Maui Restaurants

For a place the size of Maui, there’s a lot going on when it comes to the dining scene, from ethnic holes-in-the-wall to stunningly appointed hotel dining rooms, and from seafood trucks to oceanfront fish houses with panoramic views. Much of the food is excellent, but some of it is overpriced and touristy. If you’re coming from a "food destination" city, you may have to adjust your expectations.

Follow the locavore trend, and at casual and fine-dining restaurants choose menu items made with products that are abundant on the island, like local fish, beef, venison, onions, avocados, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, hydroponic tomatoes, myriad herbs, salad greens, kalo (taro), bananas, papaya, guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), coconut, mangoes, strawberries, and Maui pineapple. You can also look for treats grown on neighboring islands, such as mushrooms, purple sweet potatoes, and watermelon.

"Local food," a specific and official cuisine designated as such in the 1920s, is an amalgam of foods brought by the ethnic groups that have come here since the mid-1800s and also blended with the foods native Hawaiians have enjoyed for centuries. Dishes to try include lomilomi salmon, laulau, poi, Portuguese bean soup, kalbi ribs, chicken katsu, chow fun, hamburger steak, and macaroni salad. For a food adventure, take a drive into Central Maui and have lunch or dinner at one of the "local" spots recommended here. Or get even more adventurous and take a drive around Wailuku or Kahului and find your own hidden gem—there are plenty out there.

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  • 1. 808 on Main

    $

    Delicious artisan sandwiches, classic burgers, and signature items make 808 on Main a local favorite. Their pupus, cocktails, and draft beers will make you wish they were open later (10-3 pm). Check out their counterpart 808 Deli in Kihei for breakfast, paninis, and gourmet hot dogs.

    2051 Main St., Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793, USA
    808-242--1111

    Known For

    • Refreshing house-made strawberry lemonade
    • Fun and friendly atmosphere
    • Tasty fish sandwiches

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 2. Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery

    $

    This popular spot began as a French-Vietnamese bakery on Oahu and has branched into popular small restaurants sprinkled throughout the Islands. Some are kiosks in malls; others are stand-alone with some picnic tables out front, as is the case at this location. Ba-Le is also located in Kahului, Lahaina, and Kihei. The Vietnamese pho (the famous soups laden with seafood or rare beef, fresh basil, bean sprouts, and lime) share menu space with local-style saimin and plates of barbecue or spicy chicken, beef, pork, or local fish served with jasmine rice. 

    1824 Oihana St., Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793, USA
    808-249–8833

    Known For

    • Affordable Vietnamese cuisine
    • Boba teas in fun flavors like taro or pineapple
    • Opakapaka (pink snapper) with garlic shrimp

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Casual
  • 3. Colleen's at the Cannery

    $$

    You'd never guess what's inside by the nondescript exterior and the location in an old pineapple cannery-cum-strip-mall, but this is one of Maui's most overlooked and underrated restaurants. Popular with locals for breakfast, lunch, and a daily happy hour, at night during dinner is when the candles come out and it's time for martinis and fresh fish; you'll feel like you're at a hip urban eatery.

    810 Haiku Rd., Haiku-Pauwela, Hawaii, 96708, USA
    808-575–9211

    Known For

    • Excellent food featuring Upcountry's best produce
    • Specialty artisan pizzas and enormous salads
    • Eggs Benedict (available every day) and Bloody Marys
  • 4. Da Kitchen

    $

    This extremely popular purveyor of all food "local" is bright, shiny, comfortable, and just minutes from Kahului airport. Try the signature mahimahi tempura, loco moco, Hawaiian plate, chicken katsu, and daily mixed bentos; and rest assured that everything on the menu is delicious and portions are gigantic. There's an "express" location in Kihei, but we recommend the happy, always-crowded Kahului location.

    425 Koloa St., Kahului, Hawaii, 96732, USA
    808-871–7782

    Known For

    • Fried spam musubi
    • Enormous plate lunches
    • Polynesian paralysis moco with fish tempura, kalua pork, two eggs, onion, mushrooms, and gravy—all served over fried rice

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. Down the Hatch

    $$

    Located steps from Lahaina Harbor, this casual restaurant serves top-notch seafood with Southern flair. The shrimp po'boy, seared ahi (yellowfin tuna) tacos, and fish-and-chips are perennial favorites. Order at the counter and grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables. Nightly live music, big screen televisions, and a full bar make this an entertaining choice any time of the day. For dessert, stop in for shave ice at Breakwall Shave Ice Co. next door, which is run by the same owners, and is also home to the famous "adult shave ice" for the 21 and older set.

