Best Restaurants in Maui
Maui’s sights and sceneries are great, but forget to plan out your meals, too. This week, we’re highlighting the absolute must-visit restaurants in Maui. Below, you will find everything to suit your palate, whether you’re in the mood for delicious seafood or crave baked goods that will send your taste buds skyrocketing.
Best Hawaiian Cuisine
Without a doubt, the best Hawaiian cuisine you can find is at Poi by the Pound. This is the go-to spot for any tourists that want to eat and feel like they’re a local. On the menu, you will find an excellent variety of traditional Hawaiian fare that tastes homemade.
It’s not just the food you’ll love, though. Poi by the Pound is an incredibly popular spot known for its friendly and upbeat staff. Due to its immense popularity, you can expect wait times to get a table.
Don’t want to wait? No worries. Poi by the Pond also offers online ordering delivered right to your door via DoorDash. And don’t panic – you will still get the notably huge portions in your online order, too.
Whether you’re in the mood for tasty poke or the best Lau Lau on the island, Poi by the Pond is an excellent way to go.
Poi by the Pound
430 Kele Street
Kahului, HI
(808) 283-9381
https://poibythepound.com
Best Ocean Views
If you want your dining experience to be met with some of the most beautiful ocean views you can imagine, head on over to Mama’s Fish House. This delightful restaurant started with Floyd and Doris Christenson’s desire to introduce and properly prepare local fish, making it an instant hit amongst tourists and locals.
Mama’s Fish House continues to be consistently voted as one of the top restaurants on the island. While you enjoy your meal, you will be greeted by gorgeous beach views peppered by swaying palm trees. The service is impeccable, too, with waitstaff that is attentive and prompt.
You will definitely need a reservation for this standout location. Once you’re inside, make sure to try out the Tristan lobster. Take your visit a step further by informing the waitstaff you’re there for a special occasion. They’ll make something extra special to help you celebrate!
Visiting during the day or night will provide you with a wonderful experience. However, there is nothing quite like enjoying a Postcard-worthy sunset with a dinner trip.
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant
799 Poho Place
Paia, HI
(808) 579-8488
https://www.mamasfishhouse.com
Photo credit: Mama’s Fish House – https://www.mamasfishhouse.com
Best Mountain Views
Prefer the mountains over a sunset over the beach? Kula Lodge has you covered. This restaurant boasts a beautiful garden overlooking some of the most spectacular views of Maui’s mountain region. To fully appreciate the landscape and accompanying scenic vista, it’s recommended to dine outdoors during the daytime.
Kula Lodge is known for having slightly more sluggish service than other restaurants on this list, but they make up for it with incredible views.
Heading for breakfast or brunch? Indulge in the highly recommended waffle benedict, complete with dazzling coconut syrup, available until 1 pm. If you’re planning a lunch or dinner, the pizza is highly recommended.
From glamorous mountain views to tasty pizzas, Kula Lodge has it all. Just make sure you make a reservation!
Kula Lodge
15200 Haleakala Highway
Kula, HI
(808) 878-1535
https://kulalodge.com
Photo credit: Kula Lodge – https://kulalodge.com
Best Seafood
One thing most people think about when they’re visiting an island like Maui is seafood. Sound like you? Then Paia Fishmarket (Front Street Restaurant) is the place for you. This is the hotspot for a quick seafood dish but beware of long lines during peak hours.
Paia Fishmarket is an excellent spot to hit for a late lunch or early dinner when the crowds aren’t too hefty. It’s also a perfect choice for those that go on the Lahaina Historic Walking Tour as it’s right nearby.
Here, you will find incredibly generous food portions that are well worth every penny. Don’t know what to order? You can’t go wrong with the delicious fish tacos, fish and chips, or their calamari. Don’t forget to check out their daily specials and fresh catch options, too. Yum!
Paia Fishmarket Front Street Restaurant
632 Front Street
Lahaina, HI
(808) 662-3455
https://paiafishmarket.com
Photo Credit: Paia Fishmarket Instagram – @paiafishmarket
Best Bakery
Looking to start your day with a baked good? You (and your taste buds) will fall in love with T. Komoda Bakery. Although an unassuming location, this bakery with a friendly “country town” vibe has been around since 1916 and is a Maui staple.
Inside, you will find scrumptious Malasadas that are arguably the best on the island (particularly when it comes to the guava malasadas – they’re a must-try!). However, you can also opt for their ever-popular jelly-filled cream puffs, stick donuts, or custard cream puffs.
Keep in mind that the Komoda Bakery closes as soon as they’re sold out, so try to get there as early as you can!
T Komoda Store and Bakery
3674 Baldwin Avenue
Makawao, HI
(808) 572-7261
Needless to say, Maui has you covered when it comes to top-notch dining options. Not only that, but most of these hot spots have some of the most stunning views you could ever dream of. Which restaurants will you be enjoying?