Have not been to Maui for 33 years. Where are best places for nice dinners out, near water? Maybe not in big touristy hotels unless the restaurant is something special. Good for 16 yr old boy also. Thank you !
Joan

Joan,
There is a place called Mama's Fish House near Paia. It is on the ocean and the views are really good. The price is high so I would recommend a lunch there. There is a posting about it on this site where most people thought it was overpriced. For the setting it is really nice and our food was good but some of the other posts they weren't that thrilled.

Maui Jon has a great dining section on his website:

www.mauihawaii.org

This site has good maps and restaurant reviews:

www.driveguidemagazines.com

Last time in Maui was 33 years ago? That would be 1973? What was Maui like then? Roads? The airport ? Number of hotels? Number of visitors? Where did you stay in 1973? I believe Kaanapali resort was in the early stages of development, Wailea Resort did not exist, and Kihei was a small residential area.

While Maui is still an amazing place it is nothing like it once was, and if it keeps heading the same way, in a few years it will no longer be worth going there.

We loved the restaurant at the Wailea Gold golf course, Seawatch....it is right on the ocean and there is a fantastic view of the sunset.

Mama's Fish House...but do it at lunch or you miss the incredible view. We had our children, and they loved Bubba Gumps (eating out of pails) in Lahiana. If there is a Roy's in Maui/oahu go there. Pricey but worth it..can't remember where it is..sorry!!

Please, tell us what Maui was like 33 years ago! I have a memory from about 1965 of staying at the Sheraton Maui and there being NOTHING down Kaanapali beach but some half buried stuff from WWII!

Wow, are we old or what?? There wasn't much in Lahaina 33 yrs ago--except the dinosaurs roaming the streets! No really, I sailed over to Lahaina as a teenager, stayed a few days on the boat in Lahaina and hitchhiked to Hana for a few days. Maui was very mellow and Hana was extremely remote. I know it will be changed dramatically but figure it's a good place for a quick week with our 16 yr old who is off school for a week and likes vibrant places. Thanks for all your suggestions !
Joan

After seven visits to Maui I cannot recomend a really good restaurant that offers good food at a reasonable price. I can't afford to eat at places like Mama's every night.
I have been more often dissapointed than satisfied with my dining experiences in Maui. Maybe restaurants that cater to tourist don't provide the quality and service that attract regular customers.
A trip to Safeway, a condo kitchen, a tuna steak grilled by the ocean and homemade mai-tais. All I need- at a fraction of the restaurant price.

Can second the mention of the Seawatch. Really enjoyed the views while dining. Also can recommend Joe's Grill near the Wailea Tennis Club. Fun place with delicous ribs.

Pacific-O's. Incredible food, impeccable service, and sunsets like no other. Easily the most memorable meal I have ever had.

33 years????!! Boy, are you in for a shock!!!! what area are you staying? That makes a BIG difference as Maui (as you knew it) is a lot bigger now, and you don't want a long drive!

I wound definitely second to Joe's Grill in Wailea Tennis Club. Great food and great sunset. You can even watch people playing tennis. I would also suggest David Paul's in Lahaina. Get the cake walk, it's their take on crab cakes, but with other fish!!!! I can't remember if there is a view of the water, but I'm thinking no, but the food was great (and expensive).