Oao Sushi Go celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 8 at the Puʻunēnē Shopping Center in Kahului, Maui. Locally owned and operated by Chef Bernardo Oao Jr., Oao Sushi Go’s story began as a humble food truck serving innovative sushi dishes that quickly garnered a loyal following. The food truck’s success led to opening the first brick-and-mortar location in Wailea. With this second location, Chef Oao brings his vision and flavors of Oao Sushi Go to Central Maui.

Featuring beloved dishes from the food truck days alongside new creations like the Sizzling Steak Bites, Oao Sushi Go continues its tradition of using only the freshest locally sourced fish and premium imports from Japan, according to an opening announcement. Chef Oao’s proprietary sushi rice recipe, crafted with Japanese rice vinegar and rice grains, adds a distinctive flavor to every bite.

“I wanted to expand my business to a space that was convenient for residents, and Pu‘unene Shopping Center’s central location made it the perfect choice,” said Chef Oao.  “Our goal is to provide high-quality sushi featuring the exceptional flavors we’re known for.”

“Oao Sushi Go’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate, with their incredible friendly service,” said Micheal Oh, senior property manager of Pu‘unene Shopping Center. “We are proud to have Chef Oao open his second location at our center, which is a testament to Chef Oao’s dedication to investing in Maui.”

Oao Sushi (1,200 square feet) is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information, visit @oaosushigo.

The announcement was made by Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., a Hawai’i-based company focused on owning, operating, and developing high-quality commercial real estate.

Good news for lobster lovers. Maui Lobster King has opened at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kīhei.

The new location is described as a seafood boil and Hawaiian barbecue restaurant. It is located next to Maui Pie at the old Taco Bell location on South Kīhei Road.

There’s a customized bib for customers who want to “get down with bold flavors, fresh seafood, and plenty of Dirty Fun with barbecue!” an announcement says.

A cajun seafood boil and barbecue is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Built in phases beginning in 1978, Azeka Shopping Center is one of the largest shopping centers in Kīhei. Located mauka and makai of South Kīhei Road, the center has more than 50 restaurants, shops and services in approximately 135,645 square feet of leasable space.

Center tenants include: Coconuts Fish Café, deVine Wine Lounge, Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill, Fork & Salad, HomeMaid Café, Izakaya Genbe, Java Café, Maui Lobster King, Maui Pie, Miso Phat Sushi, Nalu’s South Shore Grill, Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food, Noodles & Rice by Nutcharee, Panda Express, Paniolo’s Steak & Seafood, Peace Love Shave Ice, Peggy Sue’s, Roasted Chiles and Wow Wow Lemonade.

Other merchants are AA Oceanfront Rentals, Ace Hardware, Bank of Hawaii, BEK Inc., Boost Mobile, Da Hair, D.K. Barbershop, Hawaiian Cruisers, Hele Gas Station/Mini Mart, Ikaika Construction, Jonathan Thomas DDS, K&K Law Firm Recovery Law Center, Kaiser Permanente, Kīhei Community Association, Kīhei Wailea Flowers by Cora, Le Bazaar, Maui Mojo Wellness, Maui Pediatric Dentistry, Maui Powerhouse Gym, Maui Toy Chest, Maui VR, Next Level Marble and Granite, Ocean Nail Spa, O’Reilly Automotive, ProArts Playhouse, Skyridge Lending, Snorkel Bob’s, Stellamation, Susu’s Studio & Design, Territorial Savings Bank, US Post Office and Zen Tattoo & Art Gallery.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya opened its fifth Hawaiʻi location at Maui Mall Village recently, bringing its flavorful menu of ramen, rice bowls, and izakaya dishes to Maui. Located near Center Court, next to Genki Sushi, across from the Regal Cinemas Maui Mall, the new restaurant has seating for up to 40 guests.

In anticipation of its grand opening, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is offering a special treat to customers. From Monday, Dec. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 5, guests who visit during the soft opening will receive a 15% off coupon to use after the official Grand Opening on Monday, Jan. 6.

