Let’s talk about breakfast on Maui.

I know, I know…everyone wants to talk about which beach to go to or which luau is worth the money, but hear me out. Breakfast just might be the most underrated part of a Maui vacation.

Think about it…you’re up early anyway (thanks, time change), you’ve got a whole day of adventuring ahead of you, and there is SO much good food happening before 11am on this island that most people just… skip. They grab a granola bar from the condo and head straight to the beach. Don’t be that person ; )

Here’s a round up of some of my favorite breakfast/coffee spots on Maui with notes on which part of the island they’re on…because the best breakfast spot really depends on whether you’re chasing sunrise at Haleakala, lounging in Wailea, or road-tripping to Hana. Some of these are hole-in-the-wall local spots. Some are resort buffets that are (surprisingly) worth the splurge. A couple are just really, really good coffee.

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Best Breakfast Spots on Maui

Momona Bakery // Kahului

This is my favorite new spot on Maui. This decadent bakery moved into an old bank in Kahului and they’ve absolutely perfected their croissants any way you’d like them (savory, sweet, BOTH). 

This is a popular local spot, and it gets crowded to go early if you want to snag a table. I like to pair this with a visit to Iao Valley or hiking the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. 

Grandma’s Coffee House // Keokea

My favorite place to go post Haleakala sunrise (or before a day spent upcountry) is Grandma’s in Keokea. It’s popular with the locals, right around the corner from Oprah’s house, and has THE BEST FOOD. 

Their kalua pork eggs benedict is INCREDIBLE. Seriously, like one of my favorite meals anywhere. They use corn waffles instead of English muffins and it’s just…sigh. 

Also anything in the pastry/bakery case is 100% worth the calories. 

It gets a little chilly up here, especially in the morning so dress warm. Pair breakfast here with a trip to the Ali’i Lavender Farm, Maui Wine, or a drive/hike up Thompson Road across the street. 

Akamai Coffee // Wailea, Kihei & Kahului

Arguably Maui’s best coffee spot, Akamai has a few locations now. I like to try a different signature drink or special every day ; ) 

The Wailea location is also a great spot for a full breakfast. 

Gazebo // Napili

The Gazebo is probably Maui’s most famous breakfast spot with a VIEW. People drive from all over the island for the experience of having breakfast here. 

It’s just a tiny little dive, and they don’t take reservations so you just have to stand in line. But it’s worth it for the ambience. 

With views of Napili Bay, and those famous macadamia nut pancakes…it’s a breakfast experience that’s pretty unique to Maui. 

Logistics: Parking is a little tricky around Napili (there isn’t much of it). The restaurant is located in the Napili Shores complex and there is some reserved parking just for the restaurant otherwise you’ll have to vie for limited street parking or try for a spot in the Kapalua Beach lot and walk back. If you’re staying in the Kapalua resort area, the shuttle will drop you off right at the restaurant. 

The restaurant is open from 7:30AM to 2PM. Show up before they open if you don’t want to wait or otherwise just be prepared to hang out for a while. 

Sea House // Napili

The Gazebo gets all of the glory on the West Side, but I’m partial to the Sea House. Just on the other side of Napili Bay, the Sea House actually has a better view (you can see the entire beach from the restaurant) and it’s usually much easier to walk in. 

Don’t miss the Haleakala Pancake!

The Sea House is located in the Napili Kai Resort and they also have a popular happy hour. 

Kihei Caffe // Kihei

For me, Kihei Caffe is a must do. It’s hearty, big portions, and GOOD local style food. Be prepared to wait in line if you go mid morning (but it moves fast) and take cash (or there’s an ATM inside). 

It’s right across from Kalama Beach park and it just feels like where you want to be when you’re on vacation in Hawaii. 

They also have another location in the Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei (jury’s still out on whether it’s as good) and a location in Lahaina in the Lahaina Gateway shopping center (they really appreciate support right now). 

Ka’ana Kitchen // Wailea

Nothing says “living resort life” like a lavish breakfast buffet. I’ve tried out most of them, and  Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz Maui is my favorite breakfast buffet in Wailea (which makes it the best on Maui). 

It’s about $50/person (the going price), but I think they have the best offerings, best quality, and best service. The restaurant also has a great view and even on a non-weekend/brunch day it’s probably the place that feels the most like a special experience (even for $50/person some resorts just feel like they’re shuttling a herd of guests through the buffet before they leave for their daily adventures). 

One thing I really like here is that omelet and made-to-order egg requests are handled through your server and brought to your table so you don’t have to stand in line and wait for them to make it. 

The whole concept of the restaurant is that you’re actually in the kitchen (even at dinner) so a LOT of the food for the buffet is actually being made right next to the serving stations. Which means that you can usually grab extremely fresh waffles, pancakes, etc. They’re also really good about swapping out dishes and bringing out fresh food so you never feel like you’re getting the stale, crusty ends that are left in the pan. 

They have everything you could possibly want here but I especially loved the desserts. A lot of them were unique and not the typical things that you see at a breakfast buffet. Example: Nutella brioche buns and homemade fruit cobbler. 

If you’re just coming for oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, etc. the price is pretty excessive, but if you’re ready to really eat and enjoy it, you won’t be disappointed.

Baked on Maui // Haiku

Hidden away in an old cannery in the jungles of Haiku is one of my favorite little places for breakfast. Baked on Maui serves up eggs any style along with waffles and French toast. They always have a great selection of desserts (the carrot cake is my fave!)

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T Komoda Store and Bakery // Makawao

A long time institution on Maui (this year marks their 110 year anniversary!), grabbing morning donuts and pastries here is a right of passage. Stop by after sunrise at Haleakala for your best chance of getting their famous stick donuts before they sell out. 

 SixtyTwo MarcKet // Wailuku

This place gets majorly overshadowed by places like the Gazebo and Kihei Caffe, but I think this is the best breakfast spot on the island. 

The farm to table brunch spot (closed on Saturdays) is my go to after hiking the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. 

Espresso Mafia // Makawao

My favorite place to get coffee in Makawao. It has a cozy, eclectic vibe and a nice patio out back. The honey cream latte is my favorite but the lavender vanilla latte is a close second.

Ulu Kitchen by Merriman // Ka’anapali

Insider’s tip: When the wait at the Monkeypod at Whalers Village gets too long, just go next door to Ulu Kitchen at the Westin. It’s also one of Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurants so it’s a similar menu, they have the same famous mai tais, plus it’s a bigger restaurant and actually right on the water. 

Belle Surf Lounge // Paia

My favorite coffee shop in Paia, it’s hidden behind the shops on the main road so it feels like a little hideaway. They also do food all day and have a bar in the afternoons/evenings. 

Da Mean Bean // Hana

Yummy coffee truck in Hana. When I stayed a few days in Hana I hit this spot every morning. My favorite is the Kula lavender latte. 

I’ve made it my job for the last 10 years to explore Maui.

And after hundreds of beach days, rainforest hikes, snorkeling trips, and reconnaissance missions to find the best hotels… and mai tais… I put everything I know into one place.

This is my Maui Digital Map — hundreds of my favorite spots. Beaches, snorkeling spots, hikes, farm tours, scenic drives, places to eat.

Yes, I share hidden spots I don’t talk about so much on social media…but also—tourist doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Popular places are popular for a reason.

So I break down what’s worth it, what’s not, where to spend your money, where to save it, and how to avoid crowds at some of Maui’s most popular (and best) places so you actually enjoy your time.

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It’s everything you need to see the best of Maui and actually relax. A Vacation in a box…all YOU need to do is pack your suitcase. 

Get access to my Maui digital map and itineraries here.