Tropica

Tropica is out of business. Made an Open Table reservation yesterday, Oct 16 for 6 PM the same day. When I showed up, found the restaurant had closed. Bartender at another Westin restaurant said that as of October 12, it closed without any notice. Someone needs to tell Open Table!

This is the restaurant that is attached to the Westin Maui. The environment is really cool, with outdoor seating and beautiful ocean views. I didn’t have the best experience though, and I don’t think I would return!
When we went, it was really windy, so we asked to be moved under the overhang. I guess that meant we were moved into another waitresses’ territory, and our waiter was seemingly upset to move us!
We ordered the 3 course menu, and I got the chicken. It was super bland! It looked amazing and I was ready to love it, but it tasted like there was no seasoning at all on it; it might have been a mistake!

not the same place.
jennifer evetushick’s vision is gone
claims to be a «cb5 joint». I dunno what that is supposed to mean.
i generally don’t eat in «joints».
try it if you’re curious, but what i said before has nothing to do with whats there now.

Sunset, beach view, relax, enjoy and food is good. You can find all these in this restaurant, not sure why people give below 5 stars! Food is reasonably price and most important thing I like the food it taste good, view: you can see the beach in front of you, relax: Hawaiian music, enjoy my moment watch sunset with my family!

Vodka shave ice! :-D

We dine here in a group for our good friend birthday dinner.
APPETIZERS (shared and indiviual):
–asian aromatic steamed clams and mussels: delicious indeed. Tasted like what the description noted. So delicious and aromatic, I can sip all the broth.
–blue hawaii prawns: more like shrimp vs. prawns. Though the flavor was explosive
–ahi & crispy pork belly: visually beautiful. The ahi and pork belly were sliced the same width and placed alternately on the dish. They each taste delicious on their own, but don’t really go well as one dish. I would still order this again, but will separate it next time into a pile of sliced ahi, and another pile of sliced pork belly.
Entrée:
–shiso pesto lamb loin: I quickly realized that I rather have lamb chops because it is much more flavorful than lamb loin. Initially, it was hard to find that distinct lamb flavor when I ate the lamb loin. Slowly, I tasted the lamb flavor. What blew me away is the truffle mashed potato. You can smell the truffle distance away. I cleaned up the truffle mashed potato even when I was already full.
Service was impeccable. The ambiance and the environment was perfect for the evening.
I also had a taste of Annie’s entrée, the seafood phở, and the broth was amazing. The seafood in this bowl of deliciousness were fresh. When we visit Tropica next time, I will order this. Yum Yum.

Best bar in Ka’napali by far!
Freddy, the main bartender, makes this place amazing. While I was here for a week over Thanksgiving, we went 3 nights and had a great time each evening. They have a variety of delicious drinks. But what really made this place special was Freddy. The first night he brought out samples of everyone’s drink so we could all try each others. Totally awesome! He was also very friendly and interested in discussing his creations with us.
I would definitely try the Up Country Spice :)
Can’t wait to come back!

3-​course price fixe, $ 39. Great lobster chowder, good bread, dug the mushroom/​seafood pasta, good dessert.
Got a table closest to the pedestrian path/​ocean. Drinks were pricey but all right (strong as hell.)

We went to Tropica for our first dinner in Maui. The reviews were a little mixed but I wanted to experience «on the beach dining.» I called our concierge at the Westin Villa at 4PM and got a 6PM reservation. Upon arrival, I realized that (i) the tables are no longer on the beach but on a strip of grass right before the sand and (ii) there were only five tables in total on this strip of grass.
The view was absolutely fantastic. You just sit there and watch the sun set over the ocean.
The food was also quite good. My husband had the mushroom and shrimp linguine and I like it more than my Pacific Seafood «Phở.»
Definitely try the «Nutty Hawaiian.» I’m a beer person and don’t like sweet drinks but this was absolutely fantastic.
We had the bread pudding for dessert and this was also quite good.
Expensive, yes. But I think I was paying for the drinks, food and the experience and it was worth what I paid for.

