Between living on Maui and many, many trips to the island, I’ve eaten at a LOT of places.

Where to Eat on Maui

In no particular order, here are the places I tend to go back to and recommend YOU try out:

Tin Roof // Kahului

Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon’s Tin Roof is an updated take on the traditional Hawaiian lunch counter serving up Hawaiian comfort food with a little more culinary flair than usual.

Just minutes from the airport, make this your first stop on Maui. I highly recommend the chopped steak with garlic noodles, but you really can’t go wrong with anything and I’m still working my way through the menu.

Place your order online and it’ll be ready to pick up when you arrive. There’s no seating here so either grab it on your way to check in or inhale it in the car like I do ; ) Or if you’re not coming or going from the airport, take it to eat at nearby Kanaha Beach Park.

Momoda 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.

Aloha Mix Plate // Lahaina

This is my go to spot for a laid back meal of good, local style food, at a reasonable price WITH A VIEW.

After the fires in Lahaina, a smattering of restaurants have started to reopen in spaces that survived the fire, and they very much want and need business.

Aloha Mix Plate has reopened in its original location on Front Street (next to the Old Lahaina Luau) and it’s a gem.

The food is so good and reasonably priced for the atmosphere.

Try the Aloha Mix Plate (teriyaki beef, shoyu chicken, and fish) with mac salad and a lilikoi soda. But seriously…EVERYTHING is good here.

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.

Kitoko // Kihei

Permanently located in South Maui Gardens in Kihei, Kitoko is one of Maui’s best food trucks. Think bento boxes, but elevated with options like Kauai shrimp, braised beef, or swordfish.

But my favorite time to go is Wednesday nights for the Hula Show when they do a special menu.

You’ll need to buy a ticket to the Hula Show (an amazing alternative to a full blown resort luau), but it’s 100% worth it to try the crispy pork belly with okinawan sweet potato gnocchi.

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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.

Spoon & Key Market // Wailea

Spoon & Key Market in Wailea is the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch or to grab a picnic lunch for the beach. When I’m staying in Wailea, I love stopping at Spoon & Key Market for lunch on my arrival day.

Their ahi melt is spectacular.

They also do a special sunset menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays plus an amazing looking pre-fix menu on Fridays and Saturdays that changes weekly.

Tikehau Lounge // Wailea

There are far fewer “tiki bars” in Hawaii than most people would expect, but this craft cocktail lounge in Wailea fills a major void on the island.

Their drinks here are FAR superior to the often “ho hum” drinks you’ll find poolside at the resorts in and touristy oriented restaurants and at a much better price.

Go for their happy hour for before dinner drinks, but their food is actually really good too. Their kalua pork sliders are amazing.

Waikomo Shave Ice

I’ll be honest, I’m not even the biggest shave ice fan, but I really love Waikomo Shave Ice. Their truck is parked in different places around the island and it’s not cheap, but with all the toppings and add ons, it’s pretty much a meal.

Monkeypod // Wailea & Kaanapali

If I only get ONE place to go on Maui, I’m usually going to pick the Monkeypod. When I lived on Maui, we would stop at the Monkeypod in Wailea for happy hour all the time after a beach day so it feels a bit like tradition. And I still don’t really feel like I’m on Maui until I’ve had a mai tai.

They’re famous for their mai tais which have a lilikoi foam on top and they do a really good happy hour. Check the recent hours but there’s usually an early one from 3ish to 5ish and a later one after 8 or 9. Besides pretty good deals on drinks, most of their appetizers and pizzas are half off.

The original Monkeypod is in Wailea, but the one at Whalers Village in Kaanapali has ocean views.

WowWow Lemonade // Kihei

Yes, you know WoW Wow for their lemonade (the blackberry lavender has always been my favorite), but don’t sleep on their acai bowls.

They make the best ones on the island. They’re made fresh (so nice if you have food allergies!) with each order and they have good acai and pitaya options.

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).

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Kai Cafe // Kapalua

This spot doesn’t necessarily make my list based on the food alone, but it’s more of a “situation” spot.

Kai Cafe is the coffee/breakfast/snack spot in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton Kapalua and what I LOVE about this place are all of the seating areas in the cafe and around the lobby that have amazing views out over the resort and surrounding areas.

If you’re doing the Kapalua Coastal Trail (which you should!), start at Kapalua Beach and walk all the way up to the Ritz Carlton (the turning back point on the trail) and stop in at Kai Cafe a bit before you resume your hike back.

I really like their acai bowls.

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.

Paia Bowls // Paia

Another favorite spot for acai bowls. This is a great place to start your day on the Road to Hana, or for a little pick me up on a north shore beach day.

Horhito’s Taco Truck // Kihei

The very first time I ever came to Maui, we stumbled upon this taco truck the first night and to this day, I still think they’re the best fish tacos on Maui. It’s right across the street from “The Cove” at Kalama Beach Park next to the 76 gas station.

Take your tacos to go and sit on a bench right by the water!

Paia Fish Market // Paia

When you want amazing seafood without all the “fuss” of a fancy restaurant, this is where you come.

La Provence // Kula

You wouldn’t expect to find an authentic French bistro and bakery on Maui, but people from all over the world are attracted to Maui and they bring their culture and food with them. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu is a bit limited (mostly crepes, quiche, and eggs benedict) but there is a lovely assortment of pastries at the bakery inside (the éclairs are out of this world and not to be missed!)

Kula Bistro // Kula

The Kula Bistro serves up truly awesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but its real draw is its stellar dessert case. Even if you’re not dining there, you can stop in and grab something to go – cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, brownies, and pastries.

Café Des Amis // Paia

Head to Paia on the north shore for “crepes and curry.” Their outdoor patio is the place to be for breakfast and early/late evenings. This place wins for best “hippy vibe” on Maui.

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!)

Colleen’s at the Cannery // Haiku

This little café is located in a shopping center in Haiku and it doesn’t look like much but everything I’ve had here is always excellent. They also have a bakery so it’s a good place to grab a snack if you’re in the area. If you’re hiking Twin Falls in Haiku, Colleen’s would be a good spot for lunch. I love their chicken salad sandwich!

Leoda’s Pie Shoppe // Lahaina

Located in Olowalu (next to a roadside fruit stand and across from one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots), this is a great little all around restaurant but they’re known for their pies. The chocolate mac-nut one is my go to. Also, they’re mini sized so get several different kinds and make your own sampler.

T Komoda Store and Bakery // Makawao

This famous bakery is on many foodie visitors lists. Well known for their stick donuts, you’ve got to show up here early if you want the goods. Many restaurants also use Komodo sweet buns on their burgers so even if you’re not able to make it to the bakery there’s still a chance that you can try out what is in my opinion their best offering.

Special Occasion Restaurants

I’ve written a whole separate post here about my favorite special occasion restaurants on Maui so definitely go read that, but these are my favorites:

Mama’s Fish House: Classic and #1 favorite

Restaurant at the Hotel Wailea: A new favorite of mine. Probably the best “foodie” experience.

Merriman’s: Go to on the west side plus the best views

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a: A serious contender after the renovation especially for atmosphere.