Oceanfront dining in Wailea with sunset views

A Culinary Tour of Wailea

My foodie paradise - from oceanfront dining to hidden gems

Jade Kawanui, local Maui food enthusiast

Written by a Local Expert

A Culinary Tour of Wailea: My Foodie Paradise

Wailea is a true culinary destination, with options ranging from world-class, oceanfront restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs to casual, local-favorite spots with incredible happy hours. As a food enthusiast, exploring this scene is one of my favorite parts of living here. Here are my top picks, organized for every occasion.

Oceanfront Dining: The Unforgettable Views

For a meal where the setting is as spectacular as the food, these are the places to book for a special night out.

Morimoto Maui

Located at the Andaz, this is the place for masterful Japanese fusion cuisine from the legendary Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The beachfront setting is laid-back yet sophisticated, and the sushi and sashimi, made with the freshest local fish, are simply sublime.

Location: Andaz Maui | Cuisine: Japanese Fusion

Olivine

This beautiful restaurant at the Grand Wailea celebrates coastal Italian cuisine with a distinct Maui twist, using local ingredients in its handmade pastas and seasonal dishes. It has a wonderful dual personality, shifting from a bright, airy lunch spot to a romantic, atmospheric dining destination in the evening.

Location: Grand Wailea | Cuisine: Coastal Italian

Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante

Situated at the Four Seasons, Ferraro's offers authentic Italian fare in one of the most stunning ocean-side settings in Wailea. It's my top recommendation for a sunset dinner; the view is simply unbeatable.

Location: Four Seasons | Cