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Best Places to Eat in Maui

One of the top questions I get as a Maui Travel Agent is, “what are the best places to eat in Maui?” This is for you if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Maui! Over the years of being a Hawaii Travel Agent, I have discovered the best places to eat in Maui firsthand and through my clients!

I am going to share my favorite places to eat in Maui with you today. There are so many wonderful restaurants on Maui. Some are perfect for breakfast. Others are best visited for lunch or dinner. And then you have those restaurants with the best happy hours in Maui.

If you are planning a vacation in Maui soon, or any time in the future, start thinking about where to eat in Maui because some of these Maui restaurants require reservations. 

By the way, Maui is a small island but spread out, and you’ll need a car to explore it all. Hawaii is not the kind of destination where you spend all of your time at the resort. 

You’ll find the best prices, great service, and free cancellation at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You won’t pay until you arrive, so reserve early to get the best deal. 

Best Places to Eat in Maui

Here are the best restaurants in Maui, in no particular order (except the first one is probably #1!) Don’t forget to check out the best restaurants on the Big Island and the best restaurants in Kauai too!

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Wailea Maui, I have a post dedicated specifically to that area. 

1. Mama’s Fish House

Mama’s Fish House is easily the best restaurant in Maui. The food is so good here that you must reserve your table EARLY! Like months early. If you plan to go to Maui next year, book your table early.

I’m not lying. Trust me on this one. Failure to do this will make you miss out on the yumminess Mama is known for.

Mama’s Fish House is an excellent place to eat lunch and dinner in Maui. The menu consists of lots of yummy seafood. Let your taste buds start thinking about their macadamia nut crab cakes, grand banks scallops with mushroom risotto, and Tristan Island lobster tails.

Save a little room for dessert too. Their Polynesian black pearl chocolate lilikoi mousse is fabulous, as is their warm banana macadamia nut crisp.

Address: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI

2. Moku Roots

Moku Roots is one of the best vegan restaurants in Maui and my personal favorite. This farm-to-table restaurant serves tasty sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls. Their menu is filled with handheld items, making this one of the best places for lunch in Maui. 

The coconut bacon in their BLAT, or egg sandwich even includes vegan bacon. If you don’t want the handheld options, you can always order the raw pad thai or loco moku.

Just make sure you order a kombucha on tap or fresh cracked coconut water to enjoy with your meal. Moku Roots also offers many gluten-free options, which makes this gluten-free vegetarian very happy!

Address: 335 Keawe St Ste 211, Lahaina, HI

3. Kihei Caffe

If you are searching for one of the best places for breakfast in Maui, I recommend you don’t look any further than Kihei Caffe. You can seriously dine at this cafe every morning without getting tired of the menu.

Pair your coffee of choice with a cinnamon roll, fruit plate, papaya delight, or chia bowl. You can even grab a salad to go for a meal later in the day.

I always ask my clients their favorite part of their vacation when they return, and more than one has mentioned breakfast at Kihei Caffe!

Address: 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI

4. Monkeypod

When looking for the best place for happy hour in Maui, head over to Monkeypod. The 36 different craft brews on tap give you plenty of options when it comes to finding your perfect brew.

Their pizzas are quite popular. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find burgers, tacos, steaks, and seafood options on the menu. No matter what you are craving, this restaurant in Maui has you covered.

Address: 10 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI

5. Kimo’s Maui

It has been about Hawaiian cuisine since Kimo’s opened in 1977. Seafood is everywhere on Kimo’s menu. Don’t worry if you don’t eat seafood, though. The filet mignon, pork ribs, and burgers are quite tasty too.

Before leaving, you must order the original hula pie from Kimo’s. If you haven’t had this pie before, let me tell you a little about it. It is macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, and toasted macadamia nuts poured into a chocolate cookie crust and topped with whipped dream. Heaven in a dish!

Address: 845 Front St, Lahaina, HI

6. Lineage

One of the best places for dinner in Maui is Lineage. Many of their dishes are considered shared dishes due to the serving size. This is a wonderful way to sample numerous dishes with others during your vacation.

The shared dishes include popular items like wagyu kalbi short rib, Cantonese lobster noodles, and garlic Szechuan noodles.

If you are dining alone or don’t want to share, you can always order their small bites. According to the locals, the ahi poke and one-ton salad is a must-try.

Address: 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI

7. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea

You can dine at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea for either breakfast or dinner. My favorite time to visit is at dinnertime. This best restaurant in Maui offers a very simple dinner menu. There are three courses included for one price.

