Our Maui Favorites
Restaurants and Bars
Take a dive into some of the best food Maui has to offer. There are plenty more places beyond this short list - it is hard to go wrong with most places you try!
808 Deli
Check out this little hole in the wall sandwich shop across from Kamaloe Beach Park II. It is a great spot to grab a picnic lunch for the beach. If you go here, you must try the pudding. It doesn't matter what kind you choose, just do it.
Acevedo's Hawaicano Cafe
Off the beaten path, don't be fooled by the location of this joint. Alex met the owner while working one day and he recommended we stop by. This family run business is one we enjoy supporting. From the 7 year old daughter taking our order at the counter to the father chef who brought out our meal, you can't go wrong here. Alex devours the carne asada burrito and while Megan delicately eats her seafood tacos. Check out the special of the day, it can be very tempting!
Da Kitchen
Tucked away on a strip mall near the airport in Kahului, eat some local food at the restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-is, and Dives. It lives up to the hype! Alex always battles the kalbi ribs, while Megan enjoys ginger opakapaka. The portion sizes are quite large, so plan on splitting a meal or grabbing a to-go container.
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Deli
If you are looking to grill out with some local seafood or meat, this is your go-to place. They also have great plate lunch and bowl options.
Kihei Caffe
Check out this open air breakfast joint located in the heart of Kihei just a few minutes walk from our condo. It is one of our favorite places to go out to eat. Be sure to get there early (before 8am is ideal) and bring cash!
Maui Brewing Co.
When Alex was between full-time employment, he picked up a job at Maui Brew Co. For a few months, he got to taste all of the beers and nibble on most of the food items. Check out the awesome brewery which is run with 100% solar energy. Enjoy some beers and play some bags on the lanai while watching a gorgeous sunset.
Maui Burgers
If you're looking for a heart attack in the form of a cheeseburger, look no further. This place has Alex's approval for best burger on Maui (only after Cow Pig Bun, which has sadly closed).
Monkeypod Kitchen
This place is must visit for a great happy hour from 3pm - 5:30pm! Relax and unwind with some signature cocktails. Megan's go to cocktail is the No Ka Oi with gin. Alex likes to spice it up with the Pablano Escobar. We typically split the pizza special of the day and some garlic truffle fries with a few extra mustard aioli.
Pita Paradise
The owner of Pita Paradise catches fresh fish daily and serves it in the restaurant. For the seafood haters like Alex, they also have good options like the Lamb Gnocci.
Sam Sato's Inc
This local eatery is just that..VERY local. Tourists are few and far between. Get to this diner early for breakfast or lunch. We made the mistake the first time by showing up an hour before closing and almost missed our chance at getting seated. Don't be like us! (in this situation) The dry mein is the favorite here.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
A tasty sushi and seafood restaurant by day, an intimate karaoke lounge by night. Those 21 and over can enjoy "Late Night" specials after 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, including free karaoke, 50% off food and sushi items, and discounted drinks.
Sushi Paradise
Sushi Paradise is owned by a Japanese sushi chef that is classically trained. When eating here, make sure to order everything at the beginning, or else you might be waiting a while for your additions.
Star Noodle
Some of the best food we've experienced on Maui! This is one of those places where you are better off making reservations at least a few days in advance. It is a small restaurant that also includes a communal table in addition to their bar seating.
Three's Bar & Grill
If you want your dollar to go further on Maui, we suggest coming here for happy hour!
Tin Roof
Chef Sheldon of Top Chef has opened up a mom and pop style restaurant. Don't be intimidated when walking in, it is almost always busy. It is hard to get a spot at the bartop, so definitely lay claim when you get the opportunity. This is a good option on the way to the airport, just give yourself a little time.
Food Trucks
Yes, the food truck trend that has swept the continental 48 has made its way to Maui. There are so many great places and hidden spots throughout the island. We have highlighted just a few of our favorites.
Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill
Hana can be a long and exhausting, but fun trip! You're going to need to grab some grub to keep you going. Check out this BBQ spot located right in Hana off of the "highway".
Habibi
When you're checking out Makawao Town, expand your pallet and try this Middle Eastern food truck. Enjoy the cooler temperatures of Upcountry at this establishment set back off the roadway with a backyard vibe.
Keyakiya
This is a bit of a hidden gem that mostly only locals frequent, normally located near the Kahului Harbor. It is rare Japanese food truck on the island. Open Wednesday through Sunday 11am-4pm. Definitely check this place out if you are looking to be a little adventurous, or you're a simple man get the Chicken Katsu.
