Grand Wailea's Humuhumukunukuapua'a Restaurant On Maui, Hawaii Is Exotic In Name And Atmosphere

The Humuhumukunukuapua'a restaurant at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui, Hawaii is unique in both name and character. Generally shortened to "Humu," the restaurant's title refers to Hawaii's state fish.

Large ohia logs make up several thatched roof huts that drift in an expansive saltwater lagoon filled with coral and over 2,000 local fish. Hallways connect the dining rooms floating above the water. Diners can select their own spiny or Kona Maine lobster from the lagoon, or choose from a wide variety of sushi, seafood, salads, beef, and lamb.

Highlights of the tropical-inspired menu include a carpaccio of Japanese hamachi, Hawaiian spiny lobster with fried rice, seared Ahi tuna with foie gras, domestic rack of lamb with apricot and yuzu puree, and the Hawaiian ono. Chef Mike Lofaro also offers a four-course tasting menu for $72. Desserts include a humu macadamia nut and Kona coffee ice cream pie, coconut panna cotta, and a tropical fruit sorbet sampler.

The cocktail menu is equally exotic with drinks including the Mai Tai Ali'I with coconut rum and vanilla vodka; the Humu strawberry basil lemonade with Malibu rum and Ocean vodka; and the Pirate's Treasure with Malibu coconut rum, tequila and passion, pineapple, and mango juices.