star noodle… brightens up the westside

In early February, I was excited to hear that the much-anticipated Star Noodle in Lahaina was now open. After the owners and ‘ohana of Old Lahaina Luau had tirelessly spent five years searching the globe for inspiration for the concept, menu, décor and vibe for this hip 60-seat eatery, the doors were finally open to the public on February 4.

To find this hidden gem you head up the hill on Keawe Street across from Lahaina Cannery Mall, make a right turn on Kupuohi and drive through the Lahaina Business Park, pass Emerald Plaza and keep on going, don’t give up. At the very top you will see a brand new building with ample parking. Some may wonder how this location will do hidden in the industrial area, but wait until you get inside and taste the incredible food. This is an absolute destination!

exercise with a view…kapalua

The morning sun is sparkling on the dew-wet green, and a few golfers are already warming up their swings when we arrive at the Kapalua Adventure Center. It’s a perfect day for a hike: cool and clear, with birds chattering in the trees that line the Kapalua Golf Course.

pleasure your palate at bistro casanova…

A culinary offspring of Makawao’s long-time favorite, Casanova, Kahului’s Bistro Casanova forges its own profile with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. From the cuisine’s bold flavors to its chic interior down to the friendly scene, it is obvious that high-spirited owner Giovanni “Steven” Cappelli has once again given the island a crave-worthy venue.

“Of course, we always aim to please our locals,” says Cappelli. “But we also would like to draw in the visitors who are passing time before their red-eye flight and want a great last meal on Maui, the folks coming from a concert at the MACC or the honeymooners who find themselves in Kahului and want a romantic dinner.”