Wailea’s Newest Restaurant Marries Elegance With Local Roots
Aurum Maui delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience that celebrates local purveyors and appeals to foodies near and far.
My first bite of the Kona kampachi crudo bursts with bright citrus, delicate herbaceous notes, and a punch of spice, balanced by the silky richness of avocado purée. Slow-dripped tomato water serves as an homage to Taylor Ponte’s childhood in Upcountry Maui, where he would sip the juice left behind in bowls of lomi lomi salmon.
Ponte, chief-partner at Aurum Maui, told me about the nostalgic nature of the dish when I sat down to chat with him and his wife, Aurum general manager-partner Natasha Ponte, a few days before my dinner reservation—and I’m grateful I took his recommendation about the Kona kampachi crudo.
Aurum Maui, the newest addition to The Shops at Wailea, brings locally focused fare to the renowned tourist destination. The Pontes are a powerhouse couple who have joined forces with the Colorado-based Destination Hospitality Group to bring the Aurum concept to Maui, marrying the brand’s gold standards—Aurum is the Latin word for gold, after all—with sustainably sourced Hawaiian ingredients.
The drink program also features local ingredients like cane sugar and citrus.
Photo: Ashley Probst
“To us, Hawaiian food is food that’s from here, grown here, and the fish that swim in our ocean … not frozen, packed-up food that came over on a barge,” Natasha Ponte says.
The Pontes carry out their work through partnerships with local farms and purveyors—Hua Momona Farms, Simple Roots Maui and Bread & Pizza Co., to name a few—which is proving to be beneficial for all involved.
“The farmer who could only give us 1 pound of carrots when I first started is now giving us five cases,” Taylor Ponte says. “We’re not only growing with them, but they’re growing with us, too.”
Support for the local community even extends into Aurum’s kitchen staff, where Taylor Ponte has made a point to fill the team with culinary students from his alma mater, the Maui Culinary Academy.
“A huge part of my journey in Aurum is … [giving] this next generation of chefs opportunities that I didn’t have as a young cook,” he says. “For me, it’s about creating a legacy and institution for people to come and work and be a part of this movement.”
Classy yet comfortable, the space strikes a balance that exemplifies understated elegance.
Photo: Courtesy of Aurum Maui/Pacific Dream Photography
The restaurant’s interior design also features curated pieces, such as Hawaiʻi-inspired rattan chairs, locally sourced plants, fine art photography by Maui resident Stu Soley, and branded merchandise designed by other locals.
Classy yet comfortable, the space strikes a balance that exemplifies understated elegance. With a color palette of warm neutrals—browns and grays accented by touches of gold—it feels sophisticated and inviting. From my corner booth tucked into an alcove, I have a view of the entire dining room, which offers privacy without pulling me out of the lively atmosphere.
“It’s all intentionally done, and we’re trying to bring that, not only to the local community, but to people who are visiting Wailea so they can see a little glimpse of Maui and what the food scene is really about here,” Natasha Ponte says.
The fried chicken is coated in a sticky gochujang-barbecue sauce.
Photo: Ashley Probst
Other standouts from my dinner include fried chicken coated in a sticky gochujang-barbecue sauce with macadamia nut crumble and buttermilk herb dressing (an Au Gold Standard menu item) as well as the rustic, hand-rolled gnocchi with fennel sausage and white wine foam—another chef recommendation.
The drink program also features local ingredients like cane sugar and citrus, including in my Lychee Lani, a lemon-lychee vodka cocktail paired with an effervescent side pour of plum wine and sparkling sake.
Aurum Maui is open daily from noon till 9 p.m., with Golden Hour from 3-5 p.m. for food and drink specials like a $16 Paniolo Smash Burger and $6 beers—a classic combination.
“Whether you’re from New York or you’re from Lahaina, a burger and fries is probably gonna hit the spot,” Taylor Ponte says. At Aurum Maui, this philosophy comes to life in deliciously approachable bistro-style fare that satisfies both casual diners and those seeking an elevated night out in Wailea.
Aurum Maui, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 808-298-0099, aurummaui.com
Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.
