Hello Fodorites!

I am sure this question gets asked often, BUT restaurants change often too...So, what I would love to know is what are the BEST restaurants in Honolulu and Maui as of now...

Myself and my best friend are planning a surprise trip for our husbands birthdays (neither of us ever had a honeymoon), so we want to make sure everything is perfect.

We love all types of food, especially all Asian food...yes... Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Filipino - everything - and, the spicier, the better!!! But, we also love Italian and Latino food (hey, I'm both, so of course), Continental food, and French food. So, pretty much everything...

So, in your expert opinion, where should we go with such limited time? We're all foodies!!

Thank You!

Valerie

We're going in November and friends who go all the time recommended....

Alan Wongs - Honolulu
Roys - Honolulu or Maui
David Pauls - Maui

They always stay at the Halekulani and said the restaurants are very nice, but a little formal for their taste.

Sansei at Kapalua is supposed to be great sushi, but doubt we'll make the drive from Wailea. Have a great trip.

Mama's fishhouse Maui
Hale'iwa Joe's Hale'iwa, oahu

BEST is a personal choice, Hale'iwa Joe's was a funky joint we throughly enjoyed. I don't think it would make anybody's "best" list, but we loved it...

sansei just opened in kihei.

Great restaurant in Oahu is "Chef Mavro". A great restaurant in Maui (Wailea) is "Nicks". Bon Appetit.

Sansei is also in Honolulu, at Restaurant Row. There is a Sam Choy's in Kahului on Maui, and two Sam Choy's in Honolulu.

How much time do you have?

We love Thai food and really enjoyed the food from Thai Chef in Maui. Good Chinese food is at the Red Lantern near Napili.

Hi guys!

Thank so much for all of the great suggestions - we're taking notes!!

For the best seafood in the greatest location on Oahu, and maybe in Hawaii, and possibly the world (okay, so I'm pushing it), don't miss John Dominis Restaurant at the water end of Ahui Street between Honolulu and Waikiki.

Would second the vote for Mama's Fish House outside Kahalui on Maui. Also on Maui try the Haliimale General Store - also just outside Kahalui, partway up the Haleakala road. It's a drive but it's worth it. They have a website www.haliimailegeneralstore.com and the chef, Bev Gannon, has been features on the Discovery Channel series "Great Chefs" Neither are inexpensive, but both are excellent.

PS - you will definitely need reservations at either Mamas or Haliimaile. They are in the phone book [if you are staying in condos]] or if in a hotel, get the hotel concierge to help.

Understand Merriman's has a new restaurant at Maalea Harbor on Maui. Haven't tried that one, but loved the Merriman's on the Big Island. For a great lunch, try Roy's Grill on the Kapalua Golf Course. However, the #1 best is Mama's Fish House.

Got back from Waikiki last week. 2 best hotels for us were. Keos(great Thai food, inexpensive. Nick's seafood, called the best restaurant and it is. Try the "anniversary tasting menu". $33. each for 5 courses, including a wonderful, flamed cherries jubilee. Would make a great birthday spot. Both in Honolulu.

Just went to Chinatown last night and ate at a restaurant called "Little Village" (1113 Smith Street, Honolulu, HI 96817; 808-545-3738) that was pretty darn good. It was my second time--my niece just loves to go there and they seem to cater to a wide range of tastes. The menu also looks like half the items are spicy. If you like Asian food, Chinatown is a good place to start. Another more upscale spot in Chinatown is Duc's Bistro.

Hi,
Our favorites on Maui are Roy's in Kahana, just north of Kaanapali, Plantation Club in Kapalua. Also in Kapalua is Sansei's. Best sushi I've ever had. If you can get a table at upstairs on the railing, you can't beat the view from Leialani's at Whaler's Village, although the food there is so so. Pacific O's in Lahina. Right on the beach and great food. If you are looking for romantic, with fabulous food, try Gerard's. It's on a side street in Lahina, but it is so cool. Great atmosphere and food to match.
Don't know any of the Wailea restaurants, but will learn soon as we leave in the morning for the Grand Wailea. I can't wait.
Frank

Some Maui spots...
Sansei in Kapalua is GREAT!...sushi, noodles, etc. If you are traveling into upcountry, DEFINITELY go to the Haliimaile General Store for paniolo ribs. The same owners (I think) have a place in Wailea called Joe's Bar and Grill, which is equally good. If you're in Lahaina and want to test the luau waters, I've heard that the Old Lahaina Luau is the island's best. Have a great trip!

Saw cockroach at Roy's in Oahu!!! Yuck! We loved HANO HANO room at the Sheraton on Waikiki Beach-gorgeous views! Didn't check Nick's Seafood out. SOunds like we should have...try Hano Hano!

Ditto Postal and Iorra in Waikiki. John Dominis and Keo's!