Kahului

Kahului is the major town of Maui with all of the amenities: major seaport, airport (OGG) for flights to the Mainland, WalMart, Costco. Less historic than Lahaina but interesting nonetheless.

From Port: 1.5 miles, about 1/2 hour walk. Head west on HI-32/W, Ka'ahumanu Ave. toward S. Wakea Ave. Sharp right at Main St. Destination will be on the left. Note that there is no sign in the window, only OPEN. Look for the blue doors.

Alternatively, you can take the free Kahului Loop bus #5 and #6 from the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center just west of the cruise terminal on Ka'ahamanu Avenue.

Must Try: Imperial rolls; bun bo hue (grilled meat, fish or tofu over fresh vegetables and rice noodles); steamed opakapaka with ginger and garlic.

Review: Jennifer Nguyen has been serving outstanding Vietnamese cuisine from this obscure locale for many years. The fresh vegetables that come on your plate - mint, basil, lemon grass and others - are not garnishes; they are to be enjoyed along with the dish. Full bar. $

A Saigon Cafe - The Restaurant Without a Sign

Gracious Jennifer Nguyen

Fried Spring Rolls - Cha Gio

Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong

From Port: 1.5 miles, about 1/2 hour walk. Head west on HI-32/W, Ka'ahumanu Ave. toward S. Wakea Ave.

Must Try: Well, saimin. The humble dish saimin can be traced back to the plantation days when Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Hawai'ian and Portuguese laborers would pool their resources to create a communal bowl of this hearty soup.

Review: Since 1933 Sam Sato's has been cooking the best saimin on Maui. Add won ton and vegetables and by all means have a few BBQ sticks, chicken or beef. There are also traditional plate lunches, hamburgers and sandwiches. Good breakfasts, too. BYO beer or wine. Put your name on the list at the door and you will be seated promptly. $

From Port: 8.6 miles, about 30 minutes by bus. Cross Ka'ahumanu Avenue to Ka‘ahumanu Center or Maui Mall. Board the Route 35 Haiku Islander bus. Get of at Baldwin Avenue in Pa'ia.

Must Try: Fish and chips.

Review: Order and pay at the counter. Find a seat and wait for your number to be called. Get to know the people next to you. Perhaps ask for a lift back to Kahului. Excellent fresh fish at reasonable prices, especially for Hawai'i. $