Your guide to The BEST OF MAUI Voting

Here are our choices for the MAUI TIME‘s annual Best of Maui issue, both passionate recommendations and some other good suggestions.  Why?  We found that in order to hit the required 40 necessary entries, it can sometimes be difficult to find worthy businesses/people.  So, we’d like to give our input.  Take it or leave it!

In the comments please make your own suggestions so that we can add more to this growing list.  Mahalo!

VOTING ENDED MAY 19th!

Arts and entertainment

MALE MUSICIAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FEMALE MUSICIAN – Lily Meola

PLACE TO DANCE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BAND – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

AKAKU PROGRAM – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST – Shane Robinson  Shane has become a part of the new Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, and showcases his abstract fine art photography there.  He is also gifted in the acrylic paint, furniture building and digital tools to alter his photography.  His goal is to make each work of art completely unrepeatable, which leaves each piece a true original.

LOCAL RADIO STATION – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL RADIO DJ – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL SNAPCHAT – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL TWITTER FEED – @Maui  Maui residents sharing their favorite Hawaiian island with news, photos, & local updates!

LOCAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE – Facebook.com/maui.hawaii.guide  Maui, Hawaii is home to natural wonders and the Aloha spirit.  This Facebook page celebrates the beauty of our islands. Or FBMaui.com for a quick link.

LOCAL INSTAGRAM – @MAUIHI  A small group of friends sharing their real-time Maui experiences!

LOCAL BLOG – Maui Bloggers Zone  This blog offers the most valuable perspective from locals who know and the most up-to-date information on everything Maui, from the best things to do to monthly events.  Takes the guesswork out of your tropical vacation! 

LOCAL CLUB DJ – DJ Del Sol  We love DJ Del Sol because he has great taste in music, is professional and is an all-around fun guy to have at a wedding reception.  He also handles iPod system rentals for those of you looking to save some money and run your own music.

LOCAL COMEDIAN – Chuck Thompson – Keeping Maui laughing through his work with Power Up Comedy.

KARAOKE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

OPEN MIC NIGHT – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

DINNER & A SHOW – Warren and Annabelle

LIVE THEATRE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

GALLERY – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLACE TO SHOOT POOL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MUSEUM – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PARTY PROMOTER – Matt Lane

PHOTOGRAPHER – Natalie Brown has been shooting portraits, weddings and Maui’s landscape for over decade.  Her images can be found in magazines, all over the web and displayed in some high-profile homes.  Not only is she a gifted photographer, but she’s one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.

Sports & Leisure

SWIMMING BEACH – Ka’anapali Beach  Named one of America’s Best Beaches, this stretch of sugary sand is known for its epic cliff jumping and snorkeling.  Paradise at its best!

BARBECUING BEACH – Kamaole Beach Park 3  This beach has something for everyone in your clan!  A great barbecue set up, beach park and the sunsets are not to be missed!

PUBLIC POOL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SNORKELING SPOT – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

ACTIVITY COMPANY – Hawaiian Paddle Sports Last year’s “BEST OF 2016” winner continues to use their business model to strengthen Maui’s community through their Malama Maui program each month. In addition to being Maui’s top-rated ocean activity by visitors, they also became Maui’s first and only certified B Corp due to their environmental and community stewardships. Lets help keep them on top! 

HIKE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCALS’ BEACH – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL WATERMAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL WATERWOMAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL BIG WAVE SURFER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL SURFER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL AMATEUR SURFER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL GROM –  Dylan Sloan – This kihei ripper has been making a name for himself at the early age of 8 years old. He’s traveled to several surf competitions on Oahu including a 1st place finish in the Rell Sun contest at Makaha and 2nd in the Haleiwa Menehune contest.  Lets keep this young Maui Boys stoke going!

LOCAL COACH – Kauhane “Paul” Luuwai (Hawaiian Canoe Club Kids Coach)  Coach for over 30 years, and with numerous county, state, world and high school championships under his belt, Paul is an obvious choice for best coach! 

YOGA TEACHER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FITNESS CLUB – The Gym Maui  Voted the #1 gym on Maui by TripAdvisor, and for good reason!  They make you feel like family the moment you walk in, and keep you coming back with their ability to make fitness fun!

SCHOLASTIC ATHLETE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

COUNTY PARK – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

YOGA STUDIO – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLAYGROUND – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SPA – Travaasa Spa After the drive through Hana, most people need a little rejuvenation.  And Travaasa is waiting with open arms!  From scalp treatments to muscle-melting massages, this spa is worth the trek upcountry.     

