The Ultimate Maui Food Guide: Best Restaurants on Maui

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MAUI IS OPEN! Many West Maui businesses have slowly reopened (or found new locations) after the Lahaina fire. The island of Maui as a whole needs our support! Please make plans to visit Maui. Be kind. Be respectful. Be generous and giving. Maui is ready to welcome you with that famous Aloha spirit.

If you’re planning a trip to Maui and wondering what on earth to eat, you’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll find a complete Maui Food Guide to some of the island’s best eateries listed out by region to help you decide on where to eat while visiting Maui.

When you think of escaping to a tropical destination like Hawaii, thoughts of pristine beaches, ice cold Mai Tais, and ocean adventures might come to mind. For me, my thoughts wander immediately to the food! I grew up on Maui, and I visit as often as I can to see my family, indulge in my favorite foods, and get a fresh perspective on the island’s culinary scene.

The number one question I get from people planning trips to Maui is “Where should we eat?”

I won’t lie – it’s also my favorite question to answer! Because of this, I put together this living guide to my favorite places to eat on Maui.

What to Eat on Maui

Hawaii certainly does not lack diversity, and that is truly evident in the cuisine you can find on the islands. While you can find every dish imaginable, there’s a prominent mix of Hawaiian, Asian, and even Portuguese influence.

You’ll find unique items on menus like spam musubi, kalua pork, fresh poke, and malasadas. Venture outside of your comfort zone and taste some of these local treats! Also, fresh local seafood abounds, and I encourage you to eat as much of it as possible – if that’s your thing.

There are so many great places to eat at on Maui, it’s hard to figure out how to fit them all in! You can’t possibly make it to every joint on the island in one go, but I hope this guide will help give you a good head start. Repeat visits to the island may be required *wink* *wink*…

Note that everything in this guide are restaurants I’ve personally eaten at. You won’t find a random list of places to try without my own dining experience (except for a few items that I will clearly note are on my own “wish list” for my next trip).

A Few Tips

Here are a few of my favorite tips when it comes to dining out on Maui.

Stick to one or two upscale eateries

Dining on Maui can be expensive (that pretty much applies to the whole state). I would suggest picking out one or two top notch places to have a fancy dinner and settling on some more affordable alternatives for the remainder of the trip. Of course, if you have the budget for it, by all means – eat to your heart’s content at the island’s top restaurants!

Always scope out a good happy hour!

This can be a real money saver if you’re keen on eating an early dinner. Not only can you get discounted Mai Tais (or whatever libation your heart desires), there’s no shortage of good eats at lower prices.

Some of my favorite places for taking advantage of happy hour include Monkeypod Kitchen and Merriman’s, where you can get the famous Mai Tais with lilikoi foam for a much better price!

And speaking of happy hour, if you’re a boozy traveler like me, you’ll also want to check out these posts:

• Where to Find Craft Beer on Maui
• Cruising for a Boozing on Maui: Distilleries, Craft Breweries & Wine

Now, let’s get to the food!

For this Maui food guide, I’ve listed my favorite eateries by region on the island (West Maui, South Maui, Central Maui, North Shore, Upcountry, and East Maui), along with plenty of food pics, restaurant info, and some recommendations for my favorite dishes!

As always, comments and recommendations for new places for me to try are welcome. Drop me a note in the comments section!

Enjoy!

South Maui

Kihei & Wailea

Lineage (at The Shops at Wailea)

Lineage Maui | 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

Lineage is one of my favorite places for a unique night out! The dishes are creative, super flavorful, and are inspired by local ingredients with Pacific Island and Asian flare. They also excel in craft cocktails, so do not sleep on trying one of their creations!

What to Get at Lineage

The menu at Lineage changes regularly, but here are some dishes I’ve eaten that are well-deserving of praise:

• Korean Fried Chicken – A consistent menu item and some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. I highly recommend the garlic jalapeno finadene preparation.
• Cantonese Lobster Noodles – One of the most flavorful dishes I’ve ever eaten on Maui with a generous portion of lobster. This is an absolute MUST.
• Bao Buns – This is a special dish that pops up periodically with different meats. If it’s offered, I highly recommend it! We had ours with brisket.
• Charred Tako & Crushed Local Potato – I love tako when cooked to perfection.
• Garlic Noodles – These are spicy but some of the best garlic noodles I’ve ever had.
• Black Sesame Hummus topped with Kimchi
• Sweet Potato Ice Cream with Miso Caramel & Maldon Sea Salt (yes, you need this in your life!)
• Smashed Cucumber & Peanut Salad

Akamai Coffee (Wailea)

Akamai Coffee | 116 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

I’m not a big coffee connoisseur, but Akamai Coffee makes some of the best I’ve tasted! And their coffee beans are 100% grown and locally roasted on Maui. If you want a super boost of caffeine, try the Road to Hana cold brew, with flavors of chocolate macadamia nut and toffee nut. That stuff is strong and I get why they call it the Road to Hana – this will keep you awake ALL day!

