The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Maui, Hawaii
Planning a trip to the breathtaking island of Maui? Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey! From traditional Hawaiian dishes to innovative fusion cuisine, Maui offers a diverse and delicious dining scene that will tantalize your taste buds. This guide will lead you to the best restaurants and must-try foods on the island.
Enjoying poolside lumpia – a Filipino-Hawaiian fusion!
We absolutely adore Hawaiian vacations, and Maui holds a special place in our hearts. Its stunning beaches, consistent sunshine, and vibrant culture make it a perfect destination for families and food lovers alike. Even a little rain is fleeting, quickly giving way to the radiant sun.
Top Hotels in Maui
- Maui Kamaole M104 (⭐ 9.4) – Highly rated for its excellent location and amenities.
- Honua Kai Resort (⭐ 9.1) – Known for its spacious suites and beautiful ocean views.
- Hale Ono Loa 210 (⭐ 9.7) – A charming condo with exceptional guest reviews.
- Lahaina Shores Beach Resort (⭐ 9.2) – Offers direct beach access and a relaxing atmosphere.
Maui is not just a beautiful island; it’s a foodie’s paradise. Let’s explore some of the must-try foods that make Maui a culinary destination.
Must-Try Foods in Maui
Indulge in the fluffy goodness of a Hawaiian Malasada.
Maui’s cuisine reflects its rich blend of cultures. From traditional Hawaiian fare to influences from Asia and beyond, the island offers a diverse range of flavors. Here are some iconic foods you absolutely must try:
- Malasadas: These Portuguese-inspired doughnuts are a local favorite. Fluffy, light, and often coated in sugar, they are the perfect sweet treat. Find them fresh and warm at local bakeries and food trucks.
- Shave Ice: The quintessential Hawaiian dessert! Forget snow cones – shave ice is made with finely shaved ice that absorbs the flavored syrups, creating a refreshing and intensely flavorful experience. Add toppings like sweet azuki beans or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Lumpia: This Filipino egg roll has found a beloved home in Hawaiian cuisine. Crispy on the outside and filled with savory ground meat and vegetables, lumpia is a delicious snack or appetizer.
- Spam Musubi: Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Spam musubi is a quintessential Hawaiian snack: a slice of grilled Spam atop a block of rice, wrapped in nori seaweed. It’s salty, savory, and surprisingly satisfying.
- Poke: You haven’t truly experienced poke until you’ve had it in Hawaii. This raw fish salad, typically made with ahi tuna, is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly addictive!
Savor the fresh flavors of Ahi Tuna Poke.
Now that you know what to eat, let’s dive into the best places to eat in Maui. These restaurants offer exceptional food and unforgettable dining experiences.
The Best Restaurants in Maui
After multiple visits to Maui for both family vacations and work, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite restaurants. This is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a great starting point for planning your culinary adventures.
Must-Try Experiences in Maui
- Indulge in a delicious feast and Hawaiian culture during the Mokapu Luau with a delicious ohana-style meal and hand-crafted drinks
- Visit local breweries on the island and sample the variety of beers on a small-group guided tour
- Discover Maui’s smallest microbreweries
- Learn the myths of Maui on an evening show with traditional dances and dinner
Shave Ice Heaven: Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
A rainbow of flavors at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice.
Ululani Hawaii Shave Ice
SIX locations on Maui
We went to the Kihei beachfront location:
Kihei, Maui
61 South Kihei Rd.
Kihei, HI 96753
7 Days 10:30am-6:30pm
For the ultimate shave ice experience, head to Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. With multiple locations across Maui, it’s easy to find a spot to satisfy your craving. The Kihei beachfront location is particularly delightful. While there might be a line, it moves quickly, giving you time to peruse their extensive menu of luscious flavor combinations.
Da Kitchen: Hawaiian Plate Lunches Done Right
The iconic fried spam musubi at Da Kitchen.
Da Kitchen
TWO Locations
We visited the location in Kihei:
Rainbow Mall
2439 South Kihei Rd. #A107
Kihei, HI 96753
808.875.7782
HOURS: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Since 1988, Da Kitchen has been serving up classic Hawaiian plate lunches, noodles, and sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual and perfect for take-out. Don’t miss their fried spam musubi – a must-try for any visitor!
Down the Hatch: A Fun and Festive Spot
The mouthwatering shrimp po’ boy from Down the Hatch.
Down the Hatch
658 Front St #102
Lahaina, HI 96761
HOURS: Daily
Breakfast 7:30-10:30am
Lunch/Dinner 10:30am-Midnight
Kitchen open till midnight
Bar 8am-2am
Happy Hour 2p–6p
Located in Lahaina, Down the Hatch is an open-air restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere. It’s kid-friendly and offers a diverse menu. My recommendation? The shrimp po’ boy, made with their signature lava lava shrimp and a sweet chili sauce.
