Then it’s time we set sail for a delightful evening meal at one of Central Kihei’s hottest new establishments!
Ekolu Kitchen1279 was established back in 2020, just before that mean ol’ pandemic came through and shut everything down for a while. Thankfully it’s very hard to keep a good restaurant and restaurateur down, and Ekolu Kitchen is back in a big, big way.
We swung in to talk some story with co-owner Ron Panzo, whose name is likely ringing some bells for longtime Maui/Hawaii residents—Ekolu is the 19th restaurant of his career! He’s been literally all over the map, and had a hand in creating Nick’s at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Sorrento’s, Manoli’s, Nalu’s, and Son’z, amongst many prestigious others.
Ekolu Kitchen1279 features so many excellent choices, including the unbelievable double-cut pork chops and their soon-to-be-famous Kula Mist martini, which is guaranteed to turn any night into an adventure. The restaurant itself sports unique, one-of-a-kind designs, and is named after the Hawaiian word for three, as Ekolu has the three main ingredients to serve up a sensational dining experience time and time again: great food, great service, and great beverages 🤙
Ready to chart a course for culinary delight? Then make sure you check them out on the mauka side of Azeka Shopping Center, Open Tuesday-Saturday Evenings at 5:00 P.M. For reservations, call 808-793-3333—and keep your eyes peeled for one Gary Mooers and co. at the next table over 👀