Akamai also serves a limited food menu, from which I recommend the chocolate chip banana bread and the lox toast for a savory brekkie.

Kitoko (at South Maui Gardens)

Kitoko Maui | 35 Auhana Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Set amongst the serene backdrop of South Maui Gardens, you’ll find this little gem of a food cart called Kitoko dishing up high-end food in a casual atmosphere. Dishes are sustainably plated on a variety reusable vessels (namely steel bento boxes), minimizing waste. Not only is the food beautifully plated and visually stunning, it’s also packed with flavor and creativity.

Prices may be a little higher than what you might be used to from food trucks, but again, this is a very elevated food cart experience worth every penny. You’d probably pay double the cost at any fine dining restaurant!

What to Get:

• Marlin Bento with marlin tataki, Okinawan sweet potatoes & market vegetables
• Any special featuring locally-caught lobster (I had lobster Thai noodles and it was a phenomenal dish)
• Lilikoi Meringue Pie (served layered in a little jar). The chef of Kitoko was a former pastry chef at Spago, so you can undoubtedly expect brilliant pastry work in addition to the amazing savory foods.

Sugar Beach Bake Shop

Sugar Beach | 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

This cute little bakery in Kihei is a hot spot for some of the tastiest, fresh malasadas! And they make a nice variety of them too – you can choose from regular malasadas or cream filled (with vanilla cream, ube, toasted coconut, or lilikoi cream). I’ve had both the vanilla and lilikoi cream malasadas and these are some of the best I’ve ever had. I could eat several in one sitting!

Definitely get here early because they will sell out daily. If you want to guarantee yourself some delicious lilikoi malasadas, I might even suggest pre-ordering so you don’t miss out.

Cafe O’Lei

Cafe O’Lei | 2439 S Kihei Rd #201a, Kihei, HI 96753

The main reason I love Cafe O’Lei: the plate lunch specials! We’ve been to Cafe O’Lei for both lunch and dinner, though I prefer lunch here for a more affordable option. However, if you’re looking for a hearty prime rib plate or a fresh fish dish that doesn’t cost you fifty bucks a pop, this is also a great spot for dinner.

What to Get:

• Fish plate lunch special with buttery gravy, served over steamed rice and with a Caesar salad.
• Blackened Mahi Mahi, served with fresh island papaya salsa, ginger butter sauce, steamed rice, and vegetables
• Roast Prime Rib with mashed potatoes and veg

South Maui Fish Co.

South Maui Fish Co. | 1794 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

We stumbled across this little food truck on my quest to find Maui’s best fish tacos – and it ended up being the best of the bunch! Definitely try their fish tacos (fish is whatever the catch of the day is), served with coconut slaw and spicy aioli. Excellent tacos! Also be on the lookout for their marlin dip (if available). It’s a little pricey for a small portion, but the flavor is unreal!

They also have fresh poke (also poke bowls), curry fish plates, and veggie curry plates.

>>Read More: The Search for Maui’s Best Fish Tacos

Maui Brewing Co.

Maui Brewing | 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753

The menu at Maui Brewing Co. has more than just beer these days! They also have an awesome pub menu, and killer patio area with ample seating. Portions are also extremely generous. I’ve watched plate after plate come out with heaping piles of food!

Their nachos, wings, and pizzas are delicious, and the kale, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, and white sauce pizza called The Harvester is a perfect pairing to a flight of beers.

Ka’ana Kitchen (at the Andaz Wailea)

Website | 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

Two words: breakfast heaven! Ka’ana Kitchen is located inside the Andaz Maui resort, and happens to have the most amazing breakfast buffet I’ve seen on Maui filled with fresh-squeezed juices, an omelet station, malasadas, fresh fruit, salads, breads, muffins, etc. It is a wee bit pricey at $49.00 per person, but again, it’s all you can eat, so…fill up those plates!