“We are excited to introduce our newest location in Maui Mall Village and bring our signature dishes for Maui residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Tina Wang, owner of Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya. “Our goal is to create a welcoming and vibrant dining space where the Maui community can enjoy the perfect fusion of traditional Japanese ramen and modern izakaya offerings. We can’t wait to share our passion for authentic, high-quality cuisine with a new community of ramen lovers.”

To help guests get a taste of its new Maui Mall Village restaurant, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will offer its first 50 customers a FREE bowl of ramen or rice bowl on Monday, Jan. 6. Customers who dine in at the Maui Mall Village restaurant during the grand opening week and sign up for Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s e-newsletters will be entered for the chance to win FREE ramen for a year (two ramen dishes per month for 12 months).

The restaurant’s signature ramen dishes include: their Tanaka Classic – a pork broth, pork chashu, kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onions, fried onions, garlic oil and a seasoned egg served with thick noodles; and their popular vegan ramen, Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen – a vegan broth, green onions, spicy bean sprouts, spinach, atsuage tofu, crispy onions with garlic and chili oil served with kale noodles.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya also offers a variety of rice bowls like their Beef Sukiyaki Don or Karaage Don as well as Tokyo curry bowls including a Pork Katsu w/ Curry and Pork Gyoza w/ Curry. Appetizers and izakaya options include the house-made Pork Gyoza and the Hawaiʻi-exclusive Soft Shell Crab Bun that’s served with an original bun sauce and spicy mayonnaise.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s Maui Mall Village location is open daily from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant will also be offering its full menu of lunch and dinner items for takeout. To place an order, call 808-727-2066 or order online at www.tanakaramen.com. 

All University of Hawaii system faculty and students, Maui Mall Village employees, and military members receive 10% off with proof of ID. 

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya currently operates five locations across Hawaiʻi, starting with its first at Kapolei Marketplace, which opened in 2020, and including restaurants at Ala Moana Center, Maui Mall Village, Pearlridge Center, and the Town Center of Mililani. For more information on Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, visit www.tanakaramen.com. Also be sure to follow Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @tanakaramenhawaii and Twitter at @tanakaramenhi to stay up-to-date on the latest information on special giveaways and promotions.  

Japanese cooking connoisseur Naoko Moller will lead Zen dining workshops at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Kahului Jodo Mission, located at 325 Lāʻau St. Visit jcsmaui.org to register.

Participants will learn about preparation, presentation and the philosophy of eating to nurture the heart, mind, body and spirit. A Zen dinner can refer to a meal prepared in the style of shojin ryori (a vegan cuisine based on Zen monastery cooking), or to the practice of eating in a Zen-like way.

The practice involves slowing down, paying attention to the food and savoring the meal. This includes being grateful for where the food came from and noticing emotions while eating. Fees are $35 for society members and $50 for non-members.

The event is sponsored by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and Kahului Jodo Mission.

For more information, send email to jcsmhawaii@gmail.com. 

The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has announced a collaboration with trending brand PopUp Bagels as part of its holiday programming this year. 

On Dec. 21, 22, 28, and 29 from 8 to 10 a.m., and on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., both hotel guests and locals are invited to the resort’s signature open-air Botero Lounge to enjoy a curated selection of bagel favorites from the store’s no-frill menu. 

The menu will feature signature bagel flavors including Plain, Poppy, Everything, Sesame, and Salt, along with a variety of custom schmears such as Maui Gold Pineapple with Local Turmeric and Charred Jalapeño, Smoked Kula Strawberry and Upcountry Lavender, Serrano Kelp Whip, Toasted Honey Macadamia Nut, and more. Prices range from $10 for the schmears, $52 for a dozen bagels and two schmears, with add ons including Smoked Salmon and Maui Onion, Fennel Slaw, Cucumbers and Capers available for $18.

