Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best restaurants on Maui to pick up a fork in this year. Not only is this Hawaiian island known for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the state.
With menus that feature fresh, locally caught fish and seafood, prepared with a Polynesian twist and views of the ocean and a beautiful beach just steps away, Maui has it all.
Best Restaurants on Maui
The food scene on Maui is diverse and exciting, with a focus on local ingredients and flavors. Many restaurants in the city source their ingredients locally, so you can expect fresh, flavorful meals that showcase the best of Hawaii’s bounty.
Now of course when it comes to restaurants, whether they are good or not is entirely subjective based on personal tastes, budgets and expectations. So this list is a mixture of ones I have tried and others that have good reviews but certainly does not mean any that are not on this list are not any good.
In fact, if you have a favourite, let me know below so I can add it to the list. Now. let’s run through them below:
Top Hawaiian and Seafood Restaurants
Maui is home to some of the freshest seafood in the world, and there are plenty of restaurants that specialize in serving up delicious, locally caught fish. Here are some of the top Hawaiian and seafood restaurants on Maui that you won’t want to miss.
1. Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House is a legendary restaurant that has been serving up fresh, locally caught fish for over 40 years. The restaurant is located on a secluded beach on Maui’s north shore and the atmosphere is as stunning as the food.
The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and available but you can always expect to find a variety of Hawaiian and seafood dishes that are expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
2. Paia Fish Market
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head to Paia Fish Market. This popular restaurant has two locations on Maui and both serve up some of the best fresh-caught seafood on the island. The menu is simple but delicious, with a variety of fish plates, sandwiches, and salads to choose from.
Furthermore, the portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making this a great option for families and budget-conscious travelers.
3. Morimoto Maui
Morimoto Maui is a high-end restaurant that specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine with a Hawaiian twist. The restaurant is located in the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and the menu features a variety of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes.
The seafood is always fresh and expertly prepared, and the atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated.
4. Honu Oceanside
Honu Oceanside is a waterfront restaurant located in Lahaina that specializes in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features a variety of fresh-caught fish, as well as pasta dishes, salads and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with stunning views of the ocean and the nearby island of Lanai.
Note: At time of writing, the town of Lahaina was still severly impacted by the wild fires that impacted Western Maui. Please check local conditions before you attempt to visit here.
Best Asian Cuisine Spots
As other cultures have settled within the Hawaiian Islands, Maui has also become home to some of the best Japanese food, sushi and other Asian cuisine in the world. Here are three of the best Asian cuisine spots on the island.
5. Star Noodle
Star Noodle is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious Asian cuisine on Maui. This restaurant is known for its amazing ramen, udon and other Japanese dishes and the menu also features a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes, including Vietnamese crepes and Korean-style fried chicken.
If you’re a fan of noodles, you’ll definitely want to try the ramen and udon at Star Noodle. The noodles are made fresh daily and are cooked to perfection. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the toppings are always fresh and delicious.
6. Nuka
Nuka is another great Asian cuisine spot on Maui that specializes in sushi and other Japanese dishes. The quality of the food is top-notch with sushi made from the freshest fish available, and the rolls are creative and delicious.
In addition to sushi, Nuka also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes including tempura, teriyaki and udon. The menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Popular American and Italian Restaurants
If you’re looking for a taste of American or Italian cuisine on Maui, you won’t be disappointed. Here are two popular restaurants that are worth checking out:
7. Monkeypod Kitchen
Monkeypod Kitchen is a casual dining restaurant that offers a wide range of American dishes. Their wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, featuring crispy crusts and fresh toppings and they also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails to complement your meal.
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with live music most nights, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or family. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of food.
8. Taverna
Taverna is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of Lahaina with a menu that features classic Italian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their wood-fired pizzas are particularly popular, with thin crusts and delicious toppings.
The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere with friendly staff and excellent service. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of food and experience make it worth it.
Exceptional Bars and Cafes
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat on Maui, there are some great options from craft cocktails to happy hour specials. Here are two exceptional bars and cafes to check out during your visit.
9. Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Brewing Co. is a must-visit for beer lovers. This local brewery has a wide variety of beers on tap, from light and refreshing to dark and rich and offers tours and tastings so you can learn more about the brewing process and try some of their most popular beers.
If you’re hungry, Maui Brewing Co. also has a full menu of delicious pub food including burgers, pizzas and salads as well.
10. Cafe des Amis
If you’re in the mood for something a little more exotic, head to Cafe des Amis. This cozy cafe serves up delicious crepes, salads and sandwiches with a Mediterranean twist.
They also have a great selection of craft cocktails and wine as well and dont forget to stop by during happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer or a tasty cocktail, Maui has plenty of options. Check out Maui Brewing Co. and Cafe des Amis for two exceptional bars and cafes that are sure to satisfy.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Key Locations
Now, I have listed my top 10 above however as I have also said before, when it comes to dining on Maui, there are plenty of options to choose from. So to help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some of the other the top-rated restaurants in four key locations: Lahaina, Kihei, Paia, and Kahului.
That way, if you are looking for restaurants based on location, you can check the lists below:
Lahaina
Lahaina is a popular tourist destination on Maui, known for its historic Front Street and stunning ocean views. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Lahaina:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lahaina Grill | American | $$$ |
| Fleetwood’s on Front St. | American | $$$ |
| Mala Ocean Tavern | Seafood | $$$ |
| Lahaina Fish Co. | Seafood | $$ |
| Kimo’s | Seafood | $$ |
Kihei
Located on the south shore of Maui, Kihei is a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Kihei:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Monkeypod Kitchen | American | $$ |
| 5 Palms | Seafood | $$ |
| The Pint & Cork | Gastropub | $$ |
| Coconuts Fish Cafe | Seafood | $ |
| Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar | Japanese | $$$ |
Paia
Paia is a small, laid-back town on Maui’s north shore, known for its bohemian vibe and surf culture. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Paia:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mama’s Fish House | Seafood | $$$ |
| Paia Fish Market | Seafood | $ |
| Flatbread Company | Pizza | $$ |
| Cafe Des Amis | French | $$ |
| Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon | American | $$ |
Kahului
Kahului is Maui’s largest town and home to the island’s main airport and commercial center. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Kahului:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Da Kitchen | Hawaiian | $ |
| Tin Roof Maui | Local | $ |
| Tasty Crust | American | $ |
| Fork & Salad | Salad | $ |
| Thai Mee Up | Thai | $$ |
FAQs
What food is Maui famous for?
Maui is known for its fresh seafood, including poke bowls, grilled fish and shrimp dishes. The island is also famous for its sweet Maui onions and delicious shave ice. Don’t forget to try a plate lunch, a local favorite featuring rice, macaroni salad and your choice of meat.
conclusion
There you have it; my 10 best restaurants on Maui for a great feed. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
