The Maui News

KAHULUI–Aurum Maui, a highly anticipated restaurant from the acclaimed Destination Hospitality Group, will debut at The Shops at Wailea early 2025. Specializing in New American cuisine that showcases the best in local ingredients, Aurum Maui will feature seasonal island dining in an elegantly casual setting. Helmed by Chef Partner Taylor Ponte and General Manager Partner Natasha Ponte, both Maui natives, Aurum Maui will blend global techniques with Hawaii’s rich produce, crafting dishes that balance tradition, innovation and sustainability. This debut marks the first and only Aurum restaurant outside of Colorado, exclusively at The Shops at Wailea.

“At Destination Hospitality Group, our mission is to create best in class dining experiences in unique destination resort markets. Aurum Maui will exemplify this commitment,” said Phillips Armstrong, CEO and founder of Destination Hospitality Group. “For our inaugural location in Hawaii, we were drawn to Maui and The Shops at Wailea because of its reputation as a world-class destination resort community, attracting visitors and locals alike. Maui’s cultural richness, natural beauty and vibrant culinary scene perfectly align with our vision to deliver unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our guests.”

Aurum Maui’s menu, inspired by the renowned Aurum Food & Wine concept, presents a range of flavors that define the island and will feature Aurum’s “gold standard” dishes. Starters include house-made rolls with Hawaiian sea salt and honey-allspice butter, fresh ahi tuna with tonnato sauce and pickled shallots, and crispy croquettes filled with manchego and roasted garlic. Additional small plates will graze the menu including smoked fish with lavash and dill, fried chicken with buttermilk dressing, oven-roasted bone marrow with black garlic salsa verde, citrus-cured Kona kanpachi with jalapeño-lime vinaigrette, crispy curried cauliflower with hazelnut dukkah, and a selection of house-cured meats and cheeses.

Guests will find a selection of ingredient-rich soups and salads such as roasted tomatoes with cheese foam, bibb lettuce with pickled shallots and roasted garlic crumble, and seasonal produce with marinated beets, macadamia nuts, and whipped goat cheese. Entrees feature locally raised beef in dishes such as burgers with caramelized Maui onions, 48-hour braised short ribs with creamy polenta, and ribeye with tallow-roasted potatoes. Other menu highlights include oven-roasted chicken with harissa sauce, pan-seared Kona kanpachi with charred leeks, and handmade ricotta gnocchi with spicy sausage.

Committed to sustainability and supporting the local community, Aurum Maui is partnering with vendors such as Hua Momona Farms, Lopes Farm, Okoa Farms, and Kona Kanpachi. The restaurant’s philosophy prioritizes fresh produce, sustainable seafood, and whole-animal utilization, reflecting Chef Taylor Ponte and Aurum Maui’s deep respect for the land. Through partnerships with local farms and fisheries, Aurum Maui will showcase the best of Maui’s flavors, supporting the preservation and prosperity of the island’s agricultural heritage for generations to come.

“Opening Aurum Maui at The Shops at Wailea is a significant milestone for me as a chef,” said Taylor Ponte, chef partner at Aurum Maui. “Our menus celebrate local farms and sustainable products, reflecting the community that makes hospitality in Hawaii unique. We pursue excellence in every aspect, from food and service to creating a warm, welcoming experience that embodies the essence of aloha.”

The interior and exterior design of Aurum Maui establishes a profound connection between the restaurant’s ambiance and the island’s essence. Organic, curving design elements reflect Maui’s natural movement, inspired by the island’s landscapes–lush vegetation, dark stone, pristine sands, and shimmering waters. The refined, modern palette integrates these textures, blending earthy and serene tones, and innovative screening and layering techniques diffuse natural light, casting a soft, intimate glow that enhances the dining experience and mirrors the island’s tranquility. With versatile event spaces accommodating up to 80 seated guests, Aurum Maui offers a range of options for gatherings and celebrations.

“We’re delighted to welcome Aurum Maui exclusively to The Shops at Wailea, where guests will soon be able to indulge in the restaurant’s unique flavors and exceptional service,” said Rosalind Schurgin, CEO of The Festival Companies, the management and leasing company for The Shops at Wailea. “We extend our warmest mahalo to Destination Hospitality Group and the Aurum brand for bringing their unique restaurant concept to Maui.”

Located at 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, unit B-27 (Lower Level behind the Performance Area), Aurum Maui is poised to be a premier dining destination amidst the vibrant landscape of Maui. For more information, visit AurumMaui.com.