A Food Lover's Paradise

A Food Lover's Paradise: From Five-Star Feasts to Food Truck Finds

South Maui has one of the most exciting and diverse food scenes on the island. You can have a world-class, fine-dining experience one night and an equally amazing, budget-friendly meal from a food truck the next. The area reflects Hawaii's unique culinary fusion, where traditional Hawaiian ingredients meet influences from Asia, Portugal, and the American mainland. Here are some of my must-try spots, from the fanciest to the most casual.

High-End Dining in Wailea (For a Special Night Out)

When you're ready to splurge on a truly memorable meal, Wailea's resorts are home to some of the best restaurants in Hawaiʻi. These establishments represent the pinnacle of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, a movement that began in the 1990s and focuses on using local ingredients prepared with techniques from around the world.

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea

For the ultimate romantic dinner, this is my top recommendation. As Hawaiʻi's only Relais & Châteaux restaurant, it offers an unparalleled island-to-table dining experience in an al fresco setting with sweeping panoramic ocean views. The menu is driven by what's in season from local farms and their own organic garden, making every dish a celebration of Maui's bounty.

Chef Zach Sato creates dishes that showcase Hawaiian ingredients in sophisticated preparations. The restaurant's location on the slopes of Haleakalā provides stunning views of the coastline below, and the open-air design allows you to dine under the stars. Reservations are essential, and I recommend requesting a table at sunset for the most magical experience.

Spago Maui

Located at the Four Seasons, Wolfgang Puck's Spago is a Maui institution. It's a glamorous spot with impeccable service and a creative menu that fuses Hawaiian and Californian cuisine. The views at sunset are breathtaking, and I always tell friends they have to try the Spicy Ahi Poke in Sesame-Miso Cones—they're legendary for a reason.

The restaurant's design takes advantage of its oceanfront location with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The menu changes seasonally but always features the freshest local fish, often caught that same day. The wine list is extensive, featuring both Hawaiian wines and selections from around the world.

Morimoto Maui

At the sleek and modern Andaz Maui resort, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto delivers a world-class Japanese dining experience. The sushi and sashimi are pristine, but the inventive hot dishes are what truly stand out. The Ishi Yaki Buri Bop, a yellowtail and rice dish cooked tableside in a hot stone bowl, is a must-try culinary event.

The restaurant's design is as striking as the food, with a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The sushi bar offers front-row seats to watch the skilled chefs at work, and the dining room features dramatic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Nick's Fishmarket Maui

A classic choice for seafood lovers, Nick's is located at the Fairmont Kea Lani and offers an elegant, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. They have an award-winning wine list and focus on sourcing the freshest local Hawaiian fish, like opakapaka (pink snapper), which they prepare beautifully. The restaurant has been a Maui favorite for decades, consistently delivering exceptional service and perfectly prepared seafood. The dining room has a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere that's perfect for special occasions.

Best Casual Eats in Kīhei (Local Favorites)

This is where I eat most often. Kīhei is packed with incredible, no-frills spots that serve up amazing food with pure aloha. These restaurants represent the heart of Hawaii's diverse food culture, where different ethnic traditions have blended over generations to create something uniquely Hawaiian.

Coconut's Fish Cafe

This is a Kīhei legend. You'll almost always see a line out the door, and it's for one thing: their famous fish tacos. They're made with grilled mahi-mahi and ono, served over a bed of their signature coconut milk coleslaw with a side of mango salsa. It's casual, consistently delicious, and a quintessential Kīhei experience.

The fish is always fresh, often caught locally, and prepared simply to let the natural flavors shine. The coconut coleslaw is what sets these tacos apart—it's creamy and tropical without being overpowering. The casual, surf-shack atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for lunch after a morning at the beach.

Paia Fish Market Southside

The original is a North Shore icon, but their Kīhei location in Kalama Village captures the same lively, communal spirit. You order at the counter and grab a seat at one of the long picnic tables. They serve huge plates of fresh grilled fish, massive fish burgers, and fantastic seafood pasta.

The portions are generous, and the fish is always perfectly prepared. The atmosphere is loud and bustling, which adds to the fun. It's the perfect place to refuel after a day at the beach, and the picnic-table seating makes it great for families and large groups.

Eskimo Candy

This is a true local's secret, and one I almost hesitate to share! Tucked away in an industrial park, Eskimo Candy is a fresh seafood market with a small takeout counter. They have, without a doubt, the best fish-and-chips on Maui, and their fresh poke is incredible. It's as authentic as it gets.

The fish market sells the same quality seafood that goes to Maui's high-end restaurants, but you can get it prepared simply at their takeout counter for a fraction of the price. The poke is made fresh daily using traditional Hawaiian preparations, and the fish-and-chips features thick, fresh fish filets in a light, crispy batter.

Maui Brewing Company

More than just a place to drink, MBC has a massive, modern, open-air restaurant and brewery. It's a fun, high-energy spot with a great menu of elevated pub food, like Kalua Pork Sliders and pizzas. With a huge selection of their locally brewed craft beers on tap, it's a perfect spot for groups.

The restaurant showcases Hawaii's craft beer movement, with beers brewed on-site using local ingredients when possible. The food menu puts a local spin on pub classics, incorporating Hawaiian ingredients and flavors. The open-air design and communal seating make it a great spot for socializing.

Nalu's South Shore Grill

Located in the Azeka Shopping Center, Nalu's has a beautiful open-air courtyard setting and a focus on fresh, local ingredients under the motto "Eat Pono, Live Pono" (Eat/Live Righteously). They have fantastic salads, wraps, and burgers, and often feature live local music in the evenings.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is evident in every dish. They work with local farmers and suppliers to ensure their ingredients are as fresh and local as possible. The live music adds to the relaxed, community atmosphere that makes Nalu's special.

Must-Try Food Trucks & Local Treats

South Maui Gardens

This is one of my favorite recent additions to Kīhei. It's a beautiful six-acre botanical garden that is also home to the Kihei Food Oasis, a curated collection of about 14 excellent food trucks. You can wander through the lush greenery and choose from an amazing variety of cuisines—Argentinean from El Carrito, authentic Thai from Thai Tee Up, or local Hawaiian plates from Aloha Prime Eatery.

It's a magical place to grab dinner and eat at a picnic table surrounded by tropical plants. The garden setting makes it feel like a destination rather than just a food court, and the variety of options means everyone in your group can find something they love. The botanical garden itself is worth exploring, with native Hawaiian plants and beautiful landscaping throughout.

Shave Ice

You cannot leave Hawaiʻi without trying real shave ice. This isn't a crunchy snow cone; it's a block of ice shaved into a powder-fine snow that perfectly absorbs the flavored syrups. The texture is key—properly shaved ice should be so fine that it melts on your tongue like snow.

While there are many good spots, my top pick in South Maui is Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice. Their syrups are made with pure cane sugar and natural fruit purees, and the texture of their ice is perfect. Be sure to get it with a "snow cap" (a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk) and maybe a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom.

The classic Hawaiian flavors include lilikoi (passion fruit), guava, and coconut, but don't be afraid to try unique combinations. The "snow cap" adds a creamy richness that balances the sweet fruit flavors, and the ice cream on the bottom turns your shave ice into a complete dessert.