Launched in 2020, the “not famous but known” bagel and schmear shop has grown into a culinary sensation with more than nine locations and three new storefronts on the horizon. Renowned for its hot, fresh bagels baked every twenty minutes, the shop invites customers to grip, rip, and dip their way through the irresistibly crispy crust and soft crumb center dough creations. 

Koast, a new restaurant coming to Wailea Village this winter, brings the star power of celebrity chef Chris Cosentino, a Top Chef Masters winner and James Beard Award nominee, to Maui’s culinary scene.

For their debut restaurant venture, husband-and-wife team David and Alicia Soboda say they’ve partnered with Cosentino to create “simple, honest” food and a dining experience filled with aloha that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

Cosentino has opened four restaurants in his career, and has competed on numerous national food television shows, including “Top Chef” and “Iron Chef America.” The Soboda couple was instrumental in launching Cosentino’s celebrated San Francisco restaurant, Cockscomb. Their partnership now continues at Koast.

The restaurant champions a menu that pays homage to the Soboda’s and Cosentino’s shared commitment to sustainability, celebrating local flavors from mauka to makai (mountain to sea). The menu is slated to feature a bounty of local ingredients that showcase Cosentino’s creative approach to whole-animal cooking, blending modern techniques with reverence for the land.

The Soboda’s are also partnering with Jason Blanchette and Jose Zepeda Jr. to build an exceptional wine and cocktail program. A state-of-the-art dry aging chamber will not only serve as a functional showcase at the restaurant but will also serve as a vessel for the Koast culinary team to use for dry aging and preservation of its fresh ingredients. 

For Hawai‘i Sustainable Seafood Month, the restaurant partnered with the Culinary Arts Program at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College to nurture emerging local culinary talent and contribute to the island’s vibrant food culture through mentorship and educational initiatives. 

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Koast is situated in Wailea (116 Wailea Ike Drive, Unit 2204). The venue will offer indoor and al fresco dining, featuring a wraparound lānai with stunning views of Molokini Crater.

To learn more about Koast, visit: www.koastmaui.com or follow @KoastMaui on Instagram. 

A new lunch spot has opened at The Historic Wailuku Inn, a century-old bed and breakfast in the heart of Wailuku town.

HUI Kitchen, led by chef Justin Cantere, offers a vibrant blend of island and local flavors. After a decade honing his craft under Maui’s celebrated chef Sheldon Simeon, Cantere embarked on his own to create a dining experience that pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Maui.

HUI Kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving lunch exclusively. The restaurant welcomes both Inn guests and locals, with no reservations required.

The menu showcases Maui’s local produce and fresh catch from nearby waters. Dishes are infused with the bold flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, incorporating ingredients like taro, ʻulu (breadfruit) and fresh herbs.

HUI Kitchen Menu: Short and Sweet

Starters include Hui Musubi, a modern take on a Hawaiian classic, featuring sushi rice topped with braised Spam, sweet soy, nori, and a zesty dynamite sauce, complemented by fried garlic, crunchy cabbage, and green onions—perfect for two to share. Another standout is the weekly Poke of the Week, where fresh catch selections are paired with wakame salad, rice, and chef-inspired poke seasonings.

Plate lunches include hearty options like the Kalbi Short Ribs, served with rice and mac salad, featuring braised short ribs glazed with miso chili, paired with kimchi corn and crunchy cabbage. The Ahi Katsu offers a locally caught, panko-battered fish with a wasabi butter sauce, accompanied by fresh greens, pickled ginger, and classic sides.

Diners seeking a twist on comfort food will appreciate the Fish and Chips Chef’s Special, a beer-battered fish of the day with house-made tzatziki tartar sauce, or the Tuna Melt, made with garlic aioli, sharp cheddar, and alfalfa sprouts on sourdough. For meat lovers, the Patty Melt, featuring Maui grass-fed beef, bacon, and caramelized onions on sourdough, is a must-try. For a lighter option, the Hui Salad combines local greens with vibrant toppings like li hing mui pineapple and goat cheese, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Gluten free bread is available on all sandwiches.

