HAWAII
West Maui is a foodie’s delight with spectacular beachfront dining, cute cafés and tasty food trucks.
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Maui Wildfire Update
NOTE: While areas of Lahaina remain closed to the public, several restaurants, and activities are now open! Check for updates at Hawaii Tourism or check restaurant websites for latest hours.
Food is one of my favorite ways to experience a new place because it is directly connected to the local people — growers, makers, chefs and more. Plus, what we eat tells a story: the history, culture and geography of a place. All of that can be found in delicious experiences if we know where to look.
On a recent trip to Maui I sampled as much as one week would allow: I ate at award-winning restaurants and food trucks, at a boathouse suspended above the sea and a farmers market. I also tasted or drank anything I came across that had passion fruit in it. I can honestly say that Maui is a foodie’s paradise. So, I’ve compiled a guide to the West Maui food I most enjoyed with lots of tips to make the most of your Maui dining experiences.
- Book dinner reservations well ahead of your trip. There are wonderful restaurants in West Maui, so there is no reason for your meals to be anything other than delicious. But some popular restaurants book up weeks ahead.
- Maui dining is generally expensive. Be prepared that food and drinks will cost 35%-50% more than comparable dining on the mainland U.S. I ate a lot of fish and other seafood, which is particularly expensive, as it should be. I also found that sustainably harvested fish was often highlighted on websites and menus, which was great to see.
This dining guide focuses on “West Maui”, the northwest coast of the island where many visitors stay. If you aren’t familiar with Maui, the other popular area for travelers is South Maui/Wailea. It’s not covered here, although some restaurants are found in both locations.
Dinner in West Maui - Kaanapali Restaurants
Monkey Pod Kitchen - Whaler's Village. 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
On our first night, we went to Monkey Pod Kitchen and I had the best fish tacos of my life. And I’ve eaten a lot of fish tacos. They were so good I just stared longingly at the last bite, not wanting the experience to end. The fish and chips also got very high reviews. If you like Mai Tai’s, the classic Hawaiian cocktail, Monkey Pod’s are famous and served with lilikoi (passionfruit) foam on top. My biggest drink regret is I didn’t order one; I blame that mistake on the jet lag.
We went to the Whaler’s Village location; there is another location in Wailea, if you are staying on the South Coast. This area has several wonderful restaurants and it’s within walking distance of many hotels on Kaanapali Beach.
This is also a great spot for happy hour.
- Don’t forget to get your parking validated if you drive, as parking in Whalers Village is pricey.
- Definitely reserve ahead if you can.
Duke's Beach House Honua Kai Resort, 130 Kai Malina Pkwy
Duke’s Beach House is on the beach in Kannapali, at the Honua Kai resort. It is next to the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas where we stayed, so we were able to walk to dinner.
We loved the beachfront setting, the glow of the tiki torches and the sound of the ocean. The restaurant is an homage to Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian Olympic swimmer who founded the sport of surfing.
The menu is Hawaiian, and the Rib & Chicken plate is a tasty and classic choice. I wanted fish so ordered the Baked Duke’s Fish: mahi mahi with garlic, lemon & sweet basil glaze (the fish changes depending on the season.) It was excellent. I also liked the choice of pupus (appetizers) and the Coconut Shrimp with Lilikoi (passion fruit) were perfect for sharing and a yummy way to start the meal.
I started to order a Mai Tai but our server recommended the Lilikoi Martini. If you guessed I wouldn’t say no to a cocktail with passion fruit you guessed right. And while vodka is not my favourite spirit, this cocktail was delicious.
For dessert, there is only one choice on offer; apparently Duke’s feels strongly that everyone should try their Hula Pie. They might be right. It’s an enormous serving of macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust with fudge topping. It’s perfect for sharing. Unless you are 17 and don’t like to share.
Hoopiilani Food Truck Park, Kaanapali 130 Kai Malina Pkwy
The Hoopiilani Food Truck Park is a fun dinner option and open every night from 4 to about 9 pm. It’s perfect when you don’t have a dining reservation and there’s something for everyone. (There doesn’t seem to be a website for it so the above link is to Yelp for more info.)
I had a poke bowl which was excellent. We also sampled delicious fish tacos. The trucks vary, but the night we visited there was also Vietnamese, Thai and burgers. Picnic tables are spread around the park so you can eat it there or take it to go. As with everything in Maui, it wasn’t especially cheap. My poke bowl was around $18, but it was large (enough to take home for my lunch the next day, we had a villa with a kitchen) and there were some less expensive options, closer to $12.
We were able to walk there from our resort, but there is also (limited) free parking and portable bathrooms. Note the wait can be a little long during prime dinner hours. I waited about 15 minutes but have heard of people waiting even longer.
Hula Grill - Whaler's Village. 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
If you plan to visit Whalers Village, Hula Grill is another popular dining option. I didn’t have a chance to try it this time but am recommending it on the great reviews and the pretty beachfront location which I did visit. They emphasize the connection between its menu and local fisherman and farmers.
