Kyle Green
Maui is one of the most picturesque islands in all of Hawaii. Called “The Valley Isle,” this beautiful paradise destination has phenomenal beaches, plenty of wildlife, and tons of hiking.
There are many things that you and your family can enjoy in Maui. People love going whale watching and learning how to surf here.
You can also treat yourself to an authentic luau.An enjoyable but less well-known destination in Maui is the Surfing Goat Dairy, where you can learn about animal husbandry. It’s an exciting way to take a little break from the beach.
Of course, all of the sightseeing that you will do is bound to make you hungry. Fortunately, this balmy slice of heaven is also home to some fantastic restaurants, so pack your appetite!
From traditional fare to international cuisine, Maui definitely has it all. Check out my list of the top restaurants in Maui.
Miso Phat Sushi
1279 S Kihei Rd #108, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-891-6476
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Maui waters are full of colorful fish, big and small. Some fish are good to look at, while others are great to taste. That’s where Miso Phat Sushi comes in.
Miso Phat Sushi is a restaurant on Maui’s south side serving the freshest sushi-based meals from handpicked quality fish.
The restaurant serves gluten-free meals that borrow heavily from Japanese and Asian cuisines. It’s a fun atmosphere for yummy tummy treats for lunch or dinner.
Options you might want to try from the menu include spicy tuna, sushi rolls, and miso soup.
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Phone: 808-579-8488
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Right near Kuau Cove, you will find Mama’s Fish House. It’s an authentic Hawaiian experience with fantastic ambiance, excellent service, and some of the freshest seafood on the entire island.
One thing that I love about Mama’s Fish House is the attention to detail. There are usually fresh flowers to decorate the table, and everything is laid out perfectly for a beautiful dining experience.
I like their shrimp wontons. They’re plump, flavorful, and have tons of shrimp packed right inside.
The sashimi is delicious too. It tastes just like it came right out of the ocean. You can’t go wrong at Mama’s Fish House.
Star Noodle
1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-667-5400
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Star Noodle is just a few minutes’ walk from Mala Wharf, and it’s one of Maui’s top local favorite haunts.
The food is so phenomenal that I could eat at Star Noodle every day, plus they have excellent, quick service and very knowledgeable staff who can accommodate your dietary needs.
I like all of their crepes and the Pupu Sampler with kimchi, garlic noodles, and Miso Salmon.
Their flavors are entirely on point and work well with their signature cocktails. Try their Asian pear drink for a delicious deviation from your standard cocktail.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-891-8650
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Adjacent to Makena Paddle Tours is Nalu’s South Shore Grill, one of the best restaurants in Maui to grab a traditional island breakfast.
If you’re looking for a tropical twist on brunch, Nalu’s South Shore Grill is an excellent spot to visit.
Their Bloody Mary’s are absolutely perfectly spiced and generous, and their fresh fruit bowl and yogurt are outstanding.
I like their Eggs Benedict. It comes with beautifully poached eggs, crunchy bread, and lots of fresh and citrusy hollandaise sauce.
It’s even large enough to share or take home. If you have a sweet tooth, their French Toast is superb.
Nuka Maui
780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708
Phone: 808-575-2939
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Walk two blocks down from Roots School, and you will find Nuka Maui, a lovely little Japanese-style restaurant with a beautiful ambiance and excellent service.
Unfortunately, Nuka Maui tends to get a bit busy, so it’s best to make reservations or avoid the dinner and lunch rushes if you want to sit right down.
I always visit Nuka Maui whenever I’m in the mood for some really fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
Their sushi is incredible, and they have exciting fish like butterfish, yellowtail, and maguro. Try the Prawn Salad for a lighter, delicious meal that highlights the best of Hawaii.
Paia Fish Market
Multiple locations
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Visit one of Paia Fish Market’s many locations and enjoy the sea’s bounty at a very reasonable price for incredibly fresh fish.
I’ve always had an excellent experience at Paia Fish Market. The staff is terrific, knowledgeable, and accommodating, and the fish itself is second to none.
You can get a whole fish dinner or snack on one of their sandwiches. If you’re feeling like something else, you can always get chicken or shrimp.
The sides at Paia Fish Market are ample and delicious. I love their coleslaw, and their fresh vegetables complement any meal perfectly well.
Marlow
30 Kupaoa St A104, Makawao, HI 96768
Phone: 808-868-3366
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Maui is nothing short of a dreamland with lush volcanic terrains, enchanting crescent beaches, light showers that cool the mood, and rainbows that seem to hypnotize.
Located in Maui’s countryside, Marlow is a homey, wood-fired kitchen headed by Chef Jeff Scheer and Kaili, his wife. The restaurant specializes in preparing delicious dishes like Sourdough pizza made from flour hand milled by local Maui farmers.
The pork, meatballs, loins, and briskets you’re likely to take as part of your main course are sourced from nearby farms that rear their livestock organically.