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY – Maui Ocean Center  This beautiful center showcases the best sea life in local Maui waters, while teaching others how to respect each species and its natural environment.  If you need a break from the rain or sun, this is a win for everyone in your family!

LOCAL CROWDFUNDING PROJECT – TEAM TUCKER. Watching the community come together for this little angel and his family was something to behold.  RIP.

Goods & Services

ADULT GIFT SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL BOUTIQUE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SALON – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

HARDWARE STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

TATTOO SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

CONSIGNMENT STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BOOKSTORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLACE TO GET WAXED – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL SURF SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SWIMWEAR SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD SHOP – Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding  There’s a reason stand up paddling has become a cult favorite, and Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding takes this activity to the next level, from their expert guides to their breathtaking tour along the coastline.  

SCUBA/SNORKEL SHOP – Scuba Mike  With 25 years of experience, you know this guy has a few incredible stories up his sleeve!  Enthusiasm and expert knowledge makes Scuba Mike a shoo in.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLACES TO BUY AN UKULELE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SMOKE SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

RECYCLING/REDEMPTION CENTER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

AUTO MECHANIC – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

“GREEN” BUSINESS – Valley Isle Excursions just became the first activity company in the state to receive the Green Business Certification.

LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PET SUPPLY STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

HOTEL/ACCOMMODATIONS – Travaasa Hana has recently undergone massive renovations and is better than ever!

HOME FURNISHINGS – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

NEW BUSINESS – Hawaii Mermaid Adventures  – Its every girls dream to be a mermaid and now they can be.  Certified lifeguard mermaids take visitors and locals a like out in the ocean for a day of mermaiding. Photos included for free in their mermaid swim lessons. 

OUT-OF-BUSINESS BUSINESS – Market Fresh Bistro – so sad about this…

PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BRIDAL SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BIKE TOUR –  Maui Sunriders If adventure is on your list, then call this company!  Bike riding down Haleakala is like nothing you’ve ever experienced!

BIKE SHOP – Krank Cycles – If you prefer to rent your own bike or want to hit the trails check out Krank Maui Bike Rentals. They will outfit you with everything you need for a downhill adventure.

KITE SHOP – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL JEWELRY STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SHOPPING CENTER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLACE TO GET A FACIAL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PLACE TO GET A MANICURE OR PEDICURE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

COSMETIC SURGEON – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

Food & Drink

LOCAL FOOD – TIN ROOF – If Sheldon doesn’t win this year, I think we’re gonna freak out.  This is local food at a whole other level.

RESTAURANT – The Mill House Restaurant – see below

NEW RESTAURANT – The Mill House Restaurant opened it’s doors only months ago at the beautiful Maui Tropical Plantation. Their menu is updated every few days to reflect harvest on their farms.  The food is out of this world, and the views are just as incredible.

DINING WITH A VIEW – Same as above.

FINE DINING – Mama’s Fish House.

SERVICE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LUNCH – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BUSINESS LUNCH – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BREAKFAST – Cafe Des Amis The best way to start your day is a crepe for breakfast, brimming with organic scrambled eggs and gruyère cheese.  If sweet is the name of your game, then why not try the banana, toffee sauce and cream?  No wrong answers here! 

KID FRIENDLY – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL SANDWICH – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL PIZZA – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL CHEAP EATS – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SHAVE ICE – Ululani’s  Using 100% pure cane sugar and local fruits, this shave ice takes your childhood memories to a new level without the chemical guilt!  And don’t forget to add a scoop of Roselani’s Ice Cream to the bottom!  Oh, and add a smattering of homemade mochi to make this shave ice the best!

PLATE LUNCH – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FISH & CHIPS – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SAIMIN/RAMEN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SPAM MUSUBI – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

VEGETARIAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FISH TACOS – South Maui Fish Market.

BURGER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SUSHI – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

POKE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BENTO – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PANCAKES – Slappy Cakes  You’re not actually allowed to say you’ve had a true pancake experience until you’ve eaten Slappy Cakes.  Pick your batter (choices include chocolate, gluten-free, and buttermilk), pick a few sweet or savory fixings (butterscotch chips, roasted mushrooms) and then top it off with lemon curd, crispy bacon or lavender honey.  Pancakes your way!

LUAU SHOW – Old Lahaina Luau  An amazing luau dinner and a show and a sunset and cultural story-telling?  Easily the best!

