Maui Hawaii Restaurants And Dining
We aren't a picky group, (just happy to get to eat out), and we generally are happy wherever we go in Maui, but there are some places that stand out to us. In no particular order, here are our favorites. Remember, food is expensive on the island, so we always look for good food that isn't so pricey.
Sea House – Good traditional restaurant with high quality sea food and the best sunset views we have eaten in front of. This is in the north end of Napili bay, take a left out of the condo and go up lower honoapiilani highway until you see the small sign. There is very limited parking at the main entrance, but if you go just a few hundred yards, there is a larger parking lot on the left. Try to set up for a table that will have a good view (almost all do). This is a roofed, but open air restaurant. At sunset, young men run by with torches and light the stationary torches at the windows of the building. Fabulous ambience, very romantic, beachside, with great view of the ocean and sunsets. Learn More
Hula Grill – In Whaler's village at Kaanapali, walk down the main walkway through the shopping area, and just before you hit the beach, this is on the right. During the day, their fish tacos and mango margaritas are the best, in the evening, their dinner is also one of our favorites. You can eat inside or right at the edge of the sand. Truly beautiful at night as you eat by torchlight looking out at the ocean. Can be crowded, but sometimes charm can get you a good table. Learn More
Java Jazz – Located in the strip mall where the supermarket is in Honokowai, this little coffee shop does a nice breakfast and an excellent cup of coffee. Very kooky and eclectic for a strip mall location, just a fun place to eat and drink some fine coffee. Warning, there is a little artwork (painting) which is a partial nude of a woman (pretty tasteful, not sexual), so careful about your kids getting on the website. Learn More
The Gazebo - This is in our opinion, the be all end all breakfast spot. Very popular, very small, their pancakes are, according to many, the best ever. They have homemade syrups, such as pineapple and the crowd favorite, mac nut, which make your morning. If you are exceedingly hungry, take on the Big Kahuna omelette. If you are still hungry after that one, we can't help you! It opens at 7:30, but if you want to eat before 9 or so, you need to get there early. We have gotten there at 7:15 and had to wait for quite awhile. While you are waiting, though, they have free coffee and you will enjoy the view of Napili Point, which cannot be missed. Remember, you're in paradise, so sip your coffee and drink in the impossible beauty of this place. This is, like all maui, a casual place. Prices are not too bad, as you can see by the attached menu, for Maui. Learn More
The Plantation House – Put on your best Hawaiian shirt, nice shorts and clean sandals, because you are going out to an excellent, quality restaurant. This is located north of the condo in Kapalua. Take Highway 30, look for the Plantation Golf Course entrance. Go up the hill to the restaurant, which will be on your right. There is a breathtaking view down green slopes to the wild northern coastline. This is an open air restaurant, and one of the best places to go for fine dining. Service is excellent as is the food. It is expensive, but you are on vacation, right? Don't be fooled because it is on a golf course. This is one of the finer restaurants in Maui, Hawaii. Learn More
Roy's of Kahana – Many of you have been to a Roy's in the states. This is one of his home restaurants. Located in a mall about 5 minutes up the lower road (turn left out of the condo), in a strip mall, of all things, this bustling restaurant has fabulous asian – Hawaiian fusion food. Possibly the best flavored food in our list of restaurants, with innovative combinations that we find exciting. We always come here for at least one meal. It is a very popular restaurant and can be difficult to get in, requiring long waits at times. Definitely worth it, and the hideously expensive cocktails are fantastically good. Learn More
Okazuya Deli – This little gem is packed into a strip mall 1/2 mile to the right of the condo as you head right out of the parking lot. We like to pick up panko crusted mahi & fries there to eat on the lanai at the condo. Nothing like tearing into fresh fried mahi mahi with a cold beverage while watching the sun set on the horizon from your own place. Very tasty, very simple, call in your order ahead of time (there is a menu in the condo) and pick it up in a few minutes. Inexpensive, but good. Learn More
Maui Tacos – If you don't have a Chipotle or something like it nearby, or if you do, you have a basic idea of Maui tacos. Fresh tex-mex aimed at surfers, this is a great place to wheel into after a day of snorkeling and bodysurfing. It's ok to have a little sand behind the ears and wear a wet swimsuit. Tasty, inexpensive, but not highbrow. There are several locations, but the closest is in Napili mall, left out of the condo parking lot. Learn More
Cheeseburger in Paradise – Ok, this one's a little wild, a little kitschy, but the biggest baddest Cheeseburgers you might ever run in to. Located on the main drag in Lahaina, right on the ocean, this place is popular for lunch. You will probably have to wait, but that's ok – your kids will think this is the best place they've been, unless they are gourmands. Open air, waves crashing outside the window, plates piled high with fried food, good frozen drinks, need I say more? Learn More
Mama's Rib House – Sort of a barbeque version of Okazuya Deli. Locals eat here, which is a sign of greatness. Good quality barbeque (those of you from Kansas City or Memphis will find this decent, but not the best ever), at good prices, this carry out type place is great for a huge lunch to share, or if you eat it all yourself, pre-nap food! Got good ratings in TripAdvisor, where there are plenty of folks ready to slam any restaurant. Location is in Napili Plaza, about 100 yards west of Maui Tacos. Go left out of the condo, go uphill toward hwy 30, take 30 to the light for Napili Plaza, go toward the back left of the plaza. 808-665-6262 is their telephone number to contact them.
