cra2:
What about Spago's in Wailea?
Spago's at the 4 Seasons has the name brand recognition, but after my wife and I tried it once, we continue to go back to the open air dining at 4 Seasons. I forget what they call it during the evening hours --- something Italian ---, but it has great service, good food, and awesome views of the ocean and sunset.
5 Palms, just a short distance south of the Kihei boat ramp is another of our favorites. Good classy operation with excellent service, food, and nice view of Molokini in the distance.
We are not so fond of Sorrentos, which is next door. Noiser, more closed in feeling with the much lower ceilings, and in a limited sampling of 3 or 4 times, the food just hasn't been as good as 5 Palms.
For Japanese try Sansei. On S. Kihei Rd (isn't everything in Kihei?) just across from Kalama park. My specific recommendation is the set dinner-for-two on the back page of the menu. Ordering this brings out a seemingly endless stream of tasty tidbits. We lost track of courses somewhere around the 8th set. They have both classic Japanese items and ones that have slight Hawaiian or Italian touches. Good quality ingredients and excellent preparation and presentation. Just a normal restaurant atmosphere with no outside seating or view.
Mama's Fish House on Hana Road just E of Paia has a great reputation and has continued to expand to take advantage of it. It's a "tourist trap" that is well worth going to and paying the premium charged. Very fresh fish, served in a sprawling, seemingly homebuilt restaurant that,while protected from rain, has the typical Maui "open to the breeze" sort of arrangement.
For Lahaina my preference is Pacific-O in 505 Front Street (south of the main downtown area, next to Lahaina Shores condo, the tallest building in town). IAO, right next door is another good bet.
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There are lots of other restaurants that are nice, but aren't "fine dining" ---- BJ, Moose McGillicuddy's, Cooler's, Bubba Shrimps and many others in Lahaina. I particularly like 2nd floor seating at the Cheeseburger in Paradise on Front Street in Lahaina.
In Kihei there are places like Lulu's (bar/restaurant on 2nd floor in Kalama Village) and the Big Wave Cafe (in Long's Plaza at S. Kihei Rd and Pi'ikea. In the restaurant that used to be Stella Blues,which is now across the street).
Many of the golf courses also have good restaurants. SeaWatch, on Wailea's Gold Golf Course, is a good example.
