Ma'alaea Grill - Maui, Hawaii

Located in a small shopping village and near the Maui Ocean Aquarium, Ma'alaea Grill was the first restaurant sign we saw as we made our way around Ma'alaea Bay harbor to our condo. Having just arrived in Maui we didn't have time to check out the local entertainment magazines for food ideas so went with the first restaurant we saw.

It was a Tuesday in June and the restaurant was beginning to fill up around 5 p.m. We were seated right away, at a table close to the bar. It's an impressive looking place with high ceilings and big doorways that opened up to the lanai and a view of the harbor and boats below.

Starved as usual, we ordered quickly. I chose the special which was ahi tuna in a lemon caper sauce with potatoes and veggies, which turned out to be one sprig of overcooked broccoli and a poor little slice of grilled tomato for about $23. My girlfriend ordered the roasted chicken which came with the same sides for $19. We were none too impressed with the presentation and we were especially suprised to learn later from other reviews that Ma'alaea Grill is supposed to be one of the more sophisticated eateries around. A dinner companion did rave about the 1/2 lb. Kobe Beef Burger for $16.95, although the waitress did tell us it wasn't real Kobe beef - go figure.

Our waitress was friendly although she did overlook asking our drink order and we did reminder her. The water staff were great and filled our glasses as soon as they fell below half-full. The interior is nice and the bar is pretty sharp and seems to be the happening place after 7 p.m.

Visit the Ma'alaea Grill online at Ma'alaea Grill or by car you can find them at 300 Maalaea Rd.,
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Reservations are recommended so call 808-243-2206.