Annie's Favorite Eateries
We're often asked, where is our favorite place to eat. Our reply is why do we have to have only one? Below is a list of some of our favorite places. Some are local dives and others are high-end restaurants. We hope you enjoy our top picks as much as we do.
Restaurants walking distance from the Condo
The China Boat
Located directly across the street from the condo. We often go there on our first day in town. We like to go there for takeout and eat dinner on our lanai watching the sunset. We've never had anything we didn't like. Food prices are a little on the high side, but you can't beat the convenience.
Maui Brewing Company Brewpub
4405 Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina, HI 96761
Great Local Brewpub. Just around the corner from the Condo. I've been known to sneak for a brew or two. They have a pretty good menu. Prices are not sky-high. And they have a pretty nice happy hour. It’s a very short walk from the condo.
Miso Phat Sushi
4310 Lower Honoapiilani Rd Ste 111
Miso is about a five-minute walk from the Condo. Everything we’ve had here is good. A little on the spendy side. But so is everything on the west side of the island. Miso is really a fast-food restaurant, so we usually do takeout. They have really good Poke but sell out fast. (Local Tip!) We put in our orders in the morning and pick them up in the evening
McDonald's
4403 Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina, HI 96761
For those of you who need your Micky D’s fix. We have one just around the corner. We’ve been known to walk around the corner to get soft-serve ice cream. For something a little different, try the McDonald’s Local Hawaii Breakfast. Portuguese Sausage, eggs, and rice or, SPAM, eggs, and rice. Believe it or not, it’s pretty good.
The Beach House Bar & Grill
Located in the Sands of Kahana
4299 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
We sometimes go here because we can walk to it. It's located at the Sands of Kahana. Just a few properties south of us. The Beach House is a relaxed, open-air spot for all-day, island-inspired American fare in a poolside setting. The prices are mid-range. Lots of bench seating. It reminded me of a big Tiki Hut.
Restaurants within 5 minutes drive from the Condo
North towards Kapalua
The Gazebo
Located in the Napili Shores Resort.
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd Lahaina, HI 96761
World-famous for its macadamia nut pancakes. This is a breakfast place. There will be a HUGE line! Is it worth it? Only if you like good food! People drive here from all over the island. It’s less than a mile away - 5 minutes away by car. Get there early. You should eat here at least once!
Sea House Restaurant
Located in the Napili Kai Beach Resort
5900 Lower Honoapiilani Rd Lahaina, HI 96761
Okay, I have to say that this is one of our favorite places to go. The food is fantastic and not over-the-top expensive. The view is to die for and the service is wonderful. It's kind of a secret spot. But it does get busy. We go there mostly for breakfast. But the Sunsets there are simply amazing.
Joey's Kitchen
5095, Napili Plaza Shopping Center, Napilihau St,
Lahaina, HI 96761
This is a total Local restaurant. It kind of looks like a dive from the outside, but it is one of the friendliest dinners in Napili. They have great box lunches. Everything we've had here is really good. Prices are not over the top.
Restaurants within 5 minutes drive from the Condo
South towards Ka'anapali
Castaway Cafe
Located on the beach at the Aston Maui Ka'anapili Villas
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
This is another little gem. We found Castaways on our morning walks along the beach in the northern Ka'anapli bach area. Castaways is situated on the beach. The food is really good. The POG mimosas are a must-try. We've only done breakfast here. So we can't say about the other meals. Our friends here on the Island say their lunches and dinner are pretty good too.
Hula Grill
Located in Whaler's Village
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
We love the Hula Grill. Outside dining is in the sand. Take off your flip-flops and feel the sand between your toes. The fish tacos are to die for and the Flatbread is out of this world. You have to have the Hula Pie. A chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nuts, whipped cream. This dessert is huge. (Local tip) They sell out of Hula Pie almost every day.
Leilani's on the beach
Located in Whaler's Village
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Leilani's is a very nice restaurant. It's pretty touristy but has a fun Hawaiian atmosphere. It's right across from the Hula Grill. Prices are on the high side, but you are dining on the beach in the middle of Ka'anapali. Great menu. We like to bring friends who are visiting us or have a special celebration here. It's a great place to do a sunset dinner.
Mala/Honu/Frida's
Located on the north end of Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761
We absolutely love all three of these restaurants. All three used to be owned by the same family. But now is owned by the same company that owns "Down The Hatch. All three have great food and wonderful service. We kind of like Mala the most out of the three. But all three are excellent eateries. All three of three are on the water. Sunset dining is some of the best on the island.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Located in Lahaina Shopping Center
170 Papalaua St., #C-1 Lahaina, HI 96761
If you want authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunch, this is it. We have been going to L&L since 1980. The food has not changed in all these years. The helpings are huge, so bring your appetite. Eat-in or take-out, you can't go wrong at L&L.
