Aloha, fellow foodies! If you’re heading to Maui and wondering where to satisfy your taste buds, you’re in good hands. From my countless trips to Hawaii (thanks to my boyfriend’s work adventures), we’ve become self-proclaimed experts on the island’s food scene. 😉
Our foodie mission in Hawaii? Dive deep into the local flavors and dishes that make this island paradise so special. We try and avoid the big chains and foods we can easily get on the mainland because, let’s be real, Hawaii’s culinary magic deserves to be fully explored.
From fresh poke bowls on the beach to stunning farm-to-table meals with mountain views, Maui’s food scene is just as vibrant as the island itself. So, grab your sunnies and bring your appetite—here’s your ultimate Maui foodie guide, organized by location to make planning easy. Plus, we’ve included our favorite must-try dishes!
West Maui: Kapalua, Lahaina & Ka’anapali
Merriman’s
Merriman’s in Kapalua is a true island gem, offering farm-to-table cuisine in a gorgeous oceanfront setting. The food is incredible, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. With panoramic vistas of the ocean and neighboring islands, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or sunset cocktails that’ll leave you speechless. What we really love is the Chef/Restauranteur, Peter Merriman, is a pioneer of the “Farm to Table” concept serving only the freshest products, at least 90% of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods.
Being one of the most popular restaurants, I’d recommend making reservations in advance. If going to happy hour, make sure to arrive as early as possible to snag an oceanfront seat. The one thing you have to try is the Merriman’s Mai Tai. This cocktail is next level with their signature Honey-Lilikoi (passionfruit) foam…it’s the best Mai Tai in Hawaii hands down.
Dinner Favorites: Merriman’s Mai Tai (MUST), Hawaiian ‘Ahi Poke, Tako À L’Escargot, Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch, Wok-Charred Ahi, Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding
Cliff Dive Bar (Located At Sheraton Maui)
The Cliff Dive Bar is a must-visit for incredible ocean views, tropical drinks, and a mouthwatering Kahlua Pork Sandwich served on a taro bun with lilikoi hoisin BBQ sauce – it’s amazing! Located at Black Rock at the Sheraton Maui, one of the island’s (and world’s) most famous snorkeling spots, you can easily park at the hotel (and get parking validated), enjoy an unforgettable snorkel (best time is the AM for turtle spotting), then relax at the bar with front-row seats to a nightly cliff-diving show and stunning sunsets (we’ve seen whales breaching here in the winter). Their signature Kahlua Pork Sandwich, loaded with smoky, tender local pork, is the perfect post-snorkel lunch. It’s the ultimate way to experience Maui’s beauty and flavors all in one spot.
Favorites: Kahlua Pork Sandwich & multiple Cliff Diver drinks and/or Mai Tai’s
Star Noodle
For something different, head to the newly re-opened open air restaurant Star Noodle in Lahaina. This Asian-fusion restaurant is known for its garlic noodles and pork buns, but everything on the menu is packed with flavor. Make sure to get there early, as this spot is super popular and has ocean views! I’d recommend going for the sunset to take advantage of the stunning sunsets in Maui and make sure to try one of their fun cocktails.
Favorites: Steamed Pork Buns, Garlic Noodles, Lahaina Fried Soup, Ahi Belly & Malasadas
Monkeypod Kitchen
Monkeypod Kitchen in Ka’anapali is the perfect family friendly dinner out on the town. With a focus on local ingredients and sustainable practices, their poke tacos, wood fired pizzas and cream pies are crowd-pleasers. They usually have a live musician which gives the restuarant such a fun and lively vibe. I highly recommend reservations in advance since it’s located in Whaler’s Village shopping center which is very crowded at dinner time.
Favorites: Famous Mai Tai, Poké Tacos, Lobster Deviled Eggs, Seared Ahi Steak & Chocolate Cream Pie
Leilani’s Beach Bar
Leilani’s Beach Bar is a laid-back beachfront spot with stunning ocean views and seriously amazing fish tacos (voted best by Maui Magazine and served only at the beach bar)! Their Cajun rubbed fresh fish (usually Mahi Mahi), roasted tomatillo aioli, cheddar & jack cheeses, shaved cabbage, chile de arbol salsa, fresh tortilla chips, choice of corn or flour tortilla (choose flour!) make these tacos unforgettable. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a sunset meal while eating fish caught earlier that day with a Mai Tai in hand. Of course, you MUST save room for the iconic Hawaiian Hula pie dessert which is macadamia nut ice cream piled super high on an oreo crust topped with hot fudge, chopped mac nuts surrounded by lots of whipped cream…so good they have their own plates! It’s so good, I recreate this iconic dessert for Kris’ birthday every year. Highly recommend booking in advance especially for sunset time.
