PILINA MAUI — Restaurant in Maui

A friend wanted to check out Wailea's newest bar.

ATMOSPHERE: They are the Kea Lani's new open-air lobby bar. I don't know the details of the past, only that the space used to be meeting rooms. What a better use of space and more so with the view, as sunsets are killer. The vibe is that of a swanky backyard, complete with live music, gazebos with swinging chairs, lounge sofas and a spacious bar top. Smoky aromas from the sushi bar wafted us throughout our evening, but in a good way.

MENU: Extensive sushi selection, handful of tiny-portioned "dinners", kid's menu. Full bar menu including sake and numerous spirits.

BEVERAGE: Makai - $34.00 This is by far the most expensive single cocktail I've had! Citrusy, a bit tart but very smooth and was served in a fancy glass that reminded me of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. The toppings of furikake (Japanese-style seaweed) and ogo (Hawaiian-style seaweed) were so slight, they were more of a visual effect than anything.

Tropics In Bloom - $24.00 A better value than the Makai, I also liked its fizziness and berry flavor more than the former.

FOOD: Togarashi Macadamia Nuts & Wasabi Peas These were included with our drinks. I don't like wasabi so I didn't have the peas but the mac nuts were good, similar to a honey roasted flavor & stickiness with a bit of heat.

King Salmon - $36.00 & Marinated Maitake Mushroom - $19.00 These two items are part of their Hot Rock Menu, meaning you're cooking it yourself on a 900-degree stone that's brought to the table. The salmon consisted of just four semi-thick slices which wore out the hot stone after cooking on both sides. Not worth the price due to its petite portion. Another hot stone was brought out for the maikate grilling. The half-bunch of mushrooms had a tasty marinade to them and went well with the salmon.

Maui Nui Venison Sliders - $26.00 (2 pcs.) Served warm on pillowy buns, the patty was moist & savory, with a slight tang and sweetness from the grilled onions.

My spouse and friend also enjoyed the Rainbow, Alii and Lobster Rolls. They came served on a warm marble slab which I found odd as you'd think it'd be cold.

DESSERT: Sichuan Pepper And Clove Flourless Chocolate Torte - $16.00 Velvety smooth with complimenting flavors of chocolate & orange.

SERVICE: No host stand was seen so I'm assuming it's seat yourself.

Chad, the bartender, was awesome. Very friendly, engaging and professional.

TIP: Kama'aina discount available.

OVERALL: Gorgeous views, fun vibe,...

Stunning views of the property to see while you enjoy a cocktail and fresh sushi! The newest addition to the Kea lani, this place has done well to capture what makes hawaii special. Highly recommend the Aina from the land cocktail from their signature list, even if you don’t think you are a fan of rum, this drink will change your mind. By far the tastiest and most refreshing of all three! If you are looking to try something off menu, ask for the Kula toasted coconut rum in a lime daiquiri, you will not be disappointed. This was probably one of the best drinks I have ever had and Kula rum is made locally!They have a cocktail and sushi making class which is definitely interesting and if you have time is worth trying out with samples of all three of their signatures cocktails offered. I would not recommend the hot rock bar as someone who loves and has tried lots of korean food. It does fall short in presentation and taste and I do think there are better rolls on the...

UPDATE: The manager in charge reached out to me after our experience and offered to make it right and took care of everything. I would definitely try this place again considering they have great customer service and care about customer experience. A lot of places don’t do that.

We went on Valentine’s Day for my husband‘s birthday. We did not have a reservation because they were doing the sushi boat experience which we did not want to do and they did have a seat for us right away, which is really nice but the service was so slow. He never came back with drinks or anything I asked for a straw that never came. The food wasn’t great and for what you’re spending it should be above average, as we spent 180 for 2 of us. there’s other restaurants in the area that has comparable pricing with amazing food and service. it does have a great atmosphere...