Maui Restaurant Guide
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially the island of Maui. There are incredible sights, friendly locals and plenty of mouth watering Maui restaurants to choose from. Being a secluded island, Maui’s food scene aims to support local resources and to produce dishes with the freshest products and seafood possible. It can be a tough choice when deciding where to eat, so here is our guide to the best restaurants in Maui!
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Where to Eat
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North: Waihee-Waiehu
The northern region of Maui, including the town of Waihee-Waiehu, is a local favorite. Many hotspots for locals are in this area, including some of the best seafood options available. Places such as the Tin Roof and Mama’s Fish House (see below) offer visitors local island-style dining with an explosion of different flavors.
West: Kaanapali
The western region of Maui, including the towns of Waihee-Waiehu or Wailea-Makena, are attractive areas on the island for tourists as well. There are dozens of resorts and hotels, as well as a multitude of cuisine options for any budget. Whether you are looking for oceanside dining with a view, or trying to save a few bucks by opting for a local food truck, the western part of the island has it all.
Budget Restaurants
Tin Roof Maui
This new modernized mom-and-pop restaurant is a great stop in Maui for an afternoon bite. It is a great option for before departure or after arrival, as it is less than 2 miles from the airport. Tin Roof is locally owned by famous chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife. Known for their poke bowls and pork belly, the menu is loaded with other Hawaiian favorites, influenced by Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese recipes. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Tasty Crust Restaurant
Tasty Crust Restaurant is an American-style diner open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. It is well known around the island as it is very longstanding, as it first opened during World War II. The restaurant still serves the same classic dishes and treats every customer like family. There is an all-day breakfast available, with some of the best pancakes on the island. With a happy and laid-back atmosphere and an inexpensive menu to die for, it is a can’t miss spot in Maui.
808 Deli
This American deli is known for its array of specialty sandwiches and has been voted Best Local Sandwich every year since 2008. 808 Deli serves homemade recipes on freshly cooked bread, great for lunch or a quick bite in the morning. It is very close to the beach, making it super convenient when spending the day relaxing in the sunshine. Dine-in and take-out options are available, with dozens of options for all sorts of personal flavors and preferences.
Kinaole Grill Food Truck
If you want Hawaiian classics on the double, head to the Kinaole Grill Food Truck in Kihei. The entire menu comes out the food truck window in huge portions, ready to satisfy all your cravings for Hawaiian comfort food. The food truck stays parked in the same location right across from the beach, so you can enjoy oceanfront views while you dine. Try the crispy calamari, mahi mahi, katsu chicken, or the raved-about coconut shrimp. Every dish comes with rice pilaf and organic green salad sides, and trust us, you’ll love the special Thai salad dressing!
Thai Spice
Thai Spice prepares authentic Thai cuisine as if you are a guest in their home. The family recipes used here have been passed down through generations so that you can enjoy the most authentic food right in Paia. Make sure to try their signature curry dishes and the wide selection of noodle dishes, including the famous Pad Thai. We recommend the Green Papaya Salad if you want something a bit lighter. Don’t miss out on the hand-rolled Fried Spring Rolls and the secret family recipe Thai Iced Tea. Leave room for delicious desserts like Mango with Sticky Rice.
Midrange Restaurants
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is an open-air style bar and restaurant serving favorite local Hawaiian dishes. The grill has live music and nightly specials, in addition to the different seasonal events throughout the year. Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a great place for visitors to enjoy a night of amazing food as well as entertainment. Order at the bar and your food will be brought out to you while you enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Be sure to check out their all-day Chicken & Waffles special.
South Maui Fish Company
The most popular food truck in Maui is no other than the South Maui Fish Company. It is locally owned and operated and serves lunch and dinner daily. The South Maui Fish Company has a menu with an array of locally caught seafood on a daily basis. Fish will vary daily depending on the catch. The truck does have a few tables for daily dining outside, in addition to nearby local bars.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Open daily from 10-6, the shop is a plantation-era style restaurant, with family-style dining and freshly baked bread daily. The menu has an assortment of various pies, treats and sweets, in addition to other homemade salads and sandwiches. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop takes pride in supporting local providers, making sure the food is as fresh as possible.
