"For two decades, chef Joey Macadangdang was the talent at Roy’s Ka‘anapali, earning his mentor award after award. Finally, he struck out on his own, and his newest venture is a full-throated serenade to his Filipino heritage. Near the airport in Kahului, Balai Pata is bound to expand diners’ vocabularies. Start with something familiar — sort of: fried rice studded with Kona abalone and steamed buns packed with pork belly bacon (tocino), pickled papaya (atchara), and banana ketchup. Then dive into the sigang, a traditional sour stew featuring a whole fish in tamarind broth with okra, long beans, and eggplant. The halo-halo is almost a meal on its own: Served in a hollowed coconut, crushed ice is ladled with coconut cream and topped with fruit jellies, fresh coconut, avocado, and a scoop of ube ice cream. Vibe check: On the first Friday of the month, Balai Pata offers late-night service with karaoke and other fun specials. Check the schedule at @balaipata." - Shannon Wianecki