The glistening ocean, the golden-sand beaches, the dramatic volcano jutting high above the clouds…sure, it’s breathtaking, but that Hawaiian food…OMG!
After nine days of checking out Maui’s hot restaurant scene and local foodie haunts, we still can’t stop thinking about our favorite dishes and the explosion of flavors. From the freshest fish to the most buttery steak to just-picked tropical fruit to globally-inspired recipes, we really savored it all.
As people say in Hawaii, it was all ono (delicious). So book your trip to Maui and get ready to really ʻai maikaʻi (eat well)!
Maui is a foodie paradise. Surrounded by water teeming with seafood and farmland home to grass-fed livestock, Hawaii’s rich climate produces some of the most delicious locally-sourced produce. Not only will you find your go-to-favorite cuisines—American, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican—but you will be lured into trying edible delicacies you may never have heard of before, like huli huli chicken, Kalua pig, manapua, lomi salmon, loco moco, malasadas, and shave (not shaved!) ice.
Whether chowing down at food truck pods or pulling out all the stops at upscale eateries with celeb chefs, Maui serves up culinary innovations that range in price, cuisine, and level of formality.
Here is our family’s tasty tour of our favorite restaurants in Maui. Even though we put in the hard “work” and ate as much as we could during our stay, there were so many other dishes we wish we could have squeezed in! All over the island, your taste buds will thank you. Please share your favorites in the comments below.
Now is the ideal time to take a culinary adventure to Maui as the island is open for business following the fires in August of 2023. While the people of Maui suffered unthinkable devastation as a result of fires, and Lahaina is currently rebuilding, the rest of Maui is warmly welcoming tourists and seem grateful to receive business during this challenging time.
TIP: Maui is generally an expensive dining destination. A great way to cut costs is to make lunch your main meal or hit up some happy hours. From gastropubs to sushi to flatbreads to burgers, you will find plenty of options for happy hours.
So, as they say in Maui, E ʻai kākou (Let’s eat)!!
HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA’A
WAILEA, UPSCALE
Recently remodeled, the Grand Wailea’s signature dining destination named after the Hawaiian state fish, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (aka Humu), serves up an elevated gourmet experience by fusing elements of nature, culture, and modern luxury. While dining in this airy space designed in vintage Beaux-Arts style, we loved sitting under a thatched-roof, high above a beachfront lagoon.
We relished listening to the surrounding waterfalls and admiring the art installations, and feeling the refreshing ocean breeze while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Upon entering you can’t miss the visual star of Humu, the eye-catching circular aquarium glass bar filled with colorful fish.
Executive Chef Ryan Urig designed Humu’s menu to reflect his creative take on Hawaiian cuisine, focusing on sustainably sourced seafood, providing an oyster sommelier to offer recommendations, serving splurge-worthy seafood towers, boasting customizable “seacuterie” dishes, and preparing prawns served tableside on hot lava rocks. Meat lovers will have a tough time deciding between options such as a family-style 60-ounce Porterhouse Steak and a wide variety of butcher cuts.
Vegetarians, like my younger daughter, will appreciate a dedicated menu with creative dishes such as Roasted Asparagus Marcona Almond Romesco with liliko’i gremolata. My crew’s favorite starters were the creamy Clam Chowder, the addictive Ube Brioche, and the Kona Crab Cake accented with finger lime remoulade.
The standout main courses of the evening were the show-stopping Steamed Whole Kona Lobster, the 10-ounce Filet Mignon, and my favorite, the Nova Scotia Halibut complemented by Kabocha Squash and Coconut Mint Chutney (this comes in a vegetarian tofu option too). During dinner, indulge in tiki-style craft cocktails, creative libations inspired by Polynesian and Caribbean influences, and wines selected by the master sommelier.
Be sure to leave room for dessert! Visions of Humu’s creamy Basque Cheesecake and decadent Mud Pie remain with us today!
TIP: Before or after dinner enjoy a stroll through the spectacular grounds of the Grand Wailea.
MORIMOTO MAUI
WAILEA, UPSCALE
Located in the sleek Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, the swanky setting of the award-winning Morimoto Maui will take your breath away. Dining under the pergola alongside a shimmering pool with the colors of the sun setting over Mokapu beach is heavenly!
