When planning a vacation, you’re probably thinking about spending time at the beach, sunbathing by the pool, or visiting interesting sites around the local area. But often, people forget to plan out where they’re going to eat at the end of the day.
When exploring a new town or city, there’s no better way to become familiar with a location than by eating your way through it.
South Maui is home to a diverse range of dining options, including upscale resort restaurants, food trucks, laid-back happy hour locations, and eateries serving about every type of cuisine imaginable.
If you’re planning your next Maui vacation, then you should give some of these eateries a try to experience some amazing foods while exploring the island.
Best Restaurants In Wailea
Resort Restaurants
Many holiday resorts around Wailea offer spoke fantastic restaurants for you to try out while you stay.
Even if you are not staying in some of the resorts where these restaurants are located, you might still be able to book a table. Just give them a call to find out!
This steak and seafood restaurant in the Four Seasons is the epitome of premium dining.
You will not only receive the excellent service that the Four Seasons is famous for but you will also be served wonderfully tasty food directly on the pool deck, where you‘ll have breathtaking views of swaying palm trees and softly breaking waves.
This establishment takes the cake for having the best poolside and oceanfront dining in all of Wailea.
This exquisite Italian restaurant also found in the Four Seasons is called Ferraro’s, and like Duo’s, it is situated right beside the pool.
The restaurant and deck gradually slope down towards the water in a terraced fashion, creating a stunning view of the pool.
Because you’ll want to view this place while it’s still light out, be sure to make your reservations in plenty of time and well in advance. This will also help you to beat the crowds as this is a very popular restaurant in the area.
At the Andaz Resort, the Ka’ana Kitchen is a family-style restaurant with a farm-to-table focus that offers both breakfast and dinner every day.
This restaurant also provides some very unique experiences. One of these is the chef’s table, which is where you can sit and watch professional chefs cook your amazing delicious meal.
To wash down this tasty dinner you might be craving something boozy. If that’s the case, try the interactive cocktail experience, which teaches you how to create the very best drinks.
Four Season is very popular, and for good reason. But the problem is that it’s a very expensive place to stay and eat.
If you want to check out the renowned Four Seasons resort but don’t want to shell out the large bucks to dine in one of their high-end restaurants, you can have drinks and appetizers in the lobby lounge instead.
Sure, this doesn’t sound as fancy, but it still has a lot to offer. This is a good spot, and they have live music and a hula dancer there almost every night.
Enjoy some live entertainment while you pick at tasty bar snacks and sip on your cocktail.
The restaurant at Hotel Wailea has one of the most swanky spots in Wailea (and that’s saying something!).
If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life and want a private or romantic meal with your partner, the restaurant at this resort is the one for you.
This adult-only resort and restaurant are perfect for a sophisticated dining experience, but make sure to make reservations!
The Fairmont Kea Lani’s signature eatery, Ko Restaurant, takes its design cues from the people who lived in Maui in the past.
The restaurant’s open-air setting plus the fact that 90% of the items on the menu are made using locally produced ingredients make for a relaxing and enjoyable evening.
While Humble Market Kitchin has a limited menu, everything on it is delicious, and the view is unbeatable.
Perhaps the best thing about this restaurant though is its happy hour, with some of the very best drinks deals on the island.
Non-Resort Restaurants
If you want to leave your resort and explore the island a bit more, then try some of these restaurants (see also: 15 Awesome Miramar Restaurants To Try!)to experience some delicious Wailea dining.
With some of the most breathtaking views in Wailea, Gannon’s is a hotspot on the island for both tourists and locals.
The food is traditional Hawaiian regional cuisine, and it might just be the best food that you’ve ever had. Nonetheless, the expansive views of the ocean are what you’ll think about the most when you think back on your time there.
Although Gannon’s doesn’t accept reservations, they have a great menu during happy hour that’s served in the bar area.
At their happy hour, as well as offering mai tais at a discounted price, they provide appetizers at a fifty percent discount.
The “bar menu” of Hawaii’s most famous chef Peter Merriman’s original restaurant on Maui, Merriman’s, is served at Monkeypod, and everything on it sounds so delicious that you’ll have a hard time choosing what to get.
Peter Merriman now has a variety of restaurant concepts spread across all of the Hawaiian islands, and they all emphasize locally sourced, fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
At the Monkeypod, you can dress up however you like, or just come as you are. It gets loud, and it gets packed, but this just contributes to the fun and exciting atmosphere of the restaurant.
If you want to take a breath and sit somewhere a bit quieter, you can get a view of the ocean in the distance if you sit on the terrace to the side.
