What’s not to love about Maui? This paradise has beautiful beaches and dense rainforests, making it the perfect destination for anyone who loves hiking or exploring nature. Maui is also Hawaii’s most dynamic island, particularly when it comes to its incredible restaurant scene. With a diverse range of influences and cuisines on offer, there is something to suit every taste.
From fresh seafood caught daily to locally grown farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, the ingredients are always of the highest quality. And with talented chefs at the helm, they are transformed into mouth-watering dishes that are sure to delight any discerning foodie.
Here are the top 5 Maui restaurants that you should try:
Paia Fish Market
Paia Fish Market has 3 locations in Hawaii – their flagship store from 1989 on Baldwin Ave and Hana Highway in Paia Town, as well as Kihei and Lahaina.
Paia Fish Market is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a casual, cozy, and family-friendly atmosphere. With communal wooden tables, dive bar decor, and cool surf photography, this place has a relaxed vibe that everyone can enjoy. And even though it’s counter service only, the long line is always worth the wait when you see (and smell) the fresh seafood being prepared.
This is the place to go if you’re looking for locally-caught fish that’s cooked exactly to your liking. The Fresh Catch plates are a great way to sample everything on the menu. You get to choose your fish (Mahi Mahi, ahi, snapper), how you want it prepared (grilled, sautéed, Cajun-style), and your sides (rice, home fries, or French fries). So come on down to Paia Fish Market and enjoy some of the best seafood in town!
Lineage
Lineage is located in the Shops at Wailea on South Maui. This restaurant focuses on family-style eating and local cuisine from Hawaii, with the concept of “Eat, Drink, and Talk Story.”
The cuisine at Lineage is centered on family gatherings and the appreciation of natural ingredients and cooking methods. Emmanuel Eng, a Maui chef, adds originality to his cuisine with Asian-American food!
Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
The Gazebo Restaurant is an open-air restaurant located on the oceanfront at Napili Shores. The Gazebo is known for its stunning views of the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai, as well as its fresh seafood and Hawaiian plate lunches.
Come to the Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores for a delicious and filling breakfast or lunch, or pick up food to go. With its stunning views of Napili Bay and its relaxed atmosphere, this American eatery is the perfect spot to take a break from your busy day exploring Maui.
At Gazebo Restaurant, you can order from the breakfast or lunch menu at any time of the day. Not only does Gazebo Restaurant have a diverse breakfast menu with plenty of omelet options, but their lunch menu is just as expansive. You can find salads, sandwiches, burgers, and local-style plate lunches all under $15.
The Gazebo serves only breakfast and lunch during the hours it is open, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Although The Gazebo Maui offers a lovely ocean view, the downside is that there is almost always a waiting line. Depending on how busy Maui is at the time, you could be spending 20 to 45 minutes outside.
Merriman’s Kapalua
Merriman’s, found within the lovely Kapalua resort on Maui’s west end, is one of the most gorgeous restaurants not only due to its interior design but also because every table has a peerless view of the ocean.
Merriman’s is a unique establishment that takes classic dishes and puts its creative spin on them. For example, you could order kalua pig and sweet onion quesadillas or an enchilada filled with Kona-caught lobster and butter-poached local corn.
The menu features 90% local ingredients, and most produce and protein dishes are farm-to-table. The items on the menu are all simple yet sophisticated. Be sure to try their macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, and pair any dish with a glass of wine from its extensive selection.
Mama’s Fish House
Truthfully, Mama’s Fish House could excel in any category it chose – icon, romantic restaurant, fish, and more. And yet its setting right on the sand with beautiful sunset views means that the food doesn’t even need to be great. But of course, the family-owned destination does serve fantastic food including local fish caught by fishermen who bring their day’s haul straight to the chefs.
Not only will you see each fish’s preparation on the menu, but you’ll also learn the name of the fisherman who caught it. For example, “Ahi caught near our deep ocean buoys by Matt Smith” might be grilled in a ti leaf and served with local banana and papaya. Another option is “Papio caught by Layne Nakagawa in deep reefs off Keanae.” This choice is steamed with island-grown ginger, Asian vegetables, and sizzling macadamia nut oil.
Since its inception in 1973, the macadamia nut-crusted lobster and crab-stuffed fish have been a favorite among patrons. Try it with the Mai Tai Roa Ae, and you’ll see that nothing is quite as wonderful as Mama’s.
Traditional Hawaiian Feast
If you want to experience the best Hawaiian culture while enjoying Hawaiian specialties, then a traditional Hawaiian luau is perfect for you. A luau is a dinner that usually includes a roasted pig, poi (a type of taro pudding), and other Hawaiian delicacies. Treat your senses to the delicious flavors of Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine, all while being entertained by hula dancers dancing to traditional Hawaiian music.
Some of the best luaus on Maui include:
- The Old Lahaina Luau
- Feast at Lele Luau
- Myths of Maui Luau
- The Maui Nui Luau
- Te Au Moana Luau
- Grand Wailea Luau
- Huaka’i Polynesian Luau
- Andaz Maui Feast At Mokapu Luau
We hope you’re now ready to explore the gorgeous island of Maui on dining terms! Every day spent adventuring on this lovely island will be enhanced by a delicious meal at one of these top foodie restaurants. Not to mention taking a trip to one of our Farm Tours & Special Attractions!