Decorated in a chic minimalist style punctuated with white oak wood, teak wooden tables, woven light fixtures, and a green granite sushi bar, this stylish indoor-outdoor space welcomes a fashionable crowd into their modern Japanese beach house.
This restaurant is one of many imagined by culinary legend Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto, and his menu has no bad choices! Morimoto finds a way to allow the local ingredients and sustainable seafood found in Hawaii to amp up his already masterful Japanese dishes.
Our feast’s standouts included delicate Pork and Chive Dumplings with zesty ginger scallion puree, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu Filet, exquisitely Braised Black Cod with a flavorful sake-soy reduction, and not-to-miss Ishi Yaki Buri Bop, yellowtail fish served atop rice prepared tableside with much fanfare in a hot stone bowl. And, of course, the sushi, no surprise, was divine!
Each course is plated as if it is a work of art. To top off a memorable dinner, sink your spoons into some of Morimoto’s tempting desserts, like Mousse Mauna (caramelia mousse, Kona coffee caramel, and vanilla gelato),
Malasadas (with caramel ganache and mango lilikoi), and Strawberry-Coconut Pavlova (with coconut yogurt crémeux and strawberry compote), which dance in your mouth. Maui Morimoto is a can’t miss, classy spot with exceptional service and a to-die-for atmosphere!
OAO – SUSHI BAR & GRILL AT WAILEA
WAILEA, UPSCALE CASUAL JAPANESE-FRENCH FUSION
Newcomer Oao is hot! Located in a strip mall, Oao, pronounced “Wow!” lives up to its name. No wonder Oao stands for Outstanding Food, Amazing Service, and Outrageous Quality. Founder and Executive Chef JR Oao prides himself on his Japanese-French fusion menu. Oao sources the majority of their unbelievably fresh fish locally and imports the rest from Japan.
As you enter this perennially buzzy space, the modern interior design mixes black, white and metal, punctuated by a fabulous bar which turns out tasty cocktails and a wide range of sake. This lively restaurant packs a big punch with beautifully-presented dishes and a chef-driven menu offering something for everyone, from vegetarians to meat eaters to seafood lovers.
My older daughter, our sashimi aficionado, devoured the 10-piece Nigiri Combo. Some of the dishes that tickled our tastebuds included the killer Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Tartare accented with some flavorful sauces, the light-as-a-feather Vegetable Tempura, the expertly-prepared Wagyu Tataki with ponzu sauce, and the “must order” Firecracker Roll comprised of tempura shrimp, crab mix, and avocado, delicately topped with spicy poke and unagi sauce.
In the name of celebrating Hawaiian culture, we managed to save space in our bellies to share two of Oao’s creative dessert offerings, Ube Pot De Creme and the Matcha Panna Cotta. What a divine ending to a memorable dinner!
SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND BAR KAPALUA
KAPALUA, CASUAL PACIFIC-RIM INSPIRED CUISINE
Looking for a reasonably-priced, casual, family-friendly culinary powerhouse in the Kapalua area? Look no further than Japanese and Pacific rim-inspired Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Bar Kapalua.
Located across from the Kapalua Bay Golf Course and on the way to the Ritz-Carlton Maui, you will find a real treat for your tastebuds! This hidden gem in northern Maui is from well-known restauranter, D.K. Kodama.
We read reviews that suggested if you don’t have a reservation (like us that night), then arrive right as the doors open to guarantee seating. Thankfully, we listened to that advice! This place fills up in minutes, and for good reason. We wanted to order literally everything on the menu. The focus here is on the top-notch food, and it is evident in every dish we tasted.
My family had a blast sampling dishes from Sansei’s extensive menu. We savored each bite of the delicate Nobu-style Miso Butterfish, marinated and roasted in a medley of sake and sweet miso. The Panko Crusted Ahi Sashimi had just the right crunch to complement the buttery interior of the fish.
