Nov 2024. The review really pains me to write. It's like writing a eulogy to a beloved old friend, because i doubt we will come back. If you read my other reviews, you will notice that while i don't give everyone 5 stars, i do take care in reviewing small local businesses to make sure I'm fair.

We've been visiting Maui for many years and the original Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina's Front Street was our favorite place to get a taste of local dishes, enjoyed their hospitality and Aloha spirit, in a very relaxed and unassuming setting. No muss no fuss.

Then it became Star Noodles. Not quite the same vibe. Impossible to get in. We mourned the loss of the old joint.

After the devastating fire, we saw that Aloha Mixed Plate had returned and i quickly made a reservation to visit our old friend.

Let's just say, it's not the same place. A much more limited menu. Ok, i understand. Much higher prices, sure, same everywhere, unavoidable. Then came the most unfriendly wait staff, if that's even a possibility in Hawaii at all. He walked up to our table and said are you ready to order. We asked about fish of the day. "Mongchong" was his one word answer. I stared at him blankly for a few seconds waiting for him to elaborate but nothing came. So i said I'm not familiar with that fish. "White fish" two words this time. Then i asked if i can get the fried chicken in full adult size not kiki size (i was careful to explain I'm not trying to cheat by ordering a kiki plate) and obviously they make fried chicken in the kitchen can they not charge me more for an adult plate even though it's not on the menu? "no" another one word answer. At that point i gave up and ordered the kalua pork plate. After 30 minutes this same gentleman did not bring us water (i had a Blue Hawaii from the bar but my hubby had nothing) but stopped at our table to ask for our order again. We said we already ordered, but can we get some water? He said "Oh" and left. It wasn't until another staff who seems to be a Front of House manager type stopped by and we asked again for water that we got some.

Another staff brought us our food, while we observed other tables nearby also struggled with same lack of service. By that point we lost our appetite and ready to leave. Had to wait another half an hour to find the guy so we could pay. An hour and a half for 2 plate dinners that we could get for a fraction of price at L&L that taste better and much warmer welcome.

It broke my heart. But our beloved AMP was gone. This new incarnation may have the same name but not the same heart.