My Review of Happy Hour at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi

by Russell Snyder

Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi is located at the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott in Wailea, HI. It is one of those Maui restaurants that perfectly exemplifies why we started Maui Happy Hours; an upscale Wailea restaurant with a world-class menu, world-class views, and world-class prices.

Thankfully, they offer a happy hour that is quite affordable, certainly one of the best in Wailea, and in my humble opinion (see what I did there), one of the best happy hours on all of Maui, all things considered.

This week fellow Maui Happy Hours team member Kayla DeLong and I stopped by Humble Market Kitchin to sample the happy hour and enjoy the sunset. It was my first time at HMK, and I was quite impressed.

Since HMK is inside the Wailea Beach Resort, you can park in the parking garage or utilize the valet parking provided by the resort. Both are free when you dine at Humble Market Kitchin and get your ticket validated. Then you enter through the main front entrance of the resort, greeted by their smiling staff and a decadent view of the ocean.

The inside of Humble Market Kitchin itself is large, tastefully modern, and features another spectacular view of the ocean. As you enter you’ll pass through the lounge, followed by the bar, and then the main dining area. Note that the happy hour is only available in the bar or the lounge. Personally, I’d rather sit at the bar at any given place so that was fine with me.

I kicked things off with a local beer, the Talk Story American Pale Ale by Kohola Brewing, which is based in Lahaina, HI. Kayla went with a craft cocktail called the 19th Hole. Both were tasty and enjoyed a little too quickly, as so often is the case with a delicious drink. During happy hour, draft beers are $6 and specialty craft cocktails are $10. This is a hell of a deal for Wailea. Expect to pay about 50% more for each of these at other upscale Maui restaurants.

We were helped by bartender Kaiti Steilo, a true craftswoman when it comes to mixing cocktails. Not only did we get to see our own cocktails getting mixed, but Kaiti happened to be training someone while we were there, so we got to see the other patrons’ drinks get made while Kaiti gave the play-by-play on each ingredient and process. What a treat!

For food, Kayla and I started with the edamame, which is complimentary and quite good. Then we ordered the Vegetarian Sushi Roll and Crispy Calamari. The Crispy Calamari was hand-breaded and cooked perfectly, but what made it stand out was the wasabi-infused dipping sauce that came with it. The wasabi sauce was suggested by Kaiti so I think you need to request it to get it.

Kayla then ordered a Paniolo Mule (think Moscow Mule with a Maui twist) featuring locally made Pau Vodka. I went with an extra dirty vodka martini (yum). We were in love with Kaiti by this point.

Seriously, if you are looking for sunset dining, look no further. We had an amazing view of the setting sun, glistening ocean, the Molokini crater, and the neighboring island of Kaho’olawe, right from our seats at the bar. For an even closer view, sit at one of the tables on the ocean side.

Indicative of the high service standards at Humble Market Kitchin, the general manager, Kameron Luyt, stopped by to introduce himself, check on our meal, and offer his assistance with any questions or suggestions.

In summary, Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi is a must-try, whether you live on Maui or are just visiting. Cheers and thanks to Kaiti, Kameron, and the HMK staff. I will definitely be back!

>>> Click here for the Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi happy hour menu. <<<

 

Want to get in touch? Contact the Maui Happy Hours team.

 

About the Author:

Russell Snyder is a writer, ocean enthusiast, and full-time Maui resident who enjoys sampling the island’s best happy hours and sharing his findings with the masses. When not writing about Maui bars and restaurants, you can find him surfing or walking the beach with his dog, Leila.