The first course has options that include gazpacho, ahi crudo, and saffron risotto. The main course has delectable options like scallops, mahi-mahi, steak, and lamb.

And for dessert, you won’t be able to resist the coconut cake or the cookie plate filled with coconut macarons and other types of cookies.

Address: 555 Kaukahi St, Wailea, HI

8. Cafe O’Lei at the Mill House

The Mill House was one of the most popular restaurants in Maui. Nowadays, that restaurant in Maui is Cafe O’Lei. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Omelets, pancakes, and pastries are all part of the breakfast menu. Lunch brings sandwiches and Hawaiian entrees for your dining enjoyment.

The dinner menu is the most exciting, though. Calamari steak, charred kale Caesar salad, beef tenderloin, and blackened mahi-mahi are only a few dishes you can choose from.

No matter the meal, Cafe O’Lei will never disappoint.

Address: 1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, HI

9. NUKA

If you are craving Japanese cuisine while on vacation in Maui, you must head over to NUKA. This is considered the best Japanese restaurant in Maui and all of Hawaii.

You must arrive exceptionally early when you want to dine at NAKU. They do not accept reservations, and seating is quite limited. You definitely won’t want to wait in a long line or miss your chance to dine here when you are in Maui. So remember, early is better.

Their most popular dish is miso butterfish. However, you can’t go wrong with the karaage chicken, NUKA bowl, or the sashimi platter. The menu is extensive, so make sure you bring your appetite and maybe a cooler for leftovers!

Address: 780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI

10. Roy’s Kaanapali

If you have been to Oahu, you may have already eaten in a Roy’s restaurant. This is one of their other locations, which is perfect because it means you enjoy their delicious cuisine.

The Yamaguchi spicy ahi sushi roll is the most ordered dish on the menu. So is the miso yaki butterfish, mac nut crusted local catch, and Hawaii rancher’s ribeye. Heck, everything on the menu is yummy, so order it all!

Address: 2290 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI

If this address seems familiar, it is because it is at the Kaanapali Golf Course.

11. The Pint & Cork

One of the best restaurants in Maui is The Pint & Cork. Action is everywhere inside this restaurant/pub. Games will be playing on the televisions all night long. Laughter will be heard amongst the tables. And you will never leave hungry.

There is a happy hour menu each day. Arrive early for a few deals and stay for a complete meal. The bib burger is always a hit, as is the badwich. Add in the Kalua pork sliders, lobster mac and cheese, and garlic parm fries, and you may never want to eat anywhere else during your Maui vacation.

Address: 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI

12. Milagros

Milagros is a family-owned restaurant in Maui. It is known for being a family-friendly dining destination and the perfect place for an intimate date night dinner.

It is all about southwestern cuisine at Milagros. Your menu options include fajitas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and even spicy burgers. Make sure you add a margarita to your order to wash it all down!

Address: 3 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI

13. Down the Hatch

Down the Hatch was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives a few years ago. The food was excellent back then, and it is even better now!

This restaurant in Maui is open for all three meals each day. The best time to dine there, though, is for lunch. You will love their shrimp po boys, lobster and crab grilled cheese, and lava shrimp.

You may want to time your visit with open mic night, pajama brekkie party, karaoke, or even trivia night. The result will be fun and food for hours!

Address: 658 Front St #102, Lahaina, HI

14. Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante

One of the best places to eat dinner in Maui happens to be in a restaurant inside the Four Seasons Resort Maui. At Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante, romantic dinners can be enjoyed outside on the deck.

This restaurant in Maui is also open for lunch. Most people choose to arrive late for dinner, though. The reason for that is it is one of the best places to watch the sunset every night.

There is an impressive wine list at Ferraro’s. And each option pairs well with every item on the menu. The most popular dish is polpette. But there are many other Pacific-Rim fusion and Italian dishes to choose from.

So, I recommend trying the Hawaiian shoyu ahi poke bowl or the pappardelle lamb ragu. The menu also offers vegan and vegetarian options.

Address: 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI

15. Hali’imaile General Store

Most people don’t consider driving to a general store to eat a meal. Guess what??! In Maui, the locals prefer to do just that! Don’t let the name fool you because this is a farm-to-table restaurant, not a general store.

This may sound familiar if you’ve read my ultimate guide to Upcountry Maui post.

You will have plenty of options on the menu at Hali’imaile. Mixed in amongst the American Pacific cuisine are Pacific Hawaiian and Asian dishes.