What to Get:

• Malasadas
• Omelet from the omelet station
• Mochi waffles – dense and chewy but full of flavor. I’ve never tasted anything like them! I went back for seconds.
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (from the a la carte menu) made with coconut creme, macadamia nuts, and pineapple compote. I can attest to these being the best (and maybe the most expensive) pancakes I’ve ever had (and I’m not a huge pancake fan).

The a la carte items are priced pretty high, so unless you see something you really, really must have on the breakfast menu, I would stick with “The Breakfast Experience” option.

Note: We’ve only been here for brunch, though they serve dinner as well. Our Breakfast Experience was complimentary as part of a hotel sales tour I did, but I would 100% come back for the brekkie any day and pay full price.

Monkeypod Kitchen

Monkeypod Kitchen | 10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI 96753

This restaurant will always be my favorite place for happy hour on Maui! Happy hour is the best time to get your hands on one of their famous Mai Tais topped with lilikoi foam (or maybe two…or three).

For happy hour, most appetizers are 50% off (except seafood items), and their pizzas are only $13.00 (except the Bourgeois….cuz, lobster).

What to Get

• Hamakua Wild Mushroom and Truffle Oil Pizza (that white sauce!)
• Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, made with kiawe-roasted squash, chèvre, spinach, and toasted walnut sage pesto
• Lobster Deviled Eggs
• Saimin made with local Iwamoto noodles & pork
• Mai Tais with lilikoi foam

Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Nalu’s Kihei | 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

You won’t find a better place in South Maui to get a delicious brunch! Because it’s so popular, the line is often long – even first thing in the morning. Once you order, food comes out pretty fast though so no sweat there.

What to Get:

I highly recommend the Cornflake Crusted French Toast (Hawaiian sweet bread stuffed with pineapple-lilikoi marmalade cream, topped with pineapple, bananas, and toasted mac nuts). Wow. What a treat! It is quite rich so I recommend splitting that with a savory dish if you have dining companions.

Their Chicken & Waffle and Seared Ahi Sandwich are also delicious options (and I highly recommend the Kimchee Bloody Mary).

Pita Paradise – Wailea

Pita Paradise | 34 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

The very first time I visited Pita Paradise was at their Central Kihei location (which has since closed). It was a casual place serving up pitas in little plastic baskets while you sat on the porch and enjoyed fresh island air. Fast forward a few years, and Pita Paradise opened up a new location in Wailea where you can enjoy their fluffy pitas in a nice, clean air-conditioned location!

Why I love it: Affordable and delicious lunches! Their falafel pita is only $11, and comes with a side of rice pilaf, and I’ve also had their fresh catch pita (a little more expensive at $19). Most of their pita sandwiches are under $16 and they also have daily happy hour specials!

Spago (at the Four Seasons)

Spago Maui | 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

If you ever feel like splurging on fine dining when visiting Maui, Spago should definitely be on your list! My brother has treated us to some incredible experiences here and I have been blown away by the beauty of the food as well as the sunset views! We’ve tried so many different dishes, I couldn’t even begin to list them all here. Be sure to check out my Maui Instagram Highlights for more food pics!

Must Haves at spago:

The menu changes regularly, but if you see any of these on the current menu, you won’t be disappointed!

• Any of their fresh sushi/sashimi/omakase platters
• Maui Onion Focaccia Bread
• Caviar
• Japanese Hamachi w/ Ponzu & Molokai Yam
• Hawaiian Seafood Risotto
• Truffle Gnocchi
• Pineapple Coconut Red Curry with Kauai Prawns & Mahi Mahi
• Seared Ahi or Big Eye Tuna
• 1944 Mai Tai

This is fine dining so yes, it’s going to be a pricey experience – but it’s 100% worth it for a special occasion!

Pint & Cork (at the Shops at Wailea)

Pint & Cork | 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

Pub grub on Maui? Sign me up! Located in The Shops at Wailea, you’ll love this spot for happy hour with pub grub and a great selection of craft beers on tap. It’s also a great spot to catch a sports game on TV.