While strolling along the beach, we selected this restaurant purely for the view. The menu looked appealing and pricey but I don’t expect much from resort restaurants. Still, the view of the ocean had me prepared to overpay for a mediocre meal.
Service was a bit confused and casual, but the food… Very good. Chili seared ahi on arugula with crispy pork belly for a starter. Fabulous. Piña Coladas were like dessert. Then the main course was an amazing Seafood Phở, with Lobster tail, whitefish, mussels, etc in a tomato curry base with noodles.
A nice way to start our culinary exploration of the island.

Let me set the mood for you a bit here. The outdoor dining area at Tropica is a stone patio seated atop a koi pond, accompanied by the quiet hush of the hotel’s man-​made waterfalls. Each table is equipped with its own thatched hut roof of an umbrella and surrounded by tiki torches. The indoors section of the establishment boasts a modern, open-​air design with high ceilings and sand-​colored walls. And, being the Westin’s up-​scale on-​premise restaurant, Tropica just so happens to be on some beach-​front real estate, a view of the ocean and Maui’s neighboring islands pretty much always in your peripherals. You feelin’ it?
Well, if you’ve yet to be convinced, get their killer cocktail Pele’s Fire (Stoli Ohranj vodka, orange-​guava-​strawberry purée, champagne). One of the best libations I had during my stay in Maui, it packs more of a bite than its ingredients would lead you to believe, due in part to the fizz of the bubbly and the acidic nature of the blended fruit, modeled after the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele’s eruptive nature. In fact, even if the initial description of the restaurant grounds was enough to grab your attention, still get this drink. Because it’s down-​right delicious. Now you’re feelin’ it.
With a list of starters too tempting to pass up, we opted to share a handful of small plates over ordering entrees, the most note-​worthy being the Hawaiian Chili Pepper Rubbed Seared Ahi & Crispy Pork Belly and the Golden Potato Gnocchi. The former land and sea option featured beautifully cut tuna with just a jolt of spiciness and pork that was prepared in more of a traditionally Latin/​Filipino fashion, each slice possessing a nice strip of chicharron for that added crunch. As for the latter dish, the potato pasta was heavy but heavenly, uniquely flavored with a pistachio-​cream garnish.
I also went for Tropica’s Famous Lobster Chowder, succumbing to its overwhelming recommendations. Thick, creamy, and containing little bits of lobster in each spoonful, it is worth the order. However, coming from the Northeast, where lobsters are practically kept as aquarium pets like chickens get cooped up in cages, I can’t allow it to lay claim to any superlative status. Still, slurping some soup as the sun sets in Maui? At some fancy resort restaurant? Where giant mutant goldfish swim just behind my seat? Yeah, I’m feelin’ it.

Bleh! My Tropica experience was not terribly good. I give it two stars only because the ambience is nice and the view of the ocean is excellent.
I went for breakfast and had some of the worst service I have ever experienced. We were nearly done with the meal by the time our water (requested 3 times) arrived. We also made several requests for cream for our coffee before we got any. I would think that cream and water were pretty staple items, but apparently not. I considered poaching some cream from a nearby table.
The food was OK, but nothing spectacular for the price.

