Hali'maile General Store and/or Kula Lodge?

Question

Cheers and happy Sunday. We are heading over in a few weeks and are planning on checking out a couple of restaurants we have never been to in our 15 or so trips. Given the exchange rate we really have to watch where we eat but do want to have a couple of "splurge" meals - I put this in quotations because a splurge for us does not extend to the level of Mama's or even a couple of the higher end places in Wailea. I was looking at the two in the subject line and wonder if anyone has any recent experience at either of these places and what you thought of the food and other things like ambience, view etc. We will venture up that way at least once but could go twice if there are other places we really need to try. Any other suggestions are welcome. We did try Kula Bistro last year and loved it. Thank you.

Answer

Both Hali‘imaile General Store and Kula Lodge are excellent options for a mid-range “splurge” meal on Maui, each offering a different experience. Here’s a detailed look at both:

Hali‘imaile General Store:

This restaurant is located in the upcountry area near Makawao and has a casual yet refined atmosphere with a plantation-era charm. The food is contemporary Hawaiian with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Many visitors praise the creative combinations and quality of seafood and meat dishes. Portion sizes are generally generous, and service is known to be attentive without feeling rushed. While the restaurant is indoors, it has a warm, inviting ambiance rather than a formal or flashy feel.

Pros: Excellent food with a unique twist on Hawaiian cuisine, centrally located in upcountry, good for a romantic or quiet dinner.
Cons: Doesn’t have a significant ocean or scenic view, which some travelers value for a “special” meal experience.
Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially if visiting in peak tourist seasons or weekends.

Kula Lodge:

Kula Lodge is perched higher up in Kula, offering beautiful panoramic views of central Maui and, on clear days, the coastline. The restaurant has an old-Maui lodge feel and is more casual than Hali‘imaile General Store, but the views make it memorable. The menu focuses on local ingredients as well, though some reviews suggest the dishes can be a bit hit or miss depending on what you order. Breakfast and lunch are popular options due to the scenery, though dinner is available.

Pros: Stunning views, casual and relaxed atmosphere, good option for brunch or lunch with scenic photography opportunities.
Cons: Food quality can vary; more casual than Hali‘imaile, so if you’re looking for a more refined dining experience, it might not fully satisfy.
Tip: Sunset times are beautiful here, but dinner crowds can make timing important. Calling ahead or making reservations is advisable.

Other recommendations in the upcountry area worth considering include:

Pukalani Superette – casual and local-focused, great for lunch stops.
Surfing Goat Dairy – while not a full restaurant, offers cheese tastings and a small café, unique for upcountry visits.
Kula Bistro – since you loved it last year, a repeat visit could be a safe choice for consistency in quality and ambiance.

Overall, if your priority is food quality and a refined experience, Hali‘imaile General Store is the stronger pick. If you want a casual, scenic spot with breathtaking views, Kula Lodge is the way to go. Many visitors even combine both: one meal for fine dining and another for views and ambiance.