Fresh Maui fillets to fill up on

The Valley Isle welcomes all with open arms, featuring adventures from the mountain and sea, all the way to the kitchen. When it comes time to take a break from all of the excitement and fuel up, a worthy go-to choice falls in a nice, fresh catch from the sea. Baked fish comes in many different ways, and on Maui the selections are endless. Make your first few stops at these top-rated picks for elevated preparations of your favorite island fish.

1. Fleetwood’s on Front Street
744 Front St., Lahaina
669-MICK (6425)
fleetwoodsonfrontst.com

Owned by Mick Fleetwood, drummer of the Fleetwood Mac rock band, the restaurant is sure to make every meal “music to diners’ taste buds.” The waterfront location presents incredible views for guests and cool sea breezes that complete the experience. Throw your reel out for Fleet-wood’s savory Herb Crusted Mahi Mahi, which rests on a mouthwatering bed of rich Wild Mushroom Risotto, black truffle and Parmesan chips for a little bit of crunch to the smooth dish. Being just by the sea, stop in for lunch, dinner and happy hour to discover its other meals from the sea or opt for something land-based such as a steak or burger.

PHOTO COURTESY FLEETWOOD’S ON FRONT STREET

2. Hula Grill Kaanapali
Whalers Village
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy., bldg. P1, Lahaina
667-6636
hulagrillkaanapali.com

Located right on the white sandy shores of Kaanapali Beach, Hula Grill gives diners a very relaxing ambiance in a plantation era-inspired beach house serving up award-winning cuisine from chef Peter Merriman. Perch yourself in its main dining room or at the Barefoot Bar. For its winner, winner fish dinner, you’ll want to get a seat at the main dining room for a bite into Hula Grill’s mesmerizing Crab Topped Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi. It is served atop a heaping pile of coconut sesame rice and drizzled with a complementing Maui Gold pineapple beurree blanc sauce. Other delicious meals and beverages await at both the bar and main dining room including fish tacos, kiawe wood oven flatbread, ribeye and much more.

PHOTO COURTESY HULA GRILL KAANAPALI

3. Kula Bistro
4566 Lower Kula Road, Kula
871-2960
kulabistro.com

Head in the opposite direction with a lovely drive Up-country for a grand meal from Kula Bistro. The charming and cool restaurant boasts a diverse menu starting with breakfast (except on Mondays) and taking diners all the way through nighttime. The Opaka Lobster is available on the dinner menu and is a savory pleasure. Cold water lobster crowns the tender opakapaka fillet, which all rests atop mashed potato and spinach with baby bok choy. It is perfectly slathered in a tasty but light morel saffron lobster blanc sauce. Additionally, Kula Bistro is renowned for its delectable and fully loaded dessert showcase of Italian treats to local delights that can be consumed in the restaurant or on the go. Each beautifully crafted item is homemade daily.

PHOTO COURTESY KULA BISTRO