Best Places to Eat in Maui

Ohana Tacos

Ohana Tacos in Lahaina proves that Mexican food doesn’t have to be expensive to be tasty. This simple, family-run eatery is famous for its ono taco, which was voted “Best Fish Taco on Maui” by both Yelp and Tripadvisor. Enjoy two tacos with cabbage, pico de gallo, and cheese with Ohana’s special sauce for just $12.99.

What Is Ono? Commonly known as wahoo, ono is a delicate, flaky fish with a mild flavor. It can be grilled, broiled, blackened, sautéed, or poached.

Ono Tacos

Are you traveling with the family and need something quick? Dine-in or order takeout from Ono Tacos. The restaurant is perfect for families with its kid-approved food, ambiance, and patio seating. Diners rave about the shrimp tacos and the fish taco combo plate, which comes with two tacos, beans, and rice. Ono is cash only, so plan a trip to the ATM before heading over.

Coconut’s Fish Cafe

With locations in Kihei as well as several cities on the mainland, Coconut’s Fish Cafe offers a true taste of Hawaii. At this eatery, mahi-mahi and ono tacos are piled high with crispy wasabi coleslaw, tomatoes, mango salsa, and melted cheese, then served in a grilled tortilla. Custom-designed surfboard tables and great music add to the atmosphere.

Island Taco

Visitors traveling the famous Road to Hana will find some excellent fish tacos along the way. Stop at Nahiku Marketplace (mile marker 29) and say hello to the ladies of Island Taco, a tiny shack serving up big flavor. For just $5, diners get a fresh fish taco with beans, cabbage, salsa, cheese, and avocado. Find a spot at a picnic table and enjoy your meal under a canopy of shady trees, with the sound of a waterfall as a backdrop.

Tip: Be sure to save room for dessert! Coconut Willie is always out selling fresh-baked coconut chips at Nahiku Market. They’re the ideal road trip snack.

Paia Fish Market

After a long day of surfing or snorkeling on the North Shore, refuel at Paia Fish Market. Locals and visitors love the market for its seasonal eats and super casual vibe. Order a fish taco with melted cheese, salsa, lettuce, and tomatoes for $9.95, or grab two for $12.95. Just be prepared to wait – seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and the line to order can get a bit long!

Morimoto Maui

First on our list is Morimoto, an award-winning restaurant at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Here, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto combines Japanese-American cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients to create dishes you’ve never had before. Choose from an assortment of sushi, sashimi, and maki for an impeccable dining experience complete with ocean views.

Koiso Sushi Bar

For a more casual, laid-back vibe, try Koiso Sushi Bar. It’s a tiny, local joint with one chef, one server, and seats for just 15 people. Omakase (chef’s choice) is the way to go, and you can watch as Chef Hiro shapes, rolls, cuts, and prepares your meal. Reservations are essential so be sure to call ahead.

Nuka

Tucked away on Maui’s peaceful North Shore, Nuka is perfect for date night. This small, intimate eatery offers an extensive list of specialty sushi rolls as well as soups, salads, and noodle dishes. You can even pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail. Feel free to dine at a table or at the cozy sushi bar and treat yourself to Nuka’s black sesame ice cream for dessert.

Tip: Be sure to save room for dessert! Coconut Willie is always out selling fresh-baked coconut chips at Nahiku Market. They’re the ideal road trip snack.

Miso Phat

The expert sushi artists at Miso Phat serve up scrumptious, fresh-from-the-boat seafood in a new way. Large portions make the restaurant ideal for groups, and a variety of vegetarian options means there’s something for everyone. Pick up a bottle of wine beforehand (Miso Phat is BYO) and indulge in menu staples like the TNT roll, Caterpillar roll, Miso Phat roll, and spicy scallop roll.

Sansei

Tucked away on Maui’s peaceful North Shore, Nuka is perfect for date night. This small, intimate eatery offers an extensive list of specialty sushi rolls as well as soups, salads, and noodle dishes. You can even pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail. Feel free to dine at a table or at the cozy sushi bar and treat yourself to Nuka’s black sesame ice cream for dessert.

Kojima’s Sushi

Venture to Maui’s beautiful upcountry for a taste of Kojima’s. Chef Kojima utilizes authentic Japanese recipes that were passed down from his father, who owned a restaurant in Tokyo. You’ll find bento boxes and hibachi dishes on the dinner menu as well as classic and specialty rolls on the sushi menu. Best of all, everything is fresh and bursting with flavor.

