Maui dining scene showcasing fresh island-inspired cuisine

Savor · Dining

Maui Dining Scene

From luxury tasting menus to beloved plate lunch counters.

Fine Dining

Luxury Tables

Hawaiian Seafood

The most iconic restaurant on Maui. Oceanfront setting with fish caught fresh daily, each dish naming the fisherman who caught it. The Polynesian black pearl dessert is legendary. Reserve well in advance.

Lineage

Wailea

Modern Hawaiian

Chef Sheldon Simeon's celebration of Hawaii's diverse culinary heritage. Modern interpretations of local plate-lunch culture elevated to fine dining. Bold, vibrant flavors rooted in tradition.

Komo

Wailea

Japanese Sushi

An intimate 50-seat sushi sanctuary at the Four Seasons, helmed by Tokyo-born Chef Kiyokuni Ikeda. The 14-seat interactive sushi bar serves rare nigiri and the weekly-changing Mystery Box. Japanese mastery meets Hawaiian ingredients in a retro-futuristic setting that feels like nothing else on the island.

New American

Chef Taylor Ponte, Maui's youngest ever Aipono Chef of the Year, brings globally inspired New American cuisine to The Shops at Wailea. Rosemary Parker Rolls, Lobster Toast, and a farm-to-table ethos rooted in Maui's best farms. Warm, approachable elegance.

Seafood & Steaks

Classic fine dining at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Fresh seafood, prime steaks, and an extensive wine list in an elegant oceanfront setting. The Monday night prix fixe is a local tradition.

Spago

Wailea

Pacific Rim

Wolfgang Puck's Maui outpost at the Four Seasons. Pacific Rim cuisine with Maui-sourced ingredients. The ahi tuna tartare and the view from the terrace are equally stunning.

Italian-inspired oceanfront dining at its finest. Handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and sunset views that rank among the most beautiful restaurant settings in Hawaii.

Japanese

The first Nobu on Maui, opened April 2025 as the crown jewel of Grand Wailea's $350 million renovation. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature Japanese-meets-South American dishes in a stunning 13,000-square-foot space by Rockwell Group. Maui-exclusive offerings you won't find at any other Nobu.

Coastal Hawaiian

James Beard Award-nominated Chef Chris Cosentino's coastal cuisine sensation at Wailea Village, opened January 2025. Whole-animal preparation, family-style plates, and local Hawaiian ingredients at their finest. Voted #1 Best Restaurant in Hawaii and #1 Best New Restaurant by USA TODAY 10Best. Essential dining.

Paia town with ocean view on Maui's north shore

North Shore

Paia

The colorful windsurfing capital of the world is also home to some of Maui's most beloved restaurants. From the iconic seaside elegance of Mama's Fish House, or the casual counter charm of Paia Fishmarket.

Local Favorites

Where the Locals Eat

Skip the tourist traps. These are the spots where Maui residents grab lunch, celebrate milestones, and bring visiting friends.

Classic Hawaiian plate lunch with rice and macaroni salad
Mala Ocean Tavern oceanfront dining in Lahaina, Maui

Mala Ocean Tavern

Lahaina

Perched on the Lahaina shoreline with stunning ocean views, Mala Ocean Tavern serves creative island-fresh cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting. Known for its ahi poke stack, fish tacos, and hand-crafted cocktails, this Lahaina favorite captures the spirit of West Maui dining at its best.

Paia Fishmarket

Casual counter-service seafood. Fresh fish grilled to order, fish tacos, and mahi-mahi plates. Often has a line out the door, and it's worth the wait.

Tin Roof

Sheldon Simeon's casual takeout window in Kahului. The garlic noodles and mochiko chicken are cult favorites. Quick, affordable, and deeply satisfying.

Star Noodle

Asian-inspired noodles and small plates in Lahaina. The garlic noodles, steamed buns, and Hapa ramen have made this a West Maui staple since opening.

The Parlay

Southern comfort food in a converted gas station on Market Street in Wailuku. Fried chicken, happy hour, Sunday brunch -- a gathering spot that has quickly won over Upcountry locals. Opened August 2024.

Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop

Roadside pie shop and diner between Lahaina and Kapalua. Famous for banana cream pie, savory pot pies, and breakfast. A must-stop on the west side.

Coconut's Fish Cafe

Casual Kihei favorite for fish tacos and fresh seafood bowls. The blackened ahi tacos and coconut shrimp are standouts. Family-friendly with outdoor seating.

Balai Pata

Chef Joey Macadangdang's Filipino kitchen in Kahului serving authentic comfort food -- chicken adobo, crispy pata, and housemade longanisa. A welcome addition to Maui's Filipino dining scene. Opened late 2023.

