Hali'imaile General Store: How This Maui Favorite Won Oprah's Heart
If you're planning a trip to Maui and you're a foodie, there's one restaurant that has to be on your list: Hali'imaile General Store. This charming eatery, located in the small town of Hali'imaile, has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its innovative cuisine and warm hospitality. And it's not just any restaurant – it's Oprah Winfrey's favorite restaurant on Maui! So what should you order there and what is it like?
The Beginnings of Hali'imaile General Store
Hali'imaile General Store was founded by Beverly or Bev Gannon, a talented chef and restaurateur who had previously worked at the renowned Maui restaurant, Joe's. Gannon's vision for Hali'imaile General Store was to create a casual yet sophisticated dining experience that showcased the best of Hawaiian and international cuisine. The restaurant's menu was inspired by Gannon's travels around the world, as well as her passion for using fresh, local ingredients.
In 1987, the location that would become known as the "store" became available just in time for Christmas. Chef Beverly Gannon and her husband Joe Gannon saw an opportunity and signed a lease with plans to use the space as a gourmet take-out deli, catering headquarters, and general store. From the first day of opening, their take-out deli was an immediate success, with guests asking for a place to sit and enjoy their food. Beverly and Joe responded to this demand by adding tables and a full-service staff, and thus Hali'imaile General Store was transformed into a full-fledged restaurant.
Over the years, Gannon has become a beloved figure in the Hawaii culinary scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional cuisine and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. She has also been a vocal advocate for sustainable and ethical practices in the food industry.
Over the years, Hali'imaile General Store has become a beloved institution on Maui, earning numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant has also gained international recognition, thanks in part to media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who has named Hali'imaile General Store as her favorite restaurant on Maui.
Oprah has been a fan of Hali'imaile General Store for many years and has praised Beverly Gannon's talent and creativity as a chef. Winfrey has visited the restaurant several times and has even featured it on her show and in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine. In a 2013 interview with Hawaii Magazine, Winfrey spoke about her love for the restaurant, saying, "I just think Beverly is one of the most talented chefs anywhere, and she's just a really great person. You can feel that energy when you walk into the restaurant."
In addition to her admiration for Gannon's culinary skills, Winfrey has also praised her philanthropic efforts in the community. Over the years, the relationship between Beverly Gannon and Oprah Winfrey is one that is built on mutual respect and admiration, both for each other's talents and for their shared love of Maui and its culinary traditions. And through Hali'imaile General Store, they have both played a significant role in shaping the island's dining scene and culture.
The story behind the name is that the word 'hali'i' in Hawaiian means 'a covering' or 'blanket', while 'maile' is a fragrant, shiny-leaved twining shrub native to Hawaii. This area was once blanketed in the sweet scent of maile, and over time the name 'Hali'imaile' became part of the local oral tradition to describe this beautiful village.
The Hali'imaile General Store Experience
The restaurant's menu is designed to showcase the best of Hawaiian and international cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Some of the restaurant's signature dishes include the crab pizza, seared ahi with wasabi cream, and the macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it accessible to all diners.
One of the unique aspects of the food at Hali'imaile General Store is the emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant sources its produce from local farms and uses sustainably caught fish, ensuring that the food is not only delicious but also environmentally conscious. This commitment to using local ingredients also means that the menu changes with the seasons, reflecting the bounty of Hawaii's farms and waters throughout the year.
In addition to its exceptional cuisine, Hali'imaile General Store is also known for its charming ambiance and warm hospitality. The restaurant's interior features a mix of vintage and contemporary decor, with high ceilings, wooden floors, and eclectic artwork adorning the walls. The outdoor patio area is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil setting for al fresco dining. The restaurant's staff is friendly and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
Beyond the restaurant, Hali'imaile General Store also offers a variety of catering and event services, including weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The restaurant's experienced team can create custom menus and decor to fit any occasion, ensuring that each event is unique and memorable.
Hali'imaile General Store and Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey's house on Maui is a sprawling estate located in the upcountry town of Kula, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai. The property, which is named the "Promised Land," spans over 60 acres and includes multiple homes and guesthouses, as well as a working farm and orchard.
Oprah has been a vocal fan of Hali'imaile General Store for many years, declaring it her favorite restaurant on Maui during her 2000 visit. Winfrey has since returned to the restaurant several times, including for her 60th birthday celebration in 2014. During her visits, Winfrey has praised the restaurant's cuisine, ambiance, and hospitality, and has even featured it on her show and in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine.
In a 2013 interview with Hawaii Magazine, Winfrey spoke about her love for Hali'imaile General Store, saying, "I love the crab pizza, and the seared ahi, and the fact that it's in an old general store that has been preserved in a way that really respects the heritage of the place." Winfrey has also praised the restaurant's owner, Beverly Gannon, for her talent and creativity, saying, "I just think Beverly is one of the most talented chefs anywhere, and she's just a really great person. You can feel that energy when you walk into the restaurant."
The Future of Hali'imaile General Store
Hali'imaile General Store has become an iconic destination on Maui, drawing visitors from all over the world. And the restaurant's success shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, the restaurant has expanded its offerings to include a lunchtime bistro menu, as well as a happy hour menu featuring small bites and creative cocktails.
But despite its success, Hali'imaile General Store remains true to its roots, continuing to serve up innovative cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. And with Beverly Gannon at the helm, the restaurant is poised to continue its legacy as one of Maui's most beloved dining destinations for years to come. Chef Bev made the decision to retire and sell Hali'imaile General Store in 2022, after over three decades of successful operation. It was crucial for her to find a suitable partner who could continue the legacy she and her husband had created. After an extensive search, she identified Gather Restaurant Group, a family-owned restaurant company to take on the restaurant's future.
So, if you find yourself on Maui, make sure to add Hali'imaile General Store to your itinerary. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a unique dining experience, this charming eatery is sure to leave a lasting impression. And who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Maui landowner Oprah Winfrey there too (but reportedly she only gets takeaway so you have to be lucky!).