The very best
restaurants on Maui
right now.
Maui’s dining scene has evolved in recent years, and where people choose to eat today doesn’t always match long-standing reputation.
This guide reflects how Maui dining actually works now. It highlights restaurants that consistently deliver, offer a strong overall experience, and fit naturally into a real Maui itinerary.
From oceanfront sunset dinners to casual local favorites, these are the restaurants that continue to stand out across the island.
This guide is continuously updated to reflect Maui’s evolving restaurant landscape.
Maui Restaurants at a Glance
The best restaurants in Maui vary by experience, from oceanfront fine dining to casual local favorites. Use this quick guide to choose the right place based on what you’re looking for.
- Best oceanfront dining: Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s Kapalua, Hula Grill
- Best for sunset views: Fleetwood’s on Front St., Kimo’s, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea
- Best local favorites: Tin Roof, Da Kitchen, Sam Sato’s
- Best fine dining: Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s, Lineage
- Best casual spots: Paia Fish Market, Kihei Caffe, Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Maui’s Must-Try Local Foods
Before choosing where to eat, it helps to know what Maui is known for. Many of the island’s best restaurants highlight local flavors shaped by Hawaiʻi’s diverse culinary traditions.
Here are a few dishes you’ll see across menus, from casual spots to oceanfront dining.
Poke
Fresh, marinated raw fish, often ahi tuna, served with rice or on its own. You’ll find it everywhere from local markets to restaurant menus.
Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a classic comfort dish made with rice, a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Simple, filling, and widely available.
Kalua Pork
Slow-cooked pork with a smoky, tender texture. Traditionally prepared in an underground imu, and commonly served in plate lunches.
Spam Musubi
From crisp, ocean-fresh seafood to unforgettable sweet treats, the flavors of Maui are every bit as beautiful and colorful as the island itself. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we share our favorite finds at the best restaurants in Maui!
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups, often with ice cream or sweet toppings underneath. No visit to Maui is complete without trying shave ice.
Many of these dishes can be found at the restaurants featured below.
Merriman’s Kapalua
Best overall dining experience on MauiConsistently excellent across food, service, and setting, Merriman’s delivers a balanced Maui dining experience with ocean views and a strong farm-to-table foundation.
What to order: Macadamia nut–crusted fish or Tableside Hawaiian ʻAhi poke
Fresh Catch
Tiffany's Restaurant & Bar
Best modern local Maui cuisineChef Sheldon Simeon brings a refined, deeply local perspective to Maui dining at Tiffany’s, blending familiar island flavors with thoughtful technique and consistently strong execution.
What to order: Mochiko chicken, saimin, or garlic shrimp
Mama's Fish House
Most iconic Maui dining experienceMama’s Fish House delivers one of the most iconic dining experiences in Hawaiʻi, with ultra-fresh fish, daily menus based on local catch, and a setting just steps from the shoreline.
What to order: Stuffed mahi mahi or a fresh daily fish preparation
The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea
Best luxury sunset diningSet above Wailea with sweeping sunset views, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea offers an intimate, elevated dining experience focused on seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation.
What to order: Butter poached lobster or fresh island fish
Lineage
Best chef-driven contemporary diningLineage blends local ingredients with global influences, delivering bold, shareable dishes that reflect Maui’s modern dining scene.
What to order: Garlic Szechuan noodles or adobo ribs
Morimoto Maui
Best high-end Japanese cuisine
Morimoto Maui combines refined Japanese cuisine with oceanfront views, offering a polished dining experience rooted in precision and presentation.
What to order: Omakase or toro sushi
Spago
Best elevated resort diningLocated at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Spago offers a refined dining experience with a menu that blends island ingredients with Wolfgang Puck’s signature style.
What to order: Ranger Valley Australian wagyu or handmade pasta
Australian Wagyu
DUO Steak & Seafood
Best steakhouse on MauiDUO delivers a polished steakhouse experience with premium cuts, fresh seafood, and consistent service in a resort setting.
What to order: Snake River Farms American Wagyu Flat Iron 8 oz., or seafood tower
Wagyu Flat Iron 8 oz
Ferraro's Restaurant & Bar
Best oceanfront Italian diningFerraro’s pairs Italian-inspired cuisine with a relaxed beachfront setting, making it a strong choice for sunset dining.
What to order: Polpette or margherita pizza
Ka’ana Kitchen
Best locally sourced resort cuisineKaʻana Kitchen focuses on locally grown ingredients and regional flavors, offering a thoughtful take on Maui’s culinary identity.
What to order: Wagyu hanger or fresh island fish
Mala Ocean Tavern
Best oceanfront brunch and dinner in MauiMala Ocean Tavern offers a relaxed oceanfront setting with a menu focused on fresh seafood and island-inspired flavors, making it a strong choice for both brunch and dinner.
What to order: Mala signature seared Ahi or seafood pasta
Honu Oceanside
Best casual oceanfront seafood in MauiLocated along Front Street in Lahaina, Honu Oceanside combines laid-back dining with fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas in a scenic beachfront location.
What to order: Chilled chef’s choice oysters or wood-fired pizza
Japengo
Japengo delivers a polished sushi and seafood experience with ocean views and a menu that blends Asian and island flavors.
