The island is quite small but there are plenty of options for places to eat on Maui! And if you’re anything like me, you might be planning your trip around food. There’s nothing wrong with that!
From the local roadside stands to fine dining restaurants and everything in between, you’ll find freshly caught fish, tropical fruits, and island classics. Here’s your quick guide of where to eat at on Maui Island by neighborhood.
Please note that many of the restaurants on Maui are still under strict C-19 restrictions or limited in staffing, so making a reservation far in advance is still advised
Kihei
Coconuts Fish Cafe
1279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Hours: 11am-9pm
If you want to eat like a local, head to Coconuts Fish Cafe. CNN named them one of the top places in the country to eat like a local. Choose a protein and prepare to have some of the best fish tacos and poke bowls of your life!
Fred’s Mexican
2511 S Kihei Rd #201, Kihei
Hours: 8am-9pm
Sitting across the street from the beach, you’ll get views of Lanai, Molokini, Kahoolawe, and the Pacific ocean if you can snag a seat outside on the patio. The funky décor and music provide a laidback vibe as you sip on your oversized margaritas and enjoy authentic Mexican food.
Cinnamon Roll Place
2463 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Hours: 6am-2pm
This iconic bakery always has a line and for good reason, they have the best cinnamon rolls. They are gigantic, fresh, and drool-worthy. I recommend getting the cream cheese frosting and macadamia nuts but you can also choose from an assortment of nuts (pecans and walnuts) or raisins.
Beach Street
2439 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Hours: 6:30am-5pm
Located in the same parking lot as the Cinnamon Roll Place is Beach Street. They offer açaí bowls, papaya boats, smoothies, and fruit parfaits. The perfect combination of naughty (cinnamon rolls) and healthy (smoothie) for breakfast. Head across the street to enjoy it at the breakfast or grab a spot at their outdoor picnic tables – there are only a few.
Kihei Cafe
1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Hours: 6am-2pm
This was one of my favorite breakfast spots on the island and it appears that it’s everyone else’s, too. There’s always a huge line out the door but don’t let that scare you, it moves pretty fast and it’s definitely worth the wait! The banana macadamia nut pancakes come highly recommended and are delicious!
808 Deli
2511 S Kihei Rd #102, Kihei
Hours: 9am-5pm
808 Deli serves up delicious sandwiches and is situated across from the beach making it the perfect stop on the way for your beach day! The chicken pesto sandwich and Reuben are my favorites but they also serve classics like turkey, Italian, chicken salad, roast beef, tuna, and veggie.
Paia
Hana Picnic Lunch Company
99 Hana Hwy, Paia
Hours: 7am-2pm
As you head out on the Road to Hana, stop and grab a “lunch box” at Hana Picnic Lunch Company. It includes a sandwich, chips, and cookies, they offer gluten-free and lettuce wrap options, and you can choose your favorite sandwich toppings. The best part – is they also have smoothies and gelato if you need a sweet treat for the road!
Ululuani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
115 Hana Hwy #D, Paia
Hours: 11:30-7:30pm
It’s a must to stop at Ululuani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Famous for their POG (Passion Fruit, Orange & Guava) they offer fresh fruit syrups and natural flavors. It can be a bit difficult to figure out how to order, so first you’ll select your size (small, medium, or large) and then which flavors of shave ice you want (pick 3) and then your toppings. If you’re having a hard time picking flavors, they have pre-selected combos that are their tried and true. I also highly recommend a snow cap (condensed milk on top) or toasted coconut toppings! 🤤
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia
Hours: 11am-10:30pm
Dine beachside underneath a tiki hut with traditional Hawaiian entrees like octopus lū‘au, poke, and wild boar slow-cooked in a ti leaf. The menu changes daily depending on the catch! Book a reservation as far in advance as possible, it’s one of the most popular restaurants on the island and extremely hard to get into.
Paia Fish Market
100 Hana Hwy, Paia
Hours: 11am-9pm
There are now many locations around the island but Paia Fish Market in Paia is the OG location and should be at the top of your list. It’s a no-fuss restaurant with fresh affordable seafood. I recommend trying the Ono or Opah sandwiches. Order at the counter and dine in at the family-style picnic tables.
Hana
Check out my Quick Guide to the Road to Hana here!
Nahiku Marketplace Cafe
Mile Marker 29
1546 HI-360, Hana
Hours: 8am-5pm
Nahiku Marketplace is a stretch of roadside market stands that is perfect to stop and stretch your legs. Take a break on one of the picnic benches while enjoying a local fresh meal, a cup of coffee, or a fresh smoothie. Browse the shops with local art and jewelry. There are also restrooms available here!
Halfway to Hana Banana Bread
Mile Marker #17
Hours: 10am-2pm
Halfway to Hana is hard to miss as there are plenty of signs leading up to it including the main sign out front. They sell lunch items and snacks but they’re most famous for their banana bread!
Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
Mile Marker #16
Hours: 8:30am-2pm
Aunty Sandy’s has been serving travelers on the Road to Hana for over 30 years with banana bread loaves made fresh daily. They also offer beverages and shave ice, so there’s something for everyone! Located near Ke’anae Point, it’s the perfect place for a stop on your drive.
Food Trucks
There are a handful of food trucks located down the hill and across the street from the Hana Ranch Restaurant near Mile Marker 29.
Lahaina
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie House
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina
Hours: 10am-6pm
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie House is known for…well their pies! Get a taste of the island with an Olowalu lime pie, macadamia nut, or coconut cream pie.
Maui Pineapple Store
695 Front St, Lahaina
Hours: 10am-9pm
This is the official store of Maui Gold Pineapple, so they offer all things pineapple! They offer pineapple strawberry jam, pineapple BBQ sauce, pineapple cotton candy, pineapple vinaigrette, and pineapple hot sauce to name a few! All of their pineapple smoothies, pineapple soft serve, and pineapple juices are served out of a pineapple which makes for a very Insta-worthy experience.
Dukes Beach House
130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina
Hours: 8am-9pm
Dukes Beach House is an open-air restaurant with ocean views known for its fresh seafood and Hula Pie. Their food is delicious but a bit pricey – you’re definitely paying for the location and views! Cocktails like Mai Tai’s and Lava Flow are hits and if you’re staying at the resort they’ll serve you poolside or at the walk-up bar on the side of the restaurant. Since it’s located at the Honua Kai Resort, you’ll definitely need a reservation – especially during peak season.
Napili Beach
The Gazebo
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Napili Beach
Hours: 7:30am-2pm
Ask any local and they’ll tell you The Gazebo is their favorite breakfast spot on Napili Beach! As I read through the reviews on Yelp, they all mentioned a long wait as there are no reservations accepted, so as I walked up I expected a line. But I did not expect a line wrapped around the outside front lawn. The wait time is anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and I only saw a few groups drop. The staff occasionally comes out to offer umbrellas for shade from the sun and cups of water. But after all of that, let me tell you – IT WAS SO WORTH IT!
As the name suggests, it’s a gazebo situated beachfront. Despite always having a long line and probably their fair share of rude tourists, the servers are full of aloha spirit and a lot of them have worked here for 20+ years! The Gazebo is known for their Macadamia Nut Pancakes (get the coconut syrup, you’re welcome) and Fried Rice; so I ordered both. Luckily they have half orders but I still had leftovers for a few days!
