Maui Family Restaurants

Frugal travelers of the planet: rejoice! Costco has a major presence on Maui, making everyone's life on the island just a little more affordable. If you have a fridge in your room, travel through Kahului on your way from the airport to your hotel, and pick up milk, cheese, crackers and peanut butter. For great gifts for the folks back home, stock up on Kona coffee and macadamia nuts at reasonable prices. Everyone who arrives on Maui passes Costco, no matter where they are staying! It is on your right as you exit the Kahului airport.

This place is extremely popular with locals on the island because it's inexpensive, and there's counter service. Breakfast includes giant omelets; lunch plates are loaded with burgers, chicken and Hawaiian dishes; and dinners offer awesome "oodles of noodles" and huge combo plates with pork, chicken and vegetarian choices. It is not uncommon for two adults to share one plate -- servings are that huge.

Wonderfully prepared Hawaiian cuisine can be found there. Kids love this place because they can sit at a counter in the kitchen area to see the chefs create the dishes. You'll find fresh fish, steaks and a great child's menu. Sitting outside by the beach is quintessentially "Maui."

The Lahaina Cannery Mall, located near Kapalua, Ka'anapali and Lahaina, is ideal for those days when you feel like spending a few inexpensive hours poking through interesting stores in fully air-conditioned comfort with great food and free hula shows thrown in to boot. The food court includes Lulu's Lahaina Surf Club & Grill, Chopsticks Express, Dairy Queen, a 24-hour Safeway and Los Pelones Mexican Bar & Grill. It's a something-for-everyone place.

Free hula shows are every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. And, in the "extremely cute" category, the keiki hula shows are on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Here you'll find burgers, fish and chips, and Hawaiian cocktails loaded with fruit. Visitors love the casual, outdoor waterfront lunches and dinners, featuring the sun as it dips onto the horizon. The Hula Pie is very large and not to be missed -- many can share. Currently, you'll find a coupon on the receipt, so next time the Hula Pie is on Leilani's.

Breathtaking views can be had at both locations. The bright, fun atmosphere is excellent for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the portions are very generous. The free bread plate alone is filling and fabulous with spicy and mild bread that is a lot like pizza. The cuisine includes fresh island fish, steaks and giant lobsters. Al Michaels of ABC Sports joked, "Let's put it this way: If you ever end up on death row, only (Chef) Bob Longhi should be allowed to prepare the last meal."

Longtime visitors to Maui say that you simply can't visit the island without experiencing an authentic Hawaiian lu'au. The Old Lahaina Lu'au is one of the island's best. When you arrive, you'll be greeted warmly with an orchid lei and handed a Mai Tai. Booths with handcrafted pieces are on display and are available for purchase. When it's announced that the pig roasting in banana leaves will be unearthed, go immediately to see this interesting sight. (It gets crowded.) You'll find a beautiful buffet dinner, offering traditional Hawaiian dishes, including kalua pork, crab salad and fantastic desserts like macadamia-nut pie. The after-dinner show is beautiful with graceful dancers and an old-time aloha spirit. The experience starts at 5:15 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., depending on the season. Adults will pay $92 plus tax. Children cost $62 plus tax.

Where should we start? How about with the Euro-Asian food, which is world-famous outstanding? "Roy," the famous chef behind the restaurant's name, is so talented that he's expanded his culinary empire to 40 restaurants that span the planet. Menus include shellfish, meats and sushi, complemented by European sauces and Asian spices.

Two Roy's are located on Maui, and both love families. In fact, when children first sit down, they're greeted with warm smiles and a cheese quesadillas. Children prix fixe meals are $12.95 and include plenty of offerings that conclude with a burst of kid-happiness -- a cookie or ice cream for dessert. These folks clearly have kids of their own. One thing to keep in mind: The prices on adult delicacies are steep, so prepare your inner-frugal-child. (And when in Maui, do as the locals do, and order your chocolate souffle upon arrival.) Reservations are advised.

Go for the pizza, and stay for the cheesesteak sandwiches, which are widely considered perfect. You'll find nice seating outdoors or under a covered area on the main strip where all the action takes place. The price for a pizza is similar to what you'd find at home. It's fun and delicious dining.

Hip, casual, fun and happening best describe Stella Blues. It's a great place to inhale calories. (You don't want to look too scrawny in that tankini after all.) Stella Blues' eggs Benedict are excellent, or order the three-egg Smothered Burrito. If you want to be good, they also have a cottage cheese and pineapple plate. Lunches tend toward Kalua Pork or Teriyaki Chicken. For dinner, look for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps, coconut shrimp or Funky Nachos. Vegetarian folks will love the offerings that include Toby's Tofu Tia Extraordinaire, which wraps a soft tortilla around heavenly tofu. It's open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00p.m.

Seated over a beautiful faux lagoon with tropical fish galore, the kids will love this spot for lunch or dinner. The menu includes burgers, great sandwiches, local fish and large salads. The swim-up bar serves cocktails and smoothies all day long.

Here's the plan: Let the kids swim all morning, spend the afternoon at the Maui Ocean Center at the Ma'alaea Harbor, and then saunter over to the Ma'alaea Waterfront Restaurant for a memorable dinner. Order the Baked Triple Cream Danish Brie for an appetizer and filet minion or fresh fish from the impressive fish menu for the main course. Kids are welcome and will find a small menu with about six items on it, but all dishes can be halved for keiki. It's open only for dinner at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are always recommended.