Maui Happy Hours

If you’re a working stiff like me and not a fortunate Canadian who happened to buy their condo for cash when they were riding high on the dollar exchange a few years ago, you appreciate so much as a single dollar off when you want to go out for a drink. The following are the current happy hours for most of Maui’s popular spots here at the beginning of 2016. Happy hours for restaurants not listed probably don’t have happy hours or do not want to advertise it. Suffice it to say, these places don’t get my business (except for Roy’s in Ka’anapali, which is super Ono). Note: In case you’re not familiar with how Happy Hour works, Happy Hours are almost exclusively conducted at the business’ bar (usually, but not always).

*Please email me with any corrections or omissions at vinjo.rubro@gmail.com.

West Maui (Kapalua, Napili, Ka’anapali, Lahaina)

Bubba Gump (on Front Street in Lahaina) 9-10:30pm Allegedly.

Cane and Canoe (at Montage on Kapalua Bay) 8-11pm

Captain Jacks (on Front Street in Lahaina) 2-5pm

Cheeseburger in Paradise (on Front Street in Lahaina) HH always changing due to poor management.

Cool Cat Café (on Front Street in Lahaina) 3-6pm)

Cliff Dive Bar (At the Sheraton in Ka’anapali) 2-3pm and 8-9pm

Honu Seafood and Pizza (at Lahaina Cannery Mall) 3-4:30pm

Hula Grill (overlooking Ka’anapali Beach) 3-5pm

Japango (at the Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali) 5-6:30pm

Fleetwood’s on Front Street (on Front Street in Lahaina) 3-6pm But will still cost your entire paycheck.

Ka’anapali Grille and Tap Room (south end of Ka’anapali Beach) 3-5pm

Kimo’s (on Front Street in Lahaina) 3-5pm

Leilani’s on the Beach (Ka’anapali) 3-5pm

Longi’s (on Front Street in Lahaina) 3-6pm

Lulu’s (at Lahaina Cannery Mall) 4-7pm

Maui Tiki Bar (at the Sheraton in Ka’anapali) 10am-12pm Yes, you read that right.

Merriman’s (on Kapalua Bay) 3-5pm

Pailolo Bar & Grill (at the Westin in Ka’anapali) 4-6pm

Paradise Grill (Ka’anapali) 3-6pm

Ruth Chris Steak House (in Lahaina off of Front Street) 5-7pm

Sea House Restaurant (Napili) 2-5pm

Son’z Steakhouse (Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali / Lahaina) 5-7pm

Sugar Cane Restaurant (Lahaina) 2:30-5:30pm

Paia and Makawao

Café des Ami (in Paia on Baldwin Ave) 4-6pm

Café Mambo (in Paia on Baldwin Ave) 3-6pm

Cassanova’s (Makawao) 5-6pm But not on Sundays.

Charlie’s (in Paia on Hana Hwy) 3-6pm

Milagros (in Paia on the corner of Hana Hwy and Baldwin Ave) 11am-6pm Only at the small bar inside.

Rock and Brews (in Paia on Hana Hwy) 3-6pm

Stopwatch Bar and Grill (Makawao) 3:30-6:30pm

South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena)

Ambrosia (in “the Triangle” in Kihei) 7-9pm

Ami Ami (Kihei) 3-6pm

Botero (at the Grand Wailea in Wailea) 5-6pm

Café O’Lei (Kihei) 3:30-5:30pm

Cow Pig Bun (Kihei Tech Park) 4-6pm

Dog and Duck (in “the Triangle” in Kihei) 3-7pm

Fabiani’s (Kihei and Wailea) 3-5pm

Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill (in “the Triangle” in Kihei)

Five Palms (Kihei) 3-7pm and 9-11pm

Gannons (Makena) 3-8pm

Kono’s on the Green (Kihei Tech Park) 2:30-6pm

Life’s A Beach (in “the Triangle” in Kihei) 3-7pm

Manolis (Wailea) 3-6pm and 9-12am

Maui Brewing Company (Kihei Tech Park) $2 off on Wednesdays if you wear one of their T-shirts.

Maui Thai Bistro (Kihei) 4-6pm and 8:30-9:30pm

Migrant (at the Marriot in Wailea) 4-6pm

Molokini Grill (at Makena Beach and Golf Resort in Makena) 5:30-6:30pm

Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea) 3-5:30pm and 9-11pm

Moose McGillycuddy’s (Kihei) 4-7pm

Mulligans on the Blue (Wailea/Makena) 2-6pm and 9-12am

Nalu’s (Kihei) ?

Nick’s Fish Market (at the Fairmont in Wailea)

Roasted Chilis (Kihei) 3-5pm

Sarentos on the Beach (Kihei) 4:30-6:30pm

South Shore Tiki Lounge (in “the Triangle” in Kihei) 11-6pm Yes, you read that right.

What Ales You (in “the Triangle” in Kihei) 12-3pm

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Maui

Is nudity allowed on public beaches? If you are by yourself or with someone who will not be offended by your nudity, then yes. Otherwise, no. Refer to my blog on this typically Hawaiian law.