So, be prepared to dive into dishes that include paniolo bbq ribs, coconut seafood curry, and Bev’s famous crab pizza. I recommend saving room for a bit of pineapple upside-down cake for dessert.

Address: 900 Hali’imaile Rd, Makawao, HI

16. Lahaina Grill

Lahaina Grill has been considered one of the best restaurants in Maui for more than 20 years. Locally sourced foods are used in all the New American dishes. This is another restaurant frequently mentioned by my clients as a favorite.

This restaurant is only open for dinner. You will find it is worth waiting until dinnertime to experience the delicious cuisine, fantastic atmosphere, and exceptional service.

The menu is extensive. I recommend beginning with an appetizer like the ahi poke or Maui onion soup. You can’t go wrong with dishes like the Veal Osso Bucco or the Kona coffee roasted rack of lamb for the main meal.

Ordering a Moscow mule is a must at this restaurant in Maui. It is made using locally distilled Ocean Vodka and Maui Brewing Company’s ginger beer.

Address: 127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI

17. Star Noodle

If you are searching for one of the best unique places to eat in Maui, I recommend Star Noodle. They are open for both lunch and dinner. Star Noodle serves Pan-Asian cuisine.

The views from the tables are wonderful all day long. However, it is most crowded at this restaurant in Maui right before sunset.

It is best to order shared plates because you can try more of the food. Make sure you order your sake cocktail, though, or you may find yourself without more than a sip.

Photo property of Star Noodle.

Ribs, steamed clams, chicken, and pork are featured on the menu. But it is the ahi belly that is ordered the most.

Address: 1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI

18. Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Don’t let Nalu’s South Shore Grill’s location deter you from walking in. This restaurant may be located in a plaza next to Ace Hardware, but the food is always amazing.

Nalu’s is open for all three meals. It is the most crowded at lunchtime and happy hour, though. If you happen to be there for dinner, you might catch some of the live music scheduled throughout the week.

Attention to detail is given to every dish as it is prepared. Local favorites include the chicken and waffles, poke bowls and apple brie burger. You won’t be able to resist their homemade chips or volcano fries either.

Address: 1280 South Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI

19. Taverna

One of the best places to eat Sunday brunch in Maui is Taverna. However, this restaurant in Maui is also open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Classic Italian dishes are the focus of the Taverna menu. Their main menu is organized by antipasti, share plates, contorni, primi, and piatti principali.

The brunch menu is slightly different, with featured dishes, sweets, salads, and add-ons. You can’t go wrong when you order the lobster benedict or the Taverna skillet, both signature dishes.

Address: 2000 Village Rd, Kapalua, HI

20. Marlow

One of the best places to eat pizza in Maui is Marlow. This restaurant in Maui might be off the beaten path, but the journey is worthwhile. The sourdough pizzas are all cooked in the kiawe wood-fired oven at 900 degrees.

The crust is always slightly charred, while the inside is slightly soft. The toppings are all locally sourced.

One of the benefits of eating at Marlow’s is watching as your pizza is being prepared. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch from anywhere inside the restaurant.

Address: 30 Kupaoa St A104, Makawao, HI

21. Coconut’s Fish Cafe

One of the best places to eat fish tacos in Maui is Coconut’s Fish Cafe. Yes, this is another Maui restaurant located in a plaza. You will forget all about that, though, once you sink your teeth into a soft taco shell.

Each fish taco is made using 17 different ingredients. And those ingredients create seven different textures. So, when I say your taste buds will be happy when you eat here, I mean it!

You have options if you aren’t in the mood for their fish tacos. The coconut shrimp is delicious, and so are the volcano fries.

Address: 1279 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI

22. Paia Fish Market

Fresh fish are plentiful in Hawaii. The best restaurant in Maui for fresh fish is Paia Fish Market. All the fish being served there is fresh and locally sourced.

The menu is filled with different seafood dishes. The blackened mahi-mahi and Hawaiian snapper are excellent choices. The fresh catch plate is the dish ordered the most, though. If you order that, consider your sides carefully.

Your options include French fries, coleslaw, potato hash, and Cajun rice.

Address: 100 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI

Yes, the Hana Highway! Check out my ultimate guide to the Road to Hana if you plan to embark on this epic journey.

23. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

You know, when you are on Maui vacation, you will crave something sweet. When you do, I recommend heading to Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop!

Their whoopie pies are the most popular. But you won’t be able to resist the monkey bread, banana bread, or coconut cream pies.

