What a great weekend! It’s been almost a year since I started talking to Sarah outside of the blogosphere, and we realized pretty quickly that we are a lot alike! This past weekend, we decided it was about time to finally meet in person – and she came to Chicago to visit me! We had an awesome time, and I can’t wait to share photos in my next post. But first, the final installment of my trip to Maui!
Aloha! (As In, Goodbye) [Maui Part Three]
The last leg of our Maui trip moved from Paia to Kaanapali. My mom and I enjoyed our drive along the coast to our resort hotel location, a much different atmosphere from the small inn where we spent out first two nights! But before we got there, we made a stop at Maui’s only winery: Tedeschi Vineyards at Ulupalakua Ranch.
This winery was well worth the trip because it has a very interesting history. It was tucked away on Mt. Haleakala, and the drive was breathtaking. We were on a small two-lane road that bended and twisted up the volcano, but at any moment, we were faced with a gorgeous view of the cliffs and the ocean.
The best part about our trip to the winery was the pineapple wine. Yes, pineapple!! We were able to taste 3 different varieties, and each one had its own unique flavor. They also had the traditional grape wine, but I loved the Maui Blanc and Maui Splash so much that I bought some to bring home with me! It has a very fruity taste – one variety even has a “splash” of passionfruit.
After our tour and tasting, we made the drive to Kanaapali. On the way, we stopped for lunch at a local hidden gem (at least according to my dad’s friend!) called Hali’imaile General Store.
This place has quite the unique menu. My mom and I decided to be daring and start with the jalapeño and cilantro margaritas – yes, it’s just as spicy as it sounds!
Apparently these margaritas were written up in some chili pepper magazine! They lived up to their name, and while I probably wouldn’t order one every time, it made for a very interesting change up!
My mom and I then decided to split two of the restaurant’s famous entrees. We started with Bev’s “Famous” Crab Pizza, a “handmade six-inch pizza crust with the ‘I’ll never tell’ crab topping.”
This pizza was so rich and delicious! The middle was a creamy crab mixture – I have no idea what “Bev” used in her recipe, but I wish I could replicate it. This was a small plate, and my mom and I were perfectly content splitting two pieces each. A little went a long way.
Up next: Brie and Grape Quesadilla, with “cilantro Macadamia nut pesto and sweet pea guacamole.”
Another decadent option! The rich Brie cheese combined with the sweetness of the grapes was such a great combination. The sweet pea guacamole was also an interesting addition. I used it to top my quesadilla slices, and it added another layer to the entire dish. Two thumbs up once again!
Last but not least, there was dessert! My mom and I had a lot of trouble deciding just which dish to go with, since there were so many great options to choose from. Eventually, we agreed to try the Lilikoi Brûlée and Almond Brittle Cup, a “rich Lilikoi Brûlée served in an almond brittle cup over fresh berries in a raspberry coulis.”
Can you imagine anything much more perfect than that? 😉 The almond brittle cup was the best part – I have always liked peanut brittle, so this was a natural favorite of mine. The brulee was just as rich as the other dishes, and I was actually glad that the strawberries were subbed for the raspberries because strawberry shortcake is one of my all-time loves.
I really can’t say enough about the Hali’imaile General Store. If you’re ever in Maui, GO!
After our delightful lunch/dinner, my mom and I made it to our hotel and spent the evening watching the waves. The views from our room were tremendous.
The rest of our trip included a lot of this:
Lounging by the beach with pineapple wine and a good book 🙂 Heaven.
It also included a lot of this:
I miss my mom already! Piña coladas and mai tais…life wasn’t too rough that week. Here is another view from the beach.
My mom and I decided to keep things low key for the rest of the trip. Between days spent at the beach, afternoons spent shopping and nights spent watching movies in the hotel room, we had an absolute blast. We even decided to make our mom-daughter trip a yearly event. Any tips on where to go next year?!
I want to end this post by highlighting a few more delicious restaurants we visited. I think the pictures speak for themselves, but if you have any specific questions, feel free to email me or comment below.
Wednesday Appetizer: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
I had never been to Bubba Gump before, so I was excited! We started out with a gigantic batch of strawberry margaritas which were divine 🙂
And the split a shrimp-spinach-artichoke dip as an appetizer mid-afternoon while shopping.
Wednesday Dinner: Kimo’s
This was one of my parents favorite restaurants when they first came to Maui (before I even existed). My mom was so excited to go back, and I can see why. It’s in a town called Lahaina and sits right on the ocean and the food is superb. I started, of course, with some white wine – if you couldn’t tell, the drinks were free flowing while we were on our vacation.
Then the waiter brought out fresh dinner rolls and carrot-zucchini muffins. Yum!
For my entree, I started with a Caesar salad, which I haven’t had in ages! I think it all must have started when I read some article somewhere that said the Caesar dressing was “highly unhealthy.” Well, that may be true, but I forgot how much I love it! I ate and enjoyed every bite.
