of spilting the time between GW and FS. Which room category did you stay in GW? Did you get to see the Terrace room at GW? What kind of additional fees do they charge you at Grand Wailea, beside the room cost? I know that Four Seasons does not charge for any kind of fees. Please tell me in details about GW. Thank you so much for your time.
Jun 14th, 2004, 04:30 AM
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Aloha Crazy4HI,
M ahalo for the update, looking forward to your TR and answers to such questions as "how was the snorkeling and waterfalls and
weather
on Maui", and "is there anything to do on Kauai"
M ahalo for the update, looking forward to your TR and answers to such questions as "how was the snorkeling and waterfalls and
weather on Maui", and "is there anything to do on Kauai"
Jun 14th, 2004, 08:59 AM
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Wow -- now I'm thinking about canceling my reservations at Sarento's for later this month. We are also planning to eat at Nick's Fishmarket -- did you happen to try that? If we skip Sarento's, do you have any other suggestions for a decent dinner in Wailea? If I need to make different reservations, I better do it soon! Thanks, Crazy, and hope you're having a fabulous time in Kauai. I'm so looking forward to your TR. -- Shari
Jun 14th, 2004, 11:39 AM
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In my book Nick's comes in higher than Sarento's (I've always said Sarentos was just OK--we have much better, in my opinion), but they are part of the same restaurant group. I personally find many of the resort dining options here to share one thing on common: they are usually over-rated and over-priced. Sarentos is Italian, Nick's menu features, well, seafood. The atmosphere at Nick's is more Mediteranean than tropical. For a really good island-inspired meal AND ocean views I lean more towards The Waterfont at Maalaea, I`O or Pacific`O in Lahaina or The Plantation Hosue in Kapalua, none of which are in Wailea.
In Wailea, when I have friends and family visiting and they ask about Sarento's, I send them to Capische? instead. Capische? is head and shoulder above Sarento's for Italian, but it is not on the beach. It is small (10 tables on the lanai) and very popular with locals, so reservations are a must. The Sea Watch is not in one of the resorts, and therefore is not on the water, but it does have sunset views and lanai dining. They have a lovely atmoshphere and they really know how to prepare fish. I highly recommend the Macadamia nut and mango chutney crusted preparation. The dining room is airy, open and the tables are not jammed in so close that you have someon else's chair in your back (one of my pet peeves about some of our restaurants here).
My very favorite, that I rarely suggest, is Chez Paul. For me, this is the very best dining experience here on Maui, but it is French restaurant with no ocean view and the atmosphere is clearly French. I am sure you have a restaurant like this at home, and are seeking a more island dining experience while visiting here on vacation.
In Wailea, when I have friends and family visiting and they ask about Sarento's, I send them to Capische? instead. Capische? is head and shoulder above Sarento's for Italian, but it is not on the beach. It is small (10 tables on the lanai) and very popular with locals, so reservations are a must. The Sea Watch is not in one of the resorts, and therefore is not on the water, but it does have sunset views and lanai dining. They have a lovely atmoshphere and they really know how to prepare fish. I highly recommend the Macadamia nut and mango chutney crusted preparation. The dining room is airy, open and the tables are not jammed in so close that you have someon else's chair in your back (one of my pet peeves about some of our restaurants here).
My very favorite, that I rarely suggest, is Chez Paul. For me, this is the very best dining experience here on Maui, but it is French restaurant with no ocean view and the atmosphere is clearly French. I am sure you have a restaurant like this at home, and are seeking a more island dining experience while visiting here on vacation.
Jun 14th, 2004, 11:53 AM
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Here_today: Is Chez Paul the same as David Paul's? I hope you and I have the same taste because I've read all of your restuarant posts and I'm following your recommendations for eating!
We have a reservation at The Waterfront. I'll let you know how we like it in my trip report in a few months.
We have a reservation at The Waterfront. I'll let you know how we like it in my trip report in a few months.
/
Jun 14th, 2004, 02:03 PM
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I have been having Kauai withdrawls since June 10. Ow.
