At Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei, it's easy to get into the spirit of the season at both Spices Restaurant and Tradewinds Poolside Cafe.
"At Spices, we have the wonderful waterfall lanai that is just perfect for small parties and groups of up to about 30 people," says owner Heidi Van Dresser. "It's got that tropical feel."
In addition, the main open-air dining room seats 65 people and the hotel features a large, air-conditioned Maile banquet room.
Article Photos
One of Spices restaurant managers, Jeff Eggers, shows off the cool courtyard called the waterfall lanai, complete with a trickling steam, mini falls and lush foliage.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
"At Spices, we do breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our $5 breakfasts are hugely popular. You get a choice of petite pancakes, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, or the petite paniolo with two eggs, potatoes or rice and a slice of toast. We open at 7 a.m. and we also offer the best fresh corned-beef hash around."
Van Dresser, who launched Spices in 2002 when the old Jameson's closed, also offers $7 lunch deals from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. But the hours may be shortened on the upcoming holidays as Spices will do special Christmas and New Year's Eve dinner menus.
"In addition, we have a late-night menu, which is really unusual for around here. Our kitchen stays open until midnight. Last call at Tradewinds is at 9:30 p.m., so you can come over here for late-night happy hour. For private parties, we can stay open until 2 a.m."
Regulars say the blackened prime rib served Fridays and Saturdays is "to die for." And the "ahi creole is truly amazing." Tuesdays, Spices features lobster night and crustaceans are flown in live from Kona.
"At Tradewinds we feature live music every night by the pool," says Van Dresser. "It's really fun and every food item at Spices is also available there."
For more details, call Spices at 891-8860.
