Maui is known for its delicious local cuisines, and this is one of the many reasons tourists would choose to go to Maui for their Hawaii vacation. Thanks to its myriad of cultural influences and inventive chefs, the food in Maui is as diverse as the island itself. Here, you can experience different flavors, ranging from Hawaiian lunch plates served by trendy food trucks to the freshest seafood prepared by the best chefs on the island. Indeed, there’s so much good food to savor in Maui, there’s no reason to settle for mediocre resort fares on your holiday getaway.
Here are the top 10 Maui restaurants that you should check out!
Lahaina Grill
Lahaina Grill has been voted several times as one of the best restaurants in Maui, so it certainly deserves to be on top of this list. Located right in the heart of the beautiful town of Lahaina, this restaurant specializes in American cuisines produced from locally sourced ingredients.
This 55-seat bistro opened in 1990 and has since grown in popularity, thanks to its fresh and delicious meals, including seafood dishes and Hawaiian specialties. The restaurant exudes a chic and sophisticated vibe, with elaborate art pieces hanging on its walls, most of which are the work of popular Maui colorist, Jan Kasprzycki.
While in Lahaina, take advantage of the various fun activities in town, such as the whale watching tour, which is what Maui is famous for.
Nuka Maui
If you find yourself craving authentic Japanese dishes while in Maui, then head to Nuka Maui. This izakaya-style Japanese restaurant is popular not only in Maui but all over Hawaii. Owned by the Paia Fish Market family, the restaurant got its name from the Japanese word of “rice bran”.
Serving authentic Japanese dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients, Nuka is committed to supporting the local fishermen and farmers on the island. The service is also excellent, and the restaurant itself offers a warm and welcoming ambiance. There are not too many seats, though, so it is best to make reservations in advance.
Feast at Lele
If you want to experience the local culture while enjoying Hawaiian specialties, check out the Feast At Lele Luau. Indulge in the authentic flavors of Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisines while being entertained by hula dancers dancing to the tune of traditional Hawaiian music. This exquisite fine dining experience is set at the oceanfront of Lahaina. You will be treated to a five-course gourmet dinner and premium open bar with first-class table-side service.
Guests joining this exclusive luau dinner will be welcomed with fresh flowers and Mai-Tai greetings, and will be seated at a private table. An exclusive wine list will be provided, which includes tropical drinks and cocktails.
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant is so popular, that it has become a local landmark in North Shore. This is the in-house restaurant of a local inn, a boutique hotel nestled in a secluded beach in Paia, surrounded by a coconut grove. The restaurant offers free valet service to its guest.
Serving fresh local fish and seafood dishes caught daily, Mama’s Fish House Restaurant is the place to go if you are craving fresh seafood in Maui. The menu consists of Polynesian and Hawaiian dishes, such as Fish Tahitian in fresh coconut and Kauai Shrimps with macadamia nut sauce. With its delicious food, impeccable service, and relaxing environment, you certainly will love dining at this place!
Hula Grill Kaanapali
Hula Grill Kaanapali is another seafood restaurant in Maui that’s famous for its delicious and fresh seafood dishes. Located in the Whalers Village in Kaanapali, this seafood place is only a few minutes away from Kaanapali Beach and the famous Kaanapali Golf Course. This restaurant has an Al Fresco area, which opens to the gorgeous views of the ocean.
Aside from the fresh seafood, Hula Grill serves authentic Hawaiian specialties, such as kale pork and Maui onions served with ponzu dipping sauce. There’s also a long list of refreshing drinks on the menu, including delicious Hawaiian cocktails. The strategic location of Hula Grill means you will have easy access to the various activities in Kaanapali, such as the Teralani Holo Holo Kaanapali Sunset Sail.
Pacific’O Restaurant
Pacific’O Restaurant is another beachfront restaurant in Maui that’s famous for its delicious foods. Located in the town of Lahaina, this restaurant has been around for more than 20 years. They are among those restaurants in Maui that are dedicated to serving “farm to table” cuisines, made from fresh local ingredients sourced from both the land and sea.
Aside from the “farm to table” cuisines, Pacific’O Restaurant also features “farm to bar” drinks on their menu. These are delicious bar drinks made from freshly squeezed fruits that were harvested from Pacific’O’s farm. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take lunchtime tours of the farm.
The Pint & Cork
Located in the Shops at Wailea, the Pint & Cork is the go-to restaurant for tourists after a day of shopping in Wailea. This restaurant serves upscale bar food, including four-cheese mac and cheese with béchamel sauce, with the option to add bacon and black truffles! There’s also a short-rib grilled cheese that is the perfect accompaniment to one of the sixteen beers on tap.
The Pint & Cork is an island-style version of your local gastronomy pub. After a whole day of surfing in the waters of Wailea, this is the best place to unwind and enjoy delicious meals with a round of refreshing drinks.
Star Noodle
If you have a fondness for Asian delicacies, then visit the Star Noodle. This is a modern restaurant in Lahaina that serves delicious Asian fares. They have a wide selection of house-made noodles, as well as Asian dishes on shareable plates. Aside from the delicious food on their menu, Star Noodle also has a full sake bar, that serves refreshing sake beer, wine, and other unique Asian cocktails.
Do not ever leave the restaurant without sampling their delicious desserts, such as the malasadas or mango pudding. If you want to take home some souvenirs, they have some merchandise available for you to buy such as the Star Noodle hats, t-shirts, and tote bags.
Hali’imaile General Store
Located on the slopes of Haleakala, amidst the scenic pineapple fields, the Hali’imaile General Store is another place to go to in Maui if you want to taste authentic Hawaiian region cuisines. This restaurant is set in a building that used to be a camp store for the pineapple plantation. Today, this building has been developed into a local gourmet restaurant famous for its regional Hawaiian fares.
The Hali’imaile General Store is a 10-min drive up Baldwin Avenue, from the historic town of Paia. After enjoying the delicious meals here, tourists can partake in the various activities nearby, including a scenic helicopter ride of Haleakala.
Kula Bistro
Conveniently located across from the historic Moihara Store in Upcountry Kula, the Kula Bistro has been offering fresh, flavorful cuisine in a casual family-style setting since 2012. They have some amazing dishes to choose from link the bistro local favorite, Hamburger Steak. Enjoy one of their specialty sandwiches like the Cajun-Style Mahi Mahi with pesto aioli on focaccia. Or how about a Crab Cakes Panini. Not to mention their many amazing entrees!
Given the many great restaurants in Maui, you are guaranteed to have a great time on your holiday. Besides, a holiday is all about enjoying the best things in life, right? So whether you are craving authentic Hawaiian cuisines or other International dishes, you will have plenty of options to dine at in Maui.