Recommended Restaurants
Mama's Fish House
Hawaiian Seafood
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Catch of the Day prepared your way - fish is listed with the fisherman who caught it
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right at 11am when they open for lunch to snag the best oceanfront tables without a reservation. Most tourists don't realize they serve lunch and show up for dinner, so you'll have your pick of prime seating with unobstructed ocean views.
Don't attempt to walk in for dinner without a reservation, especially during sunset hours (5-7pm). The wait can be 2-3 hours, and they won't take your name if you're not already there in person. Book well in advance or consider their lunch service instead.
Order the daily fresh catch that was caught by local fishermen - they display the actual fisherman's name, boat, and catch location on the menu. This isn't just marketing; they really do source from local boats, and these selections are always the freshest and most reasonably priced options on the menu.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Flatbread Company
Pizza
89 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Wood-fired flatbread pizzas with organic ingredients, Mopsy's Pork Pie
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right when they open at 11am on weekdays to snag a table on their oceanfront lanai without waiting - the lunch rush doesn't hit until after 12:30pm, and locals know the morning light makes for the best ocean views while you eat.
Ask your server about their daily fish special sourced from local fishermen - it's often not listed on the menu but is fresher and less expensive than the regular seafood options, plus the kitchen will prepare it as a flatbread topping if you request it.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Cafe des Amis
Crepes/Mediterranean
42 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Sweet and savory crepes, curry dishes
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right when they open at 8:30am for breakfast to snag one of the coveted outdoor patio tables without waiting - locals know the lunch crowd starts packing in around 11:30am and you'll face a 30+ minute wait for outdoor seating.
Order the 'build your own crepe' option instead of the pre-designed specialty crepes - you can recreate most of their signature combinations for $2-3 less, and locals often add extra fillings since the base price includes generous portions.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Paia Bay Coffee & Bar
Coffee/Breakfast
115 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Acai bowls, breakfast burritos, coffee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the morning coffee rush and lunch crowds. You'll get better service, your pick of seating, and can actually enjoy the relaxed vibe without fighting for space.
Ask for their house-made lilikoi (passion fruit) syrup to add to any drink - it's not on the menu but they make it fresh and it transforms their iced coffee into something special that locals order regularly.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Choice Health Bar
Health Food/Vegan
71 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Acai bowls, smoothies, avocado toast
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays when the lunch rush has died down and before the post-work crowd arrives - you'll get faster service and can actually enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without fighting for seating.
Bring your own reusable container and ask about their 'container discount' - many local health food spots on Maui offer small discounts (usually $0.50-$1.00) when you bring your own packaging to reduce waste.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Morimoto Maui
Japanese Fusion
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Must Try: Omakase tasting menu, Morimoto spare ribs, tuna pizza
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 5:30-6:00 PM window when they first open for dinner - you'll get the same exceptional service and food quality but with a much quieter atmosphere before the resort guests and tour groups arrive around 7 PM.
Order from the bar menu instead of the main dining room - you get access to many of the same signature dishes like the butterfish misoyaki and duck confit gyoza at lower prices, plus you can watch the skilled bartenders craft Morimoto's creative cocktails up close.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante
Italian
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Must Try: Homemade pasta, oceanfront dining, sunset views
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 4:30-5:30pm 'golden hour' window when you can still get sunset oceanfront tables without dinner reservations - they only take reservations for dinner service starting at 6pm, so arriving earlier lets you snag the best seats for drinks and appetizers while watching the sunset.
Ask your server about the 'crudo special' that's not on the regular menu - the chef often prepares a daily fresh fish crudo using whatever was caught locally that morning, and it's typically priced better than the regular appetizers while showcasing the best local catch.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Spago (Four Seasons)
California-Hawaiian
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Must Try: Wolfgang Puck's Hawaiian-inspired dishes, fresh fish
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Make reservations for the early seating around 5:30-6:00 PM to catch the golden hour lighting over Wailea Beach through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows, plus you'll avoid the busiest dinner rush that starts around 7:30 PM when most resort guests finish their beach activities.