I’ll admit we fought over the last piece of the Mango Crab Salad Hand Roll, with its contrasting flavors of mango, crab, local greens, crunchy peanuts, sweet Thai chili vinaigrette, and fresh Hawaiian carpaccio. The freshness of Sansei’s fish is evident when biting into their nigiri, sashimi, and rolls.
For seafood averse and less adventurous eaters, Sansei offers succulent steaks, creative salads, and even pasta dishes. Our vegetarian enjoyed the Roasted Japanese Eggplant in sweet miso-sake sauce and an impressive selection of vegetable maki roll options. Everybody was happy!
TIP: Check out Sansei’s early bird specials.
SEASCAPE RESTAURANT AT THE MAUI OCEAN CENTER
WAILUKU, UPSCALE CASUAL AND SEAFOOD FOCUSED
Nothing beats lunch at Seascape Restaurant overlooking a marina where you can daydream about sailing out to the horizon … then literally join the next cruise out of the harbor! We quickly understood why Pacific Magazine named Seascape the Best Restaurant in Maui.
Award-winning Executive Chef Enrique “Henry” Tariga’s recipes elevate sustainably, locally-sourced fish while drawing inspiration from Polynesia, Asia, and Hawaii. As a Platinum Certified “Ocean Friendly Restaurant,” Seascape promises that their menu is environmentally-friendly and ensures the health of the island and its marine ecosystem.
Our lunch took us on a gastronomic journey as we sampled Maui Ranch Pork Belly Bao Buns accented by tangy cabbage cucumber-kimchi and BBQ sauce, Fish Poke Bowl, Pacific Ocean Catch Fresh Sandwich, and Fisherman’s Ahi Poke Nachos. And our vegetarian daughter did not feel left out, diving into the Upcountry Field Greens Salad with papaya seed dressing, the Upcountry Ulu (Breadfruit) Hummus Platter, and Mauka Moco, the chef’s secret veggie patty recipe with coconut luau taro sauce.
After this huge lunch we didn’t think we could manage another bite, but when we heard the decadent island-inspired dessert choices, we somehow made room. As our gaze lingered a bit longer on the many tour boats setting out to sail on Māʻalaea Bay, we snuck bites of Mocha Ulu Pie described as “chocolate cheesecake meets tiramisu,” and the Seascape Delight, chocolate ganache nestled in a Tahitian crumb crust garnished with coconut glaze, chocolate, strawberry and lilikoi coulis. Yes, it tastes just as delish as it sounds.
TIP: Seascape is only open for lunch. While Seascape is attached to the Maui Ocean Center, you do not have to visit the center to dine at the restaurant.
WAILUKU COFFEE CO.
WAILUKU, ECLECTIC CAFE FOR BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Don’t miss this cheery neighborhood spot located right in the heart of the Wailuku quaint downtown! As soon as you pass through the front door, you will feel at home and invited into a vibrant, cozy community of local artists, musicians, townspeople, and families who pop in to eat, drink, and socialize. We noticed the staff greeted most patrons by name and knew their orders without asking.
We found this sunny café (which doubles as a gallery for handicrafts made by locals) to be a plum place to grab breakfast or lunch on the way to explore the Iao Valley, head to the beach, embark upon the Road to Hana, or play golf. This neighborhood hangout’s expansive menu features high-quality ingredients. You will be sure to find something for everyone (including gluten-free dishes), whether you crave light bites such as bagels, muffins, croissants, or scones, or prefer to dig into a more substantial offering such as a salad, sandwich, or egg dish.
And of course, no stop to this café is complete without a cup of coffee or espresso made with locally-roasted beans. Tempted to up your coffee game, try the Coconut Buttered Coffee or Thai Coffee.
This café also offers a wide range of teas, fruity smoothies, and even milkshakes and ice cream! We thought it was cool that the staff’s talents extend beyond being expert baristas; many of them handmake the artwork that adorns the walls and is sold in the coffee shop.
BISTRO CASANOVA
KAHULUI, UPSCALE CASUAL AND OLD SCHOOL ITALIAN
Bistro Casanova owner Giovanni Steven Cappelli is an iconic veteran of Maui’s famed gastronomic landscape. During our visit, Cappellii regaled us with stories of his immigration from Italy and shared his passion for introducing his recipes to Maui from his homeland, which blend the Mediterranean flavors of Italy and Greece.