Kula Bistro
You will find this delightful bistro on the slopes of Haleakala in beautiful Upcountry Maui. They offer fresh, flavorful cuisine in a casual and welcoming family-style setting. The Kula Bistro specializes in homestyle food with a fun Italian flair. Menu items range from local favorites like Mauka to Makai to authentic Italian pasta like Rigatoncini Alfredo. Try the coconut shrimp or the crab cake panini, a Kula Bistro special.
Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
Breakfast is the reason to head to Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores. For all of your Hawaiian favorites served in big portions, you can’t go wrong with a trip over to this Lahaina eatery. The Gazebo is an open-air eatery that treats you to some of the best pancakes in West Maui, complete with bananas, macadamia nuts, or white chocolate chips. Enjoy the ocean views as you enjoy everything from the delicious Corned Beef Hash to Monte Cristo Sandwiches and Kalua Pork Lunch Plates. Keep in mind that Gazebo Restaurant is often busy and doesn’t take reservations, so there might be a wait with fellow travelers and locals who are eager to enjoy all that this open-air restaurant has to offer.
High-End Restaurants
Ko Restaurant
Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea just reopened in October 2025 after a complete transformation under new Executive Chef Matt Dela Cruz from Kauai. The name “Ko” means sugarcane in Hawaiian, and the restaurant celebrates Hawaii’s plantation heritage through ‘Ohana-style sharing dishes that honor the Hawaiian, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cultures that shaped the islands. The new menu features show-stopping dishes like the Wagyu Beef Tomahawk, Ko Luau plates, Korean Kalbi Wagyu, and Ginger Steamed Opakapaka with Lobster Tail, all designed to be enjoyed family-style around the table. With its oceanfront setting and elevated take on Hawaiian culinary traditions, Ko is an excellent date night option.
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Maui institution and one of the most beloved dining destination on the island. With amazing views, relaxed environment, and delicious menu options, it’s a can’t-miss Maui dining experience. It is inspired by the Polynesian culture and is known for having some of the best and freshest seafood on the island, guaranteed. Mama’s Fish House take great pride in their cooking and pleasing their guests, being very attentive and specific with making your favorite dishes. Reservations are required and highly recommended as soon as possible, as reservations are taken up to 18 months in advance.
Ka’ana Kitchen
Ka’ana Kitchen is a culturally styled ocean-front restaurant, open daily for breakfast and dinner. There is a breakfast/brunch buffet, with local Maui coffee prepared by professional baristas and delicious Hawaiian-inspired dinner dishes and drinks, prepared by local mixologists and award-winning chefs. Dinner is structured as a tapas or a sharing-style meal, with most dishes being served for the whole table. Be sure to include at least one seafood option in your dinner choices. Also, in addition to the breakfast buffet, special and personalized omelets can be prepared upon request.
Nick's Fishmarket Maui
Nick’s Fishmarket Maui is one of Hawaii’s premier seafood restaurants and the perfect spot if you’re in the mood for delicious island cuisine served in the heart of paradise. Set on the grounds of the gorgeous Fairmont Kea Lani resort in Wailea, Nick’s Fishmarket is the first choice for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a fun night out with friends. Start with the Lump Crab Cake, Kalua Pig Pot Stickers, or the Seafood Chowder. You can’t go wrong with the Fresh Island Catch Picatta, Grilled Ahi, or the Pacific Coast Abalone. Leave room for Nick’s famous Creme Brulee, Coconut Panna Cotta, or Bananas Foster.
Merriman’s Maui
Merriman’s Maui is a locally owned farm-to-table style restaurant with award-winning international cuisine. One of the restaurant’s main aspects is supporting locally owned farmers and ranchers, always guaranteeing the freshest food possible by having 90% locally grown/made products. It is open daily for dinner from 4-8 pm, just like it has been for the past 20 years. Reservations are highly recommended, as it is a very attractive spot to watch the sunset over a delicious meal. Drinks and dishes are loaded with a delightful mixture of flavors, resulting in guests always wanting and returning for more.
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