Okay so first things first…can we talk about the name? 

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (yes that’s the actual name, yes it’s also the name of Hawaii’s state fish, and yes it’s a mouthful) is the signature restaurant at the Grand Wailea on Maui. 

And while the Grand Wailea isn’t my personal favorite resort in Wailea, THIS restaurant is genuinely one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Hawaii. 

It’s an upscale Hawaiian seafood restaurant that’s best known for its absolutely insane setting…a series of overwater bungalows built over a saltwater lagoon right on the grounds of the resort.

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Who This Spot Is Perfect For…

This is a happy hour spot, full stop. Well, it’s technically a full service dinner restaurant, but the reason you come here is to grab a seat at the bar right when it opens, order a drink, and soak in one of the most spectacular settings you’ll find anywhere on Maui. 

If you’re staying at the Grand Wailea it’s basically a non-negotiable, but honestly even if you’re staying somewhere else on Maui, it’s absolutely worth making the trip over. It’s a great option for couples, groups of friends, or really anyone who wants a jaw-dropping place to kick off an evening on Maui.

The Vibe

The whole restaurant is built over a lagoon with gorgeous ocean views beyond it, so no matter where you’re sitting, you’re looking at something beautiful. But the real centerpiece is the aquarium bar. It’s this incredible circular bar right in the middle of the restaurant built AROUND a giant aquarium. 

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So you’re sitting at the bar watching tropical fish swim past while the sun sets over the ocean in the background. It’s a lot. In the best possible way.

This place is 100% about the ambiance and I think it’s important to be upfront about that. The food isn’t bad by any means, but it’s not why you come here. You come here for the setting, the drinks, and the vibe.

What to Know Before You Go

The restaurant opens at 5 PM and I really do mean it when I say get there early. There are usually people waiting outside before it even opens to grab one of the bar seats, which are first come first serve. If you show up at 5:30 thinking you’ll snag a spot at that aquarium bar…you’re probably going to be disappointed. Plan to arrive right at opening or even a few minutes before.

What to Order

Their mai tais and tropical cocktails are really the move here. The drinks are pricey (welcome to a resort restaurant in Wailea) but honestly par for the course. Budget somewhere in the range of $20+ per cocktail and don’t say I didn’t warn you. It’s worth sharing a couple of pupus (appetizers) while you’re here, but again…the drinks and the setting are the whole point.

Do NOT skip this one. It’s just too good.

 

Want the full plan, not just this post?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably actually planning a trip to Maui…not just daydreaming. So here’s the thing: what you just read is a small piece of what I know about this island.

I’ve been visiting Maui for years, and I put everything…the itineraries, the hotel breakdowns, the restaurants actually worth your time, the spots most visitors never find…into one guide. It’s 75+ pages, built around real day-by-day plans (not just a list of “things to do”), plus an interactive map so you’re not toggling between five browser tabs trying to piece your trip together.

It’s the guide I wish I’d had on my first few trips here.

See what’s inside the Maui Guide → HERE