What to Get:

• Mac and Cheese (add jalapenos or even better, get it Kitchen Sink style!)
• Kalua Pork & Adobo Sliders
• Buffalo Wings
• Parmesan Truffle Fries, which make a great snack with a cold beer
• Mai Tais are tasty, and they are pretty generous with their wine pours as well

Poke at Times, Foodland or Tamura’s

This one is a bit of a toss up for me as I think they are all great for stocking up on poke and beer! I love having a soft-sided cooler and grabbing some containers full of poke and mowing down on them at the beach. It’s a quintessential Hawaii experience!

Read More: Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui

South Maui Wish List

Here are some of my South Maui wish list picks for next time!

• Da Kitchen
• Sun’s Out Buns Out
• Ko Restaurant at the Kea Lani resort

Central Maui

Kahului & Wailuku

Central Maui was not on my radar as being a destination for foodies, but I have discovered some really great gems that you must try! Most places you’ll find “in town” are local favorites with meals that are delicious and affordable. My kind of food!

Read More: Central Maui Takeout Food Tour

Tin Roof

Tin Roof | 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732

Long has it been on my wish list, but I finally made it to the ever-popular restaurant owned by Top Chef alumni and Hawaii local Sheldon Simeon. Tin Roof is basically a no frills takeout spot – you order your food, pick it up and find a spot to chow down – be it in your car, in the parking lot, or at a nearby beach. Tin Roof really makes food for the people. It’s hearty, locally-inspired, creative, affordable, and most importantly, DELICIOUS. Yes, all of that.

Pro Tips: Daily specials are posted on their Instagram page. You can also order ahead online to skip the wait!

What to Get: Mochiko Chicken & Rice

Tiffany’s

Tiffany’s Maui | 1424 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793

Recently under new ownership by Chef Sheldon Simeon and family, Tiffany’s is a bustling spot for local eats in Central Maui. Food is served family style with shared plates set at the table for all to enjoy. The atmosphere is loud and casual – the best place for a night out to talk story with friends and family. You’ll see a lot of locals in here for sure!

The menu is inspired by local cuisine and comfort foods – essentially a hodgepodge of Hawaiian and Asian dishes. The food is delicious and filling and I recommend bringing some stretchy pants to roll out of here with when you’re done.

What to Get:

• Hamachi Sashimi with ponzu finadene and Maui onion (if there is only one thing you get here, let it be this)
• Fresh ahi poke
• Miso Butterfish – this fish is so soft, it will melt in your mouth!
• Fat Chow Funn with thick cut noodles
• Hele Mai Tai – not your traditional style of Mai Tai, but unique and flavorful with hints of coconut

Sam Sato’s

1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793

If I could think of an example of what a Hawaiian-style diner would be, Sam Sato’s would be it. Serving up traditional breakfast fare like omelettes and hot cakes, Sam Sato’s also takes it to the next level with favorites like dry mein, chow fun, plate lunches, and manju (a Japanese steamed cake).

Sam Sato’s has limited indoor seating, but a good portion of its patrons order takeout to bring home to the family – especially on Saturdays. I would suggest picking up a large dry mein (dry noodles) and heading down the road to Ululani’s for some shave ice to enjoy with your noods (they have plenty of outdoor seating there).

What to Get: Dry Mein (Dry Noodles) – comes with char siu pork, bean sprouts, green onion & a small side of “soup”

Hours: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Daily, except Sunday

Like Poke

Like Poke | 1960 Main St, Wailuku HI

I visited Like Poke on recommendation from one of my little sisters and she did not steer me wrong! In my quest to find the best poke on Maui, I visited Like Poke and ordered up a heaping plate of fresh Wasabi Shoyu Poke and Kim Chee Poke. The fish was so fresh and cut into beautiful big chunks! This is definitely some of the best poke on the island. Since my first visit, I was able to bring my husband to try the poke plate here and it was just as good as I remembered it.

Like Poke plates with two scoops of poke and rice will set you back $22.00. The cost of fresh tuna has gone up a lot, so expect to pay a premium for poke no matter where you are. Worth it!

Like Poke is a food truck now located in Central Maui in Wailuku (formerly located near Costco)

Tasaka Guri Guri (at the Maui Mall)

70 E Kaahumanu Ave # C13, Kahului, HI 96732

Tasaka Guri Guri was a staple of my childhood! The Tasaka family has been operating this small family-run business for 100 years, after its proprietor originated the dessert back in Japan and brought it over for all to enjoy in Hawaii.