Ask your server about Wolfgang Puck's off-menu Hawaiian butter fish preparation - it's often available when the local boats bring in fresh catches, but it's rarely advertised and depends on daily availability from Maui fishermen.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
Hawaiian Seafood
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Must Try: Fresh Hawaiian fish, floating restaurant setting
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit for lunch between 2-4pm when the restaurant is less crowded and you can enjoy the oceanfront tables without reservations. The sunset dinner crowd doesn't arrive until after 5pm, so you'll have better service and can actually hear the waves.
Order from the bar menu even if you're seated at a dining table - many of the same dishes are available at lower prices, and the bartenders are often more knowledgeable about local fish preparations than some of the servers.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Gannon's
Pacific Rim
100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Must Try: Macadamia nut crusted fresh catch, panoramic views
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best tables on the lanai with unobstructed ocean views - locals know that while dinner reservations are hard to get, the bar area stays first-come-first-served and offers the same stunning sunset views without the wait.
Order from the bar menu during happy hour (3-6 PM) - you'll get the same high-quality food as the dinner menu but at significantly lower prices, and locals often make this their dinner since portions are generous.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
The Mill House
Farm-to-Table
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Waikapu, HI 96793
Must Try: Estate-grown ingredients, tropical setting, farm tours
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 3-5pm 'pau hana' (after work) window when locals grab drinks but before the dinner rush. You'll get better service, easier parking, and can often snag the best outdoor tables with mountain views without a reservation.
Ask your server about the 'farm walk' option - they'll often arrange an informal tour of the Maui Tropical Plantation grounds before or after your meal if you're genuinely interested in the agriculture. It's not advertised but enhances the farm-to-table experience significantly.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Nalu's South Shore Grill
American/Hawaiian
1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: Fish tacos, burgers, poke bowls
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 2:30-4:30pm window between lunch and dinner service when the restaurant is quieter, the staff has more time to chat about daily specials, and you can often snag the best patio tables with ocean views without a wait.
Ask about their local kama'aina discount if you're staying on island for an extended period - they sometimes offer it to visitors who can show a local address or long-term rental agreement, especially during slower weekday periods.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Coconut's Fish Cafe
Seafood/Hawaiian
1279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: Fresh fish plates, fish tacos, affordable portions
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes. You'll get faster service and can actually hear the ocean while eating on their lanai without competing with large tour groups.
Order the fish and chips 'island style' - ask for rice instead of fries at no extra charge. You get a larger portion and it's more filling than the regular fries, plus it's what many locals do.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Fabiani's Bakery & Pizza
Italian/Bakery
95 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: New York style pizza, fresh pastries, sandwiches
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Fabiani's between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes - you'll get faster service and can actually snag one of their coveted outdoor tables without waiting.
Order their large pizzas instead of multiple smaller ones - the price per slice works out much better, and locals know to share large pies family-style rather than ordering individual meals.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe
Seafood
2665 Wai Wai Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: Fish and chips, poke, fresh seafood plates
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes. This is when locals often stop by for their fresh fish purchases, and you'll get better service at the deli counter with shorter wait times for the famous fish and chips.
Skip the regular menu and ask what fresh fish came in that morning - they often have locally caught mahi-mahi, ono, or uku that isn't listed on the board yet. The staff will prepare it any way you like, and it's usually fresher and better priced than the standard menu items.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
South Shore Tiki Lounge
American/Bar Food
1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: Mai Tais, pupus, sunset views, live music
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during happy hour (3-6pm daily) when you can get their signature mai tais and other tropical cocktails for half price, plus discounted pupus. The oceanfront lanai is less crowded during this time compared to sunset hours.
Ask your server about the 'local style' preparation for their fish dishes - they'll often prepare it with Hawaiian salt and local seasonings that aren't listed on the tourist menu, giving you a more authentic island flavor.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Kimo's Restaurant
Seafood/Steaks
845 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Hula Pie, fresh fish, oceanfront setting
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 4:30-5:30 PM to snag a prime oceanfront table for sunset without the dinner rush crowds - locals know this golden hour timing gets you the best views before the restaurant fills up around 6 PM.
