There are a ton of “good” food options in Maui, but only a few Must-Eats that you can’t miss while on your Maui Vacation! In order to create a list of “best” you first have to know who is making the list and what they are comparing it to.
My husband and I spent a week on Maui and while vacationing we usually like to keep food on the “cheap eats” side of Trip Advisor with a splurge here or there (hence my #1 pick). We also don’t have a crazy expansive palette; our only requirements are that the food is good tasting and a decent quantity for the price. I’m not trying to pay stupid amounts of money for 2 bites of food. Lastly, though they aren’t all “restaurants” these are all places that if I had the opportunity to go back to the island I would stop here first before trying something new.
1. Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Cost: $$$$
No one who has been here can deny this place as a top-rated, must-experience restaurant in Maui. It honestly doesn’t even deserve to be compared to others because it is in a league of its own. The experience goes beyond the food. It is the entire atmosphere, the bond that the waiters and waitresses have to this place, and the history behind the establishment that make the price worth it. Mama’s Fish house once started out as a burger and fries joint and our waitress, who has been a part of Mama’s for 40 years, explained that as Maui has grown so has the restaurant. The chef started here in 1981 at the age of 18 with no culinary experience - keep that in mind when you take a bite of the food that, I promise, you’ll never forget. Reservations are required and they go quickly so think WELL in advance and consider putting one in weeks to months before your trip! Yes, I said months!
2. Cinnamon Roll Place
2463 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Cost: $
With our 7 days in Maui, I think we stopped here 3 times and that was only because we made ourselves try something new the other 4 days. This is a cash-only bakery selling homemade cinnamon rolls and baked goods. The line will be out the door and once they are sold out, they are done for the day so get here early! Pro-tip, ask for traditional icing to put on top, you won’t regret it.
3. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Cost: $
Similar to the Cinnamon Roll place, I think we stopped here 3 or 4 times. If you try any other shaved ice on the island, you’ll understand why this one always has a line. You can combine up to 3 flavors or enjoy one of the pre-created combination flavors. Really you can’t go wrong with any of the combos! The best part is you can add a scoop of ice cream to the bottom of the bowl, AMAZING! I also love this location because there is a fresh fruit and vegetable stand next door where I snagged a delicious acai bowl.
4.The Gazebo
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Cost $$
The one breakfast item you didn’t know you needed: Fried Rice. Never have I woken up thinking, “man, fried rice is what I want for breakfast” but this place is doing it right and has me rethinking the common breakfast items. The location is very small, so if you are unable to get a table or simply don’t want to wait, get your food to go and walk down to the beach to eat. It is right on the water near Napili bay with amazing beach views!
5. Three’s Bar & Grill
1945 S Kihei Rd Suite G, Kihei, HI 96753
Cost $$
This is not originally a place I would have thought to make my top 5 but I was pleasantly surprised by all that they offered. This is a great spot ideally for happy hour - even if you aren’t one to partake in alcohol - they have crazy good food deals during this time. The concept of the restaurant is that it was created by 3 chefs: Hawaiian, Texan, and Coloradan. Together making the food an incredible fusion of their backgrounds. Their Happy Hour offered 11 different sushi rolls for $7 or under…what! It is located right across a park with beach access and in the middle of an outdoor market with other restaurants, coffee shops, and a merchant market!