Monkeypod Kitchen: Award-Winning Mai Tais and More
Sipping on an award-winning Mai Tai at Monkeypod Kitchen.
The inviting interior of Monkeypod Kitchen.
Monkeypod Kitchen
TWO locations on Maui:
Wailea
10 Wailea Gateway Place
Kihei, HI 96753
HOURS: Everyday 11a–11p
Happy Hour 3p–5:30p & 9p–11p
Ka’anapali
2435 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, HI 96761
HOURS: Everyday 11a–11p
Happy Hour 3p–5:30p & 9p–11p
Monkeypod Kitchen is a Hawaiian classic. Known for its award-winning Mai Tais, wood-fired pizzas, and diverse menu, it’s a must-visit. Make reservations in advance as it tends to fill up quickly.
Ko Restaurant: A Taste of Luxury at Fairmont Kea Lani
The exquisite Filipino lumpia at Ko Restaurant.
A culinary journey through Ko Restaurant’s delectable dishes.
Ko Restaurant
Within Fairmont Kea Lani Resort
4100 Wailea Alanui,
Maui, Hawaii 96753
808-875-2210
HOURS: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Kō Bar 11:00am – 9:00pm
Happy Hour 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Located within the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, Ko Restaurant offers a refined dining experience. The Filipino lumpia is a must-try starter, and the menu features a variety of seafood, steak, and vegetarian options. The service is impeccable, and the views are stunning.
Is Ko family-friendly?
Yes, while it’s an upscale restaurant, Ko welcomes families. It’s a great spot for a special dinner during your Maui vacation.
Mama’s Fish House: A Maui Institution
The elegant interior of Mama’s Fish House.
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Place
Paia, HI 96779
(800) 860-4852
HOURS: Open Daily, 11am – 9pm
Mama’s Fish House is one of Maui’s most famous restaurants, known for its beachfront location and fresh seafood. While it’s a popular tourist spot, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
What to order at Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House famous stuffed fish.
Mama’s Fish House is famous for the Mama’s Stuffed Fish dish. This features lobster and crab baked in a macadamia nut crust.
Fresh tuna at Mama’s Fish House.
The Kanpachi with Kalua pig fried rice is also delicious. This dish comes in a fairly large portion.
Is Mama’s Fish House Kid-Friendly?
The kid-friendly fish dish at Mama’s Fish House.
There is not a printed kid’s menu but they do offer items for children.
The stunning beachfront view at Mama’s Fish House.
While Mama’s Fish House is a popular spot, it can be expensive. The fish is fresh, and the beachfront view is gorgeous, making it a splurge-worthy experience.
Matteo’s Osteria: Italian Excellence in Maui
The unforgettable squid ink pasta at Matteo’s Osteria.
A glimpse into Matteo’s Osteria’s delicious pasta and pizza offerings.
Matteo’s Osteria
161 Wailea Ike Place
Wailea
[email protected]
808.891.VINO (8466)
HOURS:
Dinner, 5 – 9:30pm
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-5pm, Sat-Sun 4-5pm
If you’re craving Italian food in Maui, Matteo’s Osteria is the place to go. With attentive service, an excellent wine list, and superb food, it’s a standout dining experience. Don’t miss the Fettuccine Frutti di Mare!
What to order at Matteo’s Osteria
The standout dinner item for me is the Fettuccine Frutti di Mare. This hearty Italian pasta dish is made with squid ink pasta and overflowing with fresh crab, shrimp, and clams. It’s all tossed together in a tomato white wine sauce.
Is Matteo’s Osteria kid-friendly?
Matteo’s is very family-friendly! You’ll find lots of families dining here, with children of all ages. They have a separate kid’s menu with items such as pizzas, mac and cheese, and spaghetti.
Maui Brewing: Local Brews and Bites
Enjoying local brews in the sunshine at Maui Brewing.
Maui Brewing – Kihei Location
605 Lipoa Parkway
Kihei, Maui, HI 96753
(808) 201-BEER (2337)
HOURS: daily, 11am – 11pm
Maui Brewing – Lahaina Location
Kahana Gateway Center
4405 Honoapiilani Highway
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
(808) 669.3474
HOURS: daily, 11am – 10pm
Maui Brewing’s Kihei location is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. With a spacious, kid-friendly environment and a delicious food menu, it’s a great place to relax with a local beer after a day at the beach.
More Hawaii Travel Guides
Looking for a fantastic place to stay in Maui? Check out our family’s favorite Maui hotel: the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort.
If you visit any of these locations, be sure to let them know that you read about it! And if you snap some pics, tag us on social media!