What’s the weather like? Due to Maui’s geography, there are several distinct climates. Maui’s west and south sides (Ka’anapali and Kihei/Wailea/Makena, respectively) are typically sunny, dry and hot, though global warming seems to be changing that. Northern and eastern parts of the island, like Hana and north of Ka’anapali, tend to be warm and wetter and more ‘tropical’ looking. Up on the mountain of Haleakala, it is cool to cold and often dry at the summit. Unless you’re hiking in her crater, moving to stay warm, or from Canada, you might want to wear something more than shorts up there.  No matter where you go, the sun is strong whether or not there are clouds in the sky. As for surf conditions, southern shores tend to be calmer in the winter months. In the summer months, north shores tend to be calmer. BUT, never count on these things. This isn’t Disneyland. Nothing is guaranteed.

What does ‘aloha’ mean? ‘Aloha’ is the real life equivalent of the word ‘smurf.’ It is usually used as a warm greeting or to refer to being kind, though it can mean just about anything depending upon who says it and the tone in their voice. For people in the service industry, ‘aloha’ is sometimes synonymous with “What do you want now?”

Where is ‘Turtleville/Turtle Town’? If you’re looking for that one spot where ALL the turtles go, where all those tour boats promise to take you, I’ve got news for you: There is no single Turtle Town. ‘Turtle Town’ is merely a catch-all term for where you might be more likely to see turtles more often than not. Usually, these are coral locations one- to two-hundred meters off shore in 20 to 30 feet of water. Each tour boat company has a particular place (or places) they go and will tell you its Turtle Town. Don’t be fooled. You don’t even need to take a tour boat if you’re a good swimmer or unless you simply don’t know where to find turtles.

Is the road to La Perouse Bay a one way road? I’m throwing in this question because it seems a tourist and her family of bicyclists were recently under the impression that the road down to La Perouse Bay is only supposed to travel north as far as cars are concerned. The mother yelled at the driver in front of me that they were on a one-way road and that we (the vehicles) were all going in the wrong direction. Now, I don’t know how this person thinks residents and tourists get back and forth from La Perouse Bay, but I assured her it was not by bicycle alone. Had she been observant, she would have noticed there are no one-way signs anywhere to be found near this southern point on the island. I understand her desire for safety when riding her bike on a narrow road, but she should be educated on the fact that locals really don’t care about sharing the street. Nor do tourists from places like China know about our right-of-way laws, a country in which bicyclists are actually considered a nuisance. Best to stay off the road down to La Perouse Bay, then. You are warned.

Is there any nightlife on Maui? That depends on what you mean by ‘nightlife.’ Maui basically shuts down at 9pm, but there is nightlife if you know where to go. There is not a whole lot of places to dance, though Cassanova’s in Makawao sometimes had electronic DJ’s. Dancing can also be had at Ambrosia’s in Kihei late at night, but be warned that it is a gay-friendly bar if you are a Republican. Live music, on the other hand, can be found all over the island but mostly in Lahaina and Kihei’s ‘The Triangle.’ If you want to karaoke, try just about any bar in Wailuku. Drinking, well, you’d be hard pressed not to find a place to drink in Maui. Consult Mauitime.com for venues and show times.

What are the best beaches? As with most other things on Maui, it depends on what you’re seeking. Ka’anapali Beach is a long stretch of sand on the west side that is usually bustling with activity. At the beach’s very north end is Black Rock, a favorite place for beginning snorklers to snorkel. If you just want to relax in the sun and water without too much bustling, any one of Maui’s beaches south of Kalama Beach Park in Kihei is a safe bet. While mostly a local’s beach on the weekend, Kamaole Beach III in Kihei has a very nice lawn at its southern end that is wonderful for sunset viewing.

Are there any sharks in the waters around Maui? Yes, Maui has more shark attacks than any other island. These are typically Tiger shark attacks. The white tip sharks you can sometimes find near shore are small and harmless unless provoked, and even then they are more likely to run away from you. While sometimes these attacks are fatal, they are rare and you stand a much better chance of many other bad things happening to you on any given day. You can minimize the chances of a shark attack by not swimming in the dawn or dusk hours and not swimming in cloudy or murky water. Also, get a good tan; pale white skin looks like the kind of fish sharks like to eat.

What kind of sunblock is best? Waterproof or water-resistant sports sunblock is best. Spray-on sun-block is horrible, both for you, the people around you, and the environment, especially when you spray it on and immediately jump in the water which washes it right off. (Can’t tell you how many times I see this happen.) DO NOT USE SUNBLOCK IN HONOLUA BAY! The coral there is dying and any chemicals in the water will make the situation worse.

Anything else I should know? Yes. Don’t stand on the coral; it is a fragile lifeform that takes decades to grow. Do not touch turtles and give them at least 10 feet of breathing room. (It is illegal to touch them, btw.) Do not feed the fish. Watch out for sea urchins near shore; they hurt like a mother. Do not expect to walk into any business and expect service right away; ‘island time’ is for real. Use GPS and flipping pay attention to it. Drive with aloha (see above).