Aloha Hoya Fans – I have arrived in Paradise. Lahaina, Maui has the most beautiful weather on the planet. My waiter was from Virginia Beach, and told me he loves going to work every day. I had their signature lobster chowder and Pacific bouillabaisse. They were both excellent. The meal was very expensive but this is Maui. The chowder had a wonderful Hawaiian twist to it with wonderful fresh fish. It was very rich. The bread here a variation of sourdough was truly outstanding also. The bouillabaisse was truly wonderful – a little richer and more minimalist than you would find in San Francisco. The restaurant is part of the Westin and sits right on the beach which truly makes this a wonderful experience.
Now it’s time to ball! We are Georgetown!
Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Hoya Hoop Club Vice-​President & Director of Communications
Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Since we booked our honeymoon with Costco part of the deal was a voucher for a three course dinner for two at Tropica. My husband and I were really looking forward to eating here because of the breathtaking ocean views and would have came here without a voucher. The meal was set so we did not have access to the whole menu. We had three choices for an appetizer, dinner and dessert. We both got the lobster chowder and it was amazing!!! It had the perfect amount of lobster and it was bursting with flavor. Then we both had the swordfish which was a disappointment. It was bland and tasteless. The vegetables that came with it had no favor either. For dessert I had the dulce de leche gelato and my husband had the mango sorbet and they were both really good. Here is where the real problem sets in, our waitress. It seemed to me like because we had the Costco voucher we were not worth paying any attention to. First off we have money and just because we come with a coupon does not make us broke. We also tip exceptionally well when it is necessary but she will never know that. All the other tables she had around us she was constantly checking in with, giving refills, and chatting with. Whenever we needed something we had to flag her down and she would act like it was some huge inconvenience. She also does not listen. I do not drink but I love pina coladas so I ordered a virgin. She comes back with the drinks and mine is saturated in rum. I was pissed. I take have some GI issues and alcohol makes me sick to my stomach. I had to spit it out. We had to practically send out a search party to find her to tell her. I ordered virgin pina coladas the entire trip and nobody ever screwed that up. When we finally found her and told her she was so rude about it and unapologetic. After she left I said something to my husband about not tipping her well I guess she overheard it because after that she started apologizing like crazy for the drink incident. Sorry but it is a little too late. There were people who came in after us who got their food before us. We sat and waited for all of our food forever. I guess anyone under 40 has no money and it is not worth it to give them too much attention. It completely ruined the experience for us. There are way too many restaurants in the area with breathtaking ocean views with better food and service. Needless to say we did not go back to experience the rest of the menu and never will. Some of the food was good but the service was so crappy I cannot even bring myself to give them another star. Go elsewhere.

We had dinner at Tropica at the Westin next door to where we were staying with their 3 course tasting menu which was more like a 3 course as they were more like full portions than a tasting for just $ 33 per person.
I had the tropica’s famous lobster chowder, herb roasted australian lamb loin w/​polenta, radicchio, green beans, roasted tomato, zinfandel reduction, and baked hawaii w/​toasted meringue, kula strawberries, mint & chambord, coconut gelato.
Hubby had the miso yakizakana blt which is miso marinated hawaiian butterfish, smoked bacon, island spinach, kula grape tomato, red wine reduction, seared swordfish medley of fingerling potatoes, shallots, fennel, kula tomatoes & shitake mushrooms in natural jus, ginger scallion pesto, portuguese sweet bread crostini, and tropical tres leches — blonde cake macerated in three milks, coconut, local hayden mango, raspberry.
Okay, gotta wipe the drool off the keyboard! If that wasn’t enough of a treat, we scored one of the 5 oceanfront tables they laid out on the lawn right next to the beach with unobstructed view of the sunset right next to us and the Black Rock torch lighting in the distance. Of course all this good food is great satisfying my stomach but maybe not so much for the expanding waistline. =)
Wonderful value for quality of food and location!

Great service, kid friendly (even at 8:30pm, thankfully we were pretty well-​behaved and hungry at that hour)— the tasting menu was included in our package (can’t beat that!) so we finally went on our second to last night on Maui.
Any seat in the house is a good one, mostly covered seating and a little reflecting pool. Ambience is a little more refined than the Ono, some live or speaker music playing in the background (depending on what night you are there.)
Loved the lobster bisque (how rich!), had the chicken (I had gotten a little fish-​ed out after so many fish meals,) and the kids menu had a spaghetti which was enjoyed thoroughly. Dessert was the Baked Hawaii (I had never had a baked Hawaii or Alaska before,) which was super sweet but fun to eat. Roasted meringue? Yeah, like I’m going to try that in my kitchen with a butane lighter… Sorry, Alton Brown, not happening!
There is a special ‘beach dining’ option where they set up tables alongside the ocean for a spectacular ocean view– super romantic, we saw many couples taking advantage of that. I think it includes wines and is a bit more $$$ than the tasting menu…
Very enjoyable, there were some couples and some large family groups, and even other kids (even though we were eating pretty late!)

