Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
self-important restaurants. But when it comes to dining, Molokai is not nirvana.
Even with the first upscale hotel and dining room open in Maunaloa, Molokai's
culinary offerings are spare. They are dominated by mom-and-pop eateries,
nothing fancy, most of them fast-food or takeout places and many of them with
a home-cooked touch.
Molokai's restaurants are inexpensive or moderately priced, and several of
them do not accept credit cards. Regardless of where you eat, you certainly won't
have to dress up. Nearly all of them welcome families (kids are well loved on
Molokai) and are willing to go out of their way to make sure your finicky eaters
are happy. In most cases, we've listed just the town rather than the street address
because, as you'll see, street addresses are as meaningless on this island as fancy
cars and sequins. Reservations are not accepted unless otherwise noted.
You'll find the restaurants reviewed below on the “Molokai” map on p. 311.
KAUNAKAKAI
Hotel Molokai
AMERICAN/ISLAND On the ocean, with a view of
Lanai, torches flickering under palm trees, and tiny fairy lights lining the room
and the neighboring pool area, the Hotel Molokai's dining room evokes the
romance of a South Seas fantasy. It's a casual room and provides the only
nightlife in Kaunakakai (see “Entertainment for the Whole Family,” later in this
chapter) and the most pleasing ambience on the island. Kids will gobble down
the chocolate-chip pancakes at breakfast and the giant burgers at lunch, and
you'll love the easy-on-the-wallet prices. As the sun sets and the torches are lit
for dinner, the menu turns to heavier meats, ribs, fish, and pasta. Try the fresh
catch, Korean kalbi ribs, barbecued pork ribs, New York steak, coconut shrimp,
or garlic chicken. Temper your expectations of culinary excellence, and you're
sure to enjoy a pleasing dinner in an atmosphere that's unequaled on the island.
On Kamehameha V Hwy.
&
808/553-5347.
Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters. Reservations recommended
for dinner. Main courses $7-$8 lunch, $12-$19 dinner; kids' menu $3-$6. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7-10am,
11am-2pm, and 6-9pm; bar until 10:30pm.
Molokai Drive-Inn
AMERICAN/TAKEOUT It is a greasy spoon, but it's
one of the rare drive-up places with fresh
akule
(mackerel), ahi (when available),
and fried saimin, at budget-friendly prices. The honey-dipped fried chicken is a
favorite among residents, who also come here for the floats, shakes, and other
artery-clogging choices. There's no kids' menu, but they'll love the burgers and
the chicken. Don't expect much in terms of ambience: This is a fast-food take-
out counter that smells like fried food—and it doesn't pretend to be otherwise.
Kaunakakai.
&
808/553-5655.
Most items less than $7.75. No credit cards. Mon-Thurs 5:30am-10pm;
Fri-Sun 6am-10:30pm.
Molokai Pizza Cafe
PIZZA It's been
the
in-spot for local families since it
opened, with excellent pizzas and sandwiches that have made it a Kaunakakai
regular as well as one of my favorite eateries on the island. Pasta, sandwiches, and
specials round out the menu. (Next to pizza, chicken nuggets is the biggest hit
among the under-12 set.) Kids are not only welcome, they are catered to with
coin-operated cars and a toy airplane, and adults should feel equally at home
with the very popular barbecued baby-back rib plate and the fresh fish dinners.
Children's art and letters in the tiled dining room add an entertaining and
charming touch. Free delivery to Hotel Molokai is a welcome addition.
In Kahua Center, on the old Wharf Rd.
&
808/553-3288.
Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters, crayons. Large piz-
zas $13-$23; kids' menu $4. No credit cards. Sun 11am-10pm; Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm.