    658 Front St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-661–4900

    Known For

    • Expansive seafood menu
    • Daily happy hour from 2 to 5 pm
    • Fun and lively atmosphere
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  • 6. Freshies Maui

    $

    While the rest of Makawao Town eases into the day, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this garden café in the shade of a sprawling Argentinian coral tree. With options like huevos rancheros, French toast, and housemade biscuits and gravy, it feels like Sunday brunch every day.

    3620 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, Hawaii, 96768, USA
    808-868–2350

    Known For

    • Peaceful setting
    • Vegetarian and vegan options
    • Local and organic ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and major holidays; no dinner
  • 7. Gerard's

    $$$$

    Classically trained French chef Gerard Reversade, who started as an apprentice in acclaimed Paris restaurants when he was just 14, has for more than three decades remained true to his Gascony roots. He cooks his way, utilizing island ingredients in such dishes as escargots forestière (with garlic and mushrooms), chilled cucumber soup, and the ahi tartare with taro chips; the wine list is first-class, and the dessert list is extensive.

    174 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-661–8939

    Known For

    • Fine French cuisine
    • Impeccable service
    • World-class wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Haliimaile General Store

    $$$$

    Chef-restaurateur Beverly Gannon's first restaurant remains a culinary destination after more than 30 years, serving exquisite dishes like Bev's Famous Crab Pizza, sashimi napoleon, BBQ pork sandwich, and the macadamia nut--crusted fresh catch. There are daily and nightly specials, hand-crafted cocktails, and local beers as well. The big, rambling former plantation store has two dining rooms; both are usually full, so reservations are encouraged.

    900 Haliimaile Rd., Haliimaile, Hawaii, 96768, USA
    808-572–2666

    Known For

    • Bev Gannon's classic recipes
    • Exquisite dining in an unlikely location
    • Hawaii regional cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 9. Hana Farms Bamboo Hale Grill & Pizzeria

    $$

    Just outside of Hana is this small food truck that has been transformed into a permanent location with a large, covered patio, real restrooms, and beautiful wood-fired pizzas, calzones, and salads that highlight the vegetables from Hana Farms. While you wait for your food enjoy the free Wi-Fi (very rare in the area) and peruse the shelves of the farm stand for tropical fruits, banana bread, home and bath gifts, and more. For some of the only nightlife in the area, drop by on Friday nights for live music from local musicians.

    2910 Hana Hwy., Hana, Hawaii, 96713, USA
    808-248–4047

    Known For

    • Sides vibrantly flavored and colored with turmeric and curry powder
    • Farm-grown veggies included in every dish
    • A beautiful outdoor eatery

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.--Thurs.
  • 10. Hana Ranch Restaurant

    $$

    The variety of abundance from local Hana farms is on display here with fresh produce highlighting plates with tasty American fare and a few local favorites like loco moco (white rice, burger patty, fried egg, and brown sauce) and ahi (yellowfin tuna) poke. The quality of meals and the prices are reflective of a more upscale restaurant, but customers can keep it casual here (no swimwear allowed, however). The bar, with its decadent craft cocktails (and mocktails) and local beer selection, tends to get a bit lively in the evening, one of the few options for nightlife in the area.

    1752 Mill Pl., Hana, Hawaii, 96713, USA
    808-270--5280

    Known For

    • Refreshing passion fruit lemonade
    • Epic burgers and upscale plate lunches
    • Generous portions

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended.
  • 11. Japengo

    $$$$

    Located inside the Hyatt Regency, this spot sits atop a man-made pool grotto and offers stunning ocean views and a gorgeous glassed-in sushi bar. The views aside, it's the food that makes Japengo worth a visit; the fresh local fish is well prepared—as are the sushi and hand rolls—and the desserts are amazing. Don't be afraid to get a little adventurous with trying items that may seem unfamiliar.

    200 Nohea Kai Dr., Kaanapali, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-667-4909

    Known For

    • Live Hawaiian and acoustic entertainment
    • Outstanding chef's specials
    • Nice sake menu with flight options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 12. Joey's Kitchen

    $$

    Chef-owner Joey Macadangdang, who has been at the helm of fine-dining kitchens for most of his career, brings his good taste to the masses with this unfussy restaurant featuring Filipino, Asian, and American fusion dishes. A longtime champion of local producers, many of his recipes highlight ingredients grown on Maui. Don't be fooled by its under-the-radar location in a strip mall; there's a good chance you'll find yourself returning here several times during your trip.

    5095 Napilihau St., Napili, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-214–5590

    Known For

    • Filipino cuisine
    • Local ingredients
    • Excellent value
  • 13. Kaana Kitchen

    $$$$

    This signature restaurant at Maui's most stylish luxury resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, has it all: ingredients sourced within the Islands, marvelous wine list, stellar service, and spectacular views from every table. The whole space has been masterfully designed with the gorgeous exhibition kitchen as the focal point of the restaurant and both indoor and outdoor seating wrapping around the space. The breakfast buffet includes endless, tasty options and dinner presents the perfect opportunity to linger over unique fish, seafood, and steak preparations.