Guri-Guri is a Japanese frozen dessert that is similar to a sherbet, and I can’t really tell you what’s in it as it is a secret family recipe. They only sell two flavors here – strawberry and pineapple – and I always get mine mixed. It is also super cheap, from $1.30 for two scoops to $3.10 for five scoops. A refreshing afternoon treat!

Note: This is a cash-only establishment!

Ululani’s Shave Ice

Ululani’s | 50 Maui Lani Pkwy e1, Wailuku, HI 96793

One of the most popular places on the island for shave ice is Ululani’s and for good reason – it’s delicious! There are multiple locations on Maui but I like the Wailuku location since it’s close to a few other eateries I can visit on the same trip.

In my opinion, shave ice is probably one of the most overpriced foods in Hawaii (syrup and ice…c’mon), but it’s just something you have to get! And yes, it’s “shave” ice – not “shaved” ice.

I always recommend getting a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom as it makes everything nice and creamy. There are endless flavor combinations, but I always end up with something tropical (when in Rome Hawaii, am I right?).

North Shore

Paia & Haiku

The North Shore has a special place in my food-loving heart as it’s the place I called home for many years (and my mom still lives there so I’m always visiting that part of the island). Paia is a popular visitor destination, but a lot of people don’t really know much about small-town Haiku so I’m including a few of my favs from there as well!

Paia Fish Market

Paia Fish Market | 100 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

I would consider Paia Fish Market the OG of fish tacos on Maui. Their Paia location was so popular, they opened up more locations on the island! Sadly, the Lahaina restaurants were lost in the fire but you can also visit their location in Kihei still too.

Tacos here are nice and simple – choose your fresh fish for the tacos, which come with corn tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and tomato. The simplicity really makes the fresh fish stand out! The mahi mahi, ono, and snapper are all delicious but if I had to choose one, it would be the snapper (opakapaka – one of my favorite fishies from Hawaiian waters).

Choice Health Bar

Choice Health Bar | 11 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779

If you’re in the mood for a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack, a refreshing acai bowl from Choice Health Bar in Paia is where it’s at! I didn’t get the whole acai bowl hype until I had one at Choice. I’m a believer.

I got the Om Lilikoi: unsweetened acai blended with passion fruit, pineapple, strawberries, flax oil, seabuckthorn juice and apple juice. My bowl was topped with delicious granola, fresh bananas and strawberries, shaved coconut, and honey. It’s not cheap (I paid $13.00 for my acai bowl), but it tasted amazing and I felt great after eating it!

This would be a great morning stop if you’re doing the Road to Hana for the day!

Tobi’s Shave Ice

Tob’s Shave Ice | 137 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

This little stop in Paia is such a great find, especially if you like good poke! I found myself wandering over here to check out the savory items, even though they are known for their shave ice.

Oh. My. Poke! Their shoyu poke was probably one of the best I’ve ever had – incredibly fresh and well-flavored. I easily devoured a half pound all to myself, along with a cup of their delicious chili and rice (chili and rice is a super Hawaii thing to eat – one of my favorite comfort foods!). I don’t think you can go wrong with anything here.

Seating: Limited patio seating available (three small tables)

What to Get: Shoyu Poke & Chili and Rice Bowl

Flatbread Pizza Co.

Flatbread Paia | 89 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

I absolutely love the different pizzas that Flatbread Pizza Co. in Paia has to offer! It’s actually a small chain of restaurants that originated on the East Coast and they decided Paia would be a good spot to open up shop. They were right!

What to Get:

• Organic Salad: Locally-sourced mesclun and organic sweet leaf lettuces, organic green papaya and carrots, toasted sesame seeds, organic sprouts and a tangy and tasty home-made pineapple vinaigrette!
• Pele Pesto pizza
• Homemade Sausage pizza (with nitrate-free maple-fennel pork sausage)
• Mopsy’s Kalua Pork with homemade mango BBQ sauce

Milagros

Milagros | 3 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779

This restaurant in Paia is my go-to Mexican restaurant on the island. They serve up heaping plates of nachos, amazing fish tacos (one of my favorites on the island), and even mahi mahi burritos! I also love to sit on the patio (if it’s not too hot) and people watch since it’s right on the corner of Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue – the main intersection in Paia Town.

