Kono's On The Green - Kīhei

My husband and I used to enjoy dining at Kono's during our Maui vacation, but our recent experience was a big disappointment. We had a reservation but were told outside seating was first come, first serve. The outside seating now offers "community seating" where strangers sit together at large tables. There is also a $5.00 cover charge on Sunday nights for the band playing outside. We decided not to stay for dinner due to the loud volume of the band and the lack of traditional Hawaiian decor or staff attire. Unfortunately, Kono's is no longer on our list of favorite dining spots on Maui.

Upon entering Kono's, we found the atmosphere to be pleasant and inviting, but it took a while for someone to acknowledge and seat us at a table. We had intended to sit outside on the patio, but the loud music (possibly from a DJ) and people dancing made it feel a bit uncomfortable. Inside, we were the only ones at a table, with a few patrons at the bar. The waitress provided excellent service and the food was good, but the overall vibe made me hesitant to return. The prices were not cheap, especially considering the club-like atmosphere outside upon our arrival.

Wonderful service, great views, local cuisine, have the Hula Pie!

We were not sure what to expect after reading negative reviews, but we were satisfied with the service, the price and very happy with the food. I had the prawns, wifey had the scallops.

My husband and I dined several times at Kono’s each year during our Maui vacation, including last year, and always looked forward to the experience of tropical outdoor dining, soft breezes, good service and nice atmosphere What a big disappointment two days ago. Although we had a reservation when we arrived and asked to sit outside we were told the outside seating was first come, first serve (as three women sailed right past us at the hostess station and grabbed three seats). The outside seating has converted to “community seating” which means the tables seat six to eight with strangers sitting with strangers. Sunday night a full band plays outside so there is a per person cover charge to have dinner outside where the band is set up. All this we learned from the woman whose job it is to be a hostess, however seemed to lack the enthusiasm or friendliness to be a hostess Not wanting to “table share” we found a table inside (seating ourselves) and ordered beverages. Then the outside band started with ear splitting volume drowning out all conversation inside and outside. We finished our beverage, asked for the check, and left not staying for dinner We were profoundly disappointed in the overall look, no longer table cloths, and nothing of the previous traditional Hawaiian look in the decor or staff dress Kono’s, always a Maui favorite, is off our dining list. Helen’s M