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Take%20Five
Unusual Patio Dining Experiences

by Anthony Pignataro

April 03, 2008

PENNE PASTA

This little Mark Ellman Italian place in Lahaina Town gets a lot less press than it should. On some Sunday afternoon, go sit on the small patio and order a plate of spaghetti or a flatbread pizza (the one with tomatoes and basil is outstanding). The view is just of sleepy Dickenson Street, but you’ll be overcome by a feeling of quiet contentment. 180 Dickenson St., Lahaina, 661-6633. Open M-F, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sa-Su, 5-9:30 p.m. $

PITA PARADISE

I’m going to be honest with you: Pita Paradise may have outstanding gyros and falafels, but their outdoor patio leaves a lot to be desired. It overlooks a portion of the Kihei Triangle parking lot, meaning there’s pretty much no view—unless you like to watch people going in and out of Kahale’s. But the deck is large and can be rather nice in the afternoon. Kihei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 875-7679. Open 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $

MANANA GARAGE

Ahh, sitting on the patio at Manana Garage, which overlooks lovely, lovely Lono Street in Kahului. What could be more romantic? I’m kidding, of course—but there is something oddly pleasant about sitting out there in the early evening hours, munching on chips and guacamole while sipping a Corona… 33 Lono St., Kahului, 873-0220. Open m-Sa 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Su 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; M,W,Sa night lounge 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $

COOL CAT CAFE

The patio at this Westside ‘50s diner is on the second floor and kind of covered, so you’ve got no real dining under the stars possibility, but it does afford views of Front Street, Lahaina Harbor and the Banyan Tree. What more can you say? Wharf Cinema Center, Lahaina, 667-0908. Open 10:30 a.m-10:30 p.m. $

KAHUNA KABOBS

Located in the Lahaina Marketplace, near a few other tiny eateries, trinket carts, activity booths and that old treehouse place that would really make a cool restaurant if someone ever re-opens it, Kahuna Kabobs doesn’t really have a patio: just a few chairs and small tables arranged near their take-out window. But really—when you’re devouring a chicken kabob or fish taco here, does it really matter what you’re looking at? Lahaina Marketplace, 661-9999. Open 9:30 a.m-9:30 p.m. $ MTW