This is a full list of The Best Places to Eat in Maui including the whole island. This list is organized by geographical area and then by time of day / type of food.
South Shore
Breakfast
Freds Cafe (South Kihei) - Mexican food - Freds Cafe in South Kihei offers a great selection of Americanized Mexican cuisine. Their $20 plates are generous in size and often suitable for two. The restaurant provides a charming ocean view, and it's usually fairly easy to get a table. Lavas Bar and Grill (Kalama Village, Kihei) - Boozy Brunch
- Lavas Bar and Grill at Kalama Village is known for its fun atmosphere and $2 mimosas. You can enjoy your meal on the second-story patio with an ocean view. While the food is on the pricier side, it's the mimosas that steal the show. For an interesting twist, ask for a "manmosa," and they'll serve your mimosa in a pint glass for just $5.
Amigo’s (North Kihei)
- Amigo’s in North Kihei strikes a budget-friendly balance between the previous options. The food is of good quality, and though the portions are smaller, the service is consistently friendly. The restaurant may lack a view, but it offers that Mexican restaurant charm!
Lunch
Kings Hawaiian BBQ (Kalama Village, Kihei) - Kings Hawaiian BBQ at Kalama Village is the go-to spot for fast, easy, and budget-friendly Hawaiian and Chinese cuisine. Situated across the street from the ocean. This is a personal favorite lunch spot.
The Market Maui Sandwich Shop (Wailea)
- The Market Maui Sandwich Shop in Wailea serves up amazing sandwiches and boasts a delightful selection of gourmet drinks and charcuterie items, perfect spot to pick up all the items for curating a beach picnic.
Happy Belly Food Truck (Kalama Village, Kihei)
- Happy Belly Food Truck, located at Kalama Village in Kihei, offers an enticing selection of sliders and fusion food. The Katsu chicken curry is a must-try, and it's a great lunch option if you're looking for diverse menu choices at affordable prices, all while savoring tasty dishes. Wing Kings (Kalama Village, Kihei) - Wing Kings food truck, located in the food truck oasis area of south maui gardens next door to Kalama Village mages awesome chicken wings, strips and even SMASH Burgers!! and these are the only smash burgers on the island that I have found and they are preally great! On a side note this food truck oasis area of south maui gardens is a cool spot to check out and walk around as well, as it is a working plant nursery!
Dinner
Cafe O’ Lei (Kihei)
- Cafe O’ Lei in Kihei offers an inviting dinner experience with great prices, fantastic food, and a moderately lively ambiance, perfect for a conversational dinner setting. Most importantly, their steaks, priced at around $28, make it a budget-friendly option in Maui, even though it's located in a strip mall. Fabianis (Kihei)
- Fabianis in Kihei, another strip mall gem, serves delectable Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. Don't forget to explore their range of delightful desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli.
Ekolu Kithcen 1279
- Ekolu Kitchen 1279, also situated in a strip mall, may have an average ambiance, but it's renowned for its mouthwatering dinner service. Their gnocchi, often described as 'life-changing,' is a must-try, and the servers aren't kidding when they say it. The restaurant also offers fall off the bone coffee rubbed ribs as an appetizer, along with a variety of other delectable dishes.
Maui Brew Co (Kihei)
- This place has the BEST atmosphere. It is a brewery so it is very casual and they always have live music and a big area with corn hole and giant connect four. They also have a super easy digital order by phone to table system which is great for groups because there is no need to split checks. Full bar and brewery, reasonable prices and great food. My recommendation is the Hunter Pizza (pictured), Nachos and a Kupu Gin and Tonic! All Maui Brewing co beer is brewed at this location and distributed nationally. The Kupu spirit line is also made by this company and is local and great!
South Shore Tiki Lounge (Kalama Village, Kihei)
- For the best tiki cocktails on the South Shore, the South Shore Tiki Lounge at Kalama Village is a must-visit. In addition to great cocktails, they are known for their pizza and embody the epitome of a Hawaiian hangout. Live music and happy hour drinks are available from 4-6 every day.
