The Grand Wailea Resort is a Disney-esque fantasyland designed to offer adults an over-the-top Hawaiian luxury vacation while catering to their children with, among other things, a fabulous water park complete with rapids. The main dinner restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, is a sprawling thatched roof hut floating in a saltwater lagoon stocked with what is widely -- if unofficially -- recognized as Hawaii’s state fish: the colorful, pig-shaped humuhumunukunukuapua'a. (That is pronounced who-moo-who-moo-new-coo-new-coo-ah-poo-ah-ah by the ambitious and shortened to "humu" or "humuhumu" by everyone else.)
Tiki torches ring the lagoon and life-sized fisherman statues stalk their quarry with raised spears. Looking out to sea at sunset, a spectacular time to arrive, the lagoon has an enchanting infinity pool effect.
Ocean breezes move freely through the railed restaurant. Large tables, beamed ceilings, a walk-around fish tank, live music, and servers dressed in old school mu‘umu‘u anchor the theatrical experience. The menu, a series of Hawaiian and Pacific Rim concoctions, does for the taste buds what the ambience does for the eyes and ears.
Fish preparations are rich layers of flavor presented with dramatic garnishes. Eating at Humu’s guarantees that you will not forget that (1) you are on Maui, and (2) you are living the good life.
We especially like the delicately caramelized pink snapper marinated in miso, as well as the mahi mahi in an outrageously flavorful Kona crab broth. You can also get either Maine lobster (raised in Kona) or the local spiny variety. There are excellent cuts of beef and organic roast chicken, as well as a delicious vegetarian entrée of grilled tofu and vegetables. The separate keiki menu features everything from virgin Hawaiian cocktails to salads to ribs, chicken, steak, and mahi mahi.
We often experience slow service at Humu’s, but children don’t seem to mind as much as adults do. They are kept busy with crayons, puzzles, toys, and fish-gazing. This family-centric resort provides an excellent meal in an over-the-top location. While the prices are quite high, the theater might just be worth it for families ready to splurge.
| Ambience |
23 out of 25
|
| Food |
21 out of 25
|
| Service |
18 out of 25
|
| Value |
19 out of 25
|
| Total Score: |
80 out of 100
|
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Restaurant
Grand Wailea Resort
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea
(808) 875-1234 ext. 4900
Nightly 5:30pm – 9:00pm for Dinner
www.grandwailea.com
Valet parking
Cost of adult entrees: $32 – $72
Cost of keiki meals: $8 – $10
Known For: Hawaiian, Seafood
View: Very cool lagoon stocked with
fish, pool, and ocean beyond.
Alcohol: Full bar.
Reservations: Recommended.
All Major Credit Cards
All Major Credit Cards
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Humu Humu 