Pint & Cork is a restaurant that has become quite well-known (and perhaps a little bit of a local favorite) for its laid-back atmosphere during supper.
You’ll discover this establishment inside the Shops of Wailea, which caters to sports lovers and is packed with an abundance of televisions, pub food, and craft beers.
Other Spots
These are a few places that don’t fit into either of the above categories, but we think that they’re well worth you checking out if you have the time.
Honolulu Coffee, a Hawaii-based brand with a location in the Shops at Wailea, is an excellent choice for grabbing a cup of coffee and a quick bite to eat in the morning.
Island Gourmet Markets is a chain that’s owned by ABC Stores, which is a retailer that you will become quite acquainted with in Hawaii.
Not only does this market have a good selection of snacks and groceries, but it also has a kitchen that prepares hot and fresh meals for breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Because of the great selection of readymade snacks and meals, this is the place to go to stock up on supplies for a picnic at the beach or sunset.
You won’t want to pass up your chance to try Lappert’s Ice Cream if you find yourself in Hawaii because there‘re just a few locations scattered around the islands.
For ice cream and coffee lovers, this is the place to go. They’ll hook you in with the aroma of those waffle cones, and once you see the huge ice cream flavor selection and coffee offerings, you won’t be able to resist spending a little money here.
Best Restaurants In Kihei
When visiting Wailea, many people also stop off at Kihei, which is its neighbor to the north, This area is known for being a more casual area, and has an abundance of places to dine.
Here are some of the best restaurants and food places to try out in the area.
This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and supper, and it’s a pretty trendy location. Everything is done at the counter, so there’s no wait, and the quality of the food is miles better than the local “dive” spots.
It’s found in the rear of a strip mall, so there’s no view, but the interior of the restaurant is very pretty and interesting to look at so you might not even mind.
coconuts take home the honor of “best fish tacos in Maui”. The tacos have a one-of-a-kind flavor and are quite delicious.
The eatery has a rather unassuming atmosphere considering how good the food is. You place your order at the front counter, and seating is done in a community-style arrangement.
Kihei Caffe should be your go-to location for a delicious breakfast while you’re at the beach. Even though it’s a total dive, the cuisine is amazing, and the setting simply can’t be beaten.
The beachfront location of this eatery serves up the most delicious breakfasts that you’ll ever have. The pancakes are the star of the show, and you can customize them by choosing from many different toppings.
Kihei Caffe only accepts cash, although there is an ATM on the premises.
This neighborhood restaurant is known for its delicious seafood plate lunches and heartier supper meals.
You may also order your meal go and eat it at the beach, which is directly across the street. This is a laid-back and pleasant place to spend happy hour.
808 Deli is an excellent choice if you are looking for a laid-back place to eat lunch or want to pick up food to take with you to the beach. They have delicious sandwiches on the menu which are very easy to eat when you’re on the go.
Cafe O’Lei is an excellent choice for a place to have dinner in the Kihei area. The cuisine is delicious, and it’s very high quality, but the prices are lower than those at similar restaurants in Wailea.
The environment is pleasant, and if you sit on the upper floors, you’ll get wonderful views of the ocean.
If you want to celebrate a special occasion with dinner on the beach in Kihei, you should go to 5 Palms. It has less of a party atmosphere compared to other restaurants in Wailea, plus it’s located on one of the best beaches in Maui.
At Three’s Bar & Grill, you can get a good fusion blend of traditional Hawaiian staples, dishes with an Asian twist, and classic American dishes. This restaurant has a great location in Central Kihei.
The Kinaole Grill Food Truck is an upscale take on the traditional food truck concept.
This is the place to go if you want to experience the food truck scene but feel as though you need a little extra “oomph” in your meal. Everything is delicious, but you really must order the crispy Mahi.
Kihei Station Food Trucks
This one-stop destination is the perfect option if everyone is having difficulties agreeing on what they want to eat.
There are typically a few food trucks in this area that offer a range of different cuisines, whether you’re looking for American meals, snacks, or traditional Maui dishes.
It’s located in a parking lot behind the Azeka Shopping Center and is accessible via the Azeka Shopping Center.
This establishment, which also has a branch in Kapalua, is situated directly next to Kalama Beach Park and boasts the most enjoyable atmosphere and the best sushi out of all the places on the island.
This spot sells mason jars filled with homemade lemonade that is prepared to order and served locally. Acai bowls are the main attraction here though. These are some of the best smoothie bowls in Hawaii.
Because they are created fresh, this spot can satisfy a wide variety of dietary restrictions and flavor preferences.
Summary
If you’re planning your next vacation to Maui, then give some of these restaurants and eateries in Wailea and Kihei a try to experience some delicious meals and treats!
