Wailuku Town is a historic neighborhood on Maui, about three miles from ʻĪao Valley. It’s full of street art, local shops, and government offices. First Fridays get busy with music, food, and crowds, but most days it’s pretty quiet—especially after 4PM, when most places close.
That’s where The Parlay comes in. It opened in August 2024 and gives people a place to hang out, eat, and grab a drink—no reservation, no wait. Just walk in, bring your friends (or your dog), and make yourself at home.
From the street, it looks like a friend’s house: front lawn, patio chairs, a mural by Eric Okdeh showing a woman teaching a young girl to sew, with hula dancers and taro leaves in the background. It’s casual and welcoming. Inside, the vibe is part garage, part living room—cement floors, brick walls, TVs, couches, and a big open kitchen window. At night, string lights make it feel like a backyard party.
Comfort Food and Inventive Cocktails at The Parlay
The food fits the setting—comfort dishes with a twist. Chef Anton Nguyen (formerly at Lineage, Tight Tacos Maui) does fun, shareable plates: jalapeño popper dip with sweet potato chips ($12), mac and cheese with herbs and a crunchy top ($9), a greasy-good smash burger with grilled onions and cheddar ($15). For brunch, there’s French Puddin’ Toast made from croissant, brioche, and pecans in a caramel flan base, topped with Greek yogurt ($16), plus house-made baked goods ($5–$7). They use Maui-grown produce whenever they can.
Co-owner Suzanne Navarro runs the drinks. She’s worked at top bars in Miami and Chicago and co-owns Ester’s Fair Prospect next door. Her cocktails are fresh and bold—like The Frozen Iguana ($15), which tastes like Dole Whip with a spicy cilantro kick. There are solid non-alcoholic options too: a cardamom cold brew ($9) that’s like iced chai, a Raspberry Fojito ($12), and a tangy lilikoʻi soda ($10).
Menu Courtesy: The Parlay Maui
During football season, The Parlay opens at 7AM You’ll see 49ers, Raiders, Bears and Seahawks fans belly up at the bar. The place draws a mix—construction crews in safety vests, families with kids, visitors catching a game. Everyone fits in. “We just love this neighborhood,” Navarro said. “It feels like a little city—tight-knit, all local. It’s great being part of it.”
Want to Live the Wailuku Lifestyle?
The Parlay is just one example of how Wailuku is growing—staying true to its roots while welcoming something new. It’s not polished or touristy, and that’s part of the appeal. This is a neighborhood where people know each other. Where the pace is slower, the businesses are local, and dinner feels like a backyard hangout.
Update list of Wailuku Homes for Sale
Here’s an update showing the 10 newest listings for Wailuku homes.
1605 PIIHANA RD
551 POLULANI DR
1520 KILINOE PL
1980 MILL ST
35 PALAA PL
2003 KAHEKILI HWY
67 MOANI PL
850 KEKOA PL
32 W KAPUEONE PL
140 RIVER RD
For buyers looking beyond Maui’s beach resorts, Wailuku offers another side of Maui. It’s close to everything—the best local restaurants, largest healthcare centers, tastiest poke shops, stunning nearby beaches, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, expansive sports complexes, top dog parks and majestic Iao Valley—but feels like its own little world. Walk to coffee, grab takeout, catch live music on a Friday night.
Homes here come with more than just square footage. They come with community, history, and a sense of place. If you’re looking for a town that feels lived-in, connected, and full of character, the heart of historic Central Maui might be the right fit.
Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532