Am I the only person who had a great meal at Sarento's? We hardly gagged at all and the service was excellent. Now, the Beach House on Kauai, that's in another realm of awesome dining however. You can practically fall into the ocean there!
still crying in my lilikoi jelly (taro chips gone),
roxy
Am I the only person who had a great meal at Sarento's? We hardly gagged at all and the service was excellent. Now, the Beach House on Kauai, that's in another realm of awesome dining however. You can practically fall into the ocean there!
still crying in my lilikoi jelly (taro chips gone),
roxy
Jun 14th, 2004, 03:01 PM
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Nancy, David Paul's is in Lahaina.
http://www.lahainagrill.com/menu.htm
I really like the food, and the decor is fabulous, but it is pricey. We used to eat there when we would be visiting here, now that I live here I don?t get to splurge like that too much. And when I do, sorry to say, David Paul?s never seems to make the short list.
Chez Paul is in Olowalu
http://www.chezpaul.net/
It looks like a dump from the outside and is also pricey, but I don?t care--it?s that good! I save my pennies for a taste of the Poisson Des Isle Au Champagne, the Saumon Du Pacific Au Grand Marnier or La Crème Brulee Dans L?Ananas. It reminds me of many of favorite bistros in Paris.
I like good food that is a fair value, made with fresh local ingrediants. I don?t eat meat, only fish, and even though my husband eats local-grown beef, he always orders fish when we go out, so my opinions are skewed towards places with great fish. You can?t go wrong with the Waterfront. It is family-owned and many of the employees have been there since the beginning, so there is an obvious sense of pride in their product and service. They serve what came in on that day?s catch, with 9 different preparations. And if any little thing is not to your liking, let them know and they will gladly make it right.
But things change here all the time. Places open and close, menus change, chefs move around. You might want to check in before you leave. We just found one of our favorite local places now only serves a pupu menu, but it turns out to be just as good as before and it?s kind of fun ordering two or three pupus and sharing--kind of Hawaiian tapas!
http://www.lahainagrill.com/menu.htm
I really like the food, and the decor is fabulous, but it is pricey. We used to eat there when we would be visiting here, now that I live here I don?t get to splurge like that too much. And when I do, sorry to say, David Paul?s never seems to make the short list.
Chez Paul is in Olowalu
http://www.chezpaul.net/
It looks like a dump from the outside and is also pricey, but I don?t care--it?s that good! I save my pennies for a taste of the Poisson Des Isle Au Champagne, the Saumon Du Pacific Au Grand Marnier or La Crème Brulee Dans L?Ananas. It reminds me of many of favorite bistros in Paris.
I like good food that is a fair value, made with fresh local ingrediants. I don?t eat meat, only fish, and even though my husband eats local-grown beef, he always orders fish when we go out, so my opinions are skewed towards places with great fish. You can?t go wrong with the Waterfront. It is family-owned and many of the employees have been there since the beginning, so there is an obvious sense of pride in their product and service. They serve what came in on that day?s catch, with 9 different preparations. And if any little thing is not to your liking, let them know and they will gladly make it right.
But things change here all the time. Places open and close, menus change, chefs move around. You might want to check in before you leave. We just found one of our favorite local places now only serves a pupu menu, but it turns out to be just as good as before and it?s kind of fun ordering two or three pupus and sharing--kind of Hawaiian tapas!
Jun 14th, 2004, 03:54 PM
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Here_today - Thanks.
We love fish too. So help me out....We are staying at 4S for five nights. The first day we come in the morning from Kona and plan to circle clockwise the Northshore stopping at Mama's for a little appetizer type lunch and drinks and to hopefully watch the surfers. {Money is not an issue IF the food is worth it and we don't want to get tied down with too many high-end places because we don't want to be tied into a reservation time.)
We will check into 4S sometime in the late afternoon. We could we walk to eat this first night. Probably want something fun and casual. Most important is GOOD food. After driving all day we won't want to check in and then get back in the car.
The next day we have no plans but to go to Annabelle's and Warren's that evening. We have paid for the appetizers but that's at 5:30 so when we get out at 8:45 we will probably want to see down somewhere, nice, relaxing and again GOOD food is a must. As it will be dark - view is not important, but like you I do not like cramped tables. I like my food to have a good presentation and nice flavors. We love asian/thai/hawaiian flavors. I love ginger/curry type foods.
The next day again we have nothing planned during the day. Hangout in Wailea, the beach etc. Didn't want to splurge on the 4S and spend no time there. That afternoon around 4 pm we will do a couples massage in the outdoor cabana's and then we will want a nice, upscale dinner - I thought this would be a good night to go the the Waterfront. Yes? Not too far from the 4S from what I can see on the map.