Da Kitchen

Kahului institution for massive plate lunch portions. Kalua pork, chicken katsu, and the famous "Da Combo" plates. Authentic local Hawaiian comfort food at its best.

Aloha Plate Lunch

A great spot for authentic Hawaiian plate lunch. Fresh, generous portions of kalua pork, laulau, and classic comfort plates served with rice and mac salad. The real deal for island flavors without the tourist price tag.

Maui Lobster King

A young owner's dream realized in the former Taco Bell at Azeka Makai. Cajun-style seafood boils piled with lobster, king and snow crab, shrimp, corn and sausage, plus whole boiled lobster, loco moco, and Hawaiian BBQ plates. Casual, hands-on, and generous to a fault.

Cool Cat Cafe

The beloved 50s-style burger and shake spot that fed Lahaina for over 20 years found a new home in Kihei after the fires. Retro atmosphere, hand-formed burgers, and homemade sauces at Kukui Mall. A true story of Maui resilience, still serving its loyal fans.

New & Emerging

Maui's dining scene is constantly evolving. These newer spots are making waves.

Fresh This Week

A few things worth knowing if you are dining around the island this week. The big news: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa unveiled a brand-new culinary era on September 18, debuting two new restaurants at Ka'anapali, Isolana, a waterfront coastal-Italian dinner spot, and 'Upena, an island-style breakfast buffet, alongside a craft-cocktail program at The Sandbar. Full details below. Meanwhile, Seascape at Maui Ocean Center, overlooking Ma'alaea Harbor, continues its new island-inspired breakfast menu (served daily 10 a.m. to noon, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), a relaxed new way to start your day waterside. And the countdown to Lahaina's comeback marketplace is officially on: vendor applications for 'Ulu o Lele opened September 14, with the first commercial project on Front Street since the fires expected to open this fall. More in On the Horizon below.

New Maui restaurant dining scene
New

Isolana at Sheraton Maui

Ka'anapali · Coastal Italian · $$$$

The star of Sheraton Maui's sweeping dining overhaul, unveiled September 18, 2026. Open-air and waterfront, this coastal Italian dinner restaurant (the name means "islander" in Italian) pairs house-made pastas and fresh island seafood with Italian-inspired cocktails, all set against the golden-hour glow of Black Rock. Dinner is timed so you can linger into the torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony. One of the most anticipated new tables on the west side.

New

'Upena at Sheraton Maui

Ka'anapali · Island Breakfast · $$

Sheraton Maui's new breakfast restaurant, named for the Hawaiian word for a fishing net, cast out and drawn back with care, a nod to the village of Keka'a that once fished these waters. Served 6:30 to 11 a.m. daily, the buffet stacks a chef's omelet station and made-to-order waffles with unmistakably Hawaiian touches: liliko'i curd, guava jelly, and tropical fruit. The best way to start a Ka'anapali day, right on the water.

New

The Sandbar at Sheraton Maui

Ka'anapali · Cocktail Lounge · $$

Reimagined as Ka'anapali's only lobby bar as part of the September 2026 overhaul, with a serious craft-cocktail program built for golden hour. The Flight 1963 cocktail and the Black Rock torch-lighting views make this the island's new favorite spot to watch the sun drop.

New

Cool Cat Express

Whalers Village · Burgers & Shakes · $

The beloved Front Street burger-and-shake spot, lost to the 2023 wildfires, keeps its comeback rolling: this compact counter-service outpost at Whalers Village brings the Don Ho cheeseburger and hand-spun Roselani shakes back to the resort side. Same retro energy, right at Ka'anapali.

New

Pantry Maui by Madhappy

Wailea · Cafe & Coffee · $$

Opened late August 2026 at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, this all-day cafe marks the first standalone Pantry outpost from LA streetwear brand Madhappy, and its first in Hawaii. Premium coffee and matcha from a custom Loquat roast, house-made pastries, sandwiches, salads, acai bowls, and gelato, plus Maui-exclusive drinks like the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha Latte. Grab-and-go ease with a fashion-forward twist. Open daily 6 AM to 6 PM to resort guests and walk-ins.

New

Aurum Maui

Opened mid-2025 at The Shops at Wailea, Chef Taylor Ponte's New American flagship quickly became one of the island's most talked-about openings. Rosemary Parker Rolls, Lobster Toast, and a business lunch that draws the Wailea crowd. Farm-to-table with serious local sourcing credentials.

Reopened

Ko Restaurant

The Fairmont Kea Lani's signature restaurant returned in late 2025 after a full renovation, now under Executive Chef Matt Dela Cruz. His ohana-style menu draws from his family's own plantation-era recipes. Grandma Kasumi's Fried Chicken and the Ko Luau are not to be missed.

