When we visited Maui, I was excited for the snorkeling, beautiful ocean views, and drives along the coast. I knew there were great places to eat in Maui, but I had no idea that Maui’s food scene is a destination in itself. The food on Maui is healthy, locally sourced, and flavorful. The one lunch we ate at our resort was fine, but it did not compare to the other outstanding options on the island. I would recommend renting a car and venturing outside resort restaurants when visiting Maui. I had some of the best meals of my life in Maui and I can’t wait to go back.
1. Monkeypod Kitchen, Wailea
Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea may be my favorite restaurant anywhere. Not just my favorite place to eat in Maui. While staying in Wailea, we ate at Monkeypod Kitchen four days in a row. And it was outstanding every single time.
Monkeypod Kitchen has a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere inside and a fun patio outside. Everything we ordered was terrific. Our favorites were the Seared Ahi Steak with Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Island Fish Sandwich, and the Strawberry Cream Pie. But you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Note that there will be a long wait and there are no reservations. But don’t let this keep you from eating at the restaurant. When we visited, they had a great system in place. Put your name in at the front of the restaurant and they will text you when your table is ready. Plan to go about an hour before you want to eat, and then drive just down the street to The Shops at Wailea outdoor mall to walk around while you wait (check out the SoHa home goods store).
Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea is open daily 11am-10pm. There is a happy hour menu from 3:30-5:00pm with drink specials, half-price appetizers, and $12 pizzas. This location also offers live music on select dates – check the live music calendar here. If you are staying near Ka’anapali, there is a second location here. I did not try this location, but I am sure it is terrific as well.
2. Mama’s Fish House, Paia
Mama’s Fish House in Paia is a destination restaurant for a very special meal. Make reservations in very far in advance (ideally 4-6 months before your trip) for Mama’s Fish House. We ended up having to eat at 3:00pm because it was the only open reservation and it was still a wonderful experience. Everything from the views and service to the food was perfect.
The menu changes daily based on ingredients, but the most popular items seem to be on the menu daily. We ordered the famous Hawaiian Kanapachi with Lobster and Crab in a Macadamia Nut Crust and it lived up to our high expectations. We also ordered the Bouillabaisse and Shrimp Won Tons. Everything was fantastic.
The restaurant sits right on a pristine beach with ocean views. I would recommend planning time before or after your meal to relax on the beach and watch for sea turtles. Mama’s Fish House is open daily 11am-8:45pm. Note that there is complimentary valet parking.
3. Huli Huli Chicken, Hana
You will find Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach Park in Hana at the end of the infamous Road to Hana. You may have seen Huli Huli Chicken featured on the National Geographic Channel or on Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted. And it lives up to all the hype.
You order your plated lunch (chicken, salad, chips, soda) from a tent on the beach and sit at one of the picnic tables looking out at the ocean. It feels like a picnic with really really good food that’s hot from the grill.
You won’t find Huli Huli Chicken directly on the Road to Hana and will need to drive just past Hana’s main town. But we felt the beach and food were well worth the detour. If you are continuing on the Road to Hana all the way to Pipiwai Trail, Huli Huli Chicken is right on the way.
4. Flatbread Company, Paia
Flatbread Company was a fun change from all the seafood we had been eating. The wood-fired pizza is outstanding and made with very high quality, organic ingredients. We split the Jay’s Heart flatbread and a Homemade Brownie Sundae for dessert (the ice cream is amazing). It was the best meal after a long day driving the Road to Hana. I wish we had tried the salad and The Forager flatbread as well – something to look forward to for next time.
The atmosphere is casual and tables have a view of the giant wood-fired pizza oven that dominates the room. Flatbread Company is open daily 11am-9pm. If you are staying in Paia or are stopping for dinner after driving the Road to Hana, Flatbread Company is the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
5. Kimo’s Maui, Lahaina
We stopped at Kimo’s Maui for lunch on our day trip to Lahaina and it was a lot of fun. The food was great, but the real draw that sets it apart from other places to eat in Maui is the deck right over the water. If there is a wait, sit at the bar with a Mai Tai until a table out on the deck opens up. I would recommend Kimo’s for a casual lunch or an afternoon drink and appetizer. They are infamous for the Hula Pie, which we loved. We also picked up a few souvenir Mai Tai glasses to bring home with us. Kimo’s Maui is open daily 11:30am-9:00pm.
6. Food Truck Park, Kahului
When we landed in Maui, we went straight to Costco to buy snorkels and beach towels. Right around the corner from Costco is Food Truck Park. The food here is incredible. We were shocked by how good it is and the Food Truck Park is now one of our top places to eat in Maui. We ordered shrimp tacos from Da Nani Pirates and ramen from North Shore Noodle Bar. We still talk about both dishes. It was the best shrimp tacos and ramen we have had anywhere. There are picnic tables in the center of the food trucks where you can sit and eat.
7. Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons, Wailea
The Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons is a fun place to get a drink, appetizer, or dessert. There is live music daily 5:30pm-10:30pm. The resort is stunning (this is the resort where White Lotus season 1 was filmed) and the lounge is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the view. We ordered some great sushi and drinks but our favorite was the malasadas. The Lobby Lounge is open daily at 3pm for drinks and 5pm for food.
8. Kihei Caffe, Kihei
We heard that Kihei Caffe was a fun place to eat in Maui for classic breakfast food. While out sightseeing, we stopped at Kihei Caffe for breakfast and had a great experience. It was crowded and we had to wait in line to order, but the food and atmosphere were worth the extra wait time. We ordered the banana and macadamia nut pancakes and fresh squeezed orange juice and were able to snag a table outside.
9. Paia Bowl, Paia
I tried a few different acai bowls while in Maui and Paia Bowl was my favorite place to eat in Maui if you are looking for smoothie bowls. Paia Bowl is cool spot located just around the corner from the main stretch of shops and restaurants. Fresh ingredients, bistro tables outside, and yummy bowls and avocado toast. This is my pick for breakfast if you are staying in or near Paia.
10. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Multiple Locations
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ve probably heard of Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Eating here feels like a Maui bucket list essential. The shave ice is a combination of a snow cone and ice cream. It was the perfect afternoon outing after a morning at the beach. You pick your flavors and your toppings or you can choose from a menu of favorite combinations if you are overwhelmed by choices. There are five locations on Maui, but expect to wait in a long line at any location. This is a popular destination!
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