Tiki Tiki Thai serves fresh and authentic Thai cuisine.

LAHAINA – Tiki Tiki Thai has expanded to the Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina. After successfully opening their Kahului restaurant early last year, the mother-daughter combo of Panompon (Pon) Jares and Parichart Chahong are bringing more Thai food to the West Side of Maui.

Previously, Jares had been managing Pad Thai, also at the Wharf. Later, she desired to own and operate her own restaurant.

After quietly opening on Dairy Road in Kahului early last year, Jares’ restaurant initially became known as the somewhat hidden Thai restaurant near the airport.

The locals and visitors that ventured inside Tiki Tiki Thai quickly discovered that this was no ordinary Thai restaurant. Tiki Tiki Thai became widely known for its fresh and authentic Thai cuisine. Business boomed and the restaurant grew, and Pon almost wasn’t ready.

Pon and her daughter can be frequently seen serving food; be sure to stop inside, say “hello” and treat yourself to an original taste of Thailand.

Tiki Tiki Thai Cuisine recently opened on the mid level of the Wharf Cinema Center.

Tiki Tiki Thai Cuisine, located on the mid level of the Wharf Cinema Center, is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Dine in, take out and catering are available. Reach the restaurant at 661-1919 or tikithaicuisine.com.

Now that Tiki Tiki Thai is open, Pon’s previous restaurant, Pad Thai, is currently closed for renovation.

When it reopens in the Wharf, it will be under a new restaurant name and will be serving Japanese and local food.

The Wharf Cinema Center is located at 658 Front St. in Lahaina Town, across the street from the Banyan Tree. Validated parking is located directly behind the Wharf, accessible from Wainee and Luakini streets, or take the Maui Bus directly to the center.

For more information, call the center at 661-8748.