Favorites: Mai Tai, Ahi Poke Bowl, Fresh Fish Tacos & Hula Pie (Our actual order every single time)
Island Vintage Coffee
Island Vintage Coffee in Maui is the perfect spot for coffee lovers and foodies alike! Known for its rich, flavorful Kona coffee, this charming café serves up some of the best brews on the island. It’s not just about the coffee, though—their breakfast and lunch options are just as amazing. From their açai bowls to their fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, everything is packed with local ingredients and island flavors. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sipping on a latte, Island Vintage Coffee is a must-visit for a delicious, laid-back start to your day. Also, be prepared to buy some coffee, cute mug or branded Hydroflask for a souvenir.
*Pro Tip: I’ve mastered how to make a copycat Island Latte at home, check out my post here, because once you have one you will be obsessed.
Favorites: Island Latte (with extra espresso shots) & Cacao Moana Acai Bowl
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
For those with a sweet tooth, Leoda’s Kitchen in Olowalu is a local favorite. Grab one of their famous pies (banana cream is a winner!) or stop by for a sandwich or salad if you’re on the go. It’s the perfect casual stop between sightseeing adventures. We usually stop in when going from the West side resorts to the South side. I’d recommend not going during prime lunch times since their will be a long line most likely, stick to less popular times for no wait.
Favorites: Chocolate Mac Nut Pie, Olowalu Lime Pie & Banana Cream Pie (Can’t go wrong with any pie flavor)
South Maui: Wailea & Kihei
Lineage
Lineage in Maui is an absolute must if you are in Wailea, serving up bold, vibrant flavors that celebrate Filipino and Hawaiian heritage with a modern twist. Every dish feels like a heartfelt tribute to local ingredients and culture, from their mouthwatering poke to their creative spins on traditional favorites. The ambiance is inviting, and the staff makes you feel like family. Trust me, this place is pure magic from chef Sheldon Simeon (you may recognize him from Top Chef and he’s also chef/owner of Tin Roof, mentioned below) and you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. Don’t forget to order a fun cocktail!
Favorites: Kimchee Dip, Crispy Shrimp & Scallop Croquettes, Cantonese Lobster Noodles, Cauliflower Katsu, Korean Fried Chicken & Pandan Bread Pudding
The Birdcage Bar (At Hotel Wailea)
Located at Hotel Wailea, the only Relaix and Chateau property in Hawaii, The Birdcage Bar is an absolute dream for those seeking an elevated dining experience with its breathtaking ocean views and chic, open-air atmosphere. The food is simply divine—think locally sourced ingredients with an elevated Japanese twist. It’s the perfect spot for sipping craft cocktails at sunset or before dinner at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea (which is also excellent), making The Birdcage Bar a must-visit when you’re in Maui! You’ll leave feeling completely enchanted. Seating is first come, first served so I recommend getting there as early as possible to secure a table with the best sunset view.
Favorites: Hamachi Crudo, Sashimi Trio, Tuna Burger & Green Jay cocktail
Ululani’s Shave Ice
Ululani’s Shave Ice is a non-negotiable for me when in Maui, offering the finest, fluffiest shave ice with a wide range of tropical flavors like passionfruit, guava, mango, and coconut. Topped with sweet extras like mochi and condensed milk, it’s the perfect island treat to cool off from the hot Maui sun. Ululani’s lost two locations in the Lahaina fire, but you can still satisfy your shave ice fix at three other spots in South and Central Maui.
Favorites: Order the mac nut ice cream on the bottom, any tropical flavors topped with mochi
Central Maui: Kahului
Tin Roof
In Kahului about 5 minutes from the airport, Tin Roof is the go-to spot for local Hawaiian comfort food. Owned by Top Chef alum Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof offers a delicious menu featuring garlic shrimp, poke bowls, pork belly and chef’s famous mochiko chicken. The mochiko chicken is double-fried chicken thighs marinated overnight in ginger sake shoyu, covered in a sweet rice batter, topped with housemade miso gochujang aioli, and mochi crunch mix. Don’t forget to get it animal style – adding garlic aioli & scallion ginger sauce. It’s SO good! Chef Sheldon actually teaches you how to make his iconic Mochiko chicken (and many other amazing Hawaiian dishes) in his cookbook. It’s quick, affordable, and insanely flavorful—a must-stop as soon as we land in Maui.
