Our Favorites
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
Great place to stop for lunch when driving from the airport to your hotel/condo. The pies are AMAZING. My favorites are the lime, coconut cream, strawberry and peanut butter.
Lahaina
Great little town with lots of shopping, bars and restaurants. We make it a point to come here at least once every trip to wander around. There's the famous Banyan tree which the kids love. They sometimes have little art shows underneath it. There's also a shaved ice place that serves them with booze. Contact me if you want advise for more little gems in this town. Or just spend a day exploring.
Whalers Village
If you're looking for some good restaurants and higher end shopping, Whaler's Village is the place. Great place for families to wander around. Awesome and very safe climbing structure for the kids. Definitely hit up Monkey Pod for some yummy eats. If you're looking for a more upscale eatery, we recommend Japengo in the Hyatt.
Star Noodle
New and better location near downtown Lahaina. Same outstanding food. You must go here for a meal, but you have to book a reservation way in advance. The Pork Buns are to die for. The curry soup with fried chicken is amazing as well (have to ask for this as it's not on the menu). I promise you won't be disappointed.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Kaanapali, Maui
Fun and yummy family friendly restaurant.
Mama's Fish House
Upscale restaurant on the North Side of the Island. We prefer to go for lunch since the view is MAGICAL. It is family friendly, but if you can sneak away on date, we highly recommend that.
Paia
Great little town on the North Side of Maui. We always spend 1 day here wondering around and eating. There are great beaches nearby as well.
Flatbread Company
Super delicious, family friendly wood fired pizza place in Paia. Cocktails are great. Salads are wonderful too.
Maui Brewing Co. - Lahaina
Standard fare. Good beer. Family friendly.
Japengo
Beautiful Japanese restaurant right on the ocean at the Hyatt. Free valet!
Costco Wholesale
If you're staying a while, stop by Costco as you leave the airport. Things are much cheaper there than in the local grocery stores...especially alcohol.
Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors
GREAT POKE! Don't forget your Won Ton chips for dipping in the poke.
Foodland Farms
Great local supermarket with great Poke. Use my cell number (510) 610-5241 to get a "locals" discount. Definitely try the Apple Bananas!
Safeway
We prefer to go to Costco and Foodland Farms for our groceries, but I've put Safeway on here for your convenience. They did just renovate it so it might not smell like rotting garbage and shit anymore.
Whalers General Store
Perfect little general store. Has everything you need that you've forgotten or run out of. Has a great little poke bar as well as shaved ice and ice cream.
Fleming Beach
Popular beach walking distance from the Ritz.
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store
Really nice downtown Lahaina location near the outlet mall. Good food, drinks and view of the ocean. Stroll around town before or after food/drinks.
Honoapiilani Food Truck Park
Wide variety of food trucks to choose from. The Thai truck is fantastic. More affordable food option than a restaurant.
Moku Roots
Outstanding Vegan food, super yummy cocktails and zero waste (they wrap everything in Ti leaves). We recommend that you dine in as the food can get a little sloppy for take out.
Pacific'O
Very nice, higher end restaurant right on the beach and next to a Luau.
Joey's Kitchen Napili
Great Pacific Islander Food for dine in or take out.
FOND
You have to get the wings.
Nāpili Market
Great local supermarket.
The Bakery
Local, hole-in-the-wall bakery. Cash only. Across from the glass blowing studio. A must go and true island experience. Got to get there early (especially on weekends) to get the goodies.
Upcountry, Maui
This area includes the towns of Makawao, Kula and Haiku. Definitely worth the drive to explore this area for the day. Many fun things to do, see and eat.
Makawao
Cute little hippy town in Upcountry with a general store, shops, restaurants, food trucks, art and Komoda's Bakery. Perfect place to stroll around.
Komoda Store and Bakery
DONUTS ON A STICK! Mic drop. Get there early or you won't get anything. Best burger buns I've ever had.
Kula
Another great Upcountry town. Farmer's market on Sat is super fun and has a local vibe. Got to get there early.
Hali'imaile General Store
Good place to stop for lunch/dinner in Upcountry. Must book a reservation in advance.
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
1 hour tour of a non-profit farm sanctuary with over 300 animals nestled in Haiku. Great for kids over 7. Kind of hard to find, but worth it. Don't forget to hug Gregory, the turkey. $30 donation requested for the tour. Get ready for the vegan pitch.
Makai Glass Maui
Fun place to watch some really good glass blowers. Right next to Hali'iMaile distillery and across the street form the General Store & Restaurant. Stop and go to all 3!
Hali'imaile Distillery Tour & Tasting Room
Local Maui booze. What else do we have to say? Next to the Makai Glass Blowing and the Hali'imaile General Store & Restaurant. Park once and go to all 3!
Saturday Kula Farmer's Market
Gotta get there early. They close promptly around 11am.