Order the fresh catch market price fish during happy hour (3-6 PM daily) when it's typically $8-12 less expensive than dinner pricing, and you'll get the same quality preparation the restaurant is famous for.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Pacific'O
Contemporary Pacific
505 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Beachfront dining, fresh local fish, sunset cocktails
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive by 5:15 PM for sunset dinner to snag one of the coveted oceanfront tables without a reservation - they hold a few tables for walk-ins, but they fill up fast once the sunset crowd realizes this spot exists.
Ask your server about the 'fisherman's choice' - it's not on the menu but the chef will prepare whatever the local boats brought in that day, often at a better price than the regular fish entrees and always incredibly fresh.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Mala Ocean Tavern
Seafood/Organic
1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Fresh catch, moonfish, organic ingredients, oceanfront
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right at 3pm when they open for dinner service to snag a waterfront table without a reservation. The sunset views are spectacular, but locals know the tables fill up fast after 4pm, especially during whale season (December-April).
Ask your server about the daily fresh catch preparations that aren't on the printed menu - the kitchen often does unique preparations based on what the local fishermen brought in that morning, and these off-menu specials are usually the best value and freshest option.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Fleetwood's on Front St
American/Seafood
744 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Rooftop dining, sunset views, Mick Fleetwood's restaurant
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 4-6 PM happy hour window when drinks are discounted and you can still catch sunset views from the rooftop bar without the dinner rush crowds that pack in after 7 PM.
Ask your server about Mick Fleetwood's personal memorabilia collection displayed throughout the restaurant - staff can share stories about specific pieces and sometimes Mick himself makes appearances on Tuesday evenings when he's on island.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Cool Cat Cafe
American Diner
658 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Burgers, milkshakes, 1950s diner vibe
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 2-4 PM window on weekdays when the lunch rush has died down but before the dinner crowd arrives - you'll get faster service and often score the best booth seating with ocean views.
Ask your server about the daily fish special that's not always listed on the menu - the chef often gets the best catch directly from local fishermen and prepares it with whatever fresh ingredients are available that day.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Cheeseburger in Paradise
American Burgers
811 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Cheeseburgers, oceanfront dining, casual atmosphere
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 3-5 PM window between lunch and dinner rushes to snag oceanfront tables without the wait - locals know this sweet spot when cruise ship crowds have moved on but dinner crowds haven't arrived yet.
Ask for the 'local kama'aina discount' even if you're visiting - many servers will honor it for friendly tourists, especially if you mention you're staying on island for more than a few days, potentially saving 10-15% on your bill.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Down the Hatch
Seafood/American
658 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Fish tacos, harbor views, casual waterfront dining
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 3-5 PM window on weekdays when the lunch crowd has cleared but dinner rush hasn't started - you'll get the best service and can actually enjoy the harbor views without fighting for a waterfront table.
Ask your server about the daily fish catch before looking at the menu - the kitchen often prepares the freshest local fish in ways not listed on the regular menu, and it's usually better quality than the standard menu items.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Fred's Mexican Cafe
Mexican
658 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Tacos, margaritas, oceanfront patio
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the late afternoon around 3-4 PM when the lunch rush has died down but before dinner service picks up - you'll get faster service and can actually enjoy the casual atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Ask about their daily plate lunch specials that aren't always posted on the main menu - they're typically $2-3 cheaper than regular entrees and come with generous portions of rice and mac salad.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Duke's Beach House
Hawaiian/American
130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Hula Pie, beachfront dining, Duke Kahanamoku tribute
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Duke's Beach House during their 3-6pm happy hour on weekdays when you can get their famous fish tacos and Mai Tais at half price, plus you'll have a much better chance of snagging one of the oceanfront tables without a reservation.
Ask your server about the 'Boat Day' special - it's not on the regular menu but they'll prepare a large to-go order with ice packs specifically designed for charter boat trips, including their popular poke bowls and wraps that travel well.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Hula Grill Kaanapali
Hawaiian Regional
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, beachfront barefoot bar
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 2:30-4:30 PM during their 'pau hana' (after work) period when locals stop by for drinks and pupus. You'll get better service, avoid the dinner rush crowds, and often catch live music on the beach without the tourist dinner crowd.