If you want something before you dive into dessert, Leoda’s has you covered. There are plenty of sandwiches to choose from on the menu.

Address: 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI

24. Tin Roof Maui

Poke bowls, chicken bowls, and fried chow fun noodles are only a few items you will find on the menu at Tin Roof Maui.

Photo property of Tin Roof Maui.

This is one of the restaurants in Maui you will want to visit if you have been a Top Chef fan. The chef is Sheldon Simeon, who was on the show’s tenth season. 

Address: 360 Papa Pl, Kahului, HI

25. Cheeseburger in Paradise

There is quite the laid-back vibe at Cheeseburger in Paradise, especially if you choose to sit outside on the upper deck. This is an excellent restaurant in Maui for dinner when you want to watch the sunset over the ocean.

It is all about the burgers at this Maui restaurant. Different toppings turn each one into a delicious option. Add fries or crisp onion rings, and you might not be hungry for days.

This restaurant can get busy, especially around dinnertime and sunset. So, be prepared to wait or arrive before the crowds.

Address: 811 Front St, Lahaina, HI

26. Island Cream Co

An excellent place to eat ice cream in Maui is Island Cream Co. They have a total of 150 flavors. Don’t think you will be overwhelmed, though. They only offer 36 of those flavors each day. The flavors then rotate.

Thankfully, you can taste a free sample or ten to narrow down your options. And if you can’t decide, they have a 6-scoop mini sampler they top with hot fudge.

If you don’t want ice cream, you can always choose to make your shave ice at the Glacier Ice Station. There are 36 flavors there as well, so don’t think you won’t be making decisions if you choose that over ice cream!

Address: 305 Keawe St Ste 511, Lahaina, HI

27. Sale Pepe

It is all about the pasta and wood-fired pizza at Sale Pepe. Classic dishes from the chef’s hometown of Milan appear on the menu. Whether you choose spaghetti, pappardelle, or strozzapreti, your meal will be excellent.

And if you go for the pizza, the Bianca topped with sausage is a local favorite.

Address: 878 Front St #7, Lahaina, HI

28. Gerard’s Restaurant

Gerard’s Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Maui for romantic dinners. This restaurant is located at the Plantation Inn.

The menu is filled with French cuisine. Although, each dish uses fresh ingredients sourced right from Maui.

The current menu is a four-course prix fixe. There is one choice for the amuse-bouche. However, ample options are available for appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Address: 174 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI

29. Esters Fair Prospect

Esters Fair Prospect is one of the best places to go for happy hour in Maui. You’ll find plenty of liquor, beer, wine, and cocktails.

You won’t find a lot to eat, but the guac and chips and pulled pork sliders will hold you over until you are done drinking.

Address: 2050 Main St Ste 1B, Wailuku, HI

30. Tight Tacos Maui

This tiny taco shop is located in an industrial section of the island. That means it is extremely busy at lunchtime and right after the nearby employees are done for the day.

Photo property of Tight Tacos Maui.

As long as the lines are, they move quickly as everyone walks up to the window to place their order.

The corn-pressed tortillas are filled with all types of ingredients. Keep an eye out for the special of the day, mainly if it includes the plato de birria. The braised beef with cheese will melt in your mouth.

Address: 349 Hanakai St, Kahului, HI

31. Akamai Coffee

All sorts of coffees are served at Akamai Coffee daily. Choices include lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, and espresso on top of the hot coffee. So, choose your personal favorite or try something new.

Make sure you grab a bite to eat while you are there. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, whether simple toast with avocado or a Belgian waffle with berry compote.

Address: 116 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei, HI

32. Geste Shrimp Truck

Some of Maui’s best restaurants aren’t restaurants but food trucks! The best place to order shrimp in Maui is Geste Shrimp Truck. This shrimp truck is open for both lunch and dinner. However, you should never wait until dinner to go. They only stay open until the food runs out for the day.

And with how popular this food truck is, that is always sooner than dinnertime!

Most people order the shrimp plate from Geste. The plate includes 12 shrimp, two scoops of rice, and crab macaroni salad. The shrimp comes in different flavors. Those choices include Hawaiian scampi, spicy pineapple, hot and spicy lemon pepper, and pineapple.

If you don’t want to order that, you may want to consider the shrimp bowls or hot dog plate.

Address: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI

33. Eskimo Candy Seafood

Eskimo Candy Seafood is open for lunch during the week. If you don’t want to eat, you can always grab takeout for dinner later.