Dinner in West Maui - Lahaina Restaurants
Pacific'o - 505 Front Street, Lahaina
The charming oceanfront restaurant Pacific’o was sadly lost in the wildfire. The message on the restaurant website reads: Although the building that housed Pacific’o on the Beach for 30 years is gone, its legacy will live on in the spirit of all those who made it such a beloved place. The memories we made together will carry us through this difficult time.
This was one of our favorite meals on Maui so I can’t bring myself to take down the review. But it is permanently closed.
Pacific’o is a beachfront restaurant in the town of Lahaina that felt more like a fine dining experience; the Hawaiian-villa-style building is set at the beach and very charming. We had the added benefit of hearing the music from the Feast at LeLe Luau show next door.
Pacific’o is a true farm-to-table experience with all of their food coming from either their own farm, known as O’o Farm, or other local growers. Everything we tried was exceptionally fresh and delicious. I had the O’o farm salad of Hawaiian greens and sea asparagus, which was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. And my Marlin poke bowl was also very good. My son thought the Whisky Shoyu Chicken was outstanding. I wanted to try the Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert but was too full (yep, another regret). It’s a little pricey here but I thought it was worth it – Pacific’o was a special meal and one of our favorite West Maui restaurants.
Fleetwood's on Front - 744 Front St, Lahaina
We loved our meal at Fleetwood’s. Sadly due to the Maui wildfire, it is CLOSED until further notice. Owner Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac) has said he hopes to bring it back. I will update this when there is more information.
Kimo's Lahaina has Reopened
Kimo’s Maui is a popular spot with a great casual vibe in a boathouse that seems to be floating atop of the ocean. I had the Fish Tacos which were good, just not as good as the ones at Monkey Pod Kitchen. We were there after dark, the only reservation we could get, but it would be fantastic at sunset.
It wasn’t cheap but does have a casual feel and a menu with options well beyond seafood, including ravioli, hamburgers and pork ribs. It would also be great for lunch or happy hour. This is where the famous Hula Pie originated, so if you’re tempted to try it, this is the place.
Ono Tacos - 520 Keolani Place , Kahului
This little taco truck is well worth visiting for lunch, a snack, a picnic dinner. (It relocated from Lahaina, after the fire.) Ono is the Hawaiian word for delicious and this truck is known for having some of the best tacos on the island, as well as exceptional homemade salsas and sauces. We tried a bunch of different ones and both the fish and Al Pastor were favorites.
There are a couple of shaded picnic tables next to the truck or you can get your tacos to go. Note that Ono Tacos is cash only. (Thanks to the friendly people who gave us cash so we didn’t have to go to the bank; Venmo digital payments to the rescue.)
New location: 520 Keolani Place, Kahului (808) 495-1045
Breakfast in West Maui
In West Maui, we stayed at the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, a suite-style hotel with a kitchen. Since we could eat breakfasts in our villa, most of our dining budget went to dinners out, but we did dine out for a few breakfasts and Gazebo was by far our favorite! It would also be nice for lunch. Open daily, 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Gazebo - Napili Shores Condos, 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Gazebo is a cute and quirky beachfront restaurant at a condo complex next to Napili Beach, just a few minutes north of Kaanapali. Our charming server had worked here for 30 years which gives you the idea – this place is a West Maui institution. And word has spread beyond the locals. You can’t reserve for breakfast so if you come, be prepared to wait. We went close to noon and our wait was only about 15 minutes, but it’s often up to 45 minutes. If you’re an early riser, you might also want to come right when it opens.
The Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Coconut Sauce were fluffy, pancake heaven. I could have happily drank a cup of that coconut sauce. They are also known for their Fried Rice which we got to go and had for lunch; all tasters thought it was exceptional. Check out the pretty Napili Beach while you are here.
Choice Health Bar - Whaler's Village 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
The original flagship location of Choice Health Bar was lost in the Lahaina wildfire. We visited the Whalers Village location, which I reference below. They also have a Paia location (11 Baldwin Avenue, Paia —not West Maui).
The Choice Health Bar has fabulous Acai bowls and smoothies. I especially loved the PowaBunga which came with extra protein and lots of fruit. The large size is really big, enough for my husband and I to share after an early morning surf (him) & snorkel (me) on Kaanapali Beach in front of Whalers Village.
They validate 3 hours of parking if you spend $20 so this is your spot for a snack to go with your beach time. Kaanapali Beach was perfect for us because one area has waves big enough for a newish surfer and a little way down was calm enough for a professional snorkeler :). You don’t always find both at the same beach.
Coffee in West Maui
Coffee is grown on Maui so it’s reasonable to expect a great cup to start your day. Our favorite coffee in West Maui was Drift in Lahaina. It hasn’t yet reopened following the Maui fires.
Some people care more about their coffee than others. I like to think I am in the, “if it’s hot and caffeinated, I am happy” group. And then I have a cup of really great coffee and remember the difference.
Bad Ass Coffee (3636 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #1) is a nationwide chain that serves Hawaiian coffee. They are big on blended drinks with fun flavors.