Skip the expensive valet parking and park for free at Whaler's Village shopping center next door, then walk through the beach path to the restaurant. The walk takes 3 minutes and saves you $10-15 in parking fees.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Leilani's on the Beach
Seafood/Hawaiian
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Fresh fish, beachfront setting, Hula Pie
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 2:30-4:00 PM to snag a beachfront table without a reservation. This is the lull between lunch and dinner service when most tourists are either at the pool or shopping, but the restaurant stays open with full ocean views.
Skip the dinner menu and come for their happy hour (3-5 PM) when you can get the same stunning sunset views and beach access but with appetizer portions at nearly half the price of dinner entrees.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
The Plantation House
Mediterranean/Hawaiian
2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Golf course views, Mediterranean cuisine, scenic setting
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best table on the lanai - locals know that while dinner reservations fill up fast, you can often snag a prime oceanfront spot at the bar or high-top tables without a reservation if you time it right before the dinner rush.
Ask your server about the daily fish preparation 'local style' - it's not on the menu but the kitchen will prepare the catch of the day with Hawaiian salt, local herbs, and a simple grilled preparation that showcases the fish better than the fancy sauced dishes tourists typically order.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Sea House Restaurant
Hawaiian/American
5900 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Oceanfront dining, Sunday brunch, Napili Bay views
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive for lunch between 2-4 PM when the restaurant is less crowded and you can snag the best oceanfront tables without a wait. The sunset dinner crowd doesn't start arriving until 5 PM, so you'll have prime seating with unobstructed ocean views.
Ask your server about the daily catch preparation options that aren't on the menu - the kitchen will often prepare fresh local fish with Filipino or Portuguese-style preparations that reflect the staff's heritage, giving you a more authentic local flavor than the standard tourist menu items.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
The Gazebo Restaurant
Breakfast
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Macadamia nut pancakes, oceanfront views, long waits
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right when they open at 7:30 AM or make a reservation for exactly 2:30 PM - these are the two sweet spots when you can actually get a table without the notorious 2+ hour wait that builds up by 8 AM and lasts most of the day.
Order the macadamia nut pancakes but ask for the macadamia nut syrup on the side instead of regular syrup - it's not on the menu but they have it, and it's made with local Maui macadamia nuts that transforms the dish into something truly special.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Lappert's Ice Cream
Ice Cream
Multiple locations
Must Try: Kauai Pie ice cream, local Hawaiian flavors
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Lappert's during the late afternoon around 4-5 PM when they're restocking flavors for the dinner rush - you'll have the best selection and shortest lines, as most tourists are either at the beach or getting ready for dinner at this time.
Ask for a 'taste flight' - while not advertised, most Lappert's locations will give you small sample spoons of multiple flavors on a small tray, essentially creating a mini ice cream tasting for the price of a single scoop if you're indecisive about flavors.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Waiola Shave Ice
Shave Ice
2135 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793
Must Try: Traditional Hawaiian shave ice, homemade syrups
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Waiola Shave Ice right when they open at 10 AM or during the mid-afternoon lull around 2-3 PM to avoid the long tourist lines that form after beach hours and during sunset time.
Ask for extra syrup on the bottom and middle layers, not just on top - this ensures every bite has flavor instead of plain ice at the bottom, which most tourists don't know to request.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Casanova Italian Restaurant
Italian
1188 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Must Try: Homemade pasta, pizza, Upcountry atmosphere
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday nights after 8pm when the local musicians often show up for impromptu jam sessions in the bar area - it's like getting a free concert with your dinner and the energy is electric.
Ask your server about the 'Nonna's special' - it's not on the menu but the chef will make his grandmother's authentic osso buco recipe if he has the ingredients that day, and it's typically priced lower than the regular entrees.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Kula Bistro
American/Local
4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790
Must Try: Upcountry breakfasts, local ingredients, cool climate dining
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during weekday lunch hours (11:30am-2pm) when the restaurant is less crowded and you'll get better service. The dinner crowd can get intense, especially on weekends when locals celebrate special occasions here.