Fatt Chicks Burgers

Fatt Chicks Burgers is a bustling hotspot known for its signature Korean burger. Gourmet ingredients make up this popular dish, which features a buttery brioche bun, gochujang aioli, kimchi, crispy fried onions, and a kalbi glaze. It’s a sure competitor for the best burger on Maui, especially with a cold beer and killer ocean views.

Millyard Hamb & Steak House

Another contender for the best burger is Millyard Hamb & Steak. Just minutes from our B&B, this one-of-a-kind restaurant serves a delicious hamburger steak plate lunch. The authenticity of the owner and chef sets Millyard Hamb & Steak apart from the rest. Residents love the island vibe, and visitors rave about the flavor of the meat. Plus, each patty is handmade using an original recipe.

Stewz Maui Burgers

If you’re a burger fiend, Stewz in Kihei is a must. Diners can choose from old-fashioned beef, chicken, fish, turkey, and veggie burgers that are prepared fresh daily. Not super hungry? Try the mini burger for just $6.50. This savory snack comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Pair it with a frosty milkshake and onion rings for a true taste of nostalgia.

Cafe Oʻlei at the Plantation

Last (but certainly not least) is Cafe Oʻlei, a farm-to-table eatery located at the old Mill House that boasts exquisite ingredients and a classy style. Their burgers are made with the freshest beef available and are topped with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and a special house sauce. Ulu fries are served on the side to enhance your dining experience.

Tip: Because Cafe Oʻlei is dedicated to serving fresh meat and produce, ingredients are seasonal and are subject to availability. Check Cafe Oʻlei menu to see which dishes coordinate with your travel dates.

Pono Pies

In Hawaiian, pono means “done in the right way”, and the pono pies at Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant certainly fit that bill. These pies are a mixture of cheesecake and mousse, and their secret ingredient is breadfruit. Breadfruit is a large, starchy fruit that is chock full of amazing nutrients! The pies are typically gluten-free, making them the perfect dessert for those with dietary restrictions.

Malasadas

Your taste buds will love the deep-fried goodness of Maui’s malasadas. Like donuts, malasadas are fried in oil and covered with sugar; they’re golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You will never forget your first malasada! Try one for yourself at the Home Maid Bakery.

Cream Puffs

Cream puffs are a classic dessert in Hawaii and on the mainland. These light and airy pastry balls can be filled with whipped cream, custard, pastry cream, and even ice cream! Order the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cream puffs at T Komoda Store & Bakery and discover why people often refer to them as “dream puffs”.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

When on Maui, it is only proper that you have pineapple upside-down cake. The classic cake is made from buttery vanilla pound cake and caramelized Maui Gold pineapple. But, be warned; the pineapple upside-down cake at Hali’imaile General Store is so good, it may turn your whole world upside-down!

Ululani’s

With six locations across the island, Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is a neighborhood favorite. Their signature syrups come in exotic flavors like matcha green tea, pickled mango, and calamansi lime, all made using 100% pure cane sugar and natural fruit juices. Ululani’s authentic desserts have awarded them “Best Shave Ice” for three consecutive years.

Surfing Monkey

Surfing Monkey Shave Ice is another wonderful place to enjoy a sweet treat. They have a wide range of flavors and offer free extras like azuki beans, vanilla ice cream, and sweet cream. Be sure to try their signature “Surfing Monkey” blend made with wild cherry, piña colada, and banana flavors! Surfing Monkey has locations in both Lahaina and Kihei.

Local Boys

Owned by a father and son duo, Local Boys has the largest selection of shave ice flavors in Hawaii. The shop uses pure cane sugar, filtered Hawaiian spring water, and state-of-the-art equipment to make the ice as fluffy as possible. Signature blends include Snow White (made with coconut and piña colada flavors) and the Volcano, which features French vanilla syrup, root beer, and a cherry on top.

S & Q’s

S & Q’s Coffee and Shave Ice Shack has been serving up some of the finest treats on the island since 2002. It sits in the Rainbow Mall in Kihei and offers a variety of shave ice options as well as espressos, teas, smoothies, and breakfast/lunch foods. Ask about their signature Shark’s Blood flavor!