Dining in Maui is overwhelming. There are seemingly hundreds of restaurants, each better than the last, gracing every corner and nook on the island. Culinary styles hail from around the world, and some styles are unique to Maui alone. In one week--and in one town--a visitor can feast on Thai and French cuisine, fresh game and fresh fish, sandwiches, burritos, and of course, a few scoops of ridiculously decadent ice cream. Several "dining guides" or "activity magazines" claim to offer unbiased information, but nearly all of them are advertisements. Large restaurants all publish partial menus in these books, allowing tourists to make informed decisions about gourmet dining, while smaller ones rely on word-of-mouth or foot traffic to bring in the business. No matter how long a visit to this island lasts, its impossible to visit every place that sounds good.

Here is just a sample of some of the areas great places to eat

Restaurants in the Maalaea Area

Waterfront Restaurant - 244-9028, 50 Hau'oli Street . Dinner only. A definite favorite 4-star, expensive and reservation are a must. Call early, even before you leave for Maui and ask for seating on the lanai, which overlooks the ocean. Best fish on the island. They have a 2 for 1 special from 5 to 6 pm during the slower times of the year, you'll have to ask.

Maalaea Grill – Maalaea Harbor Village Shopping area next to the Ocean Center . Lunch and Dinner. Great food at very reasonable prices – fresh, local ingredients and a wide variety of menu items. Nice view of the Marina .

Ocean Center – Lunch only. Nice variety for lunch.

Blue Marlin – 244-8844, Almost but not quite a Sports Bar located downstairs at Maalaea Harbor Village . Varied menu items from fish& chips to ribs.

Buzz's Wharf Restaurant – 244-5426, Located at the west end of Maalaea Harbor . Known for over 25 years for their seafood. Lunch and dinner plus the bar is open for great snacks from 2 – 5 PM . Great view of the harbor.

Carl's Jr. – Fast food: It's just like Hardee's if you are from the south. Located in the Union 76 gas station at the north end of Maalaea Village . Also a Circle K mini-mart in the same complex.

Tradewinds Mart and Deli – 242-9161, located at 20 Hauoli Street . Made to order sandwiches and the usual mini-mart items. Great in case of emergency.

Pizza – No one as of yet delivers to the Maalaea area. Try a frozen one from the store.

Restaurants in the Sugar Beach Area

Marguarita's Beach Cantina – 879-5275, 101 N Kihei Rd. (next to the Sugar Beach Resort) Undoubtedly an awesome setting. Name may have changed due to remodel being done.

The Deli at Sugar Beach – 145 N Kihei Rd. Excellent sandwhiches and lunch items also a bar serving mixed drinks, etc.

Out of the Area - North & West

Old Lahaina Luau – 667-1998, this is the best Luau in Maui . You need to make a reservation before you leave the mainland. At least one moth in advance or you will not get in unless they have a cancellation. Good food and great entertainment.

Kimo's Restaurant – 661-4811, located in Lahaina at 845 Front St . It's our family's favorite, Great local color. Make a reservation for a table at the rail. Great place to watch and eat during the sunset. Friday night all the art galleries have an open house, so try and combine it with dinner.

Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill – located on Front St. in Lahaina. Try a drink in the bar and watch the sunset. Live entertainment / sing-alongs, lots of fun.

Longhi's Restaurant – 667-2288, located at 888 Front St. in Lahaina. Funky décor and equally funky food. Obviously try the shrimp.

Warren & Annabell's Magic Show – 667-6244, located at 900 Front St. in Lahaina. You'll laugh your socks off and have a great time. You start with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres along with funky parlor games, while Annabel the ghost plays the piano. Then you go into the theatre for the best magic show you have ever seen. Warren is fantastic. Buy your tickets through Activity World 667-7777, and they will guarantee you front row seating and maybe even a part in the show.

Maui Princess Dinner Cruise – 667-6165, located in Lahaina Harbor , Watch the sunset and have dinner, drinks and music. Check the local activity companies, there is always a large difference in prince

Central and South

Curry in a Hurry – located at 333 Dairy Rd. in Kahului, To-go fast food service from a kiosk, next to Wow-Wee Maui, Delicious vegetarian fast food.

Stella Blues – 874-3779, located at 1245 S. Kihei Rd. in the Kalama Village , Good food, and checut the other little restaurants in this little center. Fun place to browse around after you eat.

Sala Thai Cuisine – 874-8667, located at 2960 S. Kihei Rd. in the Mana Kai Hotel, good place for lunch before or after a walk on this wonderful beach. Also good snorkeling areas further down the beach.

Maui Onion Restaurant – located about 2 miles past the stop light in Paia on Highway 360. Great seafood with emphasis on Hawaiian style. Reservations a must, 4-star and expensive. Precede this with a stroll through Paia and its “70s” ambience, it's fun, funky and you may even see a VW van painted with flowers & peace signs. Also check out the many restaurants for another time.

Hali'Maile Store – 572-2666, located at 900 Hali;maile Rd., the chef / owner is a leader in “ Pacific Rim ” cuisine on the island. Lunch and dinner, reservations a must. Wonderful food with a real Hawaiian upcountry ambience.

Polli's Mexican Restaurant – located in Makawao at the intersection of Makawao Ave. and Olinda Dr . Good Mexican food and a great excuse to explore the many shops and galleries in Makawao. Also drive the Olinda / Pi'iholo Rd. loop above Makawao and get a taste of up-country Maui with its different flora and fauna.

Kula Lodge Restaurant – 878-2607, located on the Haleakala Hwy in Kula. Great Sunday brunch on the way up the mountain to the park, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wear a sweater for dinner. Great view of the valley