Searching for the best restaurants on Maui?
This guide highlights the top places to eat across the island, based on real meals I enjoyed during my trip.
From local plate lunches and fresh poke bowls to oceanfront seafood spots and cozy cafés, you’ll find options for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another island getaway, these restaurants showcase the flavors that make Maui unforgettable.
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The 10 Best Restaurants On Maui
When we were planning our anniversary trip to Maui, we were checking reviews, Facebook Groups, blogs, and even tv shows to find all the best restaurants to see which ones were worth visiting in just one short week.
We made sure to explore all areas of the island, including West Maui, and we made sure to include a variety of prices from budget to fine dining.
It’s so hard to rank these restaurants since the food and dining experiences are so different, so these aren’t listed in any particular order!
1. Paia Fish Market
Location: Kihei and Paia
We shared an order of Deep Fried Calamari and Seafood Pasta.
The Calamari looks a lot like mozzarella sticks, so don’t be confused!
It is by far the best Calamari I’ve ever had and the only Calamari I’ve ever had presented this way.
The Seafood Pasta I had seen in several Facebook groups leading up to our trip.
I LOVE pasta, so when I saw this I knew I had to have it.
2. Tinroof Maui
Location: Kahului
This was the first place we stopped to eat when we arrived AND the last place we ate before we left.
The fact we ate here twice on the same trip should tell you everything you need to know!
For our first visit we had a Garlic Shrimp Kau Kau Tin with white rice and cabbage.
We added a side order of Garlic Noodles and Ulu Mac Salad.
The flavoring of the Garlic seeped into the rice and cabbage, which was just amazing!
It had the perfect balance of everything.
For our second visit we changed it up slightly.
This time we did a Steak Kau Kau Tin with a side of Garlic Noodles and a Root Beer.
The steak was SO good!
I wish the rice and cabbage still had that garlic flavoring it has when it’s topped with the garlic shrimp, but it was still good without it.
3. Down the Hatch
Location: Lahaina
Down the Hatch was actually featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
You HAVE to try their Lobster & Crab Grilled Cheese!
We shared it between the two of us, but one person could probably eat it all.
4. Aunty Sandy’s
Location: Haiku (along the Road to Hana)
If you’re driving the Road to Hana, we’ve got a few recommendations on this list.
The first food stop on the Road to Hana that you have to stop at is Aunty Sandy’s.
This is where you can get a loaf of hot and fresh banana bread.
They sell out every day, so try to get here as earlier in the day rather than later.
5. Halfway To Hana
Location: Haiku
Your next food stop on the Road to Hana drive will be the Halfway to Hana food stand.
We didn’t want to fill up here, so we just had a Pineapple Smoothie, but they have a lot of other great pick-me-ups.
6. Hana Town Food Trucks
Location: Hana
Once you’re in Hana town, there is a cluster of food trucks with a huge variety of food.
We tried the Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi from Ae’s Thai Kitchen and a Mahi Mahi Grilled Fish Sandwich with 2 sides from the Hana Fresh food truck around the corner.
I believe our two sides were macaroni salad and potato salad.
7. Miso Phat Sushi
Location: Kihei
This place I found on TripAdvisor and once I read the name I just had to go.
Apparently I’m not the only one who had the same reaction, because this place has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives also.
JP ordered the Miso Phat Roll which is a Spicy Tuna Roll with Cucumber Broiled Unagi, Avocado topped with Tobiko, Unagi Sauce & Sesame Seeds.
I had the 69 Roll which is a California Roll with Crab, Avocado & Cucumber wrapped with Broiled Unagi & topped with Green Onions, Unagi Sauce, Tobiko & Sesame Seeds.
8. Star Noodle
Location: Lahaina
Star Noodle is another popular restaurant along Front Street in Lahaina.
Here we shared Tempura Shrimp, Garlic Noodles, and a Hapa Ramen Bowl.
Can you tell we really enjoyed Garlic Noodles during our time on Maui?
9. Ice Cream, Gelato, and Shaved Ice on Front Street
Location: Lahaina
When we visited, we tried the Dole Whip from Lahaina Ice Cream Parlor, which has closed.
But there are plenty of ice cream, gelato, and shaved ice shops all along Front Street that are great for having a little treat while browsing the shops.
10. Castaway Cafe
Location: Ka’anapali
When we visited Castaway Cafe, it was actually for a low-key luau.
So the foods we had might not be exactly the same, but the menu in general has your typical Hawaiian foods.
Our favorites were the macaroni salad, pulled pork, fish, and chocolate cake.
The view of the beach and the indoor/outdoor setup of the restaurant is perfect for sunset viewing.
Fun Things To Do On Maui
As important as food is to vacationing, there are a ton of other activities to explore while you’re visiting Maui.
Whale Watching
You can’t go to Maui without doing a little bit of whale watching.
We loved the Pacific Whale Foundation tour out of Ma’alaea Harbor.
Click Here To Book Your Maui Whale Watching Excursion Today!
Cacao Farm + Chocolate Tasting Tour
This was one of the highlights of our trip, with my favorite photo of us in the treehouse tasting chocolates made from the cacao grown on this farm.
The views are amazing, the chocolate is amazing, and it’s a fun experience most Maui visitors don’t get to do.
Click Here To Book Your Cacao Farm + Chocolate Tasting Tour at Maui Ku’ia Estate Today!
The Best Luaus On Maui
You have to go to a luau at least once when you’re visiting any of the Hawaiian islands.
We’ve compiled a list of the top luaus and weighed the pros and cons for you.
Plus, we also have a guide on what to wear to a luau!
Road To Hana Full Loop Drive
I highly recommend driving the full loop route if the weather permits.
Most visitors just drive to Hana and back, but there is so much more to do and see!
Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Road To Hana Full Loop Driving Tour Today!
Haleakala National Park Summit Drive
A sunrise or sunset view atop Haleakala National Park is an iconic experience when visiting Maui.
During our visit, sunrise viewing was cancelled due to weather conditions, so we did the sunset tour instead.
Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Haleakala National Park Summit Driving Tour Today!
West Maui Coastline Driving Tour
Plan to spend at least half a day driving around West Maui and visiting some lesser known beaches and scenic spots.
Some of our favorite places on our entire trip were on this drive!
Click Here To Download Your Self-Guide West Maui Coastline Driving Tour Today!
Maui Mini Golf Park
The mini golf park is right next to where the whale watching tours go out on Ma’alaea Harbor, so it’s really convenient to add to your itinerary before or after your tour.
On our trip, we went before heading back to the airport.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunset dinner cruises are perfect for a Maui vacation to enjoy the views of the surrounding islands, look for whales and dolphins, and enjoy a multi-course leisurely dinner.
Click Here To Book Your Sunset Dinner Cruise Today!
Where To Stay On Maui
I highly recommend staying at Ka’anapali Beach Club when you’re visiting Maui.
I recommend this resort specifically because for the same price as a standard hotel room, you’ll get a full kitchen, balcony with ocean views, a jacuzzi tub, separate bedroom and living spaces, and more.
If this room type is available, I recommend trying to book the one bedroom Deluxe Oceanview Suite.
You can check out the room layout in this video on our YouTube Channel!
Click Here To Book Your Stay At Ka’anapali Beach Club Today!
The Perfect One Week Maui Itinerary
Trying all the local restaurants is always a highlight on our vacations.
It’s all part of the experience!
For more information about visiting Maui, check out our 6 day, 5 night itinerary, which highlights everything we’ve mentioned above into the perfect trip.
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