Ohana Bar & Grill

Pink Pyramid, I will never make fun of you again!

We came here because of Yelp and boredom with our hotel's dinner offerings. HOLY COW FLAVOR EXPLOSION.  This is typical resort food, done to the nth degree.  Someone knows their stuff in the kitchen, our dinner exploded in our mouth.  For an appetizer we had the lettuce cups with ground chicken, for dinner I  had the mahi mahi new orleans / cajun style and I nearly wept.  This was the best dinner of two visits to Maui.  Wow.

After a harrowing drive on West Maui's narrow, winding, sometimes single lane roads and bridges, we needed a drink (or two) once we'd reached Lahaina. Yelp came to the rescue with the recommendation of Ohana.

As we got nearer, we spotted a crazy cheesy, salmon-colored, triangular shaped hotel and hoped gleefully that Ohana was situated inside. Indeed it was.  This, my friends, was the Kaanapali Beach Club. It appeared that a big bite of middle America had landed on its time share shore but most were still in the pool when we arrived for happy hour.

We swiftly ordered some super sweet blended beverages and soaked up the final hour or so of bright afternoon sunshine. Against my dining companion's wishes (but knowing full well he'd partake when they got to the table) I ordered some nachos (also discounted for happy hour). They arrived as you might expect at a place like this: a plate piled high with chips covered in neon orange nacho cheese sauce with the requisite accompaniments of salsa, sour cream, olives, etc. Obviously, they were so bad they were good. Which is how I might describe the overall experience at Ohana.

After a few drinks we spent sunset on the soft sand beach in front of the hotel. If you're in the area around happy hour (15:00-18:00), Ohana is definitely worth a visit for that pina colada you've been craving.

BUFFALO WINGS..something about them that transcends you to a place far better than just Maui. Plump and deep fried, very large wings with a super tangy buffalo sauce, the kind that tickles your nostril hairs when you take a sniff. Ranch or blue chesese sauces were perfectly complimentary. I came here twice in one day while we stayed at the Kaanapali Beach Club. Got the fish tacos (excellent), and the kalua pork (very well made, tender, and an island fave). It's hard to say you would come back unless you were in the area. Maui you can only drive 40-50 miles an hour to get from place to place). Highways are slow.

But to talk about the service..fantastic. They remember you as if you were part of their Ohana. They remember names of my family members and they're always in a  good mood (or maybe that's just all of Hawaii's culture, haha). The view is great...right by the oceanside...and with a mini waterfall connected to the pool area to the left of the restaurant, cabanas, and a beautiful sunset. Perfect place for a date..

ps. watch for the birds. they're hawaii day mosquitos and they will come close and take your crap if you turn away. WATCH IT.