Maui / Oahu

[amber]

Hi,

We are planning a trip to the U.S. next year. Our daughter who is 11 is a celiac. At this stage the itinerary is - Disneyland, driving north to San Fransisco, flying over to New York then stopping in Hawaii on the way back.

Has anyone been to Maui or Oahu lately and if so what were your experiences re. availability of gluten free foods and eating out at restaurants. What is the awareness like there?

Can anyone recommend apartments we could rent on Maui (Condo's) which have a full kitchen so that we can cook breakfast at least? We don't fancy renting a car so somewhere close to stores which sell gluten-free products would be great.

I feel confident travelling within Australia as there is generally good awareness and good availability of gluten-free foods but I am not feeling confident about travelling to the U.S.A. as I have heard that awareness is not great in many areas (Hawaii being one of them). I do know that Outback Steakhouse has a gluten free menu but are there other chains such as mexican, asian restaurants that have gluten-free menu's also?

Thanks!

[kenlove]

Hi, take a look at

Open Original Shared Link

where I listed a few places on Oahu. I'm on the Big Island and dont know much about Maui places these days but people in general

people are becoming more aware in Hawaii. I work with the chefs on the Big Island so it's a little more gluten-free aware than the other islands.

Also if you search Hawaii in the travel section there should be a number of other posts that would be helpful.

Good luck

Ken

Hi,

We are planning a trip to the U.S. next year. Our daughter who is 11 is a celiac. At this stage the itinerary is - Disneyland, driving north to San Fransisco, flying over to New York then stopping in Hawaii on the way back.

Has anyone been to Maui or Oahu lately and if so what were your experiences re. availability of gluten free foods and eating out at restaurants. What is the awareness like there?

Can anyone recommend apartments we could rent on Maui (Condo's) which have a full kitchen so that we can cook breakfast at least? We don't fancy renting a car so somewhere close to stores which sell gluten-free products would be great.

I feel confident travelling within Australia as there is generally good awareness and good availability of gluten-free foods but I am not feeling confident about travelling to the U.S.A. as I have heard that awareness is not great in many areas (Hawaii being one of them). I do know that Outback Steakhouse has a gluten free menu but are there other chains such as mexican, asian restaurants that have gluten-free menu's also?

Thanks!

[Cherry Tart]

Hi Amber,

I'm going to Oahu/Maui in a couple of weeks. Ken kindly gave me some great suggestions too.

I was inspired to do some more research. Here are some links that pertain to both islands:

Oahu

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (gluten-free menu, they even serve RedBridge Beer!)

Open Original Shared Link

Maui

Open Original Shared Link (on Oahu as well)

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (read at the bottom of the article - Old Lahaina Luau)

Open Original Shared Link (a new store in Lahaina - supposed to have lots of gluten-free stuff)

Open Original Shared Link (by Kahalui airport - has a deli and bakery - everything is clearly labeled)

Open Original Shared Link (this place makes giant flourless chocolate cookies!)

Kauai

Open Original Shared Link Dedicated gluten-free bakery in Kauai - will ship to other islands. I have not ordered from her before but I may on this trip.

This is my first trip to Oahu, so I can't really recommend lodging. However, for Maui, I suggest staying on the west side of the island - it has the best sunsets. We rent condos from Jan Hendrix: www.WestMauiLodging.com in the Kaanapali beach area. I recommend the condos at Papakea. We always rent the studio on the water. This property doesn't have the best beach (it's small, but kid friendly), but if you walk a couple of blocks in either direction there are good beaches. The grounds are amazing too - beautiful gardens, giant koi ponds, pools/spas, new BBQs. There's a Star Market just across the street. They had a decent selection of gluten-free products. A couple of miles up the road is an Outback and Roy's. The Lahaina steam train is a couple of miles down the road too - kids love it.

Some other good places to hit on other parts of the island: Momma's Fish House - incredible food (pricey but delicious), Tommy Bahama Cafe in Wailea was very accommodating, the Gazebo Restaurant in Napili was great for breakfast, Maui Tacos in Napili (looks like a dive but the food was tasty), and the Old Lahaina Luau (will provide gluten-free meals if you call ahead - they book up fast). Most of the restaurants/shopping on the west side of the island is in Lahaina. It's touristy and fun to visit but, I don't think I would want to lodge there. If you can manage it, I would suggest renting a car (even just for a couple of days). There are so many things to see and good beaches to visit - the island is very easy to navigate.

The US is definitely not as educated on gluten-free diets as I would like but, things are getting increasingly better.

Anywho, I think I've talked long enough Have a great time!

[kenlove]

I still think you guys should come to the Big Island <G>!

Hi Amber,

I'm going to Oahu/Maui in a couple of weeks. Ken kindly gave me some great suggestions too.

I was inspired to do some more research. Here are some links that pertain to both islands:

Oahu

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (gluten-free menu, they even serve RedBridge Beer!)

Open Original Shared Link

Maui

Open Original Shared Link (on Oahu as well)

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link (read at the bottom of the article - Old Lahaina Luau)

Open Original Shared Link (a new store in Lahaina - supposed to have lots of gluten-free stuff)

Open Original Shared Link (by Kahalui airport - has a deli and bakery - everything is clearly labeled)

Open Original Shared Link (this place makes giant flourless chocolate cookies!)