Learn more at huikitchenmaui.com or by visiting the location at 2199 Kahoʻokele St. in Wailuku.

This holiday season, La Fête du Rosé wines will be available throughout the food and beverage venues at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, thanks to a partnership with the prestigious wine brand.

For a limited time from Nov. 27 to Jan. 1, it will offer intentional pairings at the hotel’s signature restaurants, including Botero Lounge at the heart of the resort, coastal Italian-inspired Olivine and its signature destination restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. There will also be La Fête du Rosé cocktails specially developed to introduce the St. Tropez lifestyle to Maui.

La Fête du Rosé Holiday Sangria

Bespoke Holiday Sangria recipes developed for the partnership features a White Sangria made with La FêteBlanc de Blanc, rum, triple sec, pineapple, orange, mint, cinnamon, star anise, and fresh lilikoi (passionfruit) available only at Olivine. Red Sangria features La Fête Rouge, brandy, pomegranate juice, lime & lemon Juice, dragon fruit, and rosemary.

The wines and Holiday Sangria will be available through the season at the beachfront signature restaurant Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa and Botero Bar. They can also be found at Grand Wailea’s Napua Tower, the property’s premiere collection of luxury rooms and suites at the heart of the resort, and the Hibiscus Pool through December.

Party throughout the month of December

Grand Wailea and LaFête du Rosé welcome guests to party throughout the month of December, with special cocktails to take holiday cheer from day to night. A special La Fête du Rosé cocktail menu featuring St. Tropez Margaritas, Rosé Palomas, Strawberry Rosé Spritzes’, St. Tropez Smashes, and La Fête Frosé’s will be available poolside on the final Saturdays of the year, and after dark with live music and DJ performances at Botero Lounge and Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa on select Fridays. 

These special cocktail events take place — poolside — on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 and —at Botero Lounge & Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa — on Friday, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27.

Holiday brunches

Grand Wailea will also host a Thanksgiving Brunch and Christmas Brunch with La Fête du Rosé wine pairings and cocktails. Pricing ranges from $175 for adults and $65 for children.

In true tropic fashion al fresco, the resort hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas Day brunches at the Haleakalā Gardens with a blend of holiday favorites and traditional Hawaiian dishes, which are expertly paired with La Fête du Rosé glasses and cocktails.

Thanksgiving Brunch highlights include citrus brined Roasted turkey and Hawaiian sweet sourdough roasted sage stuffing paired alongside La Fête du Rosé Blanc and Rosé by the glass; Holiday Sangria, and specialty cocktails

Christmas Brunch highlights include Christmas smoked paprika deviled eggs, whole roasted natural prime rib, and Hawaiian style cioppino paired alongside La Fête du Rosé Blanc and Rosé by the glass; Holiday Sangria, and specialty cocktails

For more information on Grand Wailea or to book a reservation, visit grandwailea.com. Early Bird Black Friday offer available for bookings made now through Dec. 3 for stays through Dec. 26. 

Something new for foodies: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua serving up a “Chef’s Table,” immersive new dining experience on Fridays with Chef Donovan Foster at its signature restaurant, Banyan Tree.

Chef Foster creates “a wholly unique five-course tasting menu with local, seasonal ingredients that showcases the best of the Hawaiian Islands,” according to an announcement. “During each dinner, guests can engage with the chef, ask questions and learn about culinary inspirations and local purveyors. Foster presents each course while diners enjoy a natural sensory experience under the Maui stars alongside tiki torches, fire pits, and extraordinary ocean views.”

“The Chef’s Table allows me to be creative, experiment, and play with culinary ideas that have run through my mind for months,” said Foster, a self-professed “food geek.”

