This is our first trip to Hawaii this June/July with our 20 yr. old daughter. Since she is studying at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America)& is a "foodie" of sorts, we would appreciate any tips on great dining experiences. Not only the $$$$$ experiences but the excellent local cruisine that doesn't always make the publications.
We are staying at the Hyatt's in both locations-Kaanapali in Maui & Poipu in Kauai.
Thanks for any helpful suggestions!

i suggest Kimo's in Lahaina. We had great fish there. Nice atmosphere, right on the water. We had an excellent meal, great drinks, awesome service and all while watching a beautiful sunset.

Here are a couple of sites:

www.mauihawaii.org Good for anything on Maui including restaurants.

www.driveguidemagazines.com Has good restaurant reviews for all islands. Also has many maps including detailed maps.

Other sites:

www.gohawaii.com They will send a free brochure

www.visitmaui.com They will send a free brochure

www.kauaidiscovery.com They will send a free brochure

www.kauai-hawaii.com

www.alternative-hawaii.com

These have hard copy brochures with lots to do & see & lots of coupons, many for restaurants. You cam find them at the baggage area and other places on the islands:

www.thisweek.com This Week on Maui (also Kauai)

www.spotlighthawaii.com Maui Gold (also Kauai Gold)

www.101thingstodo.com 101 Things to do on Maui (also Kauai)

The Hyatt on Maui has a good luau, Drums of the Pacific. Perhaps your daughter could assist them in preparing a meal for the luau.

You will probably see this name quite a bit but Mama's Fish House in Paia (Maui) had great food and the scenery was top shelf. I thought it was overpriced but the location was great. Near Poipu there is a restaurant called Gaylords that from the outside looks like a mansion but there is a restaurant inside and great one to boot. There is even an art gallery inside too. Kimo's is a good burger and a beer type of place with an excellent view.

Here on Kaua`i, Hamura's Saimin in Lihu`e is worth a stop -- nothing fancy, nothing $$$, and nothing liek what she's studying at CIA! 8-)

Gaylord's is okay -- not what I'd call "local" though.

For local Japanese, it's Kintaro's (Waipouli); for local plate lunch, Pono Market (Kapa`a) or Fish Market (Lihu`e) or Grindz Cafe (`Ele`ele); for a "wow, we're in Polynesia" feel, it's definitely Keoki's Paradise (Po`ipu -- complete with ponds and croaking toads); for unique ambiance plus good food/service, it's Tidepools right there at the Hyatt.

If you do a search for "kauai restaurants" you will find a lot of threads, as those of us that can endure the harsh conditions on that island also have cast iron stomachs. Here is one of many:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34667954

-Bill

Just returned from Maui. Our favorite dinner was Spago's at the Four Seasons. Make sure you enjoy the Four Seasons bar at 6:00 for a before-dinner drink...you'll get to see the beginning of the torch lighting ceremony from the bar.

Also highly recommend Mama's Fish House. We only had lunch there, but it was fabulous...definitely a foodie destination. Highly recommend the coconut ono (if you like raw fish) for appetizer.

For a casual meal in Lahaina, I liked Sunrise Cafe for breakfast or lunch. Casanova in Makawao has great pizza.

In addition to the ones Auntie Maria suggested, but on the higher end, we love the food at Roy's in the Poipu Shopping Center and Dondero's for Italian at the Hyatt.
We stay at both hotels, you will love your stay, but Kauai is the best!

Just returned from Maui...

"foodie"ish
Mama's Fish House
Hailemaile General Store

"local"ish
Paia Fish Market
Fresh Mint
Cafe Des Amis
Hana Hou Cafe

all deelish! aloha

As usual, Dusty has sent you many GREAT websites for more research.(Thanks again, Dusty!))
Re: luau, in addition to the one at Hyatt in Maui, check out the more intimate setting, and food prepared by chef of another gourmet restaurant in Lahaina (Pacific O), for Feast at Lele. Costs a bit more (book well in advance for best table) but private candlelit tables right on beach setting is gorgeous, and family/friends say food is several notches above the food at most of the larger group-seating luaus.
See Rachael Ray's website for her recs of Maui food. She includes Sensei (maybe a 15-20 min drive north of the Kaanapali Hyatt) which nearly everyone raves about, and a place nr the Kahului airport that friends loved.
Kauai--for burgers, I love Kalapaki Beach Hut around the corner (Bay corner, that is) from the Marriott. Closer to the bliss-inducing Hyatt, wander around Koloa Town. There's a family run grocery (down the street from Tomkats Restaurant) with a take-out window with good sandwiches and local "feel."
Oh yes--don't forget shave ice!!!!! The famous Jo-Jo's in Waimea, Wishing Well in Hanalei, and the stand in front of Big Save Supermarket in North end (north of the Safeway , anyway) Kapaa, that's called Hawaiian Bliizzard Shave Ice. Re: your asking about "local"...folks there relax on a hot day , before or after the grocery shopping, with one of those yummy cold treats. Ummmm.

A Must do is convertable/jeep ride on the road to Hana. Great pumpkin bread at shack halfway for snack and then good pulled pork sandwich at small shack closer to Hana (I think it is the only food shack on the road.) VERY CASUAL - eat with the locals!

Thanks everyone for all the great tips & information on your great dining experiences.