Cocktails
Life’s a Beach (Kalama Village, Kihei)
-Life’s a Beach is a fun late-night spot featuring $8 mai tai pitchers, a pool table, karaoke, and beautiful sunset views. Dog and Duck (Kalama Village, Kihei)
- For the budget-conscious, the Dog and Duck is a local Irish pub in Kalama Village with good food. They host the largest trivia night in the area every Thursday.
The Birdcage at Hotel Wailea
- The Birdcage at Hotel Wailea stands out as one of the most picturesque and beautiful bars on the island. Named after the green parrot-like birds that inhabit the ceiling, it offers perfectly prepared but somewhat pricey drinks at around $22 each. They use quality spirits and fresh ingredients which helps explain the price. The bar's interior features bird-themed decor, and they have food available. The charcuterie board is my favorite because it is perfect to snack on while enjoying the awesome cocktails.
West Maui
Lunch
Leilanis on the Beach (Whalers Village)
- Leilanis on the Beach, located at Whalers Village, is all about the atmosphere. Positioned at the front of Whalers Village steps from the beach, they offer a fantastic mai tai made with fresh juice.
Dinner Sea House Restaurant (Kapalua)
- The Sea House Restaurant, situated on the beach in Kapalua, is a great choice for dinner with fairly good availability compared to other places in the area. As always, it's all about that ocean front dining view!
North Shore
Breakfast
Paia Bay Coffee (Paia)
- Paia Bay Coffee is a hidden gem coffee shop that hosts numerous events and live music. They boast a full stage—a rare find in the area. You can enjoy coffee, tacos, live music, trivia, and cocktails. They offer different events every day of the week, making it a fun place to hang out. Belle Surf Cafe (Paia) This is a very instagram influencer styled and vibe coffee spot that is hiden back behind a bikini shop and is a little hidden oasis that does breakfast lunch cofffee and evening cocktails with DJ's. (no longer open) Better Things (Paia) - Better things in Paia is an influencer-style coffee shop with a spacious interior, Wi-Fi, and a very Los Angeles vibe but in a good way. Founded by two twenty-something sisters who moved to Hawaii during the pandemic, it's a unique spot for your morning coffee. Lunch
Mediteranean Grill (Haiku)
- In Haiku, Mediterranean Grill serves good Mediterranean cuisine. They operate Hawaii hours but usually open at 12.
Cupies (Kahului)
- Cupies in Kahului is known for fantastic local Hawaiian fast food and burgers, making it a great choice for cheap eats. Closed on Sundays.
Hana Farms (Hana) - Hana Farms, located near Mile Marker 31, is an absolute must-stop spot on the Road to Hana. They serve farm-to-table pizzas, offer a wide selection of Road to Hana gifts and produce, and provide ample parking and even Wi-Fi. Their farm-to-table pizzas are crafted with ingredients sourced directly from their farm, even down to the sausage.
Dinner
Mai Thai Maui (Kahului)
- Mai Thai Maui, located in Kahului, offers quality Thai food, albeit at a slightly higher price point. You place your order at the window, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. FlatBreads (Paia) - FlatBreads in Paia is an ideal stop on your way back from a long adventure day in Hana. They serve good cocktails and feature fresh, locally sourced ingredient pizzas. The pizza oven is in the middle of the restaurant, allowing you to watch the pizza-making process from your table, although it can get quite warm inside due to the oven.
Cocktails
Esthers (Wailuku)
- Esthers in Wailuku is the only true craft cocktail bar on Maui. They specialize in rum, offer a wide selection at the full bar and maintain reasonable prices. They also do a Christmas themed menu during the holidays! Inside it is a cool tropical boat-like ambiance. (pictured right) Ocean Vodka (Kula) - Ocean Vodka in Kula is a must-see experience. As a local distillery, it offers one of the best spots on the island for sunset cocktails. You can sit on a grassy field and enjoy breathtaking views of the entire island while sipping on fresh, local cocktails.
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