Favorites: Mochiko Chicken, Mac Salad, Poke, Garlic Shrimp, Spicy Chicken Sandwich & Chocolate Butter Mochi
North Shore Maui: Paia
Paia Fish Market
Paia Fish Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers! Known for its casual, laid-back vibe, this local favorite serves up some of the freshest fish on the island. The fish tacos are legendary—packed with perfectly grilled mahi-mahi and topped with fresh slaw and tangy sauce. Their fish burgers and grilled plates, like the ahi or ono, are equally mouthwatering, bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal after a beach day or a true taste of Maui’s local catch, Paia Fish Market delivers every time!
Favorites: Onion Rings, Fish Tacos or Blackened Mahi Mahi/Ono Plate w/ Fries
Mama’s Fish House
An iconic spot for the freshest seafood and stunning ocean views, Mama’s Fish House is a foodie bucket list destination when you’re in Maui. Located about an hour drive from the resorts on the west and south Maui, this upscale restaurant serves dishes made with fish caught that very morning. The setting? Think palm trees, ocean breezes, and Polynesian decor…pure Maui magic.
*Pro Tip: It’s notoriously hard to book a reservation, so booking far in advance is recommended. Also, the less popular times or during the day might be easier. If you are struggling to fit this iconic Hawaiian restaurant into your itinerary, then consider an early reservation on the day of departure. The restaurant is fairly close to the airport and farther away from most of the resorts so you can try and book before your flight and since most flights leaving are at night this is a great option. Keep in mind, if booking at night you will unfortunately miss out on the stunning views.
Favorites: The menu changes but we would order any dishes with Ahi, Ono or Mahi Mahi & get their signature Polynesian Black Pearl for dessert
Specialty Foods to Try on Maui
No trip to Maui is complete without indulging in the island’s specialty foods. “Local food” is used when talking about the mashup of cuisines influenced by the immigrants—Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Puerto Rican, Portuguese—who came in the 19th and 20th century to work the sugar cane plantations.
Be sure to try these local Hawaiian favorites:
- Poke Bowls: Fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-addictive! These bowls of marinated raw fish, usually ahi tuna, are a Hawaiian staple and the perfect mix of savory and refreshing. *Pro Tip: Stop by Foodland and grab a variety of fresh poke for the perfect beach snack.
- Spam Musubi: A quirky island snack! Think sushi, but with a slice of grilled Spam atop rice, all wrapped in nori. It’s salty, savory, and totally unique to Hawaii!
- Loco Moco: Comfort food, island-style! A juicy hamburger patty served over rice, smothered in rich gravy, and topped with a fried egg. It’s a hearty dish that will leave you craving more.
- Huli Huli Chicken: Grilled to perfection, this juicy chicken is marinated in a sweet and smoky sauce, full of bold island flavors. The aroma alone will have you running to the grill!
- Kalua Pork: Slow-cooked in an underground imu, this tender, smoky pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and often served with cabbage or in a Hawaiian plate lunch.
- Malasadas: These fluffy, Portuguese-style doughnuts are fried golden and rolled in sugar—light, airy, and impossible to eat just one!
- Shave Ice: A cool, colorful treat that’s a must-try! This finely shaved ice is topped with vibrant, fruity syrups and sometimes a scoop of ice cream underneath. It’s the ultimate refreshment for a sunny Hawaiian day.
- Poi: Made from taro root, this traditional Hawaiian dish is slightly tangy and served alongside meats like Kalua pork. It’s a true taste of the island’s heritage (not a favorite lol but you have to try it at least once).
- Butter Mochi: Chewy, sweet, and totally unique, this dessert combines the best of mochi and cake with a rich, buttery flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Maui’s food scene has something for every type of foodie. Whether you’re enjoying fresh poke by the beach or indulging in a farm-to-table feast, every bite is packed with flavor and island vibes. Ready to eat your way through paradise? Pack your bags, grab this list, and let your Maui foodie adventure begin!
What’s your favorite place to eat on Maui? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram if you try any of these spots.
I hope you have an unforgettable trip as Maui is truly one of my favorite places on earth.
Mahalo! 🌺
Gina