After years of exploring Maui's culinary scene, we've compiled our personal favorites to help you discover the island's best flavors. From casual food trucks to fine dining experiences, here's where we love to eat—and where we send our guests for memorable meals.
Ultimate Favorite: TinRoof
Kahului – Near Airport & Costco
📍 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732
📞 (808) 868-0753 • 🌐 tinroofmaui.com
Chef Sheldon Simeon of Top Chef fame brings nostalgic Hawaiian plate lunches to the next level with mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp, Fat Chow Fun, and fish sandwiches.
My Personal Favorites:
- Mochiko Chicken
- Garlic Shrimp
- Garlic Noodles
- Pork Belly
- Fish Sando
Pro tip: Pre-order online, pick up, and enjoy in your car—perfect arrival or departure fuel.
West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua)
🏝️ Notable Spots Near Maui Kai 806
These restaurants are within walking distance of the condo and are popular with many visitors:
Duke's Beach House
📍 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina
Oceanfront dining with tropical cocktails and live music. Great for a convenient, scenic meal.
Honokowai Food Truck Park
📍 East of Maui Kai (across from L&L Hawaiian BBQ)
A rotating mix of casual food trucks. Good for a quick bite, though options can vary.
Pizza Paradiso
📍 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Ste. 208, Lahaina
Voted Best Pizza in Maui three times! Walking distance from Maui Kai 806. Mediterranean comfort food, thin-crust pizzas, kabobs, gyros, and Dole Whip. Open daily 7 AM to 1:30 AM.
Whalers Village
📍 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina
A 15–20 minute walk or short drive south along the Kaanapali Beach Walk, featuring restaurants like Hula Grill, Leilani's on the Beach, and Monkeypod Kitchen.
🐠 Happy Fish Maui
Happy Fish Maui
📍 2580 Kekaa Dr, Ste C-1/C-2, Lahaina (Kāʻanapali)
Kāʻanapali sports bar with 21 screens, local beers, handcrafted cocktails, and a menu that runs from breakfast-style favorites to loaded bowls and burgers. Happy hour daily 2–5 PM and 9–11 PM. Weekly fun: Black Light Bingo Wednesdays, trivia Thursdays, karaoke Fridays. Open daily for lunch and dinner 11 AM–11 PM; reservations and online ordering available on their site.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ
📍 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #4, Lahaina
Local-style plate lunches, consistently praised for quality. Very convenient location near Maui Kai 806.
🥐 Papi's Ohana
Papi's Ohana
📍 3481 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, B102, Lahaina (Honokowai)
Our pick for the best cinnamon rolls on Maui—made-from-scratch bakery favorites with lines out the door, but worth the wait. Grab coffee at the barista window (online ordering available for coffee). After 5 PM the pizzeria fires up; call ahead to reserve a pickup slot. Check their site for current bakery and barista hours—they can sell out early.
Note: Merriman's Kapalua is often mentioned in Maui guides, but it is a 15–20 minute drive north from Maui Kai—not walkable.
🍻 Maui Brewing Co. (Lahaina/Kaanapali)
Maui Brewing Co.
📍 Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Lahaina
Smaller brewpub location with ocean-adjacent seating and a local beer lineup. Menu is more limited compared to Kihei flagship, but still a solid spot for craft brews near the beach.
🍜 Star Noodle
Star Noodle
📍 1287 Front St, Lahaina
Oceanfront favorite and popular spot for modern ramen and garlic noodles with creative cocktails. Great place for sunset dinner—reservations strongly recommended in advance.
🍽️ Aloha Mixed Plate
Aloha Mixed Plate
📍 1285 Front St, Lahaina
Hawaiian plate classics—kalbi ribs and ocean-view outdoor seating at sunset.
🌊 Mala Ocean Tavern
Mala Ocean Tavern
📍 1307 Front St, Lahaina
Voted Best Oceanfront Restaurant on Maui! Bronze winner for Best Maui Restaurant in 2025 HaleʻAina Awards. Fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and authentic Hawaiian cuisine with spectacular ocean views. Open daily 9am-9pm for brunch, live music happy hour (2-4pm), and dinner.
💕 The Plantation House (Sentimental Favorite)
The Plantation House
📍 2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina (Kapalua Resort)
Kapalua’s premiere dining destination with breathtaking ocean and fairway views. This is where Gloria and Jason got engaged in July 2009! Go for sunset dinner—the open-air dining room with views of the famous Plantation Golf Course is absolutely magical. Executive Chef Jared Krausen sources the freshest local ingredients from Maui suppliers.
