A reader e-mailed me looking for information on where to eat out when they are visiting with their child. While I personally have been steering clear of eating out more lately, I did want to provide as much information as possible for the family especially since it was the 5 year old who is gluten free and casein free. Here’s what I said:
Maui is a beautiful place to spend your vacation with your family. It is definitely difficult to travel with food intolerances, allergies, etc. as I know from personal experience. And, it’s certainly nice to know the best places to go to eat. Unfortunately I am finding it to be more and more difficult lately to dine out. There are few places I trust, so I end up cooking at home more these days.
While I used to trust Maui Tacos, and ate there monthly, I have been made sick the last two times I’ve eaten there. I recently rescinded my good review on the restaurant and I sent an e-mail to the company. If you do choose to try to eat there I recommend steering clear of the tortilla chips and ordering something very basic.
Penne Pasta is owned by the same person that Maui Tacos is, and I had a bad experience there the last time I went. I sent an e-mail to the owner and he responded saying he would take care of the problem. The problem was that I found, not once but twice in one evening, a gluten containing noodle in my gluten-free pasta. Sadly, this means the company was unaware of cross contamination and was cooking it all in the same pot. If you do go, please let me know if this is a problem for you as well. I haven’t been back since the incident because I live on the other side of the island, but I’d like to know for future reference for other island visitors.
If you go to Iao Valley stop in Wailuku at Saigon Cafe for lunch or dinner. I’ve never had a problem there, and the service staff is very friendly. Just be sure to specify no soy sauce and that you have an allergy in your party.
Haliimaile General Store in Haliimaile town is very helpful if you call and tell them about your food issues beforehand. I did this and my waiter was on top if it. He knew exactly what on the menu I could and could not eat. The prices are a little higher, but it’s a very nice place to go and it’s casual enough for children.
Hana Hou and Colleens in Haiku town are my other choice restaurants and both are family friendly. Hana Hou also has a nice outdoor seating area and offers some luau style food on their menu. They offer the option of including a Taro Burger patty on their salads, and this is a gluten-free vegetarian burger sold here in Hawaii.
In Kahului check out the Thai restaurants at the Maui Mall(Thailand Cuisine) and on Dairy Road (Bangkok Thai). I’ve always been safe at these two.
In addition to Whole Foods there is also Down to Earth Natural Foods on Dairy Rd. and Alive and Well Natural Foods on the Hana Hwy not far from the airport.
In Makawao Town there is a cute restaurant called Market Fresh Bistro that offers gourmet style casual food that is made from 90% local ingredients. The chef is innovative and the staff is kind. It’s nestled back in the courtyard on Baldwin Avenue behind Makawao Steak House. I recommend it for lunch or dinner. Breakfast didn’t sit well with me, but everything else has.
In Paia Town check out Flatbread Pizza Company. For an additional $7 you can have a gluten-free pizza crust and they will prepare it far away from the gluten crusts and will bake it on foil in their oven. The flavors available are delicious, and the atmosphere is busy but fun.
Try to eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables while you’re here and you’ll all be fine. If you’d like to dine somewhere else and you aren’t sure of the place for safety, bring some food for your child and tell your server about it if they ask.
I hope this has helped the reader, and I hope that it will help others while visiting, or living on, the island.