Ululani's Hawaiian-Shaved Ice
790 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Ululani's is one of our favorite Shaved Ice places on the west side of the island. We love to split the Nui (large) Sunset Beach or the No Ka Oi (the best). We also like to add a scoop of ice cream in the middle. There is usually a pretty big line, it's worth the wait!
Sunrise Cafe
693 Front St A, Lahaina, HI 96761
The Sunrise Cafe is kind of a local secret spot. They serve only breakfast and lunch. THIS IS A CASH-ONLY RESTAURANT. They don't advertise, they don't have a website. The links below are to a local blogger. But it has photos of the food and a basic menu. Most patrons are local. The Cafe is family owned and has been run by the same family for two generations. This place is one of our favorite breakfast restaurants in Lahaina. Everything on the menu is really good. The dining area was once the parking lot, so the floors are uneven, the tables are old and nothing matches. But that is the charm of the Sunrise Cafe. Make sure you get a fresh-baked Cinnamon Roll.
-No Reservations-
Down the hatch
658 Front St #102, Lahaina, HI 96761
We've only eaten here a couple of times. While not one of our favorite places, it's worth mentioning because if you look in our guestbook you'll see Down the Hatch mentioned many times. Our guests rave about it. They do have good food and great drinks. I do like their fish tacos. It's located in kind of a weird spot. They've located inside the middle of a mini-mall on Front Street.
Alchemy Maui. Kombucha Bar + Bistro
157 Kupuohi St STE J1, Lahaina, HI 96761
Alchemy has become one of our favorite restaurants. The food is super delicious. Their Kombucha (Mushroom Tea) is awesome! Check out the menu. The restaurant is really small, so we mainly do takeout. It's kind of in a weird spot. It's just down the street from Island Grocery Depot. Parking is not great. Not a lot of tourists know about Alchemy. So keep it on the down-low.
Paia Fishmarket
(Three locations)
Lahaina - 632 Front Street - Lahaina, HI 96761 808-662-3456
Paia - 100 Baldwin Avenue - Paia, HI 96779 808-579-8030
Kihei - 1913 South Kihei Road - Kihei, HI 96753 808-874-8888
Paia Fishmarket is an old faithful restaurant. We always have a great experience here. Food is mid-price range. It's nice that they have a Lahaina location now. We don't have to drive to Paia for dinner. You can't go wrong at Paia Fishmarket.
Go early because they always have lines to get in.
-No Reservations-
Penne Pasta Maui
(Doordash)
180 Dickenson Street, #113 - Lahaina, HI 96761 808-661-6633
Penne Pasta has just one menu for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. It’s a very casual place, with indoor and outdoor tables. Delicious items include pasta with or without meat, chicken, or fish, plus flatbreads (like pizzas), salads, and sandwiches. Great prices and really good food. Not touristy!
-No Reservations-
Captain Jack's
672 Front Street - Lahaina, HI 96761 808-667-0988
There are several restaurants in the Wharf Center, but Captain Jacks is my favorite. If you want to people-watch, this is the place. Great second-floor views of Front Street. Fast service, really nice waitstaff. Not sure what venue of food they have, but they have a little of everything. Island-Americana is what I would call it. Great prices and delicious food. Very touristy but FUN!
-No Reservations-
Up Scale Dining
If you've never visited Maui, Mama's Fish House is a must. The food and service are pretty incredible. It's very spendy but worth every penny. They serve Lunch and Dinner. Reservations are a must. We book up to six months in advance. It's about a forty-five-minute drive from the condo. Worth the trip!
1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761 - +1.808.669.6400
Merriman's is one of the best fine-dining restaurants on the island. Situated on a small peninsula overlooking Kapalua Bay. Don't be surprised if you see a wedding going on. It's one of the most picturesque places on the island. If you have a special event or anniversary this is the place to go. Reservations are a must and you need to book several months in advance. About a 10-minute drive from the condo.
2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761 808.669.6299
Located in a gorgeous clubhouse overlooking Kapalua's lush Plantation Golf Course, The Plantation House, a grand and elegant restaurant, is the go-to place on Maui to celebrate a special occasion. The sweeping views over the world-famous golf course and the ocean are worth the trip alone. We like to come here on special occasions. You can usually get in here on short notice.
About a 10-minute drive from the condo.