What to order: Fujin roll or fresh sashimi
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
The Plantation House
Best scenic dining with golf course views in MauiThe Plantation House offers elevated dining with panoramic views of Kapalua’s golf course and coastline, making it a strong option for a relaxed yet upscale meal.
What to order: Brown sugar togarashi seared Ahi or steak
Togarashi Seared Ahi
Monkeypod Kitchen
Best casual upscale dining in MauiMonkeypod Kitchen blends a lively atmosphere with quality food, offering a reliable and enjoyable dining experience across multiple Maui locations.
What to order: Bulgogi pork tacos or fish tacos
Ko
Best Hawaiian regional cuisine in a resort settingKo highlights traditional Hawaiian flavors with a modern presentation, offering a menu rooted in local heritage.
What to order: Laulau lauʻai or pork dishes
Taverna
Best relaxed coastal dining in KapaluaTaverna offers a broad, locally influenced menu featuring fresh seafood, prime meats, and shareable dishes, all served in a laid-back setting near the Kapalua golf course.
What to order: Osso buco or wagyu burger
Matteo’s Osteria
Best authentic Italian dining in South MauiMatteo’s Osteria delivers traditional Italian dishes with a refined touch, offering a consistent and well-executed menu.
What to order: Lasagna or seafood
Hali’imaile General Store
Best upcountry dining experience in MauiLocated in Upcountry Maui, Haliʻimaile General Store blends plantation-era charm with a menu that highlights local ingredients and island flavors.
What to order: Paniolo BBQ ribs or signature appetizers
Marlow
Best modern upcountry dining in MauiMarlow offers a contemporary menu with a focus on quality ingredients and wood-fired cooking in an upcountry setting.
What to order: Prosciutto white pie or seasonal dishes
Koiso Sushi Bar
Best traditional sushi experience in MauiKoiso Sushi Bar delivers a focused, high-quality sushi experience with limited seating and a strong emphasis on freshness and technique.
In addition to making it on our list of the best restaurants in Maui, Koiso is also one of our Top 10 Maui Sushi Restaurants.
What to order: Omakase
NUKA
Best upcountry Japanese-inspired dining in MauiNUKA offers a creative take on Japanese cuisine with bold flavors and a menu that blends tradition with modern technique.
What to order: Miso Butterfish or small plates
Hachi by Oao
Best modern Japanese dining in South MauiHachi by Oao delivers a contemporary Japanese menu with a focus on sushi, small plates, and creative presentation.
What to order: Omakase or chef’s specials
Tin Roof
Best casual local comfort food in MauiTin Roof serves simple, flavor-packed local dishes in a no-frills setting, making it a go-to for quick, high-quality meals.
What to order: Mochiko chicken bowl
Paia Fish Market
Best casual seafood in MauiPaia Fish Market is known for fresh, no-frills seafood served in a fast-paced, casual setting.
What to order: Ono charbroiled burger or fish tacos
Nalu's South Shore Grill
Best casual breakfast and lunch in South MauiNalu’s South Shore Grill offers a relaxed setting with a menu focused on breakfast, lunch, and local comfort food.
What to order: Poke bowl of the day or loco moco
Aloha Mixed Plate
Best casual oceanfront Hawaiian comfort foodAloha Mixed Plate delivers classic Hawaiian dishes in a relaxed oceanfront setting, making it one of the easiest places to experience local flavors without sacrificing views.
What to order: Kalua pork plate or loco moco
Milagros
Best casual Mexican dining in MauiLocated smack-dab in the center of the trendy bohemian town of Paia, Milagros offers a lively atmosphere with a menu centered around Mexican favorites and margaritas.
What to order: Blackened Mahi Mahi tacos or enchiladas
Gather on Maui
Best casual dining with sunset views in WaileaGather on Maui combines approachable food with scenic views, making it a solid option for a relaxed dinner.
What to order: ‘Uala catch or burgers
Makawao Public House
Best casual upcountry dining in MauiMakawao Public House offers a laid-back atmosphere with a menu focused on comfort food and local ingredients.
What to order: Makawao steak house plate or daily specials
Cane & Canoe
Best upscale resort dining in KapaluaCane & Canoe offers refined dining with a focus on fresh ingredients and a polished resort experience.
What to order: Kona kanpachi or steak
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
Best roadside comfort food and pies in MauiLeoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is a beloved stop along the Honoapiʻilani Highway, known for hearty comfort food and some of the best pies on the island.
What to order: Banana cream pie or savory pot pie
Star Noodle
Best Asian-inspired noodles and share plates in MauiStar Noodle blends Asian-inspired flavors with locally sourced ingredients, offering bold, shareable dishes and house-made noodles that consistently stand out on Maui.
What to order: Garlic noodles or pork buns
What are your favorite restaurants on Maui?
Maui’s dining scene continues to evolve, and no two visits feel exactly the same. Whether you’re planning ahead or deciding where to eat after a day on the island, this list is designed to help you choose with confidence as you explore Maui.
If there’s a restaurant you think belongs here, we’d love to hear from you.
