BANGKOK CUISINE
Bangkok is in Thailand, which, the last time I checked, was a Buddhist nation. No Christmas there—just lots of exceptional Thai food, like lemongrass chicken, Panang curry beef and honey shrimp. 395 Dairy Rd., Kahului, 893-0026. Open M-Sa 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Nightly 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. $
FIESTA TIME
Yes, they have Christmas throughout Latin America, but few of us think of chicken burritos and incredibly creamy beans and rice when the Santa stuff starts going up. And do you know why? Because we’re dumb. 300 Ma‘alaea Rd., 244-5862. Open Tu-Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $
FRESH MINT
For most people, Christmas means turkey, giant, pineapple-glazed hams and the like. Vegetarians feeling the pressure can head here, where they specialize in non-meat cuisine, like soy fish with jasmine rice. 115 Baldwin Ave., Paia, 579-9144. Open daily, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. $
NAZO’S RESTAURANT
This local favorite, hidden away as it is on Lower Main in Wailuku, is the perfect place to escape from all the Christmas trimmings. They specialize in Oxtail Min and Oxtail Soup! I don’t recall digging into a bowl of either while waiting for Santa to jump down our chimney… 1063 L. Main St., Wailuku, 244-0529. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $
LEILANI’S
You’re seated at the lava rock-lined bar, sipping a cold beer or Mai Tai or devouring a blackened ono taco. Tourists in swimsuits walk by as the sun blazes over the azure ocean. There’s even a football game on the TV. And there’s not a snow drift or warm coat in sight. Now that’s how to eat during the holidays. Whaler’s Village, 2435 Ka‘anapali Parkway, 661-4495. Open daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $ MTW
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