What to Get:

• Nachos
• Fish taco plate (one my favorite fish taco plates on the island)
• Mahi mahi burrito
• Li-Hing Mui Margaritas

Paia Gelato

Paia Gelato | 99 Hana Hwy #C, Paia, HI 96779

Gelato is such a tasty treat when you are in need of something cool! The gelato at Paia Gelato is made fresh daily, and utilizes local ingredients wherever possible – like fresh strawberries from Kula and Lilikoi Quark from Surfing Goat Dairy.

Paia Gelato also makes breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and lunch sandwiches, making it an excellent stop on your way along the Road to Hana.

What to Get: Lilikoi (so tart and creamy!) and Kula Strawberry gelato

Nuka

Nuka | 780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708

What was once a tiny hardware store around the corner from my family home, has now become a hot sushi destination on Maui! The restaurant is tiny, and they do not take reservations because of this.

What to Get:

• The Nuka Roll is my favorite – A refreshing roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, and avocado – topped with snapper, shiso, jalapenos and Nuka sauce (on the left side of the below photo, you can see we ordered two of these babies)
• Japanese Poke
• Hamachi Carpaccio

Prices here are a bit high, but flavors are fresh.

North Shore Wish List

And here’s my North Shore wish list for later!

• NyloS Restaurant
• Mama’s Fish House*

*I’ve been to Mama’s Fish House before but it has been quite a few years so I feel like I can’t accurately review it for the purposes of my guide. But, I definitely want to revisit!

Upcountry

Makawao, Pukalani & Kula

Upcountry Maui is one of my favorite places on the island! It has a unique landscape due to the cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for agriculture and farms. It’s not really the island’s top foodie destination; however, there are a few great places you can certainly find here.

Note there are several distilleries and even a winery up here as well, which you can read about in this post: Cruising for a Boozing on Maui.

Kula Bistro

Kula Bistro | 4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790

This is one of my favorite Upcountry restaurants for lunch, and I like to pair a visit here with my travels to Haleakala, Maui Wine, or one of the many farms/distilleries in the area. The atmosphere is cafe casual and the plates are plentiful and full of flavor!

What to Get:

• Fish special for lunch (with rice and veggies)
• Crab cakes
• Kalua Pork panini
• Lilikoi cheesecake from the bakery (the best cheesecake I’ve ever had)

They do also serve breakfast and dinner (check their website for hours), so if you are in the area around those times, definitely give them a try!

Alcohol is BYOB with no corkage fee, so if you’ve just paid a visit to the winery, you can enjoy a nice bottle with lunch or dinner!

Restaurant Marlow

Marlow | 30 Kupaoa St A104, Makawao, HI 96768

Located next to Mahalo Brewing in Upcountry Maui, you’ll find a James Beard-nominated chef slinging some excellent wood-fired sourdough pizzas and farm-to-table eats. There’s nothing that pairs better with beer than a great pizza, which you can order from the restaurant and take over to the brewery to enjoy. I highly recommend the calabrese for a red pie and the funghi for the white!

Hali’imaile General Store

HGS Maui | 900 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768

Hali’imaile General Store (HGS) provides the Upcountry area with more of an upscale dining experience. Contrary to it’s namesake, HGS is no longer a general store!

In the past, we saved HGS for special occasions (except when my brother worked there for a few years and we could get an employee discount when dining with him!). Dinner entrees range from the high $20’s to mid $40’s per plate, but portion sizes are always generous and the food is consistently tasty.

What to Get:

• Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, served with a tropical fruit salsa, whipped molokai sweet potatoes, and mango-lilikoi butter sauce.
• Braised short ribs
• Crispy wonton stacks (formerly made with duck, now made with ahi and smoked salmon, dubbed the “Sashimi Napoleon”)

I can’t say that I’ve ever had a bad meal here, and love the plantation style decor and atmosphere that really round out the dining experience.

Komoda Store & Bakery

3674 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768

Talk about another staple of my childhood! My mom used to get our Chantilly birthday cakes here, but the real shining gems of the bakery are the custard-filled cream puffs they make daily.

Get here early because they do sell out (or call ahead and reserve your favorites)! You can also get donuts on a stick, guava filled malasadas, and a variety of other pastries/pies.

Upcountry Wish List

Here are a few extra places I’d like to make a stop at next time:

• Satori (Sushi Food Truck) (Makawao)
• La Provence Bakery (Kula)
• O’o Farm (Kula)

West Maui

Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Napili, Kapalua & Olowalu

Due to the 2023 devastating fire, several of my favorite West Maui restaurants were completely destroyed. I hope they will one day rebuild, but I have removed them for now. Check in with your favorites on their socials to support affected employees and for future business rebuild efforts.

Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop – Olowalu

Leoda’s | 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

This café/bakery is the perfect stop for anyone heading out to the Lahaina/Ka’anapali area (maybe even as a first stop on your way from the airport). They are serving up some seriously delicious comfort food, including an array of sweet pies, savory hand pies, burgers, sandwiches, and even refreshing Maui mules!

Recommended Eats:

• Veggie burger
• Savory mushroom and cheese hand pie
• The “Pork, pork…mmmm, pork” sandwich that comes with prosciutto, duroc ham, Applewood bacon, and salami (holy pork!)
• They also make a killer Maui Mule, which is a tart lemonade version of a traditional mule. Very refreshing!

Their sweet pies are a little on the pricey side but soooo incredibly tasty. Try the tangy lilikoi or the rich chocolate macadamia nut! The key lime is also a winner (and I’m not normally a key lime fan), and I know plenty of people who are big fans of the banana cream. I don’t really think you can go wrong with any of your choices!

Star Noodle

1287 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
https://www.starnoodle.com/

We’ve been visiting Star Noodle for years – a restaurant that has retained its consistent, tasty flavors! We’ve had so many good dishes from the menu, it’s hard to pick favorites.

I’m happy to report that Star Noodle reopened in 2024 in a new Front Street location with beautiful views overlooking the ocean. Such a perfect place to enjoy some delicious eats!

Pro tip: make a reservation! I’ve been glad I did, even at lunch sometimes.

Meat eater favs:

• Steamed Pork Buns
• Vietnamese Crepe
• Bacon & Eggs (with sizzling Crispy Pork, Poached Egg, Tomato, Onion),
• Nuoc Cham Wings
• Scallop Shots with Wafu Dashi, Ginger, Scallion, Lemon EVOO

My Favs (veggie/pescatarian dishes):

• Star Kim Chee (we always get a bowl to share)
• Pohole Salad (fern shoots)
• Garlic Noodles
• Udon with Wafu Dashi Broth
• Maladasas with chocolate and caramel sauce for dessert – served piping hot and coated in sugar!

Hula Grill (Whaler’s Village)

Hula Grill | 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Picture this: beachfront views, a Barefoot Bar in the sand, and some of the best fish and chips around! Hula Grill is another one of those “I’ve been coming here for years” restaurants and love to bring all my guests here at least once.

What to Get:

They do have a different menu in the Barefoot Bar versus the dining room, so be sure to compare those first before you decide where to sit.

• Fish and chips with their tangy lilikoi chili dipping sauce (absolutely love this dish – the sauce makes it)
• Crab and mac nut won tons (amazing!)
• Lobster, scallop and shrimp pot stickers with a guava plum dipping sauce
• Of course, top your meal off with a slice of Hula Pie!

Monkeypod Kitchen (Whaler’s Village)

Monkeypod Kitchen | 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761

This location of Monkeypod Kitchen is a second location of this popular Maui restaurant. The interior is just beautiful, and took over the space of a very dated bar and grill. I usually frequent the Wailea location but we’ve popped in here to get a couple of Mai Tais (because we can’t stay away from that lilikoi foam!).

Since I haven’t eaten at this location, you’ll have to check out the South Maui section for more info on the foods (though the menu looks the same).

Pro Tip: I suggest going for happy hour so you don’t have to pay full price for a Mai Tai.

Duke’s Beach House (Honua Kai Resort)

Duke’s Maui | 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Why come to Duke’s? Happy hour and great drink prices! Sit up at the bar and get an ice cold pint of Big Swell IPA and a plate of black bean nachos or poke tacos. They also serve Mai Tais in novelty tiki glasses. Although it’s not my fav Mai Tai on the island, they are very affordable during happy hour.

Tip: Come early if you want to snag a good seat for happy hour, which starts at 3:00 p.m.

Duke’s is right on the beach on the Honua Kai Resort property, and they have a Barefoot Bar as well! I also hear they have a pretty good breakfast, so we’ll have to check that out next time.

Read More: Checking In – Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Maui

The Fish Market Maui – Honokowai

Fish Market | 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Fish tacos and burritos? I’m in! I love The Fish Market for it’s casual atmosphere and relatively affordable prices for all the food you get.

