Look, I get it. You’re on vacation, you’re staying somewhere nice, and the idea of walking downstairs to a beautiful hotel breakfast with ocean views sounds pretty good. And sure, that’s a perfectly reasonable thing to do once or twice. But if you do it every morning of your Maui trip, you’re going to miss Kihei Caffe… and that would be a genuine shame.

Kihei Caffe has been open since 1998, right on South Kihei Road across from Kalama Beach Park, and it’s the kind of place that has a line out the door by 8am full of people who know exactly what they’re doing. 

It’s a Hawaiian-style diner…outdoor seating, big portions, zero pretense. The vibe is laid back, and the food is hearty, local, and legitimately delicious. This is not a resort breakfast. This is BETTER than a resort breakfast.

Travel and Leisure named it one of the very best breakfast spots in the entire United States, which honestly tracks with how I feel about it every single time I go.

Who This Is Perfect For…

Kihei Caffe is a breakfast and lunch spot, full stop. Doors open at 6am which makes it a great option if you’re heading out early for a whale watching trip, a snorkel excursion, or still adjusting from the time change. It’s also ideal for that mid-morning return when you’ve already been to the beach and you’re starving and you want something REAL to eat.

If you’re staying anywhere in Kihei or Wailea, this place is incredibly convenient… it’s right on South Kihei Road, the parking situation is manageable if you go early, and it’s directly across from the beach which means you can grab your food, eat outside, and watch the ocean. For a budget-conscious traveler, this is also just a genuinely good deal. You’re going to leave full, happy, and significantly less broke than if you’d eaten at your resort.

It’s great for families too. The menu has something for everyone, the pace is quick, and kids tend to love the whole experience of the outdoor seating and the energy of the place.

Extra Details

The menu here is enormous and covers all the classics… eggs Benedict, loco moco, breakfast burritos, omelets, waffles, French toast, local Hawaiian plates. But here’s what I’m going to tell you to order: the banana macadamia nut pancakes. Get them. Don’t overthink it. The banana mac nut pancakes are the move and you will not regret it.

The Irish Moco is also a fan favorite… fried rice topped with corned beef, eggs, and brown gravy, which is exactly as satisfying as it sounds. And the French toast with macadamia nuts and coconut syrup is another one that people come back for trip after trip.

Most breakfast plates run somewhere in the $12 to $18 range, which by Maui standards is a very reasonable morning meal especially considering the portion sizes. If you show up during the 8 to 10am rush there will be a line, but they move it fast so don’t let that scare you off.

It’s not fancy. There are plastic chairs and paper menus and people chatting with strangers in line. It’s a total vibe and it’s one of my favorite places on the whole island to start a Maui morning.

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.

I’m also sharing all of my travel guides on when to go, where to stay, detailed hotel reviews…
plus dozens of itinerary options based on where you’re staying and what you love to do.

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.