They're heeeerrree!!! That's right, the results from the 2008 Best of Maui Contest poured in big time and now we've conveniently put the winners on the internet for your viewing.

The Maui News readers sent in almost 10,000 ballots via the email and by regular mail from as far away as New York and Japan to our beautiful Hawaiian island in the middle of the Pacific. There were shy guys and wise guys, fun entries and boring ones. We thought we'd seen it all, until the next day's pile of mail arrived.

As usual, our readers were very passionate about their favorite restaurants, activities and entertainment venues. You will be sure to find lots of fun surprises as well as some of the staple winners you've enjoyed year after year in the Best of Maui Contest.

We also had some quotes, below, from people who just loved food, period!

“I love the variety of foods and restaurants here on Maui. Whenever I walk in a restaurant I am greeted like ohana.”
– Sarah Macleod of Kahului.
“
Ahhhhh yeahhhhhh it’s all good!” says Sean Conley of Lahaina.

“When it comes to Food and Fun, Maui NO KA OI!!!” says Josefina Barbosa of Lahaina.

“Maui stands for Marvelous, Awesome, Unique & Ideal vacation & living.” - Brusso (visitor from the mainland).

“If you ask any tourist or visitor what they really enjoyed being in Hawaii? They would say ‘eating’ ”! - Iolani Chun of Wailuku.

Click on the links below to read & download the section

Pages 1-8 | Download
Best: Overall Restaurant, Sea Activity

Pages 9-16 | Download
Best: Wine list, New Restaurant, Air Activity, Ethnic, Brunch, Hamburger, Service, Chef, Value, Breakfast, Bakery, Happy Hour, Health Food

Pages 17-24 | Download
Best: Ambience, Sports Bar, Dessert, Noodles, Buffet, Night Club, Sushi Bar, Golf Course, Kid Friendly, Culture Program, Caterer, Pizza, Seafood

Pages 25-32 | Download
Best Resort Restaurant, Stage Experience, Land Activity, Club/Bar, Live Entertainment, Business Lunch, Steak, Luau, Coffee House, Plate Lunch, Pupu, Singles Scene, Cocktail Spot