Review by J1 Reporter Eliana Xydakis

Ulu Kitchen by Merriman is a restaurant in Maui, Hawaii at the Westin Resort at 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761. I rate this amazing restaurant a five out of five. It was beautiful, tasteful and a good experience. 

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My family and I were able to go two times on our trip for breakfast only. They seated us fast even though they were busy.

Once you are seated they greet you kindly and give you a little bit to decide. While you wait you can look at the beautiful ocean front view. It is a vibrant blue sky at all times and you are able to see the other islands surrounding Maui. 

I was able to get food and drinks right away both times. They were quick with refilling waters and bringing out food. 

On the first day we went, I ordered The Classic and got eggs, sausage and the smashed potatoes. The eggs were the best eggs I’ve ever had. They had the cheese melted and flowing up with the soft flavored eggs. Then the sausage was seasoned greatly.

Finally I had smashed potatoes. The menu described it as “crispy smashed potatoes, parmesan, parsley.” I’ve never seen this before but it was a potato surrounded by a burnt shell of what is normally on the top of a hash brown. I personally didn’t like it a lot but my mom and sister were fans. This was all $21.

The next time that I went I got a pancake with eggs. The pancakes were a fluffy texture topped with sweet maple syrup and a pineapple whip. I didn’t like the pineapple whip but the pancake overall was good. The eggs were the same, which was very good.  This was $24.

The service was good, too. It was the same waitress both days. She was welcoming and she taught us more about the food and the island. 

Overall, Ulu Kitchen was a great experience for our first time in Hawaii.