For my main dish, I went with the special: coconut-crusted opah (white fish) topped with mango salsa and a Thai peanut dressing. Holy moly – it was sensational! Remind me to coconut crust just about anything now that I’m home (even if I’m the only one in my family who likes it!).
Then came dessert. According to my mom, Kimo’s is known for its “Hula Pie” – in fact, the menu boasts that it is what the sailors swim to shore for 😉 We’re talking macadamia nut ice cream topped with chocolate topped with macadamia nut topped with whipped cream, people.
Yes, it was HUGE!!! So huge, in fact, that my mom and I couldn’t have more than a bite before we groaned and doubled over. Fortunately, the ice cream was frozen solid, so we had the waiter box it up and it was still standing by the time we got back to the hotel. We were able to keep it in our hotel freezer for the remainder of our trip and enjoy it in parts – trust me, it was worth the effort!
Thursday Dinner: Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
Eating here made me think of Jenna. I loved that they gave us edamame to start instead of bread.
My mom and I ordered the appetizer sampler platter first. It was so delicious! From the far left there was a sushi roll, spring roll, baby back pork ribs, lobster potstickers and chicken satays.
We both also decided to try a bowl of the kabocha soup – it was my first time trying the squash, and after reading about it on countless blogs, I must say…it’s damn good! The ball in the center was, believe it or not, fried blue cheese. Didn’t know you could fry blue cheese, but it worked 🙂
For our entree, my mom and I finally wised up and decided to share the special (so as to not stuff ourselves all over again!). We got the Mahi Mahi, which was served with a creamy sun dried tomato sauce and mushroom risotto. The risotto may have been my favorite part of this dish!
For dessert, we tried Roy’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. You can’t leave Hawaii without trying pineapple upside-down cake! It was sensational, and our last dessert of the trip.
There was so much great food on this trip. And while the price tag was kind of a downer – don’t go to Maui if you’re looking for easy-on-the-budget travel – it was worth it for the time well spent with my mom (easy for me to say, since Papa Bender was nice enough to take care of the bill)!
If you are thinking of a trip to Maui and have any questions, feel free to email me: eatingbender@gmail.com. I would also love to hear from anyone who has been to Maui before. I’ve been reading through some of your comments and it sounds like a lot of you have been to the same places I visited during my trip!
P.S. Vote for Danica! Visit this link and click on “Nectarine Raspberry Sorbet over Fresh Fruit.”
Aloha,
WOW! Looks like you had some great food, amazing views and fantastic bonding time with your Mom. I’m so happy that you were able to take some time to relax after all of your hard work this year! Hopefully I can make it to Hawaii someday soon. It looks lovely 🙂
PS: Can’t wait to hear about your fun with Sarah!
I don’t even know what to say. Everything is so beautiful! I would LOVE to try that crab pizza. 🙂
Wow, such creative menu items at ALL the restuarants, but I think my favorites were the almond brittle dessert cup and the hula pie…Hmm, I guess my sweet tooth is kicking in full-force these days…
wow, i’m speachless–such a lovely place and amazing food! love that last picture of you and mom 🙂
welcome back to chicago! ashley’s coming to visit labor day weekend…please tell me you’re sticking around the city then!
WOWWOWOW amazing food!
Wow all of that looks so amazing! Esp the drinks!! YUM!
-muffy
Oh man… I am so enjoying your pictures, and getting SUPER JEALOUS too! It hasn’t been too long since I went on vacation, but this is definitely making me want to go on another one. Thank you for sharing with us!
Sounds like you had such a wonderful time!
Love all the scenery! And that ice cream dessert looks amazing!
I’m so envious right now.
I’ve been to Kapalua once and then to Wailea for our honeymoon. Honestly, I don’t think there is a part of the island that you could go wrong with. We took the girls to Kona on the Big Island last February (yes, I took a 5 month old to Hawaii), and though it was pretty, I prefer Maui.
I’m so glad you had such a great trip!
Hello Hula Pie! I could so go for that – I’d have probably passed on all the delicious dinner and gone straight for the pie though 😉 It reminds me of mud pie, which I LOVE and never have. I should demand some for my birthday 😉
And pineapple wine? Very cool.
hey woman,
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Wow it is BEAUTIFUL there!!!!!!!!! Im glad you are having such a FAB time with family, the beauty of Maui and the EATS! 🙂
Wow – all the food looks amazing. I want to go to Hawaii!!!
Wow, what an awesome sounding trip!
And I’m so intrigued by pineapple wine. I had some white wine once that I swore tasted like pineapples and I have been in search of something like it for ages!
Such a great trip. Glad you and your mama had a blast. I love that last picture of you two- you look relaxed and just SO happy. All of the food? Glorious! I want to try that Crab Pizza and the Hula cake…mmmm 😉 Is it bad to want chocolate at 8 am?
