Idyllic Beachfront Dining
 Venture south along Lahaina’s world famous Front Street, past the banyan tree and tourist throngs, to the ancient heart of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Here Pacific‘O restaurant joins award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine with breathtaking island scenery. Named “Best Waterfront Dining” by Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine, Pacific‘O encompasses over a decade of culinary excellence led by Executive Chef James McDonald.
Tucked in an enclave of boutique shops and galleries known by the address, “505,” Pacifi c‘O offers a unique Lahaina experience.
“From our patio, diners can step directly onto the sand,” says Chef James. The restaurant faces the blue ocean and borders Kamehameha Iki Park, home to a historic royal legacy and current day canoe builders.
“The ali‘i [chiefs] chose to swim, surf, fish and live here,” says Pacific‘O partner Louis Coulombe. “Today, we are honored to offer fi sh from right out front and produce from our upcountry farm in this remarkable location.”
Hawaiian lore tells tales of Kihawahine, the mo‘o (lizard) goddess who guarded the spring-fed fi shponds and the royal residence on Moku‘ula island, now the site of a ballpark. From Maui’s 16th century ruling Pi‘ilani family to King Kamehameha and his descendents, this beach was a sovereign sanctuary.
Three islands are visible from Pacific‘O’s patio: Kaho‘olawe to the south, Lana‘i across the Au'au Channel and Moloka‘i to the north. The restaurant’s French doors open three sides of the dining room giving every table a prime view.
“In the winter months, whales breech right in front of Pacifi c‘O” says Louis. “It’s a spectacular sight.” Sea turtles also sandy beach.
 During the day surf schools practice at “breakwall,” locals play beach volleyball and snorkelers paddle along the reef. Pacific‘O’s lunch guests are treated to organically grown salads, Upcountry goat cheese, Maui-raised beef and fresh-caught fish. And at night, after the sun sets in brilliant colors across the ocean the moon plays peak-a-boo in the palm tree lovers stroll along the quiet beach and diner linger over mai tais.
Pacific‘O’s ideal location offers more than just island ambiance; the Lahaina Harbor proximity means fishing boats call on the chef first to sell the daily catch. “We offer the best ahi, mahimahi, aku, papio, onaga, hebi and opakapaka that they catch,” says Chef James.
Lunch is served daily from 11:30am to 4:00pm and dinner is served nightly from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
Call (808) 667-4341 for reservations.
Pictured on Cover:
Pacific‘O’s award-winning “Hapa/Hapa” Tempura entrée features two sashimi blocks of fresh fish wrapped in dry seaweed, quickly fried rare tempura style, and served with a lime basil sauce, white miso and Wasabe dressing accent.
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