| West Maui Night Life | | | | up some good conversations. |
| Where should we go tonight? | | | | Thursday Night |
| I’ve been a bartender on west Maui for seven | | | | Sansei’s Sushi Bar |
| years now and I can’t tell you how many times | | | | Ready to sing some karaoke? No? Then lay off the |
| I’ve been asked that question. Usually it comes | | | | sake or you’ll probably find yourself on stage. |
| from a group of “singles” that’s stuck | | | | Sansei’s is a sushi restaurant in Kapalua |
| on a family trip or young couples looking for a fun | | | | (northwest Maui) that re-opens for the late night on |
| night on the town. Maui is a small, mellow place. The | | | | Thursday’s, it’s a great fun, classy scene! |
| majority of people visiting are families or retirees, not | | | | There’s ½ off sushi (which is delicious) from |
| party animals. But don’t loose hope there are | | | | ten till close. They usually shut the doors around nine |
| lots of singles, 18 -35 who come to work the | | | | thirty, a line builds and then they re-open the doors |
| restaurants and hotels here. They are some of the | | | | at ten and there’s a bit of a dash to reserve a |
| most fun, free spirited people you’ll ever meet. | | | | table. I like to get there just before nine-thirty, sneak |
| This article is designed as a guide for Maui nightlife | | | | into a table and cocktail until ten, then order my sushi. |
| from a locals point of view. The following is meant as | | | | Friday Night |
| a guide (not a strict set of rules). Bars are constantly | | | | Mai Tai Lounge |
| opening and closing and crowds always change. But | | | | If you haven’t been to the Mai Tai lounge yet, |
| use this for starters and you won’t be | | | | then you’re missing out. It’s my favorite |
| disappointed. | | | | place to watch the sunset in Lahaina (between six |
| Monday Night | | | | thirty and seven thirty depending on the time of |
| Hard Rock Café | | | | year). The atmosphere is lounge with dj’s |
| Monday has been Hard Rock night for as long as I | | | | spinning cool beats and fun tropical drinks. Try to get |
| can remember, which is funny because there’s | | | | one of the three booths on the upstairs deck (best |
| not any rock on this night. It’s Reggae night, | | | | seats in the house). Mai Tai is a great place to chill |
| featuring music from Marty Dread (a great local | | | | and enjoy some good company, so make sure you |
| entertainer). You’ll find a mixture of tourists and | | | | bring the right people. |
| locals filling the bar. There is a five-dollar cover | | | | Saturday Night |
| charge, but there are some great drink specials and | | | | LuLu’s @ the Cannery Mall |
| you’ll find it’s worth your money. | | | | Saturday’s are Lahaina’s biggest night out. |
| Tuesday Night | | | | Lots of places have been hot over the years but |
| Moose McGuilicuty | | | | these days the place to be is LuLu’s. This place |
| Tuesdays go off and for good reason. It’s dollar | | | | cranks! Awesome atmosphere, dancing, dining, |
| drink night (not just beers all the well liquors too). | | | | Lulu’s has it all! You’ll find a great |
| This is definitely a local hot spot, I suggest you get | | | | combination of locals and tourists enjoying |
| there before ten or you’ll risk waiting in line (it | | | | themselves. The best part is it’s halfway home |
| barely moves because no one leaves, so get there | | | | for those of you visiting and staying in the Kaanapalii |
| early). The atmosphere can be a little | | | | area. But promise me you don’t drink and drive! |
| “tough” inside. Don’t worry though, | | | | Your best bet is to take a cab, trust me you’re |
| show respect to the locals and you’ll have a | | | | going to end up having fun and staying longer than |
| great night. | | | | you think. Besides a cab only costs about eight bucks. |
| Wednesday Night | | | | Be safe! |
| Santa Fe Cantina | | | | Sundays |
| Weds have always been a mellow night on Maui | | | | Mulligan’s and Merriman’s |
| (everyone’s hung over from dollar night). A new | | | | Sunday’s is another mellow night (everyone |
| “off the map” Mexican restaurant called | | | | partied at Lulu’s all night). But here are two great |
| Santa Fe Cantina is changing that. It’s a small | | | | places you should checkout - Meriman’s in |
| venue and doesn’t really get going until after 11 | | | | Kapalua has a great sunset cocktail hour. The |
| (that’s when all the locals get off work at | | | | atmosphere is very upscale, so know that in advance |
| various restaurants). If you can’t wait till eleven | | | | and dress accordingly. The second place is |
| to start your night, head down the street to the | | | | Mulligan’s at the wharf in Lahaina. Mulligan’s is |
| Kimo’s bar. Kimo’s is a restaurant, with a | | | | an Irish dive bar that’s very casual and local, it |
| great locals bar scene, the food is ok. Actually | | | | doesn’t get going till after ten. Sunday’s are |
| it’s a great place to start any of these nights, | | | | usually open mic nights; you’ll hear some great |
| you’re sure to meet some cool locals and strike | | | | local talent and enjoy real island beats! |