Travel + Food: Two of my favorite things, even better when they’re together 

When the LC crew travelled to Maui in Spring of ’21, we made sure to try as many local restaurants as possible so we could share our favorites with you! If you’re traveling to Maui in the near future, be sure to save this blog and return to it as you plan your trip.

Paia Bowls: A must stop, the best acai I’ve ever had!

Local, tucked away, and sun-drenched. Paia Bowls is nestled comfortably in the town of Paia on Maui’s north shore. If you don’t look closely, you might miss it!

What we ordered (the standouts): Blue Magik – Shelby ordered this one, it’s the first blue “acai” we’d ever seen. At a closer look, it was in fact Spirulina: a type of blue-green algae with strong antioxidant effects. Pretty to look at, and great for you! 
Bee Pollen – All three of us had acai bowls topped with bee pollen. Unique and delicious!

Kimo’s: amazing view and killer Hula Pie Positioned directly on Front Street with arguably the best sunset view on island, Kimo’s was a blast. 

What we ordered (the standouts): Carrot Muffins – delivered to the table upon seating, these carrot muffins served with whipped butter and sea salt were a lovely start to our meal. Lettuce Wraps – a classic app done very well. Baked Mahi Kimo Style – Very fresh, prepared uniquely. Hula Pie – If you only come for this dessert, it will be worth it! Made with macadamia nut ice cream stacked high on a scrumptious chocolate cookie crust.

• Things we loved about Kimo’s: The incredible sunset. Our table sat right next to the ocean, and Mother Nature did not disappoint. It felt like the best seat in the house! There was a good variety of menu options, and the Kimo’s Hula Pie was pretty showstopping. The location, right downtown, is super easy to get to! 
  
• Things we’d change: The dinner portions were small, while the appetizer sizes seemed appropriate 
  Food: 3.5/5
• Staff: 4/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Overall tastebuds rating: 4/5

Blurb from the LC team: “Sometimes, dinner on the water is just meant to be that: food with a stunning view. We so enjoyed watching the incredible sunset from this spot, and while the main courses were maybe a little lackluster, the company and atmosphere more than made up for it.”

Star Noodle: good, cute spot but food could be better! Star Noodle came to us highly recommended, and you’ll see the same on Google. Well reviewed, and clearly well loved, maybe you’ll have a better experience when you go! Please be sure to let us know if you do (: 
What we ordered: Hot and Sour – A ramen noodle + prosciutto with chili lime dashi adding some kick! Steamed Pork Buns – A good taste, but the buns were overwhelming in size compared to the meat. Pad Thai – A classic done well

• Things we loved about Kimo’s: The atmosphere was lovely – string lights, patio seating, cute neon signs. The parking was easy. The sparkling sake was lovely! 
• Things we’d change: – Almost everything had too much salt on it, and service was very slow, especially considering a reservation was required 
  It’s clear that Star Noodle is well loved by local and tourist alike, but a visit can be so heavily impacted by poor service and too much salt, and that’s what we experienced here that evening. 
   Food: 3/5
• Staff: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4.5/5
• Overall tastebuds rating: 3.5/5

Bonus spot we would recommend instead: Tiki Thai

Blurb from the Birdman: “Sometimes the fancier restaurant is not always as good as the dive spot.  Star Noodle does have an excellent atmosphere outside under the moonlit sky and listening to the water kiss the beach.”

If you find yourself on the stunning island of Maui, Hawaii, we hope you keep these reviews in mind. While the Birdman has three decades of professional culinary experience, we always like to include our thoughts about the atmosphere and overall experience along with notes on the meal.

When we make a stop for food, we always like to order a wide variety from the menu in order to give a fair and proper review. Regardless, Bradley reminds us that sometimes the kitchen can have an off night, as happens in any industry – people are not perfect! So, if you visit Maui and have updates, feedback, or other recommendations, please let us know.

We love to travel, eat, and hear your stories.