Ask your server about the daily fish specials that aren't always on the menu - the chef often gets fresh local catches from Upcountry fishermen that aren't advertised but are usually the best dishes of the day.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Ono Gelato
Gelato
815 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Authentic Italian gelato, local flavors
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Ono Gelato during weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM to avoid the tourist crowds that pack the place during lunch and dinner rushes. You'll have more flavor options available and can actually taste samples without waiting in a long line.
Ask for a 'flight' of small scoops to try multiple flavors - they'll often accommodate this request even though it's not on the menu. The local Hawaiian flavors like lilikoi (passion fruit) and haupia (coconut) sell out first, so try those early in your visit.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Merriman's Kapalua
Farm-to-Table Hawaiian
1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with stunning ocean sunset views
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the last seating around 8:30 PM for the best sunset views from the outdoor lanai - most tourists book earlier dinner times and miss the prime golden hour lighting over Kapalua Bay.
Ask your server about the daily fresh fish preparations that aren't on the printed menu - Chef Merriman sources directly from local fishermen and creates specials based on the morning's catch that locals know to inquire about.
Park at the Kapalua Bay Beach public parking instead of valet - it's a 3-minute walk through the resort grounds and saves you $15, plus you get to stroll through the beautiful hotel property for free.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Lahaina Grill
New American
127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Kona Coffee Roasted Rack of Lamb, Cake Walk Dessert Trio
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Make reservations for the 5:30 PM seating to avoid the dinner rush and get better service - locals know this is when the kitchen is freshest and the staff has more time to explain dishes.
Order the triple berry crème brûlée to share - it's generously sized for two people and locals consider it the best dessert value on the menu at $12.
Ask your server about the daily fish preparation - Chef Eric Faivre often creates off-menu preparations for the catch of the day that aren't listed but showcase the best local fish available.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Ka'ana Kitchen (Andaz Maui)
Modern Hawaiian
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
Must Try: Breakfast buffet with made-to-order stations, Wagyu beef dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit for the pau hana (after work) happy hour from 3-5pm when locals gather at the bar. You'll get discounted drinks and appetizers while avoiding the resort dinner crowd that starts rolling in around 6pm.
Ask your server about off-menu preparations of the fresh catch - the kitchen will often prepare the daily fish in traditional Hawaiian salt preparations or with local limu (seaweed) that aren't listed on the tourist menu.
The best sunset shots are from the outdoor lanai tables on the Wailea Beach side during golden hour. Arrive by 5:30pm to secure a table with unobstructed ocean views - the resort guests often don't know about these prime photography spots.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Star Noodle
Asian Fusion
286 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Garlic Noodles, Pork Belly Buns, Hapa Ramen
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right when they open at 10:30am or after 8:30pm to avoid the dinner rush. The sweet spot is actually late lunch around 2-4pm when locals know the crowds have cleared but the full menu is still available.
Sit at the bar counter facing the open kitchen - you'll get faster service and can watch the chefs work. Plus, the bartenders sometimes offer tastes of new cocktails they're testing before they hit the menu.
Order the 'Lahaina Noon' happy hour items (3-5pm daily) which includes discounted appetizers and drinks. Many locals come just for the discounted pork belly buns and craft cocktails during this window.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Monkeypod Kitchen
American/Hawaiian
10 Wailea Gateway Pl, Wailea
Must Try: Kiawe Wood-Fired Pizzas, Monkeypod Mai Tai, Cream Pies
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2:30-4:30 PM for their 'Aloha Hour' when most pupus (appetizers) are half price, and you'll avoid both the lunch rush and dinner crowds while still getting the full menu.
Ask your server about the 'Monkeypod Pie' - it's their signature dessert that's not always listed on the menu but is almost always available, featuring layers of chocolate haupia and banana.