New

Happy Fish

Pan-Asian sports bar and kitchen at the Kanapali Fairway Shops with 21 screens and a Wagyu Smash Burger that competes with the best on the island. The Ahi BLT is the signature. Daily happy hour 2-5 PM makes it a resort-adjacent gem.

New

South Maui Fish Company

Fresh poke bowls and seafood plates that have become a Kihei favorite. Sustainably sourced fish prepared with island flair. Fast-casual format, premium quality.

New

Coco Deck Lahaina

Lahaina-born Chef Alvin Savella (the Kitchen Assassin) brought his Mexican-Hawaiian fusion to Front Street. Voted Best New Restaurant at the 2025 Aipono Awards. Oceanfront deck, keiki zone, and Birria Ramen that has a cult following.

Reopened

Sale & Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina

Chef Michele Di Bari's James Beard-nominated Italian restaurant rose from the ashes of the Lahaina wildfires, reopening in March 2025 at Kupuohi Street. Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, housemade pastas with imported Italian flour, and the legendary Cacio e Pepe pizza. Book well ahead.

New

Kalei's Lahaina

The beloved Kalei's Lunchbox brought its legendary Furikake Mochiko Chicken and Smoke Meat plates to Lahaina Cannery Mall in June 2025. A welcome addition to West Maui's post-fire recovery and an instant locals favorite.

New

Dang Dang Noodles

Opened May 2026 at Napili Plaza from the team behind Joey's Kitchen. House-made noodles, dim sum, sashimi, and charcoal-grilled items served Wed-Sun, 3-9 PM. The Asian fusion menu rotates seasonally, and the hand-pulled noodles are made fresh daily. Affordable, authentic, and already a West Maui word-of-mouth hit.

New

Koast Maui

Opened January 2025 at Wailea Village, Chef Chris Cosentino's coastal cuisine concept landed like a thunderclap. USA TODAY 10Best named it both #1 Restaurant in Hawaii and #1 Best New Restaurant. Family-style whole-animal plates, local ingredients, and a convivial energy that redefines Wailea dining.

New

Muumuu Maui

A cozy island-casual Italian trattoria on Kekaa Drive in Ka'anapali. Artisan pizzas from the wood-fired oven, handmade pastas, cicchetti small plates, and seasonal salads. The kind of neighborhood spot West Maui has been craving -- comfortable enough for a weeknight dinner, polished enough for a date night.

Opened

Pineapple Robot

Now open at Honokowai Marketplace, this new bar concept brings fresh energy to West Maui's nightlife scene. Worth stopping in for a craft cocktail after a day at the beach.

New

Soulberry Ice Cream

Opened February 2026 in Haliimaile. New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream swirled to order with fresh Maui-grown pineapple, lilikoi, and dragon fruit. Served from a charming vintage pink horse trailer named Jolene. A sweet, refreshing stop after touring Upcountry.

New

The Hideaway by Aloha Prime

Chef Allen Rimorin evolved his award-winning Aloha Prime Eatery food truck into a full-service speakeasy-style restaurant at Wailea Gateway Center. Comfort Americana meets Hawaiian plate lunch -- slow-roasted prime rib, fresh island seafood, and craft cocktails. The kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret.

New

Gather on Maui

Perched on the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Course with panoramic views of Haleakala, the Pacific, and Molokini. Modern eclectic cuisine blending vibrant Hawaiian flavors. Shared dining format and daily happy hour 3-5 PM. A fresh energy in Wailea.

New

Smash Maui

Family-owned sushi and poke food truck in the Lahaina Industrial Park. Fresh, locally sourced fish in signature rolls like the Lahaina Sunset. Shaded picnic tables and yard games make it a fun, unpretentious pit stop. Open Wed-Fri and Sun.

Reopened

Lahaina Gelato

The beloved Hawaii Gelato (lost on Front Street in the 2023 wildfires) has returned at Lahaina Cannery Mall under a new name. House-made gelato and sorbet in classic and tropical flavors, plus bubble tea, shave ice, and Dole Whip. A sweet taste of Lahaina revival.

Expanded

Miso Phat Coast

Miso Phat's newest oceanfront location at the Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei opened in 2026, bringing their celebrated sushi and new signature kitchen dishes poolside with Pacific views. The original Azeka location remains too, but this one adds a cocktail program and a prime sunset perch. Reservations recommended.

Award Winner

Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse

Won Best New Restaurant at the 2025 Aipono Awards, and the buzz hasn't slowed. Located harborside with direct-from-boat seafood, prime chops, and a raw bar that rivals anything on the island. The kind of well-executed, locally sourced spot that reminds you why Maui's dining scene is special.