Oh what a great trip! We were in Oahu last fall, now I’m thinking I’ll have to push the hubs to make Maui our next beach trip! 🙂
You had me before, during, and after typing “Almond Brittle Cup” 😀
Beautiful photos and beautiful food – sounds like such a great vacation. 🙂
Pineapple wine?! How interesting!
The scenery is just stunning. I love the pictures. Makes me want to plan a trip now!
Looks like a FABULOUS time!!!! Those jalapeno margaritas look too spicy for my taste but I love anything creative like that 🙂
hey friend! what an amazing trip! did i already tell you the story about my entire family going to hawaii without me? it was the week of my dance recital and since i was a teacher, i couldn’t skip out because i needed to help me classes. yes, i’m still bitter haha. at least i get to live vicariously through you!
that pineapple upside down cake stole my heart! as well and all of the glorious drinkies and seafood 😀 yummmm
no postcard yet, but i’m on the lookout 😀
have a wonderful day <3
I don’t think I would ever want to leave Hawaii if I went!
The food looks to die for!
Wow what an awesome trip Jenn!! Love all the fun drinks, spectacular meals, and time with your mom! Y’all certainly have a special bond, and I’m so glad you enjoyed yourselves 🙂
Glad you’re back!
all of this food looks incredible!! Fantastic trip! I still haven’t been to hawaii, but it is on my short list!
Have a great day 😉
What a fun winery in a beautiful location! Jalapeño and cilantro margaritas? Amazing!
Those quesadillas sound incredible as well. Pineapple wine? I need to try that. Okay, seriously everything food wise made me go, “Oh YUM!” Sounds like a delicious trip 🙂
i’m pretty sure ive dreamt about that pineapple wine every night since we had it. amazing.
mmm love the margarita and all the gorgeous food!
oooooo lovely I am so jelouse!!! I have been to Hawaii over the summer for the past two years and this year we did not go and I miss it 🙂 Looks amazing so living vicariously through you!!!
I can even overlook all the fish consumption and say everything looks delicious! And I love that you are planning more mom and daughter vacations.
you and the madre definitely took the maui food fare by storm! do you have any idea of kimo’s delivers their hula pies? if so.. order me 10?! thanks, bye 🙂
<3!!
Awesome!!!!!!
and Pineapple wine!??!?! please say you brought some home with you!!!
What good eats and drinks!!! Espesh the carrot-zucchini muffin…Mmmm
WOW! What an amazing trip! I would love to have some Crab Pizza and Pineapple Wine for dinner tonight 🙂
That jalapeno margarita sounds INTERESTING! I’m glad that you were a little daring and tried lots of new dishes/drinks! 🙂
And it looks like you had such a great time Jenn, all the sights, food (and you) look gorgeous! 🙂
Pineapple wine? No way – finally a wine I might love. 🙂
Bender, looks like you and your mom had such an amazing trip. The Hali’imaile General Store and the Hula pie themselves are worth the long flight to Hawaii if you ask me. 🙂
Next year…I love Vancouver and I hear Prince Edward Island is amazing. Then, there’s always Italy…my favorite!
Dear Lord! Could you have had better eating? Or drinking?! Pineapple wine?! Margaritas! Mai Tais! OOOOOooweee!!
All of the seafood, soups, crips, crab (haha I just wrote “Crap”) pizza, quesadillas, ice cream desserts, fried blue cheese, sheesh. Too much Jenn!!!!!
I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip. I KNOW how stressed you were after those last weeks of school, and all of your hard work DEFINITELY deserved a reward.
You are so wonderful and I miss you so muchhhhh! Send me your addy so I can write you back for your beautiful post card!!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooo
-GC
Very nice article. I’m headed there later this year. I hope i have half the fun it looks like you had with your mom. Cheers.
YUMYUMYUM!!!! Roy’s is delcious, but omg that pie at Kimo’s! I do think I would jump off a ship if it meant I could try that! 😉 So glad you had an amazing trip.
Pineapple wine?!? Yes, please.
Hula Pie? Ditto on that.
I’d swim to shore for that too!!!
What a fab trip, I’m glad you got to do this!
Oh my goodness–pineapple wine?! That sounds incredible.
I’ve always wanted to visit a Bubba Gump! Hawaii would be a great place to do it!
I haven’t been to Maui (actually, I think I went when I was little but there is zero memory of it), so I kind of got to see it through your posts 🙂 We wanted to go for our honeymoon but ended up in Waikiki instead. Thank you for sharing your trip! I’m glad you’re back safe!
Look at that sexay beachy hawaii hair!! OMG i love this mother daughter bonding- so wonderful! Haha, my momz doesn’t drink so we can’t throw em back together…but you two are soo cute with your wine and margs! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip- aaand hopefully get together in the near future 😀
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