Did you know, the modern version of Mother's Day in the United States was launched in 1907?
Then our Congress passed legislation in 1914, which officially put Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.
On Maui, restaurants will pull out all of the stops, but make reservations soon since it will be as busy as it gets. Here are choices for you to ponder.
Article Photos
Maui Beach Hotel’s Tanya Norton toasts to her daughter, Kira Norton, 10. Tanya serves as the Kahului hotel’s sales administrative assistant. “We’ll offer both brunch and dinner options this Mother’s Day,” Tanya says.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
CENTRAL MAUI
Dragon Dragon Chinese Restaurant at the Maui Mall in Kahului will breathe fire into Mother's Day with its Hong-Kong style fare for lunch and dinner.
Seafood is the specialty here, and Mom will be delighted with lobster fresh from the tanks along with shrimp moo shu, soft-shell crab and whole opakapaka with ginger and green-onion sauce.
Fact Box
"A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."
- Tenneva Jordan
For reservations, call 893-1628.
Mom will enjoy views of the West Maui mountains and the lagoon surrounded by lush foliage at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.
Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you'll find plenty of parking and large tables for families.
The hot breakfast station will feature your favorites such as classic or seared ahi eggs Benedict. The hot lunch array will feature boneless teriyaki chicken, jumbo shrimp scampi to order, miso soup Waikapu style, and Bruddah Willy's sticky ribs.
Chilled on ice will be tropical fruits, Kula greens and dressings, Auntie Nan's ahi poke and potato-mac salad. Desserts range from warm bread pudding with caramel sauce to fresh-baked pies. It also includes coffee, tea and punch for keiki.
Cost is $34.95 adults, $24.95 seniors 60 and older, and $16.95 for keiki 3 to 12 years of age. Call 244-7643.
Let Mom indulge in her choice of the brunch or the dinner buffets at Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului. Both are all-you-can-eat affairs and both will be held in the Elleair Ballroom, which is cool and air-conditioned with plenty of seats.
The brunch seatings are at 10 a.m. and noon; and the dinner seatings are at 5 and 7 p.m. Both include a carving station with prime rib, chilled appetizers such as ahi poke, peel-and-eat shrimp and rolled maki sushi.
Hot entrees are steamed salmon, roast pork with brown gravy, baked oysters, shrimp and veggie tempura, fried noodles and chicken teriyaki.
Desserts will be plentiful and include strawberry shortcake, coconut cake, dark chocolate cake, custard pie and Jell-O cups along with coffee and tea.
Maui Beach Hotel's brunch buffet also will feature a salad bar and breakfast items. Cost is $35.99 for adults, and $17.99 for kids 6 to 11. The dinner buffet costs $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children 6 to 11. For more details, call 877-0051.
King Kamehameha Golf Club will dish up sweeping bicoastal views from its perch in the hills of Waikapu with Haleakala looming in the background. Brunch seatings are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Mom will delight in an array of salads and appetizers such as sliced beefsteak tomatoes and basil, chilled shrimp on ice, imported and domestic cheeses, grilled vegetables, assorted sushi and more.
Create your own omelets at the station, and dig into entrees such as sliced beef filet mignon, breaded mahimahi with lemon and capers, pork chow mein, hoisin chicken and breakfast meats.
Desserts include cakes, pies, mousse tarts, fresh fruits and strawberries, coffee and tea. Cost is $36 for adults, and half-price for keiki 6 to 12. Call 243-1024.
Four Sisters Kitchen on Vineyard Street in Wailuku will host a Mother's Day Sunday Brunch with seatings from 8:30 to 1:30 p.m. The Brown Ohana will perform Hawaiian tunes starting at 10 a.m.
Various stations will feature made-to- order omelettes and waffles. Chef will slice prime rib, ham with a special glaze, and there will be a whole hulihuli pig with crispy skin and special sauce.
Diners will also find squid luau, crab legs, ahi and take poke, sushi, cocktail shrimp, salads, various soups, noodles such as pancit and dry mein and starches from white rice to roasted potatoes.
Hot entrees will include barbecue mango baby back ribs, laulau, Mongolian beef and tortang talong. Top it off with desserts such as cheesecake, fresh malassadas, and ice creams. Buffet includes juice, fruit punch, tea and coffee.
Cost is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 5 to 12. Call 242-1135.
Cary & Eddie's Hideaway in Kahului will let you soak in views of the harbor from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as you dine on the affordable brunch priced at $13.99.
The brunch features an omelet station, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, fried rice, sausages, baked ham, mini pancakes, salad bar, fruit, salads and soft drinks, coffee and juices.
The Hideaway's dinner will run from 5 p.m. until closing. Choose the Hawaiian American buffet with soup and salad island and other enhanced items for $24.99 adults; or opt for special dinner combinations that include Alaskan king crab, spiny lobster tail, pulehu prime rib, New York steak and pork ribs, a signature item.
Live entertainment will be provided. For reservations, call 873-6555.
Coconut Grill at the nearby Maui Seaside Hotel on Kahului Harbor will also offer two Mother's Day feasts.
