Maui is one of the top vacation spots in the US, and for good reason! Amazing beaches, fun adventures and yes – the food is phenomenal too! Here are the very best places to eat in Maui!
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After visiting Maui many times over the years, I’ve had the best food the island has to offer. Here’s a guide on the best restaurants in Maui, Hawaii, so that you can plan your trip and eat amazing food, too.
👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the best cultural experience in Kihei – the Te Au Moana Luau! And this is the best tour from Kihei – watching the sunrise above Haleakala. A must-see if you’ve never done it!
Also get the complete Maui travel guide for everything you need to see and do on Maui!
Map of the best places to eat in Maui
If you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you find your way around the island to all the different restaurants on this list.
You’ll find waterfront dining and off-the-beaten-path restaurants on this travel guide. There’s so many good places to eat on this island.
Editor note: this list is accurate as of the publication date. Because so many restaurants on Maui are locally-owned, many have struggled over the last few years with tourism fluctuations and staffing challenges. I truly hope none of these restaurants close, but always check their website for hours before you go.
Best places to eat in Maui
Whether you’re a hardcore foodie or just looking for some great takeout, let’s get to it! Starting off with one of my faves!
1. Leilani’s on the Beach
Come for: lunch or dinner
You should try: fish tacos, Hula pie, cocktails
Location: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Reservations: recommended for dinner
I literally can’t speak highly enough of Leilani’s on the Beach! Located right in the heart of Kaanapali Beach, this place is always busy, and for good reason! The views alone are phenomenal, but the food makes it just that much better.
Swim on the beach then hop on over to Kaanapali’s to get your fill of awesome food. The beach bar is open for lunch and dinner, and has patio dining.
If you’re looking for something worth dressing up for, make a reservation and enjoy the dining room with second story views, which is available for dinner with a larger menu.
Be sure to try the Hula Pie at Leilani’s – but get it to share as it’s quite a large masterpiece to be enjoyed by all.
2. Luau dining
Come for: dinner
You should try: everything!
Location: depends on the luau
Reservations: purchase luau tickets in advance
Okay, so if you’re visiting Maui, you’ll definitely want to visit a luau while you’re there! They have amazing food and drinks, plus entertainment! I’ve been to four Hawaiian luaus over the years, including the Te Au Moana Luau and the Old Lahaina Laua, both of which have excellent food.
An assortment of food is available, including traditional Hawaiian food, which is perfect to try a variety!
Traditional Pua’a Kalua (roasted pork), Huli Huli chicken, Kalbi short ribs, poke ahi tuna, plus a variety of salads, breads, appetizers and desserts, you really can’t go wrong with luau food in Maui!
3. Paia Fish Market
Come for: lunch or dinner
You should try: Mahi Mahi, fish tacos
Location: 100 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Reservations: not necessary
If you’re on Maui’s north side, then Paia Fish Market is where you should eat! A perfect location as you’re finishing up a day on the Road to Hana, or even if you’re killing time before a late night flight out of Maui.
Paia Fish Market has some of the best mahi mahi on Maui – and take it from someone who’s obsessed with this Hawaiian favorite food! They also have great mahi burgers, soups, salads and more.
There’s a reason this is one of the best restaurants in Maui – it’s fantastic, and for a decent price, too!
4. Baya Bowls (a favorite on this list of best places to eat in Kauai)
Come for: breakfast or lunch
You should try: acai bowls or smoothies
Location: 5855 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Reservations: nope
I fell in love with Baya Bowls during my second trip to Maui, and it’s absolutely not possible to love their bowls and more! This food truck has gone through a lot with the Lahaina fire, but is open for breakfast and lunch, ready to serve.
Create your own acai bowl or try one of their delicious smoothies or baked goods. It’s a lighter option for breakfast or lunch on Maui.
5. Poke Bob’s
Come for: lunch or early dinner (closes at 7pm)
You should try: kabob or poke bowl
Location: 5124 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713
Reservations: nope
Whether you’re staying for a few days and exploring the best things to do in Hana, or you’re on a quick day trip to Hana, Poke Bob’s is a fantastic idea!
This gem in the Hana food truck park has some of the best food in all of Maui! Grab yourself a poke bowl, a sushi burrito or kabob – all are delicious! Everything here is incredibly fresh and you absolutely won’t regret it!
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6. Mama’s Fish House
Come for: lunch or dinner
You should try: Macadamia nut crab cakes, Ono, Ahi curry
Location: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Reservations: absolutely necessary
Well there can’t be a list of the best places to eat in Maui without including Mama’s Fish House! This popular restaurant is on the high end, and is so busy reservations are hard to come by.
Literally once you book your flights and hotel, book your reservation at Mama’s! Often sold out week and months in advance, dining at Mama’s is an experience.
Be sure to check out the menu before you make reservations for pricing and ensure everyone in your party will find something they love!
7. Burger Shack (one of the best restaurants in Maui with a view)
Come for: lunch or dessert (only open 11-3)
You should try: burger, fish taco or shake
Location: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Reservations: nope
This hidden gem in northwest Maui is such a fun time! Combine classic burgers, shakes and a fabulous beach and you’re in paradise! Located at the Ritz Carlton (don’t worry – you don’t have to stay in the hotel to go), it’s off the beaten path yet so good!
With spectacular views of DT Fleming Beach, this perfect lunch spot is great for families, couples or whoever you’re traveling to Maui with.
Whether you’re beach-hopping or driving the Kahekili Highway, the Buger Shack is a great spot to eat!
Best restaurants in Maui – continued
Ok, we’re rounding out the second half of this amazing list. Sometimes you want cheap eats and others you want fine dining. Let’s get to more variety in Maui.