🍣 Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar
Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar
📍 600 Office Rd, Kapalua
Fresh, highly praised sushi. Grab the 50% off early bird special Sunday & Monday 5–5:45 PM.
🍣 Miso Phat Sushi
Miso Phat Sushi
📍 4310 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #111, Lahaina
Creative, casual sushi spot; BYOB makes it feel relaxed and fun.
South Maui (Wailea & Kihei)
🍣 Oao Sushi
Oao Sushi
📍 34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei
Excellent sushi—highlights include Karaage Salmon. Quality worth the splurge. Happy Hour 3-5 PM daily.
🧲 Island Gourmet Market
Island Gourmet Market
📍 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
A lifestyle gourmet market offering fresh produce, poke bowls, hot and cold deli meals, fresh-baked goods, coffee bar, beer & wine, and sundries. Great for grab-and-go.
🍧 Ululani's Shave Ice
Ululani's Shave Ice
📍 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Considered Maui's best shave ice—long lines, but totally worth it.
🍹 Lineage
Lineage
📍 The Shops at Wailea
Hawaiian-fusion comfort food with ocean views—crowd favorites: Korean fried chicken and lobster noodles.
☕ Akamai Coffee
Akamai Coffee
📍 116 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei (+ Kahului)
Locally grown Maui beans—Maui Mokka is a must-try.
🍱 Da Kitchen
Da Kitchen
📍 1215 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Hawaiian plate-lunch classics—Chicken Katsu is a highlight.
🍻 Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei - Flagship Location)
Maui Brewing Co.
📍 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei
Flagship brewery with spacious taproom, local craft beers, full food menu, and live music. Great for groups.
Note: Maui Brewing also has a Lahaina/Kaanapali brewpub with a more limited menu.
🍞 Kihei Caffe
Kihei Caffe
📍 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Classic breakfast and brunch meals that locals love.
🍾 Nalu's South Shore Grill
Nalu's South Shore Grill
📍 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Dependable breakfast fare with island-style flair.
🍝 Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
📍 Wailea Gateway Pl
Great atmosphere, tasty cocktails, and a popular happy hour scene.
Between Lahaina & Kihei (Olowalu / Maalaea)
🍽️ Haven's Harborside
Haven's Harborside
📍 300 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku
Waterside happy hour—award-winning chef in a scenic harbor setting.
🥧 Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop
Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop
📍 820 Olowalu Village Rd
Casual dining with freshly baked bread and legendary pies. Must-tries: banana cream, coconut cream, chocolate mac nut. Pro tip: Bring an insulated bag to take extra pies home if you're traveling around the island!
Paia / Road to Hana Region
🐟 Mama's Fish House
Mama's Fish House
📍 799 Poho Pl, Paia
Legendary beachfront seafood destination—a special-occasion favorite with unmatched ocean views.
Markets & Quick Stops
🌟 Foodland (Multiple Locations)
Foodland
Local favorite for fresh poke bowls and Spam musubi. Convenient grab-and-go options great for a beach day or road trip fuel. Visit the Kahului, Lahaina, or Kihei locations for consistency and fast service.
🧲 Island Gourmet Market (Wailea)
Island Gourmet Market
📍 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
Lifestyle market with fresh produce, hot & cold deli items, sushi, baked goods, wine/beer, and beach gear. Ideal for casual takeout or a quick, quality meal without the sit-down commitment.
Still Want to Try
Shikeda Bento Patisserie (Wailuku)
📍 162 N Market St, Wailuku
Japanese-French pastries & bentos; Tues–Sat midday hours
Spoon & Key (Wailea)
📍 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
Clean, healthy bowls and modern fare
Only Ono BBQ (Paia)
📍 115 Baldwin Ave, Paia
New place to try! Standout items include Siu Mai, Chicken Curry Puffs, and roast pork. Don't miss the Bolo Bao and Dan Tats. If Texas Brisket is available, order it!
Bon Appétit!
This guide represents our personal favorites after years of exploring Maui's culinary scene. Whether you're looking for a quick bite near the condo or planning a special dinner, these spots have never disappointed us or our guests.
Remember to make reservations for popular spots, especially during peak season. And don't forget to try the local specialties—poke bowls, shave ice, and Hawaiian plate lunches are must-tries!