The brunch buffet will offer seatings at 8:30, 10:30 and 11 a.m.; and the lunch and dinner buffet seatings are at 1, 1:30, 4, 7 and 7:30 p.m.
Both include carved roast prime rib, lup cheong and baby clams, mahimahi with black bean sauce, local-style roast pork with pan gravy, grilled Thai chicken, salad bar, chilled seafood and assorted desserts. Cost of the brunch buffet is $29.95 adults, $27.95 seniors, and $14.95 children 5 to 12. The lunch and dinner buffets are just a couple of dollars more. For reservations, call 871-8881.
SOUTH MAUI
Beach Bums Bar BBQ & Grill will offer a casual and fun alternative right on Maalaea Harbor all the way from noon to 9 p.m. Specials include lobster dinner, mahimahi and tiger prawns combo, and lobster and prime rib combo priced from $29.95 to $36.95. You'll also find happy hour deals from 3 to 6 p.m.; and live music from 5 to 8 p.m. For reservations, call 243-2286.
Also situated on Maalaea Harbor, Buzz's Wharf will help you pamper Mom with a special three-course menu for $49.95 per person, served for both lunch and dinner. The appetizers include a choice of crab-stuffed won tons or seared ahi tuna.
Entree choices are petit filet and prawns Tahitian combo, or sauteed snapper with Hamakua oyster mushrooms in champagne beurre blanc. For dessert, delight in chocolate truffle cake or mango upside-down cake. Call Buzz's at 244-5426.
Gannon's: A Pacific View Restaurant high in the hills of Wailea will tempt Mom with an-all-you-can-eat buffet and open-air dining. The breakfast station will feature all of your favorites. The carving board includes prime rib, bone-in ham, whole roasted turkey with gravy, and fried chicken with barbecue sauce.
Other highlights include a salad station with chopped Greek salad, crab dip and chips, noodles and more. There will also be a pasta station with seafood lasagne, ravioli with fresh tomato sauce, and smoked chicken and wild mushroom pasta.
The spread continues with roasted baby vegetables, rolls, muffins, scones and a host of desserts from coconut cake to peach and cherry cobbler with whipped cream. Cost is $38 for adults and $18 for children. Call 875-8080.
Another elaborate brunch will be held at Makena Beach & Golf Resort's oceanfront Molokini Bar & Grille from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sparkling wine and mimosas are part of the feast.
All of your breakfast favorites will be represented and then some. From the cutting board will be fresh whole island mahimahi steamed in ti leaves with Asian vegetables and a coconut curry sauce, and whole-grain mustard-crusted prime rib of beef with creamy horseradish sauce. Dive into dim sum, Hawaiian sashimi, peel-and-eat shrimp, snow crab legs, sushi from the Raku action station, baby greens, classic Caesars, vegetable medley, miso soup and Makena butter mashed potatoes.
Sweet delicacies include cakes, pies, chocolate desserts with Starbucks coffees. Cost is $65 adults, $48.75 for children 9 to 12 and $32.50 keiki 4 to 8 years of age. Call 874-1111.
Vietnamese Cuisine at Azeka shopping center in Kihei will offer specials for Mom from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They include clam soup, soft-shell crab, and whole opakapaka in ginger and green onion sauce. The restaurant is cool and air- conditioned. Call 875-2088.
As usual, Grand Wailea will pull out all of the stops for Mother's Day with its champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Dining Room. Rise and shine with kalua pig eggs Benedict, warm bread pudding and fresh, hot malassadas.
Starters include spicy popcorn shrimp, Peking duck salad, crabmeat and grapefruit segments and assorted fruits and berries. Indulge in prime rib, lamb crusted with noni honey and macadamia nuts, poached onaga and a selection of sushi. Keiki will even find their own corner with mac and cheese and pigs in a blanket.
Desserts run the gamut from chocolate fondue to assorted truffles to ice cream sundae bar. Cost is $58 adults and $29 children ages 5 to 12. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Maui Visitor Industry's Charity Walk. For reservations, call the Grand at 875-1234.
Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea will certainly be the highlight of Mom's day with its all-you-can-eat brunch at DUO from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Besides its breakfast corner, it will offer a host of soups, salads and appetizers such as artichokes and olives, crab and rock shrimp martinis, slow-roasted baby beets with blue cheese and rocket and more.
Chefs will expertly carve mustard-and-herb-crusted prime rib, roasted leg of lamb, and honey-glazed ham with all manner of condiments. You may also savor braised short ribs, pan-seared monchong, rotisserie Cornish game hens and seafood and sushi selections.
The local garden bar will appeal to the health conscious with its fresh vegetables, and desserts such as pralines and cream milkshakes. Chocolate and caramel cream tarts will take it over the top. Cost is $87 for adults, $39 for keiki ages 6 to 12. Call Four Seasons at 874-8000.
Situated right on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, Five Palms Beach Grill will present a champagne brunch buffet from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for $39 adults, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $43.95 adults. Keiki portions cost $19.95. Highlights are lavish seafood and sushi displays, prime rib, fresh island salads and desserts. Call 879-2607.
Stella Blues Cafe in Kihei will present Mother's Day specials in addition to its regular menu from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. They include frittatas, tropical French toast and country fried steak.
In the evening, Stella's Supper Club will host a tasty benefit for Women Helping Women. Cost of $60 per person includes dinner and a show by Gail Swanson, Elaine Ryan and Sebrina Barron.
The four-course menu features asparagus, Roma tomato and mozzarella in a puff pastry; Upcountry greens with poached pears, candied walnuts and feta cheese in ruby red pomegranate vinaigrette; and your choice of fresh local fish baked with a lemon-caper butter sauce, rice pilaf and green beans; or parmesan chicken breast in herb cream sauce, mashed potatoes and wilted spinach. Top it off with fresh strawberry shortcake. Call 874-3779.
WEST MAUI
The new Village Cafe & Sweet Shoppe on Office Road in Kapalua will offer plenty of room for the whole family with its spacious dining room and open-air views of the West Maui Mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
While it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Mother's Day a la carte specials will run only from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Choose from shrimp frittata with roasted potatoes and toasted baguettes with mango jam, caramelized sea scallops with tomato risotto and bacon-wrapped asparagus in lobster-cream sauce; or traditional turkey plate with sweet potato casserole and seasonal winter greens. Special entree prices range from $10.75 to $26. Call 665-1122.
Diamond Resort's Kaanapali Beach Club, that pink pyramid of a hotel on the far north end of the resort, will present a Mother's Day brunch in its oceanfront dining room with soaring floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Brunch hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Begin your feast with Portuguese bean soup, then head to the salad bar packed with fresh seasonal fruits, potato-mac salad, tofu and watercress, and Hawaiian pineapple coleslaw.
Chefs will hand carve slow-roasted prime rib of beef and country ham with red-eye gravy. You may also create your own omelet, and indulge in entrees such as hibachi chicken, cheese crepes in strawberry sauce, chow mein and more. From the bakery will come taro rolls, key lime pie and chocolate and carrot cakes. Cost is $41.50 for adults, and $24.99 for children 6 to 12. Call 661-2000.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali will present a three-course brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the poolside 'OnO Bar & Grill and the oceanfront Tropica Restaurant & Bar.
Priced at $27.95 per person (plus tax), it allows you and Mom to select from three starters, three entrees and three desserts. The choices include smoked salmon bagelettes, filet of beef BLT benedict, wok- fried scallion shrimp and crab chow funn, chocolate mousse trifle and more! Mothers will also be treated to a complimentary mimosa (mango, passion fruit, or strawberry). Call 667-2525.
The Melting Pot fondue restaurant in the Lahaina Gateway Center will let you stir things up in a good way for Mom. Bring her to enjoy a special three-course lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday for $24.95 per person.
The restaurant is generally a fine-dining house only serving dinner; brunch is only served on special occasions such as Mother's Day. It will include creamy cheese fondue, fresh salads and decadent chocolate fondues. You may add on a sample plate of an entree item for $10 or choose the mogo and coq au vin cooking style for $5 extra. For reservations, call 661-6181.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel will present its Mother's Day champagne brunch and fashion show from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Sip some bubbly, feast on a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet and enjoy Hawaiian music, hula and the latest island fashions.
KPOA's Morning Goddess, Alaka'i Paleka, will be the mistress of ceremonies. Every mother will get a rose and a chance to win prizes such as restaurant meals and overnight stays.
The all-you-can-eat buffet features Belgian waffles and omelets made to order. For seafood lovers, there will be an iced buffet of shrimp cocktail, crab legs, oysters and mussels.
Chefs will carve kiawe-smoked prime rib and rack of lamb. Other entrees include herb-roasted pork loin, baked salmon, spicy fried shrimp, roasted chicken Marsala, braised short ribs and shrimp with black bean sauce. There will be a keiki buffet and an array of desserts. Cost is $46.95 for adults, and $24 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are a must and may be made by calling 667-0124.
UPCOUNTRY
Hali'imaile General Store will put on a festive spread for Mom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Bring your appetites for the baked French toast with maple syrup and lilikoi sauce, scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. Health enthusiasts will find strawberry, grape and pineapple salad with mint; and seared asparagus with roasted garlic aioli.
Other offerings include smoked salmon platter with lemons, capers, shaved red onion, cream cheese and mini bagels; seafood crepes with Meyer lemon cream sauce; pork tenderloin with sake and macadamia-nut butter sauce; herb-roasted beef brisket in Kona-coffee sauce; and country-fried chicken breast smothered in gravy. Cost is $36 for adults, and $18 for children 6 to 9. Call 572-2666.
Treat the special lady in your family to a Mother's Day dinner at Makawao Steak House any time from 5:30 p.m. to closing.
Begin your meal with popular starters such as the sauteed calamari steak, steamed or cold artichoke with aioli and melted butter, and warm brie cheese with mango chutney and mustard.
Seafood lovers will find lobster, king crab and fresh island fish. Meat lovers may sink their teeth into prime rib and steaks - always a hit in cowboy country. Mudd pie is the perfect finale. It's from the old Chart House days and it's enough for two people. For more details, call 572-8711.
