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Best Breakfast in Wailea: From Lavish Resort Buffets to Nearby Local Dives

If you’re staying in resort-land and looking for breakfast, I’ve got you covered. Now I know that most people just end up going with whatever is convenient and that usually means what’s offered at the resort where you’re staying, but if you’re trying to plan your budget, or just want to make sure that you get GOOD FOOD I’ve got the scoop on what you need to know.

Yes, most dining options (especially breakfast) in Wailea are located in the resorts so I’m going to break down your best options if you want to do a full breakfast buffet, something a little quicker (and cheaper) plus non resort options (including some of my favorite spots in nearby Kihei. 

Best Breakfast in Wailea

So, here’s where to find the best breakfast in Wailea…

Resort Breakfast Buffets

If you’re all about living that lavish resort lifestyle, then you’re quickly going to get familiar with the breakfast buffet. It’s a staple at any high end beach resort and you’ve got OPTIONS in Wailea. Which is good, because you’d think one $50 breakfast buffet is as good as the next, but you’d be wrong. There’s a surprisingly big variety among the big resorts in Wailea…most wonderful, but at least one that I would recommend avoiding…

Ka’ana Kitchen (Andaz)

Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz Maui is probably my favorite breakfast buffet in Wailea. It’s the average $50/person, 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. 

Kea Lani Restaurant (Fairmont Kea Lani)

I’ve been here a few times and it never disappoints. The food is top notch both in selection and quality. And they’re clearly prepared for an international crowd…I always enjoy seeing miso soup, dumplings, and rice available for breakfast. 

And I LOVE the new makeover they’ve given the dining room. It’s very “Golden Girls” and I’m here for it. 

One thing you need to know here…the omelet station is tucked around the corner and very easy to miss. 

I was a bit surprised that the buffet here is a few dollars more per person than most other places in Wailea ($2-3), but it’s within range and it pulls its weight. I approve.

***Want to save major $$$ on a fancy beach resort? My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free nights at some of the island’s most high end resorts. My go to hotel brand is Marriott so I use this Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card to rack up points for a lot of my trips to Hawaii. If you pay for your monthly expenses on the card and are responsible about paying it off every month, the points add up really fast. Plus, if you sign up through my link, you’ll get THREE bonus free nights to use. On Maui, use your points at some of my favorite Marriott properties like the Wailea Beach Resort, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Westin Maui, and Sheraton Maui.

Humble Market Kitchin (Wailea Beach Resort)

I hate to say it, but this is the one to avoid. It’s a very average breakfast buffet (think mid tier Marriott in a city), it doesn’t have a ton of variety and honestly most of the hot food seemed like it had been sitting in the heating dishes for hours. Which it probably had…there were noticeably fewer people eating here than everywhere else I’ve been in Wailea. 

The view is great though!

If breakfast here is included in your rate (it’s a Marriott but the restaurant is 3rd party so Bonvoy elites that get free breakfast perks don’t get it here- they get it at the Starbucks), it’s a decent options, but there’s NO WAY I’m paying $50/person for this when I’ve seen what’s next door ; ) 

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DUO (Four Seasons)

I haven’t been to DUO in a while so I’m due back for an update, but in the past it’s always been very good. At $52/person it’s on par with everywhere else, but they also have a really good ala carte menu here which surprisingly a lot of the other breakfast buffet restaurants don’t have. 

Great location on the pool deck!

‘Ikena (Grand Wailea) 

This is the only big resort breakfast buffet that I haven’t been to so I guess I’m going to have to make it a priority!

I love the location right off the lobby with views overlooking the resort. The Monday – Saturday buffet is in the same price range as everywhere else in Wailea ($50/person), but I’ve got my eye on the Sunday Rose Brunch which looks extra swanky. $115/person gets you the regular full buffet, a glass of rose, a smoked carving station, fresh ceviche bar, oysters, snow crab, shrimp cocktail AND MORE. 

It sounds excessive, but honestly, that’s Wailea. 

Casual Resort Grab & Go Options

When your wallet (and honestly, your stomach!) can’t handle the buffet one more day, you’ve still got options! Most of these (probably with the exception of Whale’s Tale) aren’t places that you would go out of your way for if you’re not staying there, but it’s good to know your options: 

Whale’s Tale (Wailea Beach Resort)

This outdoor counter service spot is about as close to the water as you can get. They’ve got coffee drinks, acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, etc. and a lot of really cute seating options. All with a view! It’s right on the Wailea Beach Walk so it’s a really convenient spot if you want to take an early morning walk and stop to grab a bite. 

