Traveling to Maui? Picking the right places to eat is critical for enjoying your stay on this beautiful tropical island. Below we share some of our favorite places to dine or grab a snack during your visit to Maui in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for fresh smoothies, Hawaiian barbecue or yummy macadamia nut pancakes, we’ve got the list of must-visit places!
Best Places to Eat Around South Maui
Kihei Caffe – Great option for breakfast and you get to dine with the wild chickens! Make sure you try coconut syrup with your pancakes and definitely get a Kona coffee if you can.
Wow Wow Lemonade – Their smoothies, açai bowls and of course their lemonade hit the spot Every. Single. Time.
Paia Fish Market – We frequented this restaurant at least 3 times during our visit and each time the line was out the door. We loved sitting outside with everyone to eat and the food was always top notch. They even have a great quesadilla option for people who don’t like fish.
MonkeyPod Kitchen – This was the first place we ate after getting off the plane in Maui. While we were exhausted from traveling, and perhaps that plays a part in my memory of this food but I still dream about the avocado cucumber salad and the Hawaiian Pulled Pork sandwich.
Best Places to Eat Around Upcountry Maui
Kula Bistro – This little bistro is such a gem in the upcountry. We stumbled upon it when we stayed in an Airbnb near Kula and were so glad we did. The restaurant is intimate and can be found off a small country road across from the historical Kula Post Office and Morihara Store. If you stop by, try the bolognese – you’ll never love another bolognese as much as this one!
Ali’i Kula Lavender – This isn’t quite a restaurant but they offer snacks and beverages flavored with lavender grown on the farm. This is a nice stop if you want to enjoy a break from the beaches, where you can sit and look across the island while sipping a nice lavender lemonade.
Cafe O’Lei at the Mill House – Talk about a gorgeous view! Who doesn’t want to enjoy a nice dinner while looking out on a quintessential Hawaiian landscape? Sit outside and enjoy the mountain views while sipping a lovely island cocktail – or mocktail!
Best Places to Eat Around West Maui
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – This place was such a treat to find and by the size of the line, I can tell you it’s a popular treat! They boast so many flavors made from natural fruit purees and juices. Rated #1 by Yelp and TripAdvisor, this is a treat you can’t miss. Try the Haleakala with toasted coconut or the Fresh Liliko’i (passion fruit) – or go spicy and treat yourself to Mango Habanero!
The Gazebo – The Gazebo is a breakfast spot in the Napili Shores condo complex. This place is so popular, you’ll need to make sure you arrive very early or be willing to wait for a while. Enjoy some macadamia nut pancakes with yummy coconut syrup – you’ll return home and never want maple syrup ever again! This restaurant is right by the water and boasts a beautiful view – so idyllic.
Best Places to Eat Around North/East Maui
Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread – We stopped here on our drive down the Road to Hana and stopped at this little stand near the overlook for a snack. The banana bread is so delicious and this is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs and watch the wild waves crash against the rocks. This feels like a lovely little local spot to visit if you want to have a full experience.
Ka Haku Smoke Shack – Located off the Hana Highway, this little BBQ shack is a favorite for Maui tourists. Food is served on bamboo trunks and banana leaves and don’t expect to get napkins or silverware. This is a tasty and affordable stop on the way to Hana – just don’t go too fast or you’ll miss it!
Milagros Food Co. – Located in downtown Paia, this little Mexican food restaurant was one of our favorite places to grab lunch while on Maui. We even ran into our Airbnb hosts dining there! We didn’t come across many Mexican restaurants while we were there, so we enjoyed being able to grab some “comfort food” and get a change from all the fish!
Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand – We stopped at this fruit stand on the way back to Paia after our drive down the Road to Hana and got ourselves some fresh smoothies. They have lots of options to choose from and you get authentic, fresh smoothies for a good deal! Have some patience if you stop here, they’re on island time.
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