SMOOTHIE – Choice Heath Bar All-time best Choice Health Bar smoothie: The Chronic- fresh mint, hazelnuts, banana, coconut meat, vitamineral greens, hemp protein, cacao nibs, macadamia nut milk.  So ono!

BURRITO – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SEAFOOD – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BBQ – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PUPUS – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

STEAK – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MEXICAN FOOD – Taqueria Cruz  Mexico has never tasted so close or so fresh!  Maui and street tacos were made for each other!

ITALIAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

CHINESE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

JAPANESE – Nuka  Their sushi is so fresh, their menu so unique and their cocktails so delicious!  Make sure to snag a bowl of their addictive Gobo chips.  You will thank me!

INDIAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MEDITERRANEAN – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

VIETNAMESE – Saigon Cafe  This hidden gem serves amazing pho, and its spring rolls have kept customers coming back for years!

FILIPINO – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

HEALTH FOOD STORE – Mana  Your every grocery wish comes true at Mana.  Mouth-watering bakery, award-winning display of rainbow produce and a mac nut pie that you won’t want to share!

FARMER’S MARKET – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

HEALTHY RESTAURANT – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL FARM – Wailele Farm  The four families that own this farm focus on restoration and preservation of this beautiful land, and have even managed to keep it open to the public!  Sounds like a hero to us!

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCT – Pono Pies  The understated breadfruit shines like a healthy beacon of light as the main ingredient in these pies.  With no dairy, processed sugar, wheat, or any GMO ingredients, you’re sure to quiet that sweet craving without guilt!

FOOD TRUCK – Outrigger Pizza Company  Food trucks are all the rage, and we’re one of their biggest fans!  These boys bring their mobile wood fire pizza oven to you, and the results are mouth-watering!

BAR – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

NEW BAR – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

CHEF – Jeff Scheer  Last year’s ‘Aipono Award winner for “Chef of the Year,” Jeff was an obvious choice for our Best list!  He stands at the helm of the new restaurant at the Maui Tropical Plantation, The Mill House Restaurant.

HAPPY HOUR – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

PAU HANA – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FEMALE BARTENDER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MALE BARTENDER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MIXOLOGIST – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL MADE DRINK – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL LIQUOR STORE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE – Kuau Store  With an espresso bar and excellent cold-press coffee, this is the perfect stop on your way to Hana.  Actually, it’s your last stop until you’re in Hana town, so get your caffeine fix here!

SERVER & PLACE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BARISTA & PLACE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

FEMALE BARTENDER – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

COCKTAIL & BAR – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

MAI TAI – Tommy Bahamas This mai tai has what every good drink has…alcohol.  However, they win best mai tai for their fresh ingredients, excellent happy hour and some of the nicest bartenders around!  Ask for Will, and he’ll make you one hell of a mai tai!   

KAMA’AINA DEAL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BEST KEPT SECRET – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

LATE NIGHT FOOD – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

BAKERY – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

Politics & Environment

COUNTY OFFICIAL – Kelly King – beat incumbent Don Couch to become Kihei council member.   As chair of the planning committee of Maui county council, she has already passed legislation requiring native Hawaiian cultural experts on every planning commission.  While maintaining her position as vice president of Pacific Biodiesel she has quickly immersed herself in topical issues such as affordable housing, shoreline water pollution and reef health, diversified ag, invasive species and so much more….

POLITICAL ACTIVIST – Tiare Lawrence has been a long-time activist standing up for environmental and Hawaiian rights.  As a single mother, she fights hard to keep Maui special for her children and generations to come

COUNTY BLUNDER – Trying to close the Waihee Municipal Golf Course.

STATE BUNDER – Not passing the Ban on Oxybenzone sunscreens.  Mexico officially now has better environmental policies than Hawaii.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE – Sand Mining

COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT  Maui Youth and Family Services – Empowering youth and families challenged with behavioral health issues to become responsible, self-fulfilled, and contributing members of the community  This amazing organization earns our Best vote!

ENVIRONMENTAL NON-PROFIT – Surfrider Foundation Maui is known for its crystal-clear waters, and that wouldn’t be possible without the gigantic efforts of this nonprofit organization!  They organize volunteers for beach cleanups, water quality testing, banning smoking on beaches, and plastic litter awareness.  A vote for them is a vote to keep our oceans healthy!

POLITICAL SCANDAL – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

SCARIEST PUBLIC FIGURE – comment below with your choice for inclusion on this list.

Kelsey Love

World Traveler, Digital Nomad, Small Business Enthusiast, and Lover of words!  Originally from Austin, Texas, I’ve lived on Maui for many years.  Currently in Los Angeles.