The menu is filled with fresh seafood dishes. The locals’ favorites include the coconut shrimp, crab cakes, and the captain’s platter. There are burgers and chicken dishes for those who do not eat seafood.

Address: 2665 Wai Wai Place, Kihei, HI

34. A Saigon Cafe

If you happened to walk past A Saigon Cafe without knowing what it was, you might keep walking. Although the outside of the building isn’t that impressive, it’s what’s on the inside that counts!

Photo property of A Saigon Cafe.

Well, on the inside, a whole bunch of deliciousness is waiting for you! The menu is filled with Vietnamese dishes with a few Hawaiian flavors.

Favorite menu items include the garden delight rolls, mahi-mahi in a clay pot, and chicken curry stew.

Address: 1792 Main St, Wailuku, HI

35. Tasty Crust

Tasty Crust is a restaurant in Maui that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There isn’t a wrong time to try out the food at this establishment, especially since the staff is so friendly.

Breakfast time means you must try their banana hotcakes or the local style omelet with Spam. Lunch or dinner brings favorites that include Chinese chicken salad, won ton min, and Korean pork ribs. There are also burgers and sandwiches on the menu.

Address: 1770 Mill St, Wailuku, HI

36. Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Most people see the name of this restaurant and automatically think of a sushi bar. It is a sushi bar, but it also features Asian dishes on the menu.

The atmosphere inside this restaurant in Maui is lively. Plan on having a few laughs as you dine on dishes like mango crab salad roll or Sansei’s shrimp dynamite.

Address: 1819 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI

37. Southshore Grindz

You don’t need to skip eating good food on the days you spend at the beach on Maui. Especially when you are at Kamaole Beach. Southshore Grindz is right across the street from that beach.

The menu is filled with burgers, paninis, salads, and noodles. You can pick a dessert or two out of the cooler before leaving. No matter what dish you order, I recommend adding the truffle fries. You won’t be disappointed.

Address: 2439 South Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI

38. Kalei’s Lunch Box

The food at Kalei’s is so yummy that they now have a food truck and two restaurants on Maui. They needed to open all three to serve the people looking to eat their food. The menu at each location is slightly different. So, it might be best to visit all three to get the best Kalei’s Lunch Box experience.

Photo property of Kalei’s Lunchbox.

They are open for both breakfast and lunch. Breakfast items include breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, and omelets.

Lunchtime brings the smoke meat plate, Asian crusted mahi, and the surf and turf cheesesteak sandwich.

Address: Food Truck: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI
Maui Lani Restaurant: 52 Maui Lani Pkwy, Wailuku, HI
Pukalani Restaurant: 55 Pukalani St, Makawao, HI

39. 808 Grindz

One of the best places to eat breakfast in Maui is 808 Grindz. It is a small cafe with a Hawaiian vibe.

The griddle cakes, loco moco, and egg benedicts are always the top choices for breakfast.

This restaurant in Maui is also open for lunch. But the lines are much shorter once breakfast is over.

Address: 843 Wainee St, Lahaina, HI

40. Tiffany’s Bar and Grill

One of the best laid-back restaurants in Maui is Tiffany’s. You can’t have breakfast at Tiffany’s (see what I did there), but you can dine here for lunch or dinner. Most people arrive for dinner, so they can sing karaoke and watch a game on the television.

The menu at Tiffany’s is filled with Asian-infused cuisine. Spicy chicken wings, Katsu chicken, and spicy squid stir fry are popular items. There is even a late-night menu if you are still awake and out on the town.

Address: 1424 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI

The best restaurants in Maui

There you have it, the 40 best places to eat in Maui. Did your favorite Maui restaurant make the list? If not, feel free to share it in the comments! There are so many great places to eat in Maui; it was hard choosing just 40!

Maui Travel Tips

Are you planning a Maui vacation? First, you’ll want to check out 50 things to do in Maui. You might also like to learn about snorkeling Molokini crater or the other snorkel in Maui. No Maui vacation is complete without a luau, and I mention my favorites in the best luau on Maui.

Are you planning a Maui vacation in the winter? You’ll want to check out The Ultimate Guide to Maui Whale Watching. If that’s not enough, you can check out my free 4-day Maui itinerary and 7-day Maui itinerary.

The best places to eat in Maui

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best places to eat in Maui. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! 

If you need some help planning your Maui vacation, reach out! I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, and that is what I do. I am selective about how many clients I work with, so reach out as soon as possible for the best availability. You can contact me to learn more.

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