Mokapu Market (Andaz)

The grab and go market at the Andaz is a full on coffee shop with pastries, sammies, etc. Plus a little mini mart of snacks. 

Makana Market (Fairmont Kea Lani)

Grab and go market at the Fairmont Kea Lani. It’s got a really convenient location near the pool so it’s also a good option for lunch. 

Kula Cafe (Grand Wailea)

The Grand Wailea’s grab and go/quick service cafe also has a ton of seating and you can take stuff to go but it’s pretty far from the pool/beach. 

Beachwalk Cafe at the Four Seasons

I think the Four Seasons got the short end of the stick when it comes to grab and go/quick food options (but hey, that’s probably the demographic) but what they’ve got is the Beachwalk Cafe. Aptly named because it’s a little kiosk right off the beach. Grab coffee, drinks, ice cream, some snacks, pastries and sandwiches. Their breakfast (and lunch) sandwiches are actually really good. 

Places Outside the Resorts

If you just need something a little more lowkey (or hearty, or not excessively priced), here’s where to go: 

Island Gourmet Market

I want to call this the best kept secret in Wailea, but I don’t know how you could call it a secret. It’s attached to the Shops at Wailea (walkable from the Wailea Beach Resort) and it’s the closest thing to a grocery store you’ll find in Wailea. But besides stocking up on snacks, groceries, and prepared foods, they also have a grill/restaurant and they have really good food. If you want a big, greasy loco moco, this is your spot. They cook hot food made to order for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Whalers General Store/ABC Store

Inside the Shops at Wailea you’ll find a Whalers General Store (bottom level) and an ABC Store (upper level). Both are little markets (similar to Island Gourmet) and good places to stock up on snacks, drinks, and prepared foods. 

Akamai Coffee

This is the local coffee shop in Wailea and you’ll find it up the road in Wailea Village. If you like a long morning walk, it’s a good destination. 

Starbucks

There’s a full-fledged Starbucks in the lobby of the Wailea Beach Resort. If you’re walking along the Wailea Beach Walk (from the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Andaz, etc.) just follow the signs up through the resort to the lobby. 

On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I’ve put together a post about where to find condos on Maui. It breaks down different areas to look for condos depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. Seriously, don’t miss this post

Breakfast Places in Kihei

If you want a good local style breakfast spot…you’re not going to find it in the resort bubble ; ) But Kihei is a 5-10 minute drive away and that’s where you’ll find the good stuff. 

WowWow Lemonade

I cannot rave enough about this place! Locally made, fresh to order lemonade in a mason jar??? Yes please. But I think the real star here are the acai bowls. These are some of my favorite smoothie bowls I’ve had anywhere in Hawaii. They’re made fresh (not frozen!) so they’re very accommodating to both allergies and tastes.

Kihei Caffe

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. 

Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Somewhat of a trendy spot, this place serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything is counter service and moves quickly (even with a long line), but the fare is a bit higher end than local “dive” spots. It’s located in the back of a strip mall, so no view but they’ve created a pretty lush atmosphere all the same.

Want to read more? Don’t miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Maui:

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay, you’re going to want to read up on Wailea vs Kaanapali to decide on which side of the island and then My Favorite Hotels on Maui and Where to Find Condos on Maui for specific recommendations.

If you’re looking at staying in Wailea (South Maui), I’ve got a TON of posts. Start with All of the Wailea Resorts Ranked and then read reviews for Four Seasons Maui, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Wailea Beach Resort plus comparison for Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui and Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort. And I’ve got info on the, the Best Restaurants in Wailea, the Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei, the Best Luaus in Wailea

If you’re trying to put together an itinerary full of the best things to do on Maui, take a look at my best 4 Day Maui Itinerary and My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary, plus roundups of Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui, Things to Do Upcountry, the Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei, My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui, and a full review of Mama’s Fish House (my favorite restaurant in Hawaii). 

And last but not least tips for some of Maui’s best adventures like Road to Hana Tips, Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana, Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park, Where to See Turtles on Maui, Snorkeling Molokini Crater, and Whale Watching. And everything you need to know BEFORE you go to Maui.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

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