Other signature dishes on the Marlow menu include roasted prawns, fungi pie, duck confit, cannellini beans, and more.
Papa’aina
658 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-661-3636
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One thing you’ll notice about restaurants in Maui is that they have an impenetrable relationship with the local farmers and producers.
Papa’aina is another casual yet stylish and sophisticated cafe found at Maui’s Old Lahaina area at Pioneer Inn.
The head chef, Lee Anne Wong, is an unparalleled kitchen pro bringing a new yet welcome change in what people in Maui eat.
The harborfront Papa’aina boasts sumptuous snacks and dishes like sourdough muffins, ramen with bacon, and poached egg.
Quench your thirst with drinks like bourbon cocktails with a dash of mint and miso-honey or pineapple mimosas.
Esters Fair Prospect
2050 Main St STE 1B, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-868-0056
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Esters Fair Prospect is located off the beaten path in Wailuku, a tiki bar many are glad to stop by on their adventures in Maui.
Surrounded by the most magnificent street murals, this tiny spot is great for snacks or light meals like freshly prepared guacamole and charcuterie.
However, I must say that the place is more famous for its out-of-the-box drinks. If you pay $8, the bartender will keep the daiquiris drinks coming during happy hour.
Fan favorites include Mercury in Retrograde and Surf and Go Naked. Mercury in Retrograde is a tropical drink mix of mescal and absinthe and a shot of pineapple and coconut juice.
Surf and Go Naked is a shot of gin mixed with IPA caramel and lilikoi juice.
Kitoko Maui
35 Auhana Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-214-7582
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What if your favorite restaurant could move to different convenient locations you would like to visit in Maui? Chef Cole Hinueber had this in mind when he unveiled Kitoko Maui.
This restaurant-on-wheels has heads turning for its looks and from the captivating sniffs of delectable dishes.
Seared swordfish, nori-wrapped rice, braised beef, and tofu are a few food options on the Kitoko Maui menu. The Rich cacao sorbet is a must-have dessert option, their best seller.
Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-667-5117
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Go shopping at the Marketplace at Lahaina, then walk right across the street to the Lahaina Grill.
This Maui restaurant destination is generally always pretty busy, so it’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance, especially for busy times. They have a fabulous selection of food and good wine and cocktails.
At Lahaina Grill, the most uncomplicated food is best. I love their caesar salad. It’s packed full of parmesan, croutons, and fresh lettuce.
If you’re not very hungry and want something light, it’s a meal all in and of itself. If you have a heartier appetite, try their saffron risotto.
Flatbread Company
89 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Phone: 808-579-8989
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Just a few blocks away from Paia Bay, you will find Flatbread Company. This restaurant specializes in delicious flatbread and pizza, as the name may tip you off.
Their bread is crunchy on the outside and just chewy enough inside. It’s perfect for pizza-making.
Although I love their pizzas, I’m partial to their mushroom or pepperoni pies. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, you can always sample one of their flatbreads.
They have a delicious sausage flatbread that’s big enough to split between two people. Wash down everything with a draft beer from their vast selection.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-662-3600
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Walk across the street from the Olowalu Plantation House, and you’ll run right into Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop.
If you’re looking for some of the most delicious comfort food in all of Hawaii, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is it. It’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Maui.
I love their turkey pot pie. It’s simply bursting with tender root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, plus it has a lot of fresh turkey meat.
Their lime pie is excellent and the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. If they have it, try their banana pie too.
Moku Roots
335 Keawe St #211, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-214-5106
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Craving some wholesome meals that nourish the soul and body? If yes, welcome to Moku Roots, one of a few vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Maui.
In favor of the ‘Eat Local’ campaign, Moku Roots features delectable lunch or dinner menu entries like vegetarian Sushi-Rito, Moku Loco, Yuca Fries, green Papaya salad, etc.
I couldn’t wait to experience their drinks on my trip to Maui. At Moku Roots, I had a real tropical experience. I ordered vegan Pina Coladas, toasted coconut, and tequila cocktails.
Lineage
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Phone: 808-879-8800
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Intimate, elegant, and classy are a few words I can use to describe my experience at Lineage. Lineage is a restaurant on one of Maui’s Wailea streets serving mouthwatering snacks, drinks, and main dishes.
Chef Emmanuel Eng is the pack leader behind the creativity and exceptional dishes at Lineage.
It’s a perfect spot for vacationing families with young kids and typically anyone open to experiencing the diversity and vivid traditions of the Maui people.
The food here is a fine blend of Asian and American dishes. My favorite dishes on the Lineage menu include farm-to-table dishes like Korean fried chicken, crispy cauliflower, seared sea scallops, and Golden fried rice.
Sale Pepe
878 Front St #7,8, Lahaina, HI 96761
Phone: 808-667-7667
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Right next to Wo Hing Temple Museum, you’ll discover Sale Pepe, a unique little slice of Italy right in Maui. If you love authentic Italian food, Sale Pepe is definitely the place.
