Nalu's – jobrandjr

Summary: Nalu’s, Mahalo Aleworks, Three’s Grill, Lahaina Grill, Monkeypod (Wailea), Café O’Lei

We ate plenty of great food in Maui, in addition to our scheduled/booked eateries, there were several ‘ad-hoc’ finds that got us through, starting with Havens food truck across from the Kahului Costco, Nalu’s Kihei and Ocean Vodka (no photos, sorry, but do go to these places)! We really can’t complain at all about any of the food we had all week, even the banana bread from the food truck at the Blowhole was delicious. Research pays off.

Nalu’s Grill (Apr 1, 2022)

After arriving in Maui, having a Havens smash burger, finishing our groceries and checking into our condo, the four of us and Wade and Pete agreed upon Nalu’s for drinks and possibly food. Nalu’s is a local favorite and we waited a while, but we were able to have beverages while waiting. It didn’t matter since we were all catching up and chatting, and eventually we were directed to a patio spot.

Unfortunately none of us took photos, but everything we had was very good. We started with plenty of drinks, followed by some food favorites for some of the party. This would have been a repeat location on this trip, if we had any lack of other options to choose from, but unfortunately a return visit will have to wait for the next trip.

Mahalo Aleworks (Apr 2, 2022)

John had done some advance research on local craft breweries and this was one of his picks. Luckily it fit right in with our other activities for the day. Mahalo Aleworks offered both beer and food options – and just in time for lunch. There was a reasonable selection of beer here, most with an IBU rating under 35 which is good for those (like John) who aren’t fans of bitter beer. All 4 samples chosen were enjoyable (but the liliko’i one was the best) and would come back here anytime. There were also a few options in the to-go cooler that weren’t on the big board and they also had the custom can option similar to Kona Brewing. When John researched originally it appeared there were two food cart options but there was only one on this day. That being said, the sausages that were offered were tasty and the cart guy was very accommodating when Janet asked if she could mix and match between topping combos offered.

Numbered #4 through #1 from left to right on the card below

#1 was a wheat, #2 and #3 were sours, #4 self-explanatory

Nice, big place with a random eyeing the big board and also outdoor seating and a second floor

Sausages were split down the middle which made them better – good lesson for grilling sausages in future

Where the sausages came from, a cart on the brewery’s patio

Not offered on tap but took it to-go. Was good too, probably a bit better than the liliko’i

Three’s Grill (Apr 3, 2022)

After a lazy day at the Kihei Aquatics Center and the beach, the four of us agreed upon Three’s Grill for dinner, after going through several options, checking trip advisor and reviewing our blog from our last Maui trip in 2018. We waited a few minutes to get in (with a weird/rude check-in lady bossing us around – literally didn’t like where we were standing), but secured an outdoor spot under the massive tree beside the parking lot. I didn’t get photos of everything (or I can’t find them), but both the food and drinks were enjoyed by all!

Who can remember what we got? l’ilikoi lady, ?, Lime n da coconut

Lahaina Grill – Apr 4, 2022

Once the Hawaii trip was booked, I knew I wanted to book Lahaina Grill for Erin’s 50th celebration dinner, so it was booked months ago. With the addition of Marie, I had to adjust the reservation and we had to go for an early dinner at 5. As expected though, dinner at Lahaina Grill was amazing… and as an added bonus, Marie paid! Lahaina Grill gets a lot of photos because we had a lot and it was all excellent. Service from Buddy (Barbara) was top notch, absolutely the best of the vacation!

After we ordered, Janet and John discovered that they ordered more or less the same entrees as on our last visit in 2018… Hmm.

Delicious Bee Sting, all local ingredients

The always delicious fresh warm bread and garlic butter. We were offered extra when the apps came to soak up the sauce. Pro-tip: accept!

Shared side of Broiled tomatoes – like candy, so good

Dessert combo – you pick 4 ‘small’ versions of their desserts

For Marie – when you credit card bill comes :0

Monkeypod – Apr 5, 2022

A favorite of Erin, we went here for happy hour (/early dinner) after our half day at the Plantation and Ioa Valley. There are deals on cocktails and food, we had plenty of both including dessert (banana, coconut and chocolate cream pie slices, not pictured) such that no dinner was required.

The cocktails, pizza, fries and desserts were delish! Erin got a birthday slice complementary. Sherry provided excellent service (and just bought a property in Hula!) Monkeypod will remain on the go-to list.

Pizza’s $12USD during happy hour, other non-seafood apps at a discount too

Hawaiian – Pineapple & Kahlua Pork, uncooked Jalapenos on the side

Café O’Lei – Apr 6, 2022

Erin wanted to go here for a nice meal, inviting her hosts who are super fun and knowledgeable about the food scene in Maui. We agreed that Cafe O’Lei looked like it had a nice menu, so accepted beforehand to go along (reserved weeks in advance). Everyone enjoyed their cocktails and meals and would go back for sure!