Outrigger Pizza Co
This wood-fire pizza joint along South Kihei Road close to Kalama Park is one of a kind on Maui. Try some delicious Za and enjoy the open air atmosphere. They'll take you to Flavortown - Guy Fierri approved.
Pele's BBQ
This truck is located in the parking lot of Home Depot close to the airport. It also operates as Greek food truck. Alex highly suggests the Pele Burger, which is like a much better version of an Arby's roast beef sandwich.
Smoke & Spice BBQ Maui
Located just down the street from our condo, this place has some of the best BBQ on the island!
Thai Mee Up
Located across the street from Costco, this Thai food truck has some excellent asian food options
Sweets
We sometimes get the hankering for something sweet. Maybe more often than we should... but it's hard when we have such good bakeries around the island. If you get the chance, we highly recommend checking out the places below!
Maui Gelato
Take a break from the beach and get a few scoops of gelato. Add a mochi if you're feeling adventurous.
Sugar Beach Bake Shop
Stop by here early in the morning to grab some of the best Malasada (Portuguese doughnuts). Almost always sell out by 10am, so be sure to plan accordingly. The rest of their bakery is also amazing and so is Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice next door!
Surfing Monkey Shave Ice
Try a shave ice on a bed of ice cream or one of their vegan gelatos (we promise it's good - Megan's favorite on the island)
Beaches and Parks
See the places we frequently like to visit when getting out of the house. For an interactive map of all beaches on Maui, please click the view button below. It is our kuleana (responsibility) to let you know of best way to care for our beaches and local ecosystems here on Maui. Please keep in mind that it is federal law to keep a minimum distance of 10 feet between you and the turtles. Do not touch turtles as we are a harbor of bad bacteria that can be harmful to them. It is highly encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen that will not hurt the coral reefs. Beware of shorebreak and never turn your back on a wave. Other than that, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold one (but not in a glass bottle).
Charley Young Beach
Just 5 minutes away from our condo on foot, we frequent this beach the most.
Ho'okipa Beach and Lookout
If you are looking to spot some turtles or surfers, Ho'okipa is a good place to visit. Not the most swimmer friendly as the surf can be pretty rough.
Kalama Beach Park
This is where a lot of locals like to gather to barbeque, play sports, and enjoy a nice coastline walk. We like to hang out hammocks up between the coconut palm trees to view the stellar sunset.
Kamaole Beach Parks
Three of the most beautiful beaches in Kihei right in a row. Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III are all a little bit different. Also known as KAM I, KAM II, and KAM III. Kamaole I is where you want to be if you're looking for those long walks on the beach. Kamaole II is right across the street from some affordable condo options. Kamaole III has a giant field of grass that is good for activities and plopping a chair down and watching the sunset.
Kaulahao Beach
See sea turtles up close and personal on the beach here early in the morning or towards sunset.
Maluaka Beach
We got our engagement photos done here. It is also a good place to snorkel!
Punahoa Beach
Located off the beaten path, this is where we like to walk down in the morning and hang our hammocks up and enjoy the lovely seabreeze. Bring your favorite refreshment for a relaxing session.
Wailea Beach Walk
Park at Mōkapu/Ulua Beaches to enjoy this comfortable beach walk stretching along the coastline of Wailea for 1.5 miles. Stop along the way at any of the restaurants or bars at the resorts, they all have really good food. There is a great place to hang hammocks in the trees at the very beginning of the walk where we enjoy watching the sunset.
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of the "must do's" if you have the time for it. The road features 620 curves and 59 bridges along the way. It is highly recommended to plan at least a whole day, maybe more depending on how much you want to stop and explore. Leave early in the morning to beat some of the traffic. If you have a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle, you can complete the loop and take the backside road back to your accommodation. Backside is much less frequented by tourists and is very beautiful. For those who get car sick easily, make sure to pack Dramamine! We really enjoy camping at Kipahulu campsite right off of the water along the Road to Hana. Wake up early to catch a gorgeous sunrise. Click the View button below to get an interactive map of the Road to Hana and things to do along the way!
Snorkel Spots
Maui has a bunch of excellent snorkel spots to view the vast amount of sea creatures. There are plenty of snorkel spots near Kihei. Not recommended for those with thalassophobia... Click View to get an interactive map of snorkel spots around the island!