Cappelli’s culinary legacy is not only rooted in his Maui establishments (some of which he recently sold), but equally in his dedication to the island’s people. I was moved to learn that for months after the Maui fires in 2023, Cappelli donated profits to Maui Strong and did not cut his employees’ hours.
Located just a mile from the airport in Kahului, Bistro Casanova offers a romantic classic feel with an extensive menu, making it a great choice for lunch, tapas, happy hour, or dinner. Always a good sign, we found ourselves surrounded by locals who clearly were regulars.
We each began our meal with a house salad, which as an added bonus is included with many of the entrees, and split a colorful Caprese Salad, too. We understand the rave reviews about Bistro Casanova’s handmade pasta, and we practically licked the sauce from the plates of perfectly prepared Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo and Ravioli stuffed with parmesan cream, black pepper, and nutmeg.
My husband inhaled the “Brooklyn,” an Italian meatball sandwich smothered in meat sauce and topped with provolone cheese. We left Bisto Casanova smiling after finishing every morsel of their Tiramisu and Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake.
PAIA FISH MARKET
PAIA, NO-FRILLS LUNCH/DINNER
In the laid-back surfer town of Paia, there is no question as to where to head for inexpensive, high-quality seafood—the top-rated hangout, Paia Fish Market. An institution since 1989, locals and tourists alike line up to order fish dishes at this uber casual, no-fuss, island-famous spot.
We now see why we were told we “must order” their famous fresh catch. Voted Best Fish Sandwich on the island, Paia Fish Market is proud of its fresh-caught fish sandwiches perched on a toasty bun smothered in coleslaw, cheese, and homemade tartar sauce.
You know you are in Hawaii and not the mainland when the burger selection includes salmon, ahi, ono, and snapper. For non-fish lovers and finicky kids, Paia Fish Market serves up juicy beef burgers and quesadillas. Another plus, this restaurant also features locally-sourced produce. It’s easy to make friends with locals while dining at long wooden picnic tables.
MILAGROS FOOD COMPANY
PAIA, CASUAL TEX MEX
Craving the ultimate comfort food with some upbeat ambiance? After a long day spent twisting and turning on the Road to Hana, my crew could not wait to sit back at Milagros Food Company and refuel.
A long-time fixture in charming Paia, Milagros serves reasonably-priced Island cuisine with Tex-Mex flair. Relaxed and open with a large outdoor patio and an intimate cozy interior, we sang along to classic rock tunes and joked around with the convivial waitstaff.
We dug into a variety of their southwest hearty dishes including burritos and enchiladas. The server bragged about the Angus beef burger being “one of the best on the island,” and she couldn’t be more correct. Simply scrumptious!
We also kept asking for refills of their handmade tortilla chips and salsa, with just the right kick. Sitting outside on the patio, unwinding with a beer or margarita while watching the action at the crossroads of this hipster town is the picture-book ending to a long day of sightseeing (and you don’t even have to change clothes).
KULA LODGE, RESTAURANT & BAR
KULA, CASUAL
On Christmas Eve, as we headed down to sea level after watching a magical sunset above the clouds at Haleakala National Park, we joined locals celebrating the holiday at the historic upcountry Kula Lodge, dating back to 1948. We were surrounded by families full of festive spirit, some even breaking into song and playing the piano, at this old-school, wood-paneled dining room.
After suffering a devastating shutdown due to the Maui fires in 2023, Kula Lodge fortunately was once again open to serve brunch, lunch, and dinner. The waiter shared his gratitude with us about how the whole community showed up for the holiday to celebrate the reopening of their local culinary landmark.
We recommend snagging a private gazebo with a sweeping view of the countryside and the lodge’s private garden for a unique dining experience. For us, Kula Lodge’s gourmet wood-fired oven pizzas and salads hit the spot. We especially enjoyed the mushroom and truffle pizza. We hope to visit for brunch next time to sample more of their extensive menu.
TIP: Kula Lodge offers the only full-service bar in Kula and features a popular happy hour. Check out their website for a listing of live music offerings. Other dining options in Kula which came highly recommended, but we did not have time to try, include French-inspired La Provence and the gourmet Kula Bistro.