8. Kihei Caffe
Come for: breakfast and lunch (closes at 2pm)
You should try: Macadamia Nut French Toast or omelette
Location: 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Reservations: nope
Self-proclaimed as the “best breakfast in Kihei” – I gotta tell ya, it’s pretty darn accurate! For traditional breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, pancakes and the like, Kihei Caffe is it!
It’s a busy place, and for good reason. With classic breakfast options and Hawaiian favorites, this is one of the most popular places to eat in South Maui.
Get there early or prepare to wait for a spot to sit during weekends and peak tourism season!
9. Ululani’s
Come for: sweet treat
You should try: anything your heart desires
Location: multiple locations
Reservations: nope
Ululani’s makes this list of the best places to eat in Maui because it’s hands down the best shave ice in Hawaii (based on popular and seconded by my opinion🤣.)
But first, let me be honest: it took several trips to Hawaii before I even tried Hawaiian shave ice. I didn’t understand the allure – until I tried it! Now it’s a staple during every trip to Hawaii!
Ululani’s has multiple locations on Maui, and even if it’s a drive from your accommodations, it’s well worth it! With flavors like mango, guava, passion fruit, lemonade, coconut and pina colada, what screams Hawaiian sweet treat more?!
10. Peggy Sue’s
Come for: lunch or dinner
You should try: burgers and shakes
Location: 1279 S Kihei Rd #303, Kihei, HI 96753
Reservations: nope
A retro diner in the heart of Kihei, Maui, Peggy Sue’s is a flashback from the past! With bright colors and an old jukebox, come here for a taste of the past!
Of course, the cheeseburgers and shakes are the best things on the menu! Come for lunch or dinner, or even just an afternoon sweet treat.
With indoor and outdoor dining, Peggy Sue’s is a great place for a classic burger on Maui!
11. Aunty Sandy’s
Come for: lunch
You should try: banana bread, pork sandwich
Location: 210 Keanae Rd, Haiku, HI 96708
Reservations: nope
If you’re doing the Road to Hana, then a stop at Aunty Sandy’s is a must do! Located on the Keanae Peninsula, this makes a great stop during your scenic drive to or from Hana.
Of course you can – and should – enjoy the delicious banana bread. But they also have sandwiches and sides if you’re looking for a full lunch, too.
Aunty Sandy’s closes when they run out though – usually around 1-3pm, so be sure to plan your stop accordingly!
12. Mediterranean Grill (a must-visit and one of the most underrated places to eat in Maui)
Come for: lunch or early dinner (closes at 7pm)
You should try: Shawarma, falafel, baklava
Location: 810 Haiku Rd #1, Haiku, HI 96708
Reservations: not
Maui does food trucks right! This is one of my absolute favorite food trucks in Maui – the ratings don’t lie! For an affordable price, everything here is so good! Located in the sleepy Haiku, this is off the beaten path but oh-so-worth-it!
If you’re hanging out on the northern part of Maui for watching sea turtles at Ho’okipa Park to watch the sea turtles, or you have a late flight out, the Mediterranean Grill is a great stop nearby.
Everything at the Mediterranean Grill is good too. Grab a sandwich or a plate of food, and don’t forget to add the baklava too. It reminds me of the baklava I had on the Aegean Cruise I took through the Greek islands – so fun and so good!
13. Sweet Hula
Come for: breakfast and lunch (closes at 3pm)
You should try: Acai bowls
Location: 30 Alahele Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
Reservations: n/a
I fell in love with acai bowls in Hawaii years ago. It’s one of my favorite foods on the island, and I feel like every time I’m there, I seek them out. Well, Sweet Hula at the Kihei food truck park is one of my favorite spots on Maui for acai bowls!
Create your own or choose one of their signature bowls, Sweet Hula is a great spot for a refreshing breakfast or lunch in south Maui!
14. Manuela Malasada
Come for: breakfast or lunch
You should try: malasadas!
Location: 520 Keolani Pl, Kahului, HI 96732
Reservations: nope
When in Hawaii, you must try the malasadas! Kids will love them, too, of course! My favorite is the simple cinnamon-sugar option, but there are so many to choose from.
Malasadas are like Hawaii’s version of a donut. This round pastry comes in a variety of flavors, and can be stuffed with rich creams and fruit.
Manuela Malasada is one of the best places to eat in Maui if you’re craving a sweet breakfast!
15. Kula Bistro
Come for: lunch or dinner, breakfast on the weekends
You should try: coconut shrimp, Kalua Pork panini or anything from the bakery
Location: 4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790
Reservations: not necessary
If you’re in up country or heading to Haleakala, this is a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner! Kula Bistro is a hidden gem on the island, and one you should definitely visit if you’re up that way.
Located in Kula, this quaint little town is a great pit-stop for lunch before visiting Haleakala for sunset, or if you’re watching the sunrise you can enjoy it after a visit, too.
Everything we have ever eaten there is delicious – sandwiches, salads, appetizers, desserts – you really can’t go wrong!
Best places to eat in Maui
Gah! Can you even believe this list?! There’s so many amazing places to eat in Maui, this list has a little bit of everything for every price point and taste bud.
Between the fantastic food trucks to ocean-front dining and unexpected surprises, Maui is a delicious destination for all to enjoy.
More Maui content:
Things to do in Maui on a Budget: 20 Cheap or Free Activities
Haleakala at Sunset: Ultimate Guide to Watching Pure Magic in Hawaii
16 Amazing Things to Do in Hana, Maui You Can’t Miss
18 Fun and Underrated Things to Do in Kihei, Maui (You’ll Love)
36 Incredible Things to Do with Kids in Maui (Ideas for Never-ending Fun)
What to Wear in Hawaii for Midsize Women (Swimwear, Outfit Ideas & More)
What to Pack for Hawaii: PERFECT Hawaii Packing List (+ What to Leave Behind)
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