Oh my gosh. Where do I even begin?!
First off, the location is gorgeous. We had a table overlooking the beach and the breathtaking sunset on an open porch. We were also seated promptly and treated well– could already tell how great the service was.
5 stars for our waiter, Jimmy. First thing he did was ask if we wanted a picture taken of our group. Thanks! He also was very professional/​had proper dining etiquette when it came to pouring wine, bringing certain dishes before others, telling us the specials right away, etc.
Onto the food. Also 5 stars! I ordered the Maui loin and peppered prawns (medium). To die for. The sauce was amazing and the loin was cooked perfectly– pink all the way through. Had that «melt in your mouth» taste. Delicious! Prawns cooked perfectly. Everything down to the potatoes an vegetables were cooked to perfection.
VEGAN FRIENDLY! My vegan friend had no problem finding a vegan dish (and desert) to eat. Amazing too, at that.
Also had the coconut and coffee gelato. Wonderful combination!
We were also greeted by the Tropica manager, Eric. Wonderful man with a wonderful personality. Lots to say without being bothersome ;) made our dining experience much better. Cheers Eric!
All in all, if you’re looking for a nice place to eat dinner (and spend money ;) this is the place to go. Will definitely come back.

My husband and I ate at Tropica on the first night of our vacation on Maui. Since we still hadn’t adjusted to Hawaiian time, we were hungry before 6 o’clock, which ended up benefiting us as the tasting menu is only available from 5 – 6 or 8:30 — 9:30. We both ordered the 3-​course tasting menu with wine pairings, which was $ 43 per person.
The food was delicious and our table, which (like the majority of Tropica’s tables) faced the ocean, gave us the right amount of sun, shade, and people watching. My husband ordered the lobster chowder to start and I had the miso «blt» — both were fantastic. The «blt» was a generous portion of butterfish above delicate greens with bacon, tomatoes, and a light sauce — so yummy.
We both had the linguine as an entrée. The shrimp was just barely overcooked (hence the 4 stars), but the Asian flavors were light and delicious. However, were I to return, I would order something different next time.
For dessert, my husband had the Baked Hawaii and I had the tropical tres leches. Both were good (I liked mine better).
Overall, it was a great way to start our vacation. The service was friendly, the food was solid, the view was fantastic. The only thing I regret getting were the 2 bottles of still water we had at our table for $ 4 a piece.

Absolutely love this place! From the view, to the food, to the friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff, they made every visit (yes we came here multiple times!) fabulous!
Nestled right next to the beach, Tropica has nice little tables all set up around Koi fish ponds and waterfalls with tiki torches all around. The whole atmosphere is very inviting. We sat ourselves at the bar and was excited to find out we were there during half-​price martini hour! Whatever I ordered was strong and delicious while my husband settled for a beer.
After having quite a few drinks, we decided to order some appetizers. I ordered the lobster flat bread and my husband got some sort of beef that came out on a sizzling rock. Both items were very tasty and filling!
The bartender was very attentive and took good care of us and made sure our glasses and plates were never empty and lonely. I couldn’t wait to come back again for another meal!

During my 4 day stay at The Westin, I dined at Tropica 3 times… dinner twice and breakfast.
Love any open air restaurant, the ambiance, the mesmerizing view, especially at sunset! Service was OUTSTANDING! Lorain, Henry and Brett, the Bartender were all so fabulous. Can’t wait to visit them again.
On my first night there, we were seated right by the ocean. It was already late, so we couldn’t enjoy the view, but could enjoy the sound of the crashing waves. My friend and I had the hardest time deciding what to order… I swear it must’ve taken us at least 30 minutes. Lorain kept coming back since we were undecided, but she was very patient.
We ended up ordering the New Caledonia Prawns with frisee, green beans and uni butter (delish), 3-​course meal with seared beef for appetizer, lamb for entrée and sorbet for dessert. I was recommended to try an «off the menu» dessert called the Bittersweet Chocolate Torte with a caramel, macadamia, coconut sauce. The sauce was to die for! Sweet, gooey, yumminess that complemented the cake perfectly.
The next time I had dinner there, I sat at the bar. Brett recommended the tempura ahi roll ~ tempura crusted rare ahi (winner!) and the spicy lobster flat bread ~ spicy lobster bits, roasted red peppers, lemon pressed olive oil, herbs (another winner) I wasn’t that hungry, but ended up finishing both. Brett let me «sample» their lycheetini… just a sip. It was really good.
Also, if you charge your lunch or dinner back to your hotel room, you get a 25% off discount. Who doesn’t love a discount?
I look forward to my next dining adventure at Tropica soon!