Vana Paia

I fell in love with this place. It was an unplanned visit. We had other plans that fell through. We entered the door and KNEW we were where we were supposed to be . Amazing food, AMAZING atmosphere. The live music was just what we needed!!! #Anthony Pfluke can SING, look him up.

Food is decent but my roll tasted premade and like it was in a cooler which is a no no lol, they brought out my entree before my drinks and appetizers even came out like what? The service was okay expected more for Valentine’s Day but I’m still in Maui so there’s that just stick to the mom and pop stores in the vicinity much better service and fresh food. Great if you just want some drinks just no on the food.

Absolutely best experience I’ve had in a while. The sushi chef took such good care of us the fish was outrageously fresh. O’toro melted. Local and the vibe really gave an experience. The musician tonight is blowing me away with his beautiful voice as he started with a beautiful Hawaiian song.

There was a very limited menu (Covid I guess), just a few hand rolls, cocktails or beer, basically a happy hour menu… The sushi rolls we had were fine and tasty, I think we ordered two pieces of Kampachi for $10, but I felt the place was overpriced and a little weird to find in a chill little town on the coast of Maui. The cocktails were good, overall kinda disappointing.

I love the vibe and the music. But I have two complaints: 1. first sit they have was about 7 fit from the restroom and direct view Tom inside the bathroom from the dining table. I asked to move by the fire out side and there is a pathway of people that goes from the parking lot to and apartment behind the restaurant… there a cat that hanging out as well, it doesn’t bother me cause I love cats but some people has allergic reaction to cats. 2. I ordered the guava mojito drink. It was great but the second glass I ordered there was a strong taste of an ashtray, almost if someone through a cigarette bud to the drink. The restaurant is a little pricey .

Relatively new (within 3 to 4 years) restaurant to hit so we put a pin in it... orgasmically yummy for the sushi lovers in us. Sitting in a pretty backyard atmosphere with the gusty trade winds blowing the palms above, Vana celebrates the flavors of Hawaii and showcases locally grown ingredients and Japanese inspired dishes -- locally sourced sushi, tapas, and cocktails. Started with Kushi Gold oysters done three ways (which they promptly sold out on so we felt thankful), the sushi sampler, some spicy rolls, and the OMG moment was the uni and scallop with ikura, tobiko, and shiso. I couldn't stop talking about the taste explosion on that one. Dynamite. Ended the sushi exploration with some kushiyaki skewers... sampling the gamut. Pairing cocktails started with the palette cleansing Empress indigo gin, agave and lemon... then their spicy lillikoi mezcalita with habenero. Ended with a Hibiki cocktail to pair with the A5 wagyu which blew my wife's mind 😍

The evening ambiance was very enjoyable and soothing. The food was great, specially the O'toro, and I overall had a great experience. It was a tad pricey for the portions delivered, but the food itself was very high quality and savory. Would recommend.

I had the crab cake Benedict and every bite was amazing! If I ever went to Maui again, this would be the one place I must go! Do not miss out on this place. Make a reservation in advance in case it's busy. It wasn't too busy the day we went for breakfast. The town of Paia is an awesome little place. Must go.

This place is special. It is so rare to eat somewhere and enjoy every dish. This restaurant did that for me. The flavors were very fresh and unique. A wonderful mix of citrus’s, salts, sweets and hints of spice filled my pallet as i greedily devoured each course. Not once did I feel that a dish could have been done better or in a different way. Even my espresso was good. Top all that off with incredibly friendly service and a price point that’s hard to beat.