Great Hidden Lunch Spot

Cafe Carmen is a small restaurant in South Maui, located within the Maui Tech Park at 535 Lipoa Parkway. Carmen’s is a great local spot and tends to stay tucked away on Haleakala’s lower slopes. The restaurant boasts great golf course views and provides a refreshing change of pace.

A small sign is placed outside the main entrance to let you know you’re in the right spot. Owner Lynn has worked hard to take what could have easily been a simple cafeteria style eatery and created a warm and charming space. Lynn also happens to show off a strong DIY streak and a great eye for interior design, there is an eco-friendly eclectic vibe to the decor and a story behind each piece that was collected or created.

The majority of tourists don’t usually find this place, but it’s known and loved by a lot of Maui professional and business people. It’s a little hard to find, but it’s just a ways past the spectacular Hokulani Golf Villas; which happens to share the same, if not better golf course views of the recently renamed Maui Nui Golf Course (formerly the Maui Elleair).

The site of the cafe may be a little unconventional, but like I mentioned the view is all about South Maui with the greens of Ellair golf course and the blue of the Pacific creating the perfect backdrop. I recommend snagging a seat outdoors or at the custom-made picnic table for the best views of the vistas.

Cafe Carmen is open for dinner Monday thru Saturday and Happy Hour is from 4-5:30pm, just in time for those finishing up a day in the office or wrapping up and afternoon round of golf. Brunch is served on Sundays when Cafe Carmen also offers a bloody mary bar.

They serve all three meals on weekdays, breakfast and lunch on weekends. This restaurant is well known locally for fresh salads and sandwiches, plus a few specialties and desserts.

A hearty and filling bowl of corn chowder topped with bacon

On an average day, you’ll probably find yourself  dining alongside Maui residents who work in the surrounding office buildings or who have just finished their rounds at the course. Cafe Carmen has a small group of a dedicated following who visit several times a week. A good indicator that you’ve found a quality local spot.

Lynn’s husband is also Executive Chef at the Four Seasons resort in Wailea. His hand crafted Cafe Carmen menu showcases a light, creative, vegan-friendly and displays his and his wife’s love for European and Asian comfort food.

For those who are on the go, there is a walk up counter which allows for quick bite to take to back to your desk or to the sandy shores of Wailea. Or if you have the time, sit at one of the indoor or outdoor tables and let their friendly staff wait on you.

Hokulani Golf Villas For Sale

The Hokulani Golf Villas are barely even a two minute drive from Carmen’s, they are within walking distance to some of the best lunch in Kihei! The upscale neighborhood is setting a new standard across Maui for luxury residential styled condominiums. This year to date, there have been seven homes sold in the neighborhood for $7,507,688 in total sales volume. The homes closed for an average of $1,072,526, a relatively affordable price considering the range of amenities and luxuriousness of the neighborhood.

The beautiful community pool house

Listed by the Sayles Team: 2335 Hihimanu Street

Lot 117 is located right across from the community pool house and can offer a comparable view to the clubhouse. The view is so spectacular that I believe it could be the deciding factor if it came down to a choice between two units.

The home features three bedrooms, den, and three baths with the master suite and a second lanai located on the upper floor and is listed for $1,159,000. The main floor entails a large great room and dining area which opens up to the grand lanai on the first floor. The kitchen offers views of the front an rear with a huge center island for entertaining and formal dining.

The Floor Plan 110

Although, the MLS (the feed of the available homes for sale) says that 687 Halelea Street (in escrow) is the only 110 floor plan listed, there are also many other lots being offered that do house the 110 floor plan. To see these listings, I encourage you to stop by the Sales Office at Hokulani.

Featuring three bedrooms, den and two and a half bath home. The elegant mater suite and den are located on the main level while the two additional bedrooms, loft and lanai are located on the upper level. 12 foot ceilings enhance the great room and dining area with easy access to the covered mail floor lanai. The kitchen features a huge center island for dining and entertaining.

Floor Plan 200

Similar to the situation above, the MLS lists that three 200 floor plans are in escrow without any other 200 floor plans listed. However, this popular floor plan will not be going out of style anytime soon and there are also plenty of vacant lots assigned to the 200 floor plan.

Model 200 is a single level home with two bedrooms, den and two bathrooms. The dramatic and dining area feature 12 foot ceilings with a window wall opening to spacious covered lanai. The elegant kitchen with a working center island is great for entertaining and dining. The beautiful main level master suite has a spa bath and walk-in closet.