Island Vintage Coffee in Whaler’s Village is good, and convenient, but beware long lines. We heard it was good and were also looking for breakfast sandwiches so waited in line for 30 minutes one morning. People from the many nearby hotels flock here. And it was good —but not worth 30 minutes of my Hawaii vacation.
I will say it can be a bit of a challenge to get exceptional coffee in West Maui with a few independent gems now gone. If you know of great coffee please share in comments
Hawaii Shave Ice
Ululani - Hyatt Residence Club - 200 Nohea Kai Drive
Shave ice is a must try on any trip to Hawaii. We went to Ululani, which has several locations around Maui so you are always within a short drive of excellent shave ice – whew! (Note: The Lahaina town location is closed.)
Ululani shaves the ice so finely, the consistency is creamy, and the tropical fruit syrups are wonderful – there are more than 50 flavors, so the challenge of course is choosing. Luckily you can include up to three in a serving and there is a recommended combinations list. They also give helpful consults, if you can’t decide. I tried Guava, Tamarind and of course, Passion Fruit and loved them all. Make sure to ask for a dollop of ice cream at the bottom – I loved the coconut, perfect with the tropical fruit flavors. As the ice melts you get a delightful creamy, fruity bonus treat at the bottom of your bowl. Aloha heaven!
Mama's Fish House - 799 Poho Pl, Paia
Although it’s not in West Maui, I have to mention Mama’s Fish House — by far our favorite meal in Maui and one of my most memorable dining experiences, anywhere, ever!
It’s located about 50 minutes from Lahaina, just beyond the town of Paia. The food and setting are both spectacular. It is very expensive and very popular so if you are interested in going, you should try and book at least two months ahead. Otherwise, you can drop by, and they may be able to seat you at the bar.
Mama’s is very special. It has been here since Maui was first developed for tourists in the early 1960s. As has been the tradition since it opened, the fish dishes on the menu include the name of the fisher(person) and where they were caught.
A highly recommended splurge!
Where We Stayed in Maui
There are so many accommodation choices in Maui and it tends to be very expensive, so I encourage you to do some research and think about what your ideal holiday involves. Your first decision is whether to stay in Kaanapaali as we did, or Wailea where many of the most upscale resorts are located.
Some people also like to stay in Paia which is less developed and located on the rugged north coast. I haven’t stayed in Wailea but it is apparently quieter and very beautiful. We chose Kaanapaali because there is lots to do, great dining options, and it seemed a better option for family travel. You really can’t go wrong anywhere in Maui, but it’s ideal to have a car to explore the island and visit different beaches.
We were traveling with my young-adult sons, so needed more than a single hotel room. We stayed at the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas in Kaanapali, a villa-style hotel with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom villas. For a cost similar or lower than booking two rooms, our villa came with a kitchen and a living room with a pullout. The Westin Nanea is expensive; I subsidized the cost of our stay by using Marriott points. (Note: besides using points, I paid the full rate and did not receive any sort of discount related to writing about the Westin).
I would recommend the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas if you need larger accommodation but want the amenities of a hotel, rather than renting an Airbnb. I’ve also written a detailed review of the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas.
The beach is smaller here than some others nearby but it was still beautiful and there was snorkeling right off the beach which I loved. I also liked the beachfront boardwalk, great for morning walks or accessing other hotels and restaurants.
The landscaping is very pretty and I liked that it was only 6-stories rather than a high-rise of which there are many in Kaanapali. That said, it was filled with families with young kids. We were fine with it, but it you are looking for a quiet oasis, this is not it.
Our trip to Maui was magical, one of our favourite family vacations. Have you visited Hawaii? Please comment below if you have suggestions regarding Hawaii travel or questions about my experience.
Aloha and happy Hawaii travel planning! 🌺
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4 Responses
We are staying at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas – Probably going to eat most meals in condo, but the note on Hoopiilani food trucks is a great option (traveling with our two adult kids too), Gazebo and Mala Ocean Tavern sound like great options. Any opinion on which beaches that worked for the entire family? Will renting chairs, etc… required? Suggestions on must see locations/events while there late summer ’26
Mahalo
How exciting! Honoapiilani Food Truck Park makes a fun dinner out and you can walk there from Westin Nanea, along the ocean. We loved Gazebo but it does get really busy so plan accordingly. As for beaches,I especially love the beach by Gazebo, Napili Bay. It’s really charming. We combined it with brunch at Gazebo. Another great beach is the Kaanapali Beach. I snorkeled and my husband surfed. And Whaler’s Village and lots of restaurants are right there for lunch or snacks. We also stopped at Ho’okipa Beach on the north shore where the windsurfers go. Huge surf/ no swimming but super fun to watch them. We did that as part of a visit to Paia Town. Hope that helps. Have a great time!! Mahalo!
First time in Maui traveling as a family of 4, 2 kids ages 11 and 17, we are going to stay at Royal Lahaina. Looking forward to the trip in 10 days.
How exciting! I am sure you will have a marvelous time and create wonderful family memories! 🌺