They have a fantastic wine menu and inspired tasty dishes. Plus, the staff at Sale Pepe is excellent, knowledgeable about the menu, and can make wine or food recommendations for you.
Try their Arancini. It’s moist, full of flavor, and cooked perfectly. Their Pasta Carbonara is good too and large enough to share.
If you can, make sure that you save some space for dessert. Finally, their Tiramisu is the best that you find on this side of Rome!
Sam Sato’s Inc
1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-244-7124
Sam Sato’s Inc is a few blocks from Bamboo Maui Flooring Store and one of Maui’s top hidden gems.
It’s a predominantly local place, with excellent noodles that will hit the spot. Personally, I like their Dry Noodles.
They’re flavorful with just the right amount of crunch and toppings. Get your noodles with a fish cake or some dashi for an extra delicious twist.
Their teriyaki beef is exceptional too, and you get a sizable portion that’s more than enough to share.
If you want something more familiar, they have a selection of cheeseburgers that will perfectly hit that comfort food spot.
Tin Roof Maui
360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: 808-868-0753
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Take a stroll around the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, then stop by Tin Roof Maui for some tropical favorites.
Although Tin Roof Maui does excellent fish, I like their chicken, pork, and steak best. Their Mochiko Chicken is intensely flavored with plenty of sake, ginger, and miso. It’s also got a great blend of different textures.
Their deep-fried Pork Belly comes with a beautifully cooked egg, onion, and tomato. It all works amazingly well together.
Their steaks are good too; cooked precisely to your liking and served piping hot. Tin Roof Maui is one of the best restaurants in Maui, so make sure that you check it out.
Ka’Ana Kitchen
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Phone: 808-573-1234
Very close to Mokapu Beach is Maui’s amazing Ka’Ana Kitchen. This humble spot is the place in the islands to get some great fried chicken.
It’s moist inside, crunchy outside, and totally addictive. Round it off with a little bit of their signature cornbread, and you have a meal.
If you’re looking for some good seafood, you will undoubtedly find it at Ka’Ana Kitchen too. They have good clams and octopus dishes.
Their desserts are tasty too. I like their Strawberry Cake with a generous side of vanilla ice cream or their Coconut Ice Cream Sundae.
Morimoto Maui
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-243-4766
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Acclaimed chef and owner of Morimoto restaurants, Masaharu Morimoto, introduces rare techniques in preparing traditional Hawaiian meals.
In addition, he seamlessly blends Western and Japanese ingredients to create unique dishes to satisfy the palates of visitors from different countries across the globe.
Morimoto Maui is the place to be when you want to try out fresh seafood and fruit salads sourced from local farmers.
The best dishes from the Morimoto Maui menu include sticky ribs, sushi, sashimi, and Carpaccio salad.
Only Ono BBQ
401 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
Phone: 808-777-9026
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Only Ono BBQ is the pioneer of holding specials for patrons in and out of their location. The restaurant hosts a preorder dim sum drive-through every Saturday in Pā‘ia at the Heritage Hall, where people go to bond with the Maui people.
With the able leadership of Chef Keith Apana, the man behind the delicious dishes from the restaurant, this restaurant guarantees a culinary experience like no other.
Only Ono BBQ menu specials include pork roast, Texas brisket special, bolo bao, Shu Mai, etc.
Kaohu Store
1833 Kaohu St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-244-7878
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Kaohu Store is a playground for kids and adults looking forward to trying out fun meals. It’s a laid-back, rugged spot that resembles a countryside grocery store. It’s where locals and visitors enjoy Japanese curry, fresh tuna, chili pepper poke, and Hamachi kama. Of course, kids can have slushies after or before their meals too.
Scores of restaurants and eateries edging the rain-carved mountainous lands capitalize on the views. Prepare to be visually and physically fulfilled wherever you dine or wine in Maui.
Best Restaurants in Maui
- Miso Phat Sushi
- Mama’s Fish House
- Star Noodle
- Nalu’s South Shore Grill
- Nuka
- Paia Fish Market
- Marlow
- Maui Brewing Co
- Papa’aina
- Esters Fair Prospect
- Kitoko Maui
- Lahaina Grill
- Flatbread Company
- Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
- Moku Roots
- Lineage
- Sale Pepe
- Sam Sato’s
- Tin Roof
- Ka‘ana Kitchen
- Morimoto Maui
- Only Ono BBQ
- Kaohu Store
There’s so much to celebrate with Maui’s food scene, from fresh fish and seafood to Italian favorites, delicious tacos, and so much more!
Did we get all of the best restaurants in Maui? If not, let us know your favorite in the comments below.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of reasons to love Maui, from the crystal-clear blue Pacific waters to the fantastic beaches and hiking.
Dine at one of these fabulous restaurants, and you will understand why Maui’s cuisine is rapidly putting this destination on the foodie map.
