Maui Part 1

Maui 

We returned to Maui several weeks ago and had a great time. We stayed in the Wailea-Kihei area which is becoming our favorite place. I had time to discover a few low key food spots since we had no set agenda. No need to revisit Haleakala, Hana or Kaanapali.

We stayed at the Marriott at Wailea for 3 nights. It is being renovated but we had a great time. The 2 main restaurants are closed and they only have Kapa open. It is around the family pool. We did not try it. Migrant was one of the restaurants closed. The chef, Sheldon Simeon, opened up a small storefront breakfast and lunch place in Kahului near the airport. There is no sign on the store. We found it through Yelp. It is called Tin Roof. https://squareup.com/store/tinroofmaui The food comes in small bowls and the menu is small but the place is great. It is no fly by night place. The kitchen is humming and they are organized. The food is delicious and reasonably priced.
Menu of day

 Ono.

 Mochiko chicken

 Picnic table.

There is only a small counter to eat at but I would not recommend it. We went to Kanaha Beach Park near the airport. http://www.co.maui.hi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/101 You actually go through the airport to get to the beach. The beach is one of the more spectacular beaches in Maui and there are not many people there. A great place for a picnic.

We also ate at the Monkeypod Kitchen. http://www.monkeypodkitchen.com/ The restaurant is trendy, loud and serves very good eclectic food. It is run by Peter Merriman a top chef in Hawaii. You can get burgers and pizza or more sophisticated dishes. The prices are reasonable. They have lots of beers on tap and they have a good but pricey wine list. However on Sundays they have all sparkling wines at half price and they have 2 happy hours every day. 3pm to 5pm amd 9pm to 11pm. It is the happening night spot in Wailea.

The food is very good and the service is friendly. Outside is much quieter than inside and they usually have musical entertainment.
 Fish tacos with mahi.

 Squash ravioli which was an appetizer and it was very good.

 Our half priced Champagne. Regularly about $88, we paid $44. Not bad.

 They all sorts of cream pies for dessert. This was their strawberry cheese pie. It was light and good.

If you stay a the Marriott, stay near the adult pool. Our room overlooked the pool and the ocean. It made the stay there  great. We have stayed in the high rise building several times and it is a different experience. Specify the room if you stay there.
View from the room.

After the Marriott we stayed at a private home that we found through Tropical Villa Vacations. http://www.tropicalvillavacations.com/ The house was great. Bird of Paradise is the name of the house. It is also on VBRO. 2 bedrooms and a pool with ocean views. It was about a 5 minute drive to the beach. TVV was reliable, organized and everything was great.

A word about the beaches. The beaches in Maui are public and open to all. Most have bathrooms and parking and some have lifeguards. The beaches are immaculate and very accessible. In Wailea, between every top hotel,Four Seasons, Fairmont etc, there is a public access parking lot and bathrooms. It is a 50 yard walk to the beaches and the beaches are incredibly beautiful and the swimming is superb. Ulua, Wailea and Keawakapu,Polo and Mokapu are all great.

Wine Alert

Costco Kirkland Signature wines are really improving. The 2014 Premier Cru Chablis at $14.99 is very good. Typical Chablis, acidic with fruit enough to balance it. A real bargain.
The 2014 Kirkland Signature Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir  $14.99 is also really good. Usually Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs under $25 are not too good. This wine has body, complexity and flavor. It is light to medium bodied. Costco wines disappear quickly so be warned.

My garden is starting get going.
Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant.

 Kale

 Potatoes.

More on Maui soon.

Enjoy.