Much love –

Travel + Food: Two of my favorite things, even better when they’re together 

When the LC crew travelled to Maui in Spring of ’21, we made sure to try as many local restaurants as possible so we could share our favorites with you! If you’re traveling to Maui in the near future, be sure to save this blog and return to it as you plan your trip.

Paia Bowls: A must stop, the best acai I’ve ever had!

Local, tucked away, and sun-drenched. Paia Bowls is nestled comfortably in the town of Paia on Maui’s north shore. If you don’t look closely, you might miss it!

What we ordered (the standouts): Blue Magik – Shelby ordered this one, it’s the first blue “acai” we’d ever seen. At a closer look, it was in fact Spirulina: a type of blue-green algae with strong antioxidant effects. Pretty to look at, and great for you! 
Bee Pollen – All three of us had acai bowls topped with bee pollen. Unique and delicious!

Kimo’s: amazing view and killer Hula Pie Positioned directly on Front Street with arguably the best sunset view on island, Kimo’s was a blast. 

What we ordered (the standouts): Carrot Muffins – delivered to the table upon seating, these carrot muffins served with whipped butter and sea salt were a lovely start to our meal. Lettuce Wraps – a classic app done very well. Baked Mahi Kimo Style – Very fresh, prepared uniquely. Hula Pie – If you only come for this dessert, it will be worth it! Made with macadamia nut ice cream stacked high on a scrumptious chocolate cookie crust.

• Things we loved about Kimo’s: The incredible sunset. Our table sat right next to the ocean, and Mother Nature did not disappoint. It felt like the best seat in the house! There was a good variety of menu options, and the Kimo’s Hula Pie was pretty showstopping. The location, right downtown, is super easy to get to! 
  
• Things we’d change: The dinner portions were small, while the appetizer sizes seemed appropriate 
  Food: 3.5/5
• Staff: 4/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Overall tastebuds rating: 4/5

Blurb from the LC team: “Sometimes, dinner on the water is just meant to be that: food with a stunning view. We so enjoyed watching the incredible sunset from this spot, and while the main courses were maybe a little lackluster, the company and atmosphere more than made up for it.”

Star Noodle: good, cute spot but food could be better! Star Noodle came to us highly recommended, and you’ll see the same on Google. Well reviewed, and clearly well loved, maybe you’ll have a better experience when you go! Please be sure to let us know if you do (: 
What we ordered: Hot and Sour – A ramen noodle + prosciutto with chili lime dashi adding some kick! Steamed Pork Buns – A good taste, but the buns were overwhelming in size compared to the meat. Pad Thai – A classic done well

• Things we loved about Kimo’s: The atmosphere was lovely – string lights, patio seating, cute neon signs. The parking was easy. The sparkling sake was lovely! 
• Things we’d change: – Almost everything had too much salt on it, and service was very slow, especially considering a reservation was required 
  It’s clear that Star Noodle is well loved by local and tourist alike, but a visit can be so heavily impacted by poor service and too much salt, and that’s what we experienced here that evening. 
   Food: 3/5
• Staff: 3/5
• Atmosphere: 4.5/5
• Overall tastebuds rating: 3.5/5

Bonus spot we would recommend instead: Tiki Thai

Blurb from the Birdman: “Sometimes the fancier restaurant is not always as good as the dive spot.  Star Noodle does have an excellent atmosphere outside under the moonlit sky and listening to the water kiss the beach.”

If you find yourself on the stunning island of Maui, Hawaii, we hope you keep these reviews in mind. While the Birdman has three decades of professional culinary experience, we always like to include our thoughts about the atmosphere and overall experience along with notes on the meal.

When we make a stop for food, we always like to order a wide variety from the menu in order to give a fair and proper review. Regardless, Bradley reminds us that sometimes the kitchen can have an off night, as happens in any industry – people are not perfect! So, if you visit Maui and have updates, feedback, or other recommendations, please let us know.

We love to travel, eat, and hear your stories.

Much love –