“I love food,” he said. “I love feeding people and the connections that sharing a meal creates. This is a fun new way to experience the Banyan Tree restaurant, because no two menus will be the same.”

The new series is a natural extension of Foster’s culinary philosophy.

“Passionate about sustainable sourcing, his commitment to honoring the bounty of Hawai‘i shines through in his seasonal menus, which celebrate the vibrant flavors of the islands, from land to sea,” the announcement says. “He also encourages his team to continuously explore new techniques and ingredients, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in the kitchen. With Banyan Tree’s menu, Foster aims to surprise and delight guests with each dish.

Taking place every Friday night at 5:30 p.m., Chef’s Table is available for $150 per person, with optional wine and drink pairings. The Chef’s Table menu will feature five courses and change every week. Seating is at a communal outdoor table with a maximum of 10 guests.

For more information, visit www.banyantreekapalua.com. Reservations are available at Open Table or by calling the resort’s concierge at 808-665-7089.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Kā‘anapali welcomes Ulu Kitchen by Merriman, a new oceanfront dining experience from iconic Chef Peter Merriman’s Handcrafted Restaurants. Ulu Kitchen by Merriman pays homage to Hawai‘i’s rich culinary heritage, blending old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality with innovative, locally-sourced dishes, all in a stunning setting overlooking Kā‘anapali Beach. 

As a chef-driven concept led by the classically-trained, award-winning Merriman, Ulu Kitchen’s dedication to showcasing Hawai‘i’s breadth of local offerings is evident in every detail of the menu. Breakfast options range from lighter fare like a Greek Yogurt Bowl and Avocado Toast, to sweet options like the Monkeypod Mai Tai Flapjacks which incorporates Merriman’s famous lilikoʻi foam. Diners also enjoy local twists on breakfast classics like Hawaiian Chilaquiles with kalua pork and a house made ancho chile salsa. Fan favorite “The Cure” is an innovation on the classic local noodle dish saimin, and features a comforting blend of Sun noodles, red chili chicken broth, kalua pork, poached egg, bok choy and other local veggies. 

At dinner, starter highlights include Grilled Tako Escargot – an update on the classic dish using tako (octopus) – Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Coconut Corn Chowder and more. For the entrees, diners are treated to the best of the land and sea with specialties such as Lobster Ravioli, Macadamia Nut Fresh Fish, Maui Nui Venison, Filet Mignon and more. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails like the signature Monkeypod Mai Tai and Liliko‘i Whiskey Sour, alongside a curated selection of wines and locally brewed beers.

Ulu Kitchen by Merriman offers diners two settings to enjoy their meal. The bright, airy indoor dining room blends modern elegance with the charm of a classic Hawai‘i beachfront restaurant. Diners can also opt for the expansive outdoor deck with views of Kā‘anapali Beach.

“We are proud to partner with Chef Peter Merriman and Handcrafted Restaurants to bring Ulu Kitchen to life,” said Josh Hargrove, general manager of The Westin Maui. “Merriman’s passion for local ingredients and culinary excellence aligns perfectly with our resort’s commitment to providing our guests with authentic and memorable experiences that are rooted in the place, people and culture of the islands.”

“This is a destination to gather and enjoy – and we’ve seen an equal amount of interest from both locals and visitors alike,” he added. 

Ulu Kitchen is proud to offer a 20% kama‘āina discount to Hawai‘i residents – one of the best deals in all of West Maui for locals. In addition, its happy hour from 3–5 p.m. offers food and drink deals like discounted culinary cocktails, $10 appetizers, discounted local beers, and a diverse wine by the glass menu. 

“We are proud to launch Handcrafted Restaurant’s newest concept, and are pleased to be located at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa as our company values and goals are aligned for a great partnership,” said Tim Grant, general manager and partner of Ulu Kitchen by Merriman.

For the holiday season Ulu Kitchen will be offering a Thanksgiving harvest plate, as well as unique special items to commemorate the holiday celebration. 

For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.ulukitchen.com.