It's true that in general, food is not cheap anywhere in Hawaii. It is possible, though, to find good, healthy food and keep to a budget.
Here are some suggestions:
Order from the Bar Menu or Order Appetizers - Most resorts have a pool bar or a smaller restaurant that will have a bar menu. The offerings are usually $10 - $14 dollars and most have several fish offerings, along with the typical fried whatever. In the Ka'anapali area, LeiLani's Beachside Grill has a wonderful fish sandwich dressed with spinach and a light dressing. The fish is fresh (Ahi Tuna or whatever is available) and very tasty. Their fish tacos are also good and can be considered reasonably healthy as they are grilled, not fried.
Another option is the Beachwalk Market and Pantry at the Ka'anapali Marriott. They have your typical pre-packaged sandwiches and salads in the coolers but they also have sushi, banana and other fruit-based breads, and a grill for a few made-to-order selections. Breakfast options are grilled items such as eggs and bacon or toast, bagels, yogurt parfaits and a few baked goods.
If these is no bar menu, the appetizer menu usually offers some good choices for a light meal for lunch or dinner.
Buy fresh food and prepare your own meals. Local markets or natural food stores are good choices for local items and may have some of your favorites from home. Try some of the local favorites such as pineapple, apple bananas (a smaller, less sweet version of a banana), starfruit, mangoes, papaya, and many others that are grown on the island. The Beachwalk Marketplace mentioned above turned out to be a good option for us on our latest trip.
Many hotel rooms or condos at least offer a toaster and a microwave. If possible, buy food for breakfast in your hotel room. When my husband and I travel together, breakfast is usually the hardest meal to arrange and I get frustrated spending money in restaurants just for breakfast.
Here's something that I've put together on past trips to get a reasonably healthy breakfast:
- Whole-Wheat English Muffins
- Low-fat cheese or soy cheese
- Trans-fat free buttery spread for taste
- Eggs (if you have a stove to cook them)
Occasionally, I'll buy some instant oatmeal packets and make them in the microwave or using the hot water from the coffee pot. I'll add a handful of walnuts for some protein and fat.
Avoid eating at a full-service restaurant for every meal. Try a place that offers counter service. The prices are usually lower and you don't have to tip (although a tip jar is usually available).
I grew up in Texas and I love the many varieties of "Mexican" food: Tex-Mex, Northern New Mexico Green and Red Chile dishes to more authentic dishes from Mexico. I've learned that Hawaii is not the place to find good Mexican food. That's not surprising but I keep trying. The exception is Maui. There are several places on the island that are counter service and have extensive menus ranging from traditional enchiladas to burritos to fish tacos. You won't find these items drowning in cheese like some of the Tex-Mex selections served in Texas but consider this one of the health benefits! Some of our favorites are listed in the Our Favorite Eateries section below.
If you're going to splurge, try one of the breakfast buffets. You won't leave hungry. Watch the carbohydrates and don't skimp on the protein. Look for island specialties like macadamia nuts (for your pancakes) and fresh guava juice. If you make it a brunch and you balanced your meal, you should have enough energy to last until dinner. Try for a light dinner to balance the heavy breakfast.
Move it or lose it: I'm sure all of us enjoy eating good food and sampling some of the local fare but to stay healthy, our bodies crave movement. It's very easy to be active on Maui. Besides the obvious beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, boogie boarding etc., there are numerous other activities to keep you from getting bored:
- There are some wonderful hikes throughout the island, from the top of Haleakala at over 9000 feet to rainforest hikes that start at sea level.
- Many of the resort areas have walking paths that are well used by travelers of all ages.
- A variety of golf courses are available at all levels of play.
Don't forget to stay hydrated: Trust me. It's easy to forget this part. There is usually a nice breeze that will keep you comfortable and hide that your body is sweating and losing fluids from the higher temperatures and humidity. Yes, it's OK if you want to have a soft drink (make it diet if you can) but water or tea are better at giving your body what it needs so lean towards those choices when possible.
Bottom line: To get the most out of your trip and to avoid those few extra pounds or an energy drain, do your research and then come up with a plan for what you want to do each day. Identify food options that match your activity level and your location (so you're not driving in circles). Make time for the trip to the local markets to buy fresh food.
Finally, don't make healthy eating into something stressful for you. Don't feel bad about a few splurges while on vacation. After all, it is a vacation and you are supposed to be having fun, right? A high-calorie meal or two won't derail your health and fitness plan.
If you can, plan your trip for late February or March during the peak of the humpback whale season. They are amazing creatures and Maui is one of the best places to watch them dance and play in the water.
Our favorite eateries. All offer reasonable priced items except for Roy's which is a full-service, upscale restaurant (expensive but worth it):
(B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)
Beachwalk Market and Pantry (West Maui, Ka'anapali)
100 Nohea Kai Dr. 808-667-1200
Sandwiches, salads, baked goods, grill (B,L,D)
Leilani's Beachside Grill (West Maui, Ka'anapali)
2435 Ka'anapali Pkwy. 808-6614495, http://www.leilanis.com/
Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill (West Maui)
4405 Honoapiilani Hwy. 808-669-6999, http://www.roysrestaurant.com/
Fish, Steak, Pasta with an Asian/Island flair (L,D)
Cilantro (West Maui, Lahaina)
170 Papalaua Ave 808-667-5444, http://www.cilantrogrill.com/
Counter-service Mexican food, extensive menu, vegetarian options (L,D)
Maui Taco (Multiple locations), http://www.mauitacos.com/
Kihei: 2411 S. Kihei Rd. 808-879-5005
Kahalui: Q. Ka'ahumanu Ct. 808-871-7726
Napili: 5095 Napilihau St. 808-665-0222
Lahaina: 840 Wainee St. 808-661-8883
Counter-service Mexican burritos and tacos, including fish tacos (L,D)
Las Piñates (Kahului)
395 Dairy Rd. 808-877-8707
Counter-service Mexican food, extensive menu, (L,D)
