The Oceanfront Hawaii Restaurant That Pretty Much Invented Hawaii's Favorite Dessert
By Megan Shute|Published June 07, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are certainly home to some incredible restaurants, and while the cuisine is certainly important, we’re also obsessed with a killer oceanfront patio – especially if it features sunset views. Perhaps nowhere across the Aloha State will you find better waterfront restaurants than in the charming coastal town of Lahaina. Nestled on Maui’s western shore, Lahaina is home to a variety of stellar, bucket-list worthy restaurants with awe-inspiring views, but only one of those restaurants invented Hawaii’s favorite dessert: Hula Pie.
Welcome to Kimo’s Restaurant. Found on Front Street in the heart of Lahaina, Kimo’s is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves vistas of the Pacific Ocean, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, mouthwatering meals, surreal sunsets, and — of course — pie.
We usually don’t like to get ahead of ourselves, but we absolutely have to talk about the restaurant’s claim to fame: it’s homemade, melt-in-your-mouth delicious Hula Pie.
Made with macadamia nut ice cream piled on a chocolate chip cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts, this dessert is huge — but when sharing with family or friends, it won’t go unfinished.
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Let’s be honest, though: we could probably eat an entire slice by ourselves. And while the original is delicious, we also love the creative flavor twists you’ll find occasionally, like this Kona Coffee Hula Pie.
Let’s start with a drink. You’ll find all the alcoholic and non-alcoholic options here, but their specialty cocktails are quite delicious. Mai tais, lava flows, and pina coladas are just the beginning here at Kimo’s.
Seafood is the name of the game at most oceanfront Hawaii restaurants, and Kimo’s is no exception. From ahi poke, fish tacos, and macadamia nut crusted calamari for lunch to baked, grilled, and crusted mahi mahi, snapper, and ono for dinner, seafood lovers will have a hard time choosing what to order at Kimo’s.
In keeping with Hawaiian fishing traditions and respect for the ocean, all seafood is served according to their season, and your waiter will explain which fish are available as well as the chef's recommended preparations.
Speaking of oceanfront, it doesn't get much closer than this. Nestled right on the water, there isn't a bad seat in the house at Kimo's, though do be warned: if you sit too close to the ocean, you might be misted by the ocean spray crashing against the rocks. With views like this, we certainly don't mind, though.
Did we mention that the sunsets are truly second to none? If you want to watch the sun slip beyond the horizon while you sip a mai tai and enjoy some of the freshest fish in Lahaina, make a reservation.
So, what are you waiting for? Kimo's Restaurant truly has it all and is absolutely worth a visit the next time you find yourself on Maui's western coast. Cheers!
Address: 845 Front Street, Unit A, Lahaina, HI 96761
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
For more information about Kimo’s, check out their website or follow them on Facebook. Have you ever dined at this oceanfront restaurant in Hawaii? What’s your favorite waterfront restaurant in the Aloha State? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments, then click here to learn all about another Lahaina favorite that’s a little more casual.
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