Merriman's Maui

Merriman's Maui is the West Maui outpost of chef Peter Merriman's Hawaii restaurant group, positioned on a dramatic bluff above Kapalua Bay at the northernmost point of Maui's developed resort coast, where the Kapalua resort community gives way to the rugged sea cliffs of the island's northwest. The dining room and terrace occupy a vantage point from which Kapalua Bay's turquoise crescent, the offshore island of Molokai, and the endless Pacific unfold in an unobstructed panorama that is among the most spectacular of any restaurant view in Hawaii. The menu at Merriman's Maui follows the same sourcing philosophy that has defined all of the chef's Hawaii locations since the flagship Waimea restaurant opened in 1988: approximately 90 percent of ingredients come from Hawaii's farms and coastal waters, with menu credits naming the specific farms and fishermen who supplied each element. The local daily fish catch, prepared with the precision and restraint that characterizes Merriman's cooking style across all locations, reflects the creative latitude the kitchen takes within its farm-to-table framework. Grass-fed Big Island beef sourced from Waimea-area ranches appears in preparations designed to let the quality of the ingredient lead. Maui-grown produce — including Maui Gold pineapple and upcountry vegetables — contributes to desserts and vegetable preparations that connect the dining experience to the island landscape visible through the restaurant's windows. The wine list is strong and well-chosen for Pacific Rim food. Reservations are essential, particularly for sunset seating on the terrace, which books well in advance during the peak winter season from December through April when West Maui is at its busiest.