Hali'imaile General Store

I felt like I was in middle of nowhere and find this great restaurant. They served one of my favorites wine by the ( Turley Zinfindel ) the pork chop was delicious

Lovely atmosphere and delicious food! Good Hawaiian food and beautiful restaurant

Today's lunch experience left much to be desired. We arrived promptly for our 12:30 pm reservation, finding the main dining room only half full. Surprisingly, despite this, the hostess directed our party of 4 early arrivals to a dark and empty back room. When I requested a table in the well-lit main dining area, the hostess, who I've encountered before, greeted us with a displeased expression, making us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued customers.

This isn't the first time I've noticed such behavior from her, leading me to wonder if it's a pattern or just our perception. Whether it's due to our casual attire or being local Kama'aina, I cannot say, but this consistent seating arrangement policy seems to affect their business. It's no surprise that the main dining area remained empty throughout our entire lunch from 12:30 pm to around 1:40 pm.

The disappointing experience extended to our meal. We ordered 2 green papaya salads, both of which were overwhelmingly salty—so much so that neither my mother nor I could eat more than a few bites. When the waiter came by and asked how everything was, I mentioned the issue. He gave a brief shrug and said it’s because fish sauce is used in the dressing, then walked off without another word. It left me wondering why he even asked in the first place—like someone who poses a question out of obligation but clearly isn’t interested in the answer.

By the end of the meal, he noticed the untouched salads and, without offering any remedy or apology, simply walked away. No follow-up, no offer to replace the dish or adjust the check. Just indifference. For $36 worth of salad, I would have expected at least a gesture of acknowledgment. We ended up boxing them up to rinse off and feed to our chickens—frustrating, but at least someone will enjoy them.

Ultimately, our lunch for 6 cost nearly $400, delivering only an average dining experience at best. Regrettably, I invited guests based on proximity rather than quality, a decision I now regret. In the future, I'll gladly drive the extra distance to restaurants like Koast, Lineage Maui, or Ferraro's in Wailea, where hospitality and food quality are consistently superior.

We had an amazing experience at the General Store. We had a reservation after our Maui pineapple tour and they were able to take us early. The service was friendly and knowledgeable. Not only was the presentation fabulous the food was incredible. I had a tofu burger with pineapple and my husband had the Hapu`upu`u. We had the pineapple upside down cake for desert, which was delish with ice cream. Great experience! Would highly recommend!

I've come here every time I come to maui. So I think 9 times now. Food is Fantastic, staff is on point. Always a great meal.

Went for the first time 3 years ago. 5 star service and food then. Now, not so much. The entrees were good, albeit the vegetables were not cooked through and completely unseasoned. But the server barely looked at us and spent the entire night acting like he wanted to be anywhere but dealing with customers. Then the dessert was prepared incorrectly, hot creme brulee with thin runny custard. The host repeatedly kept arguing with us that it was right, that it's supposed to be served hot, then changed and said they stuck their finger in it and it was cold. Unfortunately the food and service fell off a noticeable amount and I will not be coming back.

Had Christmas dinner and was totally let down. Been to the restaurant over 10 times Always having a 5 star experience. This year we didn’t have family in town so decided to go out for Christmas dinner. We arrived on time to a porch full of guests waiting to be seated. Waited 15 mins and then was taken to our table. No problem, it’s a busy night. 10 minutes later our server showed up, took our drink orders and explained the buffet. We were starving so we proceeded to the line. 1/2 of the food items were gone or well picked over. Prime rib was raw and fatty. I was really disappointed with almost every item on the buffet. Either cold or no flavor. Ended up not getting second round of food.
When I got the bill, it was $360 for 3 with a couple of drinks. Added a 20% tip because it was Christmas. $430 and I went home hungry. Maybe stick to what you do well. Not a buffet. I don’t like leaving negative reviews but the restaurant needs to know.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

We come back to Hali’imaile General Store because they have the best mixologist on Maui (in our opinion). Wendy has won cocktail contests (like Don the Beachcomber) and has been designing the cocktail menu for Hali’imaile for years. She uses fresh local ingredients, many of which she prepares herself, to craft the most delicious beverages…and she serves them with a smile and a friendly chat. Her concoctions really compliment the menu as well.

We like to catch lunch at the bar on weekdays. Today I had carrot-ginger-coconut soup and a sashimi napoleon. My husband had Chinese chicken salad. Dessert was the always scrumptious lilikoi-mango crème brûlée. Wendy’s Lemongrass Ginger Frost was the perfect drink, although I also had a taste of her seasonal Pumpkin Colada (because it is about to come off the menu in favor of another special seasonal cocktail). Wow it was good (and I’m not normally into pumpkin spice things! She just has a way about her.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food! This was our first time to this restaurant after vacationing in Maui 5 times. We cannot wait to come back and will be adding it to our regular rotation of restaurants, including Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s, and Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea). I got the black tiger shrimp pasta and it was fantastic! My partner got the ahi tuna bowl and he loved it. He said it was a “great Asian flavor profile that works well with tuna.” The cilantro and jalapeño margarita was out of this world. Also recommend the pork bao buns, including the slaw that comes with them. I could go on and on, but you must give it a try for yourself! Tip - check out the InKind app as you can receive a $25 discount on your first visit; you also receive cash back (I received 20%) for future use at any InKind restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Asian Bau Bow with Coleslaw

We went twice during our trip to Maui and it was even better than we expected based on all the suggestions of friends who had visited previously. It’s small, friendly, outstanding service, and the food is out of this world. I had the delicious farm salad and my son had the fish that was featured that evening. I don’t think his plate needed washing after he finished. We both had the chocolate dessert with vanilla ice cream. I’m still dreaming about it. I can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed both evenings there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Fresh Catch

Always go here at least once and have the sashimi napoleon! Best ever!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sashimi Napoleon

Please do not go here without a reservation. Walk ins are terrible experience and front desk will not give you a proper estimate. We were asked to wait for 45 minutes but nobody called us or when we reached out to front desk, there was no response.

Holy cow! What a find!!! We were lucky to arrive and get in without a reservation. The hostess, cocktail waitress, waiter, server, and even the bus boy were friendly and courteous. The drinks and food were phenomenal! Definitely try the scallop-crab cakes and the banana cheese cake!!! Bathrooms were immaculate. The only not perfect part was that the venue is very noisy. Otherwise, five stars!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was deeply disappointed with our Christmas dinner buffet at Hali'imaile General Store in Makawao. At $85 per person, I expected a memorable meal, but instead, it was an overpriced letdown. The food was cold during our first visit to the buffet, so we gave it a second chance, hoping for improvement with a fresh, hot batch. Unfortunately, the only difference was the temperature—the food was still bland and unappealing.

The mac and cheese was completely flavorless, the prime rib was undercooked and paired with an oily au jus, and the yaki soba was dry. To make matters worse, the soda was flat. For such a steep price, I would have expected far better quality and attention to detail. This meal felt like highway robbery, and I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone based on this experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

First time to Hali'imaile everything was above and beyond our expectations!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5