What to Get:

• Fresh fish burrito (depends on catch of the day – we had the monchong)
• Crispy fish and flavorful shrimp tacos
• Hot seafood chowder
• They also sell oyster shooters which my husband said were fantastic.

This a small little shop so seating is extremely limited, though there are some tables and chairs outside along the shopping center. Or, if you’re staying in the area, you can grab some food to go.

Really delicious food. I could eat those burritos all day!

Big Wave Shave Ice

45 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 (at the Westin Nanea Villas)

This little stand serves some of the best shave ice I’ve ever had! Their natural syrups are loaded with flavor, and their ice is shaved so finely, it’s a pleasure to eat. I highly recommend the strawberry and passion fruit combo. They say the Tiger’s Blood is also a top seller (which is a mix of a few different flavors). And don’t forget to add the scoop of vanilla ice cream! It’s so worth it.

Merriman’s – Kapalua

Merriman’s | 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

Happy hour with an awesome view? Yep, you’ll find that at Merriman’s. What a great place to watch the sunset and sip on a Mai Tai! If the weather is nice, definitely get a seat on the patio for the best views. This place fills up fast, so get here right at 3:00 p.m. to get the best seats.

What to Get:

• The famous lilikoi foam Mai Tai (Merriman’s owns Monkeypod Kitchen restaurants so it’s a similar cocktail)
• Tako and Country Bread (Octopus, Garlic Butter, Cognac, House-Baked Country Bread, a l’Escargot)
• Chow fun – this is pure heaven! (you’ll have to wait until the dinner menu is available for this one)

For more affordable items, you can choose between a Kalua Pig Quesadilla or Fillet Sliders from the happy hour menu, which are sure to fill you up for an early dinner.

Taverna – Kapalua

Taverna | 2000 Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

If you want rustic and homey Italian comfort food, Taverna is a great spot for a cozy meal. I wrote about our first meal in this post, and make it a regular spot to visit when we are in the West Maui area.

What to Get:

• Craft Cocktails
• Insalata di Mare (seafood salad)
• Linguine con Vongole (linguini with clams)
• Lasagna!

Poke at Tamura’s

Tamura’s | 2000 Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

My top three picks for poke are generally going to be Tamura’s, Foodland, or Times Market. On this side of the island, go for Tamura’s! Stock up before you head to your hotel/condo, or even for a day at the beach. I recommend the shoyu and the ginger poke. Tamura’s is actually a liquor store, so you can stock up on all your boozy needs here too.

Read More: Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui

West Maui Wish List

Here are a few West Maui places you can expect to pop up on this list in the future:

• Miso Phat Sushi
• Mala Ocean Tavern
• Fond
• Joey’s Kitchen
• Aloha Mixed Plate

East Maui

Hana and the Road to Hana

Hana and The Road to Hana really do not have much by way of restaurants; rather, the incredibly scenic drive is dotted with fruit stands and food trucks along the way! My family and I usually pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many of the scenic stops as there traditionally weren’t a lot of food options in the past.

Pro tip: if you like banana bread, it is a specialty item at many of the stands!

Coconut Glen’s

Coconut Glen’s | 1200 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

I love this little stop on the Road to Hana – a vegan coconut ice cream stand called Coconut Glen’s! Flavors vary at the time of your visit but lilikoi is the best. We have also had a chili chocolate that was spicy and refreshing, and very tasty. We had ours served in little coconut cups with coconut husks used as spoons, but they also have paper cups and wooden spoons available.

Cost: $8.00 as of 2024 (and you get two flavors per cup)
Payment: Cash only!

East Maui Wish List

On my next trip out to Hana, I definitely want to check out the thriving food truck scene! Here are a few on my radar:

• Da Fish Shack
• Thai Food by Pranee
• The Surfing Burro

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If you made to the end – whew! Thanks for checking out my Maui food guide. You probably also learned a few things about me:

• I love a good happy hour
• Mai Tais are ordered at pretty much every restaurant
• I really love food – especially food on Maui!

If you are a fellow foodie (which I’m sure you are if you’ve landed here!), drop me a note below if you’ve tried out any of the above places, or if you have some special gems you think I should try on my next trip home!

Read Next:

• Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui
• 12 Must-Try Desserts & Sweet Treats on Maui
• Central Maui Takeout Food Tour

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