KIHEI CAFFE
KIHEI, SIDEWALK CAFE
Join the locals at Kihei Caffe, a no-frills, laid-back, Hawaiian-style diner serving breakfast and lunch. Centrally located off of South Kihei Road, facing Kalama Beach Park, you’ll join the queue of surfers, Maui families, and tourists to order dishes from their huge (almost overwhelming) menu which includes items such as omelets, pancakes, chicken-fried steak, and fresh fruit.
Sitting outside, we sipped our coffee and smoothies while chowing down on a home-cooked meal of Tropical French toast made from thick-cut Portuguese sweet bread topped with pineapple and coconut, an overstuffed Breakfast Burrito with homemade salsa, and the Surfer Dude Sandwich filled with eggs, bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese.
TIP: If you are an early riser or have big plans for the day, doors open at 5:00 AM.
WHERE TO STAY in MAUI
Because you need a relaxing place to unwind after all these fabulous meals, we highly recommend staying at the perfectly-located, oceanfront Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Dazzling! As you enter the open-air lobby and set eyes upon the world-class art, enjoy the glistening oceanfront view, and soak in the upscale tropical vibe, you will immediately exhale and activate vacation mode.
This mega-resort sits on one of the world’s best beaches and truly has it all. Some standouts at this recently renovated luxury property include a newly-opened spa, a 24-hour expansive gym, high-end boutiques, kid-friendly activities, an on-site luau, and special musical events.
Your whole family will delight in choosing which pool is their favorite. Enjoy spending the day in the 2,000-foot-long activity pool that includes nine individual pools on six different levels, all connected by a lazy river, and our family’s highlight—the lava tube 3-story-drop, 262-foot-slide! Relax at the adults-only (18+) Hibiscus Pool or toast to your vacation at the cozy swim-up bar in a hidden grotto.
One of this hotel’s biggest perks is the array of on-site restaurants, where guests can indulge in many options including, for example, the above-mentioned Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻ, Botero Lounge’s creative dishes and cocktails, Olivine’s coastal Italian cuisine, and Loulu’s convenient gourmet market-café.
The Grand Wailea’s friendly and professional staff welcomed us upon arrival with genuine Aloha spirit and this sentiment extended to everyone we encountered throughout our stay—including the front desk, parking valet, housekeeping, poolside attendants, and restaurant staff.
Enjoy one of the world’s most vibrant sunsets from your suite’s private lanai, from a cabana, from one of the many on-site restaurants, or simply on the beach with your toes in the sand. For the ultimate upgraded experience, consider booking your stay in the resort’s Napua Tower, a tropical retreat with custom-designed guest rooms and suites, accompanied by a classy lounge offering a delicious selection of food and beverages.
As you wander around this resort’s forty acres of well-manicured Hawaiian gardens, stunning art installations, secluded spots for reflection, and calming waterfalls, you will feel stress evaporate from your body. All guests can participate in beach yoga, outdoor fitness classes, and cultural lessons, such as hula and ukulele.
Thankfully Maui is open and ready for business! For current and helpful trip-planning advice, check out the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau website. Don’t miss a chance to experience the magic of Maui, while also helping to support the people of an island who hugely appreciate the business to help them rebuild.
Our family really put in the “work” to make this list of our favorite Maui foodie spots. And, no we are not complaining at all! Don’t delay, book your trip to Maui today, and eat your way across the island. We sure did!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This guest post was written by Lisa Grabelle. Lisa, a freelance travel writer, has been traveling all her life…40 countries and loving it! Originally from the sunny skies of Miami, Lisa, a former big firm lawyer, lives near Philadelphia. Travel is her passion. As soon as one vacation ends, Lisa busily plans her next adventure for her non-stop family of adventurers. Lisa’s motto is “don’t just visit the destination…live it!” You can follow Lisa on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
DISCLAIMER
The author was provided with some discounted and/or complimentary meals so that she could try them and review them for your information. All opinions are her own. Most images courtesy of Lisa Grabelle unless otherwise noted.
Pin it for later!