The next morning we are going to head up to crater and hopefully watch the sunrise IF we can drag ourselves out of bed. We aren't do the bikes because we want to hangout in the crater for a few hours. Then we will have lunch at the Hailiemaile General Store. Yes? Then head back to the 4S to nap. If we do causal the night before for dinner we would do Ma`alaea Waterfront this night- or we need something causal here.
The last full day we are going to take the Trilogy Sunset cruise (which is gone all day) to Lana'i. We will eat lunch and dinner with the tour. When we dock it will be about 7 pm on Friday night and we thought we'd walk around and look for a original painting or something night during ART NIGHT in Lahania. No need for dinner but what about something fun for dessert somewhere in the Art area - any thoughts?
The next day we fly to Moloka'i for some downtime - truly relaxing. I look forward to your opinions on eating establishments based on where we will be that evening.
Thanks!!
We love fish too. So help me out....We are staying at 4S for five nights. The first day we come in the morning from Kona and plan to circle clockwise the Northshore stopping at Mama's for a little appetizer type lunch and drinks and to hopefully watch the surfers. {Money is not an issue IF the food is worth it and we don't want to get tied down with too many high-end places because we don't want to be tied into a reservation time.)
We will check into 4S sometime in the late afternoon. We could we walk to eat this first night. Probably want something fun and casual. Most important is GOOD food. After driving all day we won't want to check in and then get back in the car.
The next day we have no plans but to go to Annabelle's and Warren's that evening. We have paid for the appetizers but that's at 5:30 so when we get out at 8:45 we will probably want to see down somewhere, nice, relaxing and again GOOD food is a must. As it will be dark - view is not important, but like you I do not like cramped tables. I like my food to have a good presentation and nice flavors. We love asian/thai/hawaiian flavors. I love ginger/curry type foods.
The next day again we have nothing planned during the day. Hangout in Wailea, the beach etc. Didn't want to splurge on the 4S and spend no time there. That afternoon around 4 pm we will do a couples massage in the outdoor cabana's and then we will want a nice, upscale dinner - I thought this would be a good night to go the the Waterfront. Yes? Not too far from the 4S from what I can see on the map.
The next morning we are going to head up to crater and hopefully watch the sunrise IF we can drag ourselves out of bed. We aren't do the bikes because we want to hangout in the crater for a few hours. Then we will have lunch at the Hailiemaile General Store. Yes? Then head back to the 4S to nap. If we do causal the night before for dinner we would do Ma`alaea Waterfront this night- or we need something causal here.
The last full day we are going to take the Trilogy Sunset cruise (which is gone all day) to Lana'i. We will eat lunch and dinner with the tour. When we dock it will be about 7 pm on Friday night and we thought we'd walk around and look for a original painting or something night during ART NIGHT in Lahania. No need for dinner but what about something fun for dessert somewhere in the Art area - any thoughts?
The next day we fly to Moloka'i for some downtime - truly relaxing. I look forward to your opinions on eating establishments based on where we will be that evening.
Thanks!!
Jun 14th, 2004, 04:40 PM
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Lunch at Mama's will be pricey, but tasty. I especially like the lobster burger with Moloka`i sweet potato fries. Pupus are very small. You can usually just walk in for lunch. You should try the lilikoi creme brulee.
If I could have only one lunch on Maui it would be at the Pa`ia Fish Market. Very casual, but the fish is out of this world. They upcountry green salad with papaya seed dressing is great too.
I know you said you don't want to get back in the car your first night, but Mulligan's up on the golf course is a great casual place to eat and to have a pint. You'd have to drive, but really just out the parking lot, and then up the hill. Caffe Ciao at the Kea Lani is pretty good, light, deli fare. Maybe Tommy Bahama's at the Shops at Wailea. Not sure about walking to any of these though. Maybe someone who has stayed at the Four Seasons can give some input on that. I know there are shuttles.
After Warren and Annabelle's, if you want a nice meal, I`O or Pacific `O. Tiki torches on the beach, excellent fusion style food. I don't know what your budget is for this night. If you want more moderately priced eats, Lahaina Coolers. Coolers is open late and you can eat outside. They make a mean `ahi burger. In Lahaina it's pretty much either fine dining, touristy chains (Hard Rock, Bubba Gumps, Cheeseburger) or just bad food.