What Ales You, Kihei

If the brew gods have anything to say about it, south Maui just may yet become a brew lovers paradise. The latest entrant on the brewing scene is Kihei’s “What Ales You” tap-room located in The Triangle. (The Triangle, if you don’t know, is the area adjacent to Foodland in central Kihei, across the street from Kalama Park.) Basically, if you like beer – we’re not talking Budweiser or PBR here – you have to visit this quaint little place. I was a little skeptical at first since I knew the owner had taken over the dumpy space used by “Pita Paradise.” However, the location has been sincerely cleaned up and decked out with modern outdoor décor (no sore butts and this patio!). Inside is a bit more demur with only five small tables and a 13-seat bar, but at least it’s clean, a bonus for any establishment in The Triangle. There are also 3 TV screens above the bar and another off in a corner, just in case you need your sports fix.

I don’t really think people come to a tap-room to watch games; hopefully, they come for the beer. There are eight standing taps and another eight on rotation, all of which are microbrews and diverse enough to satisfy almost any palate. (I say ‘almost’ because there was no porter today, and no ale house is complete without at least one porter, I say. I realize porters aren’t popular nowadays, but still.) Essentially, with 16 beer on tap, this makes “What Ales You” the place to go when Maui Brewing Company is over-crowed (which is often lately) and Monkeypod Kitchen is too overrun with tourists who don’t mind paying Monkeypod’s confiscatory prices. But this tap-room has wine, too! Again, there’s a nice selection here though I sampled little of it, though the sip I had of my friend’s glass was quite buttery. As for liquor, you won’t find any here; better luck next door at Tiki Lounge where the bartending is hit or miss. Food is a bit more scarce at this point for “What Ales You” as they only opened in late June but offer some delicious bratwurst and cheese platter pupus (appetizers). Perhaps they will expand the food menu someday, but I can wait until then. They don’t seem to have much in the way of entertainment right now either, but with all the bars in The Triangle, be that as it may. From 4-6pm you’ll hear music splash over from the Tiki Lounge, anyway.

Finally, I’ll say that the staff was super friendly – Stacey, our server, was really sweet and Bucky is a guy who knows his beer. Working in paradise as I do, I know it’s hard to find decent staff in Maui, so I was really happy with how we were treated, service-wise. I’ll definitely be back. I hope you’ll go, too, because I’d like to see this place succeed.

Open 10am-11pm every day. Happy Hour 3-6, if I remember correctly.

Directions: 1913 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753. It is behind “Life’s A Beach” and “Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse,” and next to “Tiki Lounge” in the space that used to be “Pita Paradise.”

 

 

Maui Brewing Company, Kihei

[This review is for the recently opened Maui Brewing location on the mauka side of Lipoa Parkway.]

The first thing that will strike you as you drive up Lipoa Parkway to Maui Brewing Company is how massive the building is. Seriously, it looks like an airplane hanger from the outside. That’s because this location is their new state-of-the-art eco-minded brewing location from which they plan worldwide domination. That, and they plan on opening a HUGE restaurant that will surely be to the chagrin of nearby Kono’s on the Green. Until now, I didn’t know buildings this big existed on Maui.

At any rate, the tasting room is really all that is open now, with the owner giving free tours of the brewery when he’s feeling whimsical. (That is, don’t come here expecting to get a tour.) The tasting room features all their brews neatly written on a blackboard over the bar, served

by an emotionally inconsistent staff (more on that shortly). Now, I’m a dark beer man myself and I have to say if you like dark beer, go beyond the already fantastic coconut porter for the Imperial coconut porter. Holy cow, you can chew this stuff it’s so thick! So you grab your drinks and you can grab one of the few seats indoors or you can head out the open bay doors and grab a table for a more communal feel. The view from this patio isn’t all that great; you’d think it be better this far up the road, but, not so much. If you want some grinds though the restaurant isn’t open yet, food carts on the road are currently servicing Maui Brewing’s food needs. So, all’s good. Well, almost.

A few things bothered me here. The female bartenders were unfriendly, the direct opposite of the male bartenders. I don’t know if the ladies are all cycling at the same time or what, but I found this off-putting. Second, Maui Brewing is selling a HydroFlask™ beer growler which clearly does not work. A friend of mine bought one, went through the wringer to get the leaky one he got replaced, and now the replacement doesn’t work either. Beware of the HydroFlask™ beer growler; it doesn’t work, period. Worse, Maui Brewing knows it and is still trying to offload them. That’s not cool in my book. It also doesn’t make sense that I can get almost a full six-pack in the supermarket for the price of one beer in the tasting room when the beer is might on location. Weird.

Still, I love their beers and I’m sure this will be an interesting location once the restaurant opens and the business park this location is part of grows. I’ll probably be back, but only for business lunches I can write off on my taxes.

Open 11 am to 10pm

605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753

808.213.3002