New

Fork & Salad Maui

Opened October 2025 at Lahaina Cannery Mall, this health-forward fast-casual spot from the Three's Bar & Grill team was among the first restaurants to reopen in Lahaina after the wildfires. Salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, wraps, and soups built on locally sourced ingredients from roughly 20 Hawaii farms and producers. Eat Local, Eat Healthy: it says everything you need to know.

New

Lahaina Brew Co. Upcountry Food Truck

Chef Nolan Gonzales' chef-driven food truck opened July 2026 at Kulamalu Town Center, pairing the brewery's craft beer with local plates built on Maui farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. The kind of relaxed, neighborhood-style stop that makes Upcountry feel even more like home.

Comeback

Koholā Brewery at Wailea Village

Wailea · Craft Brewery & Kitchen · $$

One of the sweetest comebacks in Hawaii beer. The original Koholā (now also trading as the Wailea Craft Kitchen, part of the Lahaina Brewing Co. family) lost its Lahaina taproom to the fires and reopened at Wailea Village in July 2024. Flagship pours like Talk Story Pale Ale, Lahaina Haze, and Kapena West Side IPA alongside a pub menu of poke nachos, soft-shell crab masubi, and smash burgers. A bright spot in the same brewing family as the Upcountry food truck above.

New

Choice Healthy Kitchen + Juice Bar

Wailea Village · Plant-Based & Juice · $$

The Maui-born Choice brand opened its fourth location at Wailea Village in November 2025, bringing its plant-forward bowls, salads, wraps, and cold-pressed juices to the resort corridor. A welcome health-forward counterpoint to all that indulgence, and easy fuel before or after a day at the beach.

New

Aloha Made Shave Ice

Napili · Shave Ice & Bingsu · $

A newer West Maui stop serving shave ice made with all-natural syrups (no artificial flavors or dyes), plus real-fruit shave ice blended with actual fruit puree and Korean-style bingsu like the lilikoi Ma-HALO with mochi. On the Napili-Honokowai stretch of Honoapiilani Highway, it's a fresh, colorful treat after a day on the water.

On the Horizon

A few notable developments to watch for:

  • Kimo's returning to Front Street T S Restaurants signed a letter of intent in July 2026 to rebuild the beloved Lahaina waterfront landmark in the restored Chan Wa Building. Front Street reopened to traffic on August 1, 2026, a major step forward in this comeback. One of Maui's most anticipated comebacks, with construction expected to follow.
  • The Beach House by Merriman A big one for South Maui: Peter Merriman's Handcrafted Restaurants group (the team behind Monkeypod Kitchen and the Beach House Kauai) is building an oceanfront farm-to-table restaurant at Mana Kai Maui Resort on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, with renovation work now underway on site and opening targeted for late 2026. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner built on local farms, ranches, and fisheries. A landmark arrival for the dining scene.
  • deVine Wine Lounge A dedicated upscale wine bar coming to Maui, promising an expertly curated list for oenophiles seeking a more refined evening out.
  • 'Ulu o Lele Marketplace The first commercial project to return to Front Street since the wildfires took a big step forward this week: vendor applications opened September 14, 2026, and the marketplace at the former Outlets of Maui site is expected to open in October with eight food truck stalls, 17 retail units, and nightly live entertainment. A landmark milestone for Lahaina's recovery.
  • Pizza Paradiso Honokowai The beloved West Maui Mediterranean spot (voted Best Pizza on the island for over 25 years) continues under the Hana Hou Hospitality group's stewardship, with renewed energy and a growing local following.

Recent Closures Worth Knowing

Maui's dining scene has seen some losses, too. Kula Lodge & Restaurant in Upcountry was lost to a fire in August 2025 -- a heartbreaking blow for a spot that had been a beloved breakfast and brunch destination for generations. Wolfgang's Steakhouse Maui at The Shops at Wailea permanently closed January 31, 2026 after less than two years in business, citing slow sales and a drop in Japanese visitors. Cheeseburger in Paradise on Front Street remains permanently closed after the Lahaina wildfires, and the owners have confirmed no plans to rebuild. Cafe Cafe Maui in Lahaina has also closed, as has Buzz's Wharf at Ma'alaea Boat Harbor after 47 years and The Empanada Lady restaurant and lounge in Wailuku. Meanwhile, Choice Health Bar's Lahaina location is closed, though their Ka'anapali, Paia, and newly opened Wailea cafes remain open. These losses remind us to cherish and support the restaurants that make Maui special, especially as Lahaina continues its long recovery.

Eat Like a Local, Live Like a Local

Tyler's Maui knowledge extends beyond real estate. Ask him for personalized dining recommendations when you visit.

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