You could have desert at David Pauls in Lahaina They have a seperate desert room and a great pastry chef.
The Waterfront is not that far 15-20 minutes. Other places in Wailea would be the Sea Watch or, again, Mulligans. One of the owners of Mulligans is the banquet manager at the 4S, and that same quality comes through at Mulligan's, although it is more moderately priced. It's casual, fun, eclectic live music--jazz, celtic, etc.
Upcountry lunch at Hailiemaile General Store, yes! Kula Lodge is another option. Their food is good, not great, but the view is awesome.
If I could have only one lunch on Maui it would be at the Pa`ia Fish Market. Very casual, but the fish is out of this world. They upcountry green salad with papaya seed dressing is great too.
I know you said you don't want to get back in the car your first night, but Mulligan's up on the golf course is a great casual place to eat and to have a pint. You'd have to drive, but really just out the parking lot, and then up the hill. Caffe Ciao at the Kea Lani is pretty good, light, deli fare. Maybe Tommy Bahama's at the Shops at Wailea. Not sure about walking to any of these though. Maybe someone who has stayed at the Four Seasons can give some input on that. I know there are shuttles.
After Warren and Annabelle's, if you want a nice meal, I`O or Pacific `O. Tiki torches on the beach, excellent fusion style food. I don't know what your budget is for this night. If you want more moderately priced eats, Lahaina Coolers. Coolers is open late and you can eat outside. They make a mean `ahi burger. In Lahaina it's pretty much either fine dining, touristy chains (Hard Rock, Bubba Gumps, Cheeseburger) or just bad food.
You could have desert at David Pauls in Lahaina They have a seperate desert room and a great pastry chef.
The Waterfront is not that far 15-20 minutes. Other places in Wailea would be the Sea Watch or, again, Mulligans. One of the owners of Mulligans is the banquet manager at the 4S, and that same quality comes through at Mulligan's, although it is more moderately priced. It's casual, fun, eclectic live music--jazz, celtic, etc.
Upcountry lunch at Hailiemaile General Store, yes! Kula Lodge is another option. Their food is good, not great, but the view is awesome.
Jun 14th, 2004, 05:22 PM
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I`O or Pacific `O. Tiki torches on the beach? Do you eat outside at these places? Or do you walk along the beach afterwards by the Tiki torches?
We'll give Mulligan's a try. I'd love to get up to Plantation House but I believe it's too far.
Part of our reason for Mama's is to relax and watch the ocean and surfers. Can we see the same from Pa'ia Fishmarket?
We'll give Mulligan's a try. I'd love to get up to Plantation House but I believe it's too far.
Part of our reason for Mama's is to relax and watch the ocean and surfers. Can we see the same from Pa'ia Fishmarket?
Jun 14th, 2004, 09:04 PM
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Yes
Yes
Sort of
No
I`O and Pacific `O are both along the beach at 505 Front Street. Here is a picture of Pacific`O:
http://www.windycityart.com/maui/pag...ico%200185.htm
They both have tables on the lawn. The tiki torches are on the lawn, between the tables and the beach. There is a small walkway along the beach where you can walk afterwards and you can also sit on a bench or lounge chair along the beach.
I wasn't suggesting that Pa`ia Fish Market was a substitute for Mama's, although, in retrospect, I suppose you could get a sandwhich to go and eat it at Ho`okipa... lol I was just sort of commenting, as an aside, about it. You may or may not be able to see the ocean from Mama's. The last time we ate lunch there it was around 2 pm and place was not crowded at all, but we could not get a lanai table and were seated inside. They had cut the servers and the prime stations were closed so they could set up for dinner.
Yes
Sort of
No
I`O and Pacific `O are both along the beach at 505 Front Street. Here is a picture of Pacific`O:
http://www.windycityart.com/maui/pag...ico%200185.htm
They both have tables on the lawn. The tiki torches are on the lawn, between the tables and the beach. There is a small walkway along the beach where you can walk afterwards and you can also sit on a bench or lounge chair along the beach.
