emmaandamber

We'll be in Maui for the first time next year and staying in Wailea. On our day trip to Haleakala, does anyone have suggestions for for good local dining on the way to/from Haleakala? I doubt we'll be making the trip for the sunrise, but probably still early enough for breakfast on the way up and lunch heading back. I'm looking for good food, reasonable prices, great atmosphere. Any ideas?

perchy

It's been quite a few years since I've been there (1998), but I don't really remember their being any options en route. If I remember correctly, we ate breakfast when we got back to our hotel, then took a nap!

OldSouthernBelle

Casual, good food: Paia Fishmarket, downtown Paia.
http://i5.tinypic.com/14l6hwk.jpg
http://i6.tinypic.com/14l6o3m.jpg
This would be a better place for lunch, as they don't open early.

If that's not what you're looking for maybe you can find something on this link:
http://tinyurl.com/gapmo

amaclise

Kula Lodge is on the road back down (or up!) the volcano. It is open for breakfast, has great views out over the island, and tropical plants and flowers everywhere. Many people stop here on the way back from viewing the sunrise. Highly recommended!

KULA LODGE
Upper Kula Highway, Hwy 377

http://www.kulalodge.com/rest.htm

Brian_in_Charlotte

Ate lunch at the place across the street from Kula Lodge in Feb and liked it. Nice big patio, friendly people, pretty basic but good menu (greatly enjoyed my simple kula pork sandwich). Can't compare it to the more popular Kula Lodge as I haven't been, but just know there's another option up there in case Kula Lodge is full.

HRHDHD

Friends have told us good things about Kula Lodge, especially for breakfast. On our way back to Kihei around lunchtime, we went through Makawao and ate at Polli's, a Mexican place on the corner just as you enter Makawao. Food was good and prices reasonable. Makawao also has some nice shops and galleries.

emmaandamber

Sounds like breakfast at the Kula Lodge would be nice start to the day. Now it's between Makawao and Paia for lunch. The both sound like towns I would like to visit.

DawnCt

We LOVED our breakfast at the Kula Lodge. Mac nuts/banana pancakes. I am thinking about doing it again!

trippinkpj

I agree with Kula Lodge. If it's more lunchtime, another option is Pauwela Cafe in Haiku.

trippinkpj

Oh, I like Polli's in Makawao too. I even have a sweatshirt from their, LOL.

pspercy

Try and get up to the top by noon +/- before it gets too cloudy, take a picnic on the ascent and stop at P{olli's (Makawao) on the way back, if you have time turn to the west after Polli's and drive around to Ulupalakua (Winery), not so much for the wine as the views of Wailua, Kihei etc. It's a different world up there, very pleasant.

kaslcsw

We picked up sandwiches at a local convenience store and ate at the crater. It was very inexpensive and lots of fun.

amaclise

Definitely visit both towns. Have lunch in Makawao and have a famous Hawaiian shave ice in Pa'ia. It's right on the main drag. YUM!!!

offlady

Moana Bakery and Cafe in Paia, is one of the best places to lunch in Paia. The chef came from another well known and very popular restaurant on Maui. Excellent pacific rim cuisine and best pastries around at affordable prices.

fuzzbo

After our trip to Haleakala we had lunch at Hali'imaile General Store
and thought it was very good. It's an interesting atmosphere, relatively reasonable, and the food was good.

crazy4Hawaii

Lunch at Casanova's in Makawao. Delicious fresh pasta in an interesting setting. Feels more local and less touristy. Check out the interesting posters near the restrooms where Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and others have played there.

Elainee

Drive down in LOW GEAR!! We didn't ...terrible accident, lucky we survived. The Maui hospital is ok, but better to not need it.

biker

Also recommend Kula lodge. Great view and the food was good. We ate lunch there on the way down.
A photo of the view from the lodge we took last year is in my album here follows
http://community.webshots.com/user/dsg1956