Maui Food And Dining

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.

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

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. A soft opening is underway with the official grand opening set for Jan. 6, 2025.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

For residents with a sweet tooth, a variety of Thanksgiving pies are available for pre-order at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s Pā‘ina Building in Kahului through Nov. 25.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is sharing food safety tips for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

A grand opening celebration will be held on Halloween, Oct. 31, for the launch of Pineapple Robot, a new bar at the Honokōwai Marketplace.

The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau hosts its second Canoe Crop Corner, a celebration of Maui’s rich agricultural heritage at Wailuku First Friday on Nov. 1. A cultural advisor and chef will continue this showcase the flavors of Hawai’i’s ancient canoe crop, kalo—one of the plants brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers.

Four local food-focused entrepreneurs will share a total of $50,000 in cash prizes to expand and scale their businesses as winners of Kamehameha Schools’ 2024 Mahi‘ai Match-Up, a business plan competition that aims to strengthen Hawai‘i’s food system. The winning companies — Hā Tonics, The Local General Store, Polipoli Farms, and Manu Brewing Co. — were honored Thursday at ʻAha ʻAina Pauahi, a celebration at the Royal Hawaiian Center. 

Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort announced its latest culinary partnership with globally-celebrated restaurant concept, Nobu. Set to launch at the iconic resort in summer 2025, Nobu at Grand Wailea will expand the property’s offerings with the newest addition to the world-renowned Japanese restaurant empire, founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro.

Local farms, artisans and cultural guides are collaborating to bring unique, hands-on experiences that celebrate Maui’s natural beauty and resources this fall.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority held its esteemed Tourism Legacy Awards luncheon on Wednesday as the culminating event of the 2024 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference. HTA proudly presented Tourism Legacy Awards to Kaua‘i’s Hamura Saimin and Hawai‘i’s own Chef Sam Choy for their long-standing achievements in serving Hawai‘i’s communities.

Balai Pata, a Filipino restaurant by Maui Chef Joey Macadangdang celebrates its one year anniversary. Located just minutes from the airport in Central Maui, the restaurant pays tribute to the humble beginnings that most Filipino immigrant families experience.

Hangry Joe’s Maui Hot Chicken & Wings, a national franchise, has opened its first restaurant in Hawaiʻi at the Maui Marketplace (inside food court) at 270 Dairy Road.