I wasn't suggesting that Pa`ia Fish Market was a substitute for Mama's, although, in retrospect, I suppose you could get a sandwhich to go and eat it at Ho`okipa... lol I was just sort of commenting, as an aside, about it. You may or may not be able to see the ocean from Mama's. The last time we ate lunch there it was around 2 pm and place was not crowded at all, but we could not get a lanai table and were seated inside. They had cut the servers and the prime stations were closed so they could set up for dinner.
Jun 15th, 2004, 10:18 AM
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Gone2Maui, you are so helpful to us all! I am now seriously thinking about changing my Sarento's reservations to Ma'alaea Waterfront. The only thing is, how long would the drive from Wailea be in the late afternoon/early evening? That's my spa day and we planned to just hang out at the pools/beach & relax during the afternoon. You're right about French (or even Italian for that matter) being something we get all the time. As much as I enjoy both of those cuisines, I'm beginning to think the "tropical" places would be a much more enjoyable change of pace.
Also, I am still waffling between Pacific 'O and Roy's for our day in Lahaina earlier in the week. (I better make up my mind soon!) Roy's menu seems more appealing for kids. I also prefer vegetarian (esp. fruit) or chicken to red meat or seafood. My husband, on the other hand, can't get enough fish and oh the reviews that Pacific O's keeps getting! I'm being torn with another last minute indecision and I can't just wing this one on the fly since Pacific O's is so popular. I'm tempted to make reservations at both places and then decide when we get there!
Also, I am still waffling between Pacific 'O and Roy's for our day in Lahaina earlier in the week. (I better make up my mind soon!) Roy's menu seems more appealing for kids. I also prefer vegetarian (esp. fruit) or chicken to red meat or seafood. My husband, on the other hand, can't get enough fish and oh the reviews that Pacific O's keeps getting! I'm being torn with another last minute indecision and I can't just wing this one on the fly since Pacific O's is so popular. I'm tempted to make reservations at both places and then decide when we get there!
Jun 15th, 2004, 11:50 AM
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sap, From Wailea to Ma`alaea is about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to take the upper highway, not Kihei Road. How about eating at Roy's in Kihei on your spa day? The Roy's on the west side is up in Kahana, not really in Lahaina. Then you could eat at either Pacific`O or the Waterfront on your Lahaina day. Pacific`o has their own farm upcountry and they make a mean salad. While they have one vegetarian item on their trgular menu, if you ask them they do have other vegetarian preparations.
I had Roy's last night-DH was there last night. I am stuck at home working like a fiend on a big project and he brought me home the ono. It was grilled with an amazingly different sauce. I had never had that preparation before, and DH couldn't tell me what is was because he just ordered the "special" for me.
OMG, it soundslike all I do is eat! Of course, we do have a lot of good food here from which to chose!
I had Roy's last night-DH was there last night. I am stuck at home working like a fiend on a big project and he brought me home the ono. It was grilled with an amazingly different sauce. I had never had that preparation before, and DH couldn't tell me what is was because he just ordered the "special" for me.
OMG, it soundslike all I do is eat! Of course, we do have a lot of good food here from which to chose!
Jun 15th, 2004, 12:12 PM
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To the writer who asked if he was the only one that had a great experience at Sarentos. The answer is no. Our experience was fabulous. No flies, outstanding food - the osso bucco and my husband's filet were fabulous as was our ahi appetiser. The service was great and so was the setting.
Relative to Roy's at Kihea. We ate there our first night in the area. Our reservation was at 7:30 which we really regretted. Our food and service were outstanding but we were seated between several tables of families with crying babies. Next time we would go later.
Our most annoying eating experience was at Spago at the Four Seasons. They were just too full of themselves, kept us and others waiting for a table. The food was delicious but they brought my husband the wrong entree twice before finally getting it right and barely apologized. Their wine list is so expensive it is insulting. They do have an incredible setting though.
Relative to Roy's at Kihea. We ate there our first night in the area. Our reservation was at 7:30 which we really regretted. Our food and service were outstanding but we were seated between several tables of families with crying babies. Next time we would go later.
Our most annoying eating experience was at Spago at the Four Seasons. They were just too full of themselves, kept us and others waiting for a table. The food was delicious but they brought my husband the wrong entree twice before finally getting it right and barely apologized. Their wine list is so expensive it is insulting. They do have an incredible setting though.
