Hali’imaile General Store, Maui, Hawaii

I’m just going to say it: Hali’imaile General Store is my favorite restaurant. Not just on Maui, not just in Hawaii, but anywhere. Bold statement, I know, especially when fan favorites like Mama’s Fish House are so good and so popular, but HGS has my heart. And here’s why.

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Pull up a chair and order a cocktail. HGS has a solid list of handcrafted cocktails that feature local ingredients and Hawaiian flavors. Their beer list includes local favorites from Kona Brewing and Honolulu Beerworks.

The vibes are peak laid-back Hawaiian hospitality, with Upcountry flair. Keep in mind that you’re not at one of Maui’s world-famous beaches here. Upcountry is fertile volcanic soil, making it home to gardens, farms, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys).

The building itself is historic, dating back to the 1920s. It served as a plantation store for agricultural workers who raised crops during the island’s pineapple boom. Originally a multipurpose grocery store that also served as a post office and sold clothing and household necessities, the building was repurposed into the Hali’imaile General Store restaurant in 1988 by Chef Beverly Gannon and her husband, Joe.

For your appetizer, the Sashimi Napoleon (pictured) is a must. Ahi sashimi, ahi tartare, and smoked salmon are layered with crispy wontons and dressed with wasabi vinaigrette. This is literally the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. So much so that I ordered the Hali’imaile General Store Cookbook to recreate it at home. (It doesn’t hold a candle to the original because fresh ahi in Maui > fresh ahi found in Orlando).

For your entree, you can’t go wrong with anything, but standouts are the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Maui and the Korean BBQ Braised Short Ribs. And if you somehow have room for dessert, which I never seem to, get the Hali’imaile Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. And then talk your dining companion into the Lilikoi Creme Brulee so you can steal a taste.

With so many top-notch restaurants on Maui, many of which are located in higher-traffic areas near the beaches, I feel like HGS is often overlooked. So spend the day in Upcountry, explore Kula and Makawao, and enjoy a delicious meal with old-school island vibes at Hali’imaile General Store on your next trip to Maui.

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