Kauai

Open Original Shared Link Dedicated gluten-free bakery in Kauai - will ship to other islands. I have not ordered from her before but I may on this trip.

This is my first trip to Oahu, so I can't really recommend lodging. However, for Maui, I suggest staying on the west side of the island - it has the best sunsets. We rent condos from Jan Hendrix: www.WestMauiLodging.com in the Kaanapali beach area. I recommend the condos at Papakea. We always rent the studio on the water. This property doesn't have the best beach (it's small, but kid friendly), but if you walk a couple of blocks in either direction there are good beaches. The grounds are amazing too - beautiful gardens, giant koi ponds, pools/spas, new BBQs. There's a Star Market just across the street. They had a decent selection of gluten-free products. A couple of miles up the road is an Outback and Roy's. The Lahaina steam train is a couple of miles down the road too - kids love it.

Some other good places to hit on other parts of the island: Momma's Fish House - incredible food (pricey but delicious), Tommy Bahama Cafe in Wailea was very accommodating, the Gazebo Restaurant in Napili was great for breakfast, Maui Tacos in Napili (looks like a dive but the food was tasty), and the Old Lahaina Luau (will provide gluten-free meals if you call ahead - they book up fast). Most of the restaurants/shopping on the west side of the island is in Lahaina. It's touristy and fun to visit but, I don't think I would want to lodge there. If you can manage it, I would suggest renting a car (even just for a couple of days). There are so many things to see and good beaches to visit - the island is very easy to navigate.

The US is definitely not as educated on gluten-free diets as I would like but, things are getting increasingly better.

Anywho, I think I've talked long enough Have a great time!

[amber]

Kenlove :

Thanks very much for your response and links/suggestions. I have read some of your posts on this topic and it seems like you are doing a good job in raising awareness in your area. I work for the celiac society here as a volunteer and know how important it is to raise awareness in the community. The awareness in many parts of Australia has increased a great deal over the past ten years and maybe the same thing will happen over there in time. You have a much larger population in the U.S. to educate than we do.

We haven't considered the Big Island as we don't really know much about it. We have been to Oahu and Maui before though. We would certainly consider it though. How developed is the big island for tourism. Is it more untouched than the other islands?

Cherry Tart -

Thanks very much for all your links and suggestions. They are reallly helpful. I will look forward to hearing all about your trip when you get back.

[ksymonds84]

Hi Amber,

My dh sister lives on Maui so we go there alot. My favorite restaurant by far is Mamma's fish house. It is on the expensive side but the food is awesome and they are so wonderful at acommodating gluten free! My sister in law actually rents out her big home (that's how she plans to own it just for herself someday and she lives in the small ohana on the property) but would probably be WAY more than 3 people would need (It sleeps 16 people!). I've gone to all the Islands except Kuahi (probably spelling that wrong). I didn't know I was celiac the last time I went to Oahu so didn't look for gluten free when I was there. Have a great time!

[kenlove]

Hi amber

the big island is -- well some of us say too developed. Being BIG, there are large parts that are untouched. Lots of tiny small towns. The volcano is amazing to see too. We have 11 microclimates so there are a lot of choices. Also with hotels, from small mom & pop inns to 5 star Four Seasons and numerous B&B, farm stay and vacation rentals. Some of the top beaches and snorkeling places too.

When we first came here 30 some years ago we went to Kauai and the Big Island which remain my favorite places.

We do have a long way to go in building awareness for celiac but at least most of the chefs on this island understand.

Have a meeting in a few weeks with the Big Island Visitors Bureau to discuss developing a DF Hawaii program. It would really be a competitive edge for the places that offer it.

Open Original Shared Link

take care

Kenlove :

Thanks very much for your response and links/suggestions. I have read some of your posts on this topic and it seems like you are doing a good job in raising awareness in your area. I work for the celiac society here as a volunteer and know how important it is to raise awareness in the community. The awareness in many parts of Australia has increased a great deal over the past ten years and maybe the same thing will happen over there in time. You have a much larger population in the U.S. to educate than we do.

We haven't considered the Big Island as we don't really know much about it. We have been to Oahu and Maui before though. We would certainly consider it though. How developed is the big island for tourism. Is it more untouched than the other islands?

Cherry Tart -

Thanks very much for all your links and suggestions. They are reallly helpful. I will look forward to hearing all about your trip when you get back.

[MNBeth]

... My favorite restaurant by far is Mamma's fish house. It is on the expensive side but the food is awesome and they are so wonderful at acommodating gluten free!

It's been a year and a half since I was at Mama's for dinner, and I'm still sighing with pleasure at the memory. My, that was an amazing meal! That was pre gluten-free for me, but everything they made was wonderful, and I'm sure they come up with very memorable meals either way. It is pricey, though. We almost never eat in expensive restaurants, and we were treated by DH's boss on this occasion, but I'd pay to eat there if I had the chance again.

They have a website: www:mamasfishhouse.com