The best Instagram shot is from the bar area looking out toward the ocean during golden hour - the open-air design frames Molokai island perfectly in the background.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Tin Roof Maui
Hawaiian Plate Lunch
360 Papa Pl #110, Kahului, HI 96732
Must Try: Mochiko Chicken, Pork Belly, Garlic Shrimp
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive right when they open at 10:30am or just before 2pm closing to avoid the lunch rush crowds. The lines can get crazy long between 11:30am-1:30pm, especially on weekends when locals are off work.
Order the 'mini' portion sizes - they're not advertised prominently but are available for most plates and are still generous portions that will fill you up for about $3-4 less than the regular size.
Bring cash if possible - while they do accept cards, the card reader sometimes goes down during busy periods, and there's no ATM nearby. Plus, it helps speed up the already long ordering process.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Kihei Caffe
Breakfast/Brunch
1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Must Try: Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Eggs Benedict
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive before 7:30 AM to avoid the notorious hour-plus wait times, especially on weekends. Locals know that the line starts forming early, but if you get there right when they open at 6 AM, you'll be seated immediately and can enjoy your breakfast while watching the tourist crowds gather outside.
Don't expect quick service even when it's not busy - Kihei Caffe is notorious for slow kitchen times, sometimes 30-45 minutes even for simple orders. Locals know to bring a book or plan to chat, and never go here if you're in a rush to catch a flight or make a tour.
Order the 'Breakfast Burrito' but ask for it 'local style' - they'll add Portuguese sausage and rice instead of the standard ingredients. This off-menu variation is what many Maui residents order, and it's more filling than the regular version for the same price.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
American/Bakery
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Must Try: Banana Cream Pie, Savory Pot Pies, Olowalu Burger
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit on weekday mornings between 8-10am to avoid the tour bus crowds that typically arrive after 10:30am. Locals know this is when you can actually enjoy the outdoor seating and get faster service.
Ask for the 'local kine' portion sizes - they're not on the menu but staff will give you smaller portions at reduced prices, perfect for trying multiple items without overpaying for tourist-sized servings.
The best Instagram shot is from the gravel parking area looking back at the vintage building with the mountains behind it during golden hour, not the typical storefront shots everyone takes.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Da Kitchen
Hawaiian Local
425 Koloa St, Kahului, HI 96732
Must Try: Da Loco Moco, Kalua Pig, Hawaiian Plate
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive before 11:30 AM for lunch or right when they open for dinner to avoid the notorious wait times. Da Kitchen doesn't take reservations and the lunch rush can mean 45+ minute waits, but early birds get seated immediately.
Order the massive plate lunches to share between two people - the portions are genuinely huge and designed for local appetites. You'll easily save $15-20 and still have plenty of food.
Ask for extra mac salad on the side when ordering any plate lunch - it's their secret weapon side dish that locals rave about, and most tourists don't know to specifically request extra.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Paia Fish Market
Seafood
100 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Must Try: Fish Tacos, Fresh Catch Plate, Fish Burger
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit before 11:30 AM or after 2:30 PM to avoid the massive lunch rush when tour buses from Haleakala and Road to Hana groups converge. The line can stretch out the door and down the street during peak hours (12-2 PM), but early morning or late afternoon visits mean you'll get your food in under 10 minutes.
Order the fish sandwich 'local style' - they'll add extra pickled onions and their house-made tartar sauce that locals prefer, which isn't advertised but most staff know about it. Also, grab your food and walk across the street to eat at Baby Beach (the small protected cove) instead of fighting for the limited seating inside.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
Dessert/Shave Ice
Multiple locations - Lahaina, Kihei, Kahului
Must Try: No Ka Oi (The Best), Lahaina, or create your own
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Ululani's right when they open at 10:30am or after 4pm to avoid the massive tourist crowds that form during midday hours. The lines can get incredibly long between noon and 3pm, especially at the Lahaina location.
Ask for your shave ice to be made with the 'snow cap' style - they'll pack the ice extra tight and smooth before adding syrups, creating a better texture that holds flavors longer and doesn't get watery as quickly in Maui's heat.
Avg. per person
$15
$
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