    3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, Hawaii, 96753, USA
    808-879–1234

    Known For

    • Romantic setting for sunset dining
    • Most ingredients locally sourced
    • Plantation flavors with a modern twist

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 14. Kihei Caffe

    $

    This unassuming popular spot across the street from Kalama Beach Park has a breakfast menu that runs the gamut from healthy yogurt-filled papaya to the local classic loco moco—two eggs, ground beef patty, rice, and brown gravy—and everything in between. Unique menu items include corned beef hash and catfish at breakfast and a calamari sandwich at lunch. A second location recently opened in Lahaina.

    1945 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
    808-879–2230

    Known For

    • Killer cinnamon rolls
    • Enormous portions
    • Breakfast served all day

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 15. Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop

    $

    Slow down as you drive through the little roadside village of Olowalu, about 15 minutes before Lahaina town if you're coming from the airport, so you don't miss this adorable farmhouse-chic restaurant and pie shop, where everything is prepared with care. All the breads are house-made and excellent, and most ingredients are sourced locally; try a sandwich or a burger with Kula onions for lunch, or comfort food like pot pies for an early dinner. This is a big fan favorite, and lines are often very long -- don't expect to get through quickly if you're in a rush.Note: If you've been to Leoda's in the past you may need to modify your expectations; they shifted to a limited menu during the pandemic and breakfast and dinner look a lot different.

    820 Olowalu Village Rd., Olowalu, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-662–3600

    Known For

    • Can order online to beat long lines
    • Out-of-this-world banana cream pie
    • Delicious spicy tuna sandwiches
  • 16. Mala Ocean Tavern

    $$$$

    The menu at this oceanfront standout features interesting local-style Hawaiian food fusions. There's a focus on ingredients that promote local sustainability, and the cocktails and wine list are great, too. Daily brunch and happy hours keep guests happy all day, and a late night menu on Friday and Saturday features raw fish and wagyu plus discounted cocktails.

    1307 Front St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-667–9394

    Known For

    • Seared ahi (yellowfin tuna) bruschetta
    • Seafood brodo
    • Friendly and attentive staff
  • 17. Mama's Fish House

    $$$$

    Few restaurants in Maui have the reputation of this North Shore eatery, tucked into a small cove just off the highway on the Road to Hana. You’ll pay for the quality of your meal, but it’s worth the splurge; the fish comes from as close as Maui’s shores to as far away as the deep waters of Antarctica, and the daily menu often tells the story of that catch.

    799 Poho Pl., Paia, Hawaii, 96779, USA
    808-579–8488

    Known For

    • Incredibly fresh fish processed and served within 24 hours
    • Mama’s Stuffed Fish, filled with lobster and crab then crusted in macadamia nuts
    • Hard-to-come-by dinner reservations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
  • 18. Maui Brewing Company

    $

    You don’t need to be a beer lover to appreciate a visit to Maui Brewing Company’s flagship location. Spanning more than five acres, the Kīhei compound includes a restaurant, brewery, and tasting room. Craft pizzas, burgers, salads, and more highlight a lively menu, as do craft cocktails. Step behind the scenes with a one-hour guided brewery tour on the weekend.

    605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
    808-201–2337

    Known For

    • Boozy "sloshies" from MBC's Kupu Spirits
    • Spacious venue with open-air setting
    • Lively bar scene separate from the dining area
  • 19. Merriman's Maui

    $$$$

    Perched above the postcard-perfect Kapalua Bay, this is the place to impress your date, as Chef Peter Merriman highlights the Islands’ bounty by using fresh seafood and ingredients from local farms. A nightly changing prix-fixe menu ($120) features stunning dishes that represent land and sea options and a vegetarian option that abounds with local produce. A keiki (children's) menu is also available for $30.

    1 Bay Club Pl., Kapalua, Hawaii, 96761, USA
    808-669–6400

    Known For

    • Panoramic ocean views
    • Exceptional wine list
    • Fire pit on the outdoor lanai

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 20. Morimoto Maui

    $$$$

    "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto's eponymous restaurant, located at the Andaz Maui resort, has some of Maui's most creative presentations and, arguably, some of its best food. Poolside outdoor tables that sit directly under the stars, a bustling dining room, and a sushi bar all make it a lively choice, but the food is ultimately the reason to go. Feast on slices of tuna pizza, indulge in premium Wagyu beef (carpaccio or filet), and splurge on some of the best sushi in Maui.

    3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, Hawaii, 96753, USA
    808-243–4766

    Known For

    • Fantastic levels of service
    • Signature Morimoto dishes
    • Excellent ambience

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