Mayas Tapas & Wine — Restaurant in Oʻahu

Summary: Superb in all regards; food, drinks, service and ambience.

We went to Maya's on the advice of a friend and were delighted we did. We made it in time for the "Happiest Happy Hour Menu in Haleiwa" and it's fair to say it was the happiest happy hours we've ever had.

The cocktail of the day was delightful and a bargain at $5 - you could even eat the syrup-infused hibiscus flowers. The happy hour tapas menu were either $5 cut-down versions of standard-size tapas items or alternative creations. The Patatas Bravas was sweet and amazing and the Ahi Croquette was delish great options to start your selection. The three other dishes we chose were also lovely. Everything we ate felt inspired.

The second cocktail we had was Lost at Sea - coconut and nutmeg with a subtle ginger background. Scrummy.

Our server, Kevin, was absolutely delightful - helpful with the menu, polite and friendly. Our bill was delivered inside a book of poems and that is my new favourite way to be billed! Incidentally, the bill marked a page with a poem that I found so personally meaningful that I am going to request it be part of my funeral service. I've never before walked away from a meal with something as poignant as that!

If I lived on the island I'd be a dedicated regular. I'll just have to be content that I shared a lovely evening here with my soulmate.

No pics because I was too busy soaking it all in....

If you're looking for a taste of refinement on the North Shore, this restaurant is a must-visit. While it's not exactly a hidden gem, it still manages to stand out from the food truck and surfer scene with its sophisticated offerings. The drink selection, including a homemade coconut/guava soda that tasted like a tropical island in a glass, was fantastic. And the menu options did not disappoint.

We decided to try the crispy chicken sandwich, Spanish Lobster Roll, and couscous salad with shrimp, and each dish was impressive in its own right. The salad was a refreshing combination of Mediterranean flavors, and the lobster roll was both delicate and satisfying. The sauce had a subtle flavor that complemented the lobster without overpowering it, and each bite seemed to intensify the flavors in a delightful way.

What really stood out to me was the attention to detail in each dish. It was clear that the chefs put a lot of care and thought into creating the perfect flavor profiles, and the result was a meal that was both satisfying and memorable.

If you're in the area, I highly recommend checking out this restaurant. It's a wonderful addition to the food scene and definitely worth a visit. And who knows, you might just discover your new...

There were no vegan options on the menu, which is not unusual for Hawaii. My husband went ahead and ordered food since we were already there and decided I would go around the corner to a vegan restaurant the waiter suggested afterwards.

I had a coconut lemonade, very refreshing and satisfied my bite in my belly while I waited for my husband to finish eating.

About 4 min after they served my husband his food , the host came to me and said that the Chef wanted to know if was okay to whip me up a sauteed vegetables medley, and of course I agreed, I was flattered.

He asked me a few questions about my diet restrictions and constructed the most delicious, delectable creation.

There were seasoned and sauteed artichoke hearts, clover sprouts, Fresh Hawaiian Berries, micro sprouts , roasted peppers, and tomato's, drizzled with a mildly sweet very well balanced Macadamia nut, roasted pepper, and local Hawaiian honey cream sauce accompanied with a light drizzle of raspberry reduction, finiahed with a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect!

Brilliantly executed, absolutely outstanding.

Top shelf presentation , perfect portion size, responsibly priced.

I left feeling energized, joyful, and light, while completely satiated.

I tip my hat to the...