When Michael from Inspired by Charm was in Maui the same time we were this past summer, he shot me a message of a MUST stop, with a picture similar to the one above.
Apparently there was this junk inspired restaurant in the middle of a plantation that I needed to see.
What in the world?! How did I not know about this place?!
That certainly was enough for me! The next day I hopped in the car, and was MESMERIZED. And shot so many pictures, I’m sure my SD card wore out that day.
So when I lost my camera (with all my pics) on the way home, my heart sunk. But, I shrugged my shoulders, and knew I’d just have to go back.
So this past December, I took another tour, but this time booked in dinner.
By golly, if I shot nothing else during the December trip, I knew I had to capture THIS one!
Welcome to The Mill House. It’s a high quality restaurant, located at The Maui Tropical Plantation, by Wailuku.
With salvaged decor that will positively astound you.
And the food was just as impressive. But more on that in a minute.
The Maui Tropical Plantation itself is a historical site, that hosts lots of attractions today, such as shops, plantation tours, zip lines, plus.
But it’s the grounds that dropped my jaw the first time I stumbled my way in.
And the second time around, fully prepared, was just as good.
These colours are true. Everything is as vibrant as a Hawaiian shirt.
I mean… gasp. I don’t think it’s even possible to take a bad picture in this place. The mini jungle leading into the restaurant is just stunning.
Along the winding pathways, you never know what you will find. The blind corners are there to stun you, I’m certain.
Imagine the sounds. Birds galore. Waterfalls hitting… giant nuts and bolts?! Goodness…
How did they know to build this place just for me?
The grounds were something out of a movie set. The view doesn’t even look real.
As gorgeous as Kauai is, I’d have to say the Plantation is a close second to views of Hanalei.
You do not want to be in a rush to appreciate this place. There is a coffee house to enjoy too. Take your treat of choice, then just leisurely wander these amazing grounds.
After my meander and maniac picture taking, it was time to eat.
A crated menu is a good sign, I say!
The indoor and outdoor dining area was nice, but this area was more casual, and much more my thing.
I mean… repurposed window walls.
And these.
Are these some kind of dirt digger blades? From a plough?
Who cares. I love the way they think. Plant, I mean.
It was a little chilly outdoors in December, so while I was in denim cut offs, I wore a blanket shawl over my tank top, which proved to be dressy and cozy.
I don’t drink even one drop when I drive, even well before the fact, so I had the decaf coffee.
Which was in a french press… of course. DECADENT.
And then Heaven sent down every chef angel, and graced me with bread and butter I had to GROAN over with every bite.
About that butter. There is no such thing as JUST butter here.
And that bread? No, it was not just bread. I can’t even explain it.
But whatever IT is, it all melted in my mouth on contact.
For the main course, I ordered the mushroom ravioli.
Why is it that high end food always looks like a spoonful, compared to main stream restaurants?
But it is always OVER the top incredible, and most definitely was more than enough! Seriously. I can barely stand not having this right now.
I have never had so much fun eating in all my life.
So, kinda goes without saying, if you swing by Maui, take it from Michael and myself. This place is worth your time, for a nice outdoor dinner, and a walk around the grounds.
You will absolutely satisfy your taste buds.
AND your junk cravings!
.
You can visit more Hawaii 2016 HERE
What an incredible place Donna. All those shades of green in the middle of winter. It must be like that all year long. So much lushness and richness of the plants. And the contrast of the green with the rust is striking. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed yourself. Who wouldn’t in a paradise like that.
What a beautiful place. Rusted junk is my favorite. Thank you, Donna, for sharing it.
Your picture make we want to be there “now”. Thanks for sharing. Definitely on my bucket list.??
Wow ~ kewel place… and that food!!
Soooo glad that the market place has been built up again! There used to be a cafeteria style eatery which was good for families with young children. Then the complex closed down for a while. Sounds like a good place to visit now even if one doesn’t want to eat. Thanks for sharing!
Can we just live here?? If so, I promise to dust the rusty junk.
Donna,
What a beautiful place! I can see why you want to go back year after year to Hawaii. One of these days I hope to get there. Thank you for sharing.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, Donna! You must have been in heaven. I’m glad you went there again and were able to share this fantatic place with us.
I just got back from a week on Maui and used your old posts extensively. The Maui Swap Meet is the best!! Can’t wait to go back and spend a couple of months next time! Thanks so much for all the info. I did the Trilogy Sail too and it was wonderful.
Gayle, I am SO GLAD the posts helped guide your trip! Welcome home… and yeah, two months? DECADENT! Where did you end up staying?
I LOVE this post – I wonder where I could find one of those big gears or a set of nuts and bolts for the entrance to our yard!!?? And those are indeed “dirt digger blades” but my prairie farmer husband would say they come from a “disc” … that must be a big piece of equipment they came from. I love that they’ve planted succulents in them; succulents are one of my passions and this is an idea I plan to use in my own yard. I know just where to get some blades!
I thought I’d been to the Maui Tropical Plantation so how did I not see all that cool stuff? I think I just went to the gift shop and left. So on our next trip in March, I’ll return with camera in hand….
Thanks for the travel tip!