Of all the ironies that constitute the family vacation, it is the inverse equation of the dinner hour that is often most daunting. Kids are in a hurry to get on with their fun, while adults want to chill out after a long day.
Even if you’ve rented a condo equipped with cooking facilities, surely you won’t want to spend precious vacation time shopping, cooking and cleaning up.
Instead, do as the locals do -- serve your family wholesome, delicious take-out meals at one of the many seaside beach parks that line Honoapiilani Highway from Lanipoko (a few miles south of Lahaina) to Fleming Beach (at the far north end of Kapalua.) The advantage goes beyond saving on the server's fee; kids won’t need to wait idly for their food or become bored if the adults linger. An added bonus- watch the sunset without having to monitor children’s table manners in an upscale restaurant in order to dine with a sunset view.
These suggestions for tasty carry-out in West Maui are based on portability, general appeal and value:
1) Mama’s Ribs and Rotisserie
No, it isn’t Carson’s Ribs, but it ain’t bad. When the order of the day is carry-out and the cry of "what to eat?" echoes through our house, Mama’s often gets the nod. Chicken and Ribs are the specialties and can be ordered family style or as individual meals. The combo half-rack of ribs and chicken plate comes with a choice of rice, beans or macaroni salad for $7.50. A full rack of ribs is $15.99; whole chicken, teriyaki or traditional roasted, is $9.99 and sides are $2.50 to $3.99. Take your dinner to Airport Beach where lovely covered tables are sheltered by the best public facility on the West side, and let the kids run in the surf while you catch the last rays of sunset…and your breath!
2) Penne Pasta Café
A tiny storefront on Dickenson Street houses one of the best new finds in Lahaina eateries. Chef Mark Ellman of Maui Taco fame, stirs up Italian sauces like somebody’s nana. The baked penne is delicious, the puttanesca pasta outrageously tasty, and bravo to the bolonese! Pastas are large enough to share and priced from $6.95 to $9.95. Pizza margarita makes me want to sing Verdi at $4.95. Salads, sandwiches, including a unique roasted eggplant parmesean option, and the classic Italian desserts, Tiramisu, Panne Cotta and lemon tart, are also bargains especially considering the high quality and flavors.
3) Honolua Store
Recent visits netted plated dinners of char sui chicken, chili and rice and Salisbury steak for $3.95 each. Large enough to serve two, they are decided winners in the bargain meal category.
After a full day of sun, surf and fun, children will be ready for sleep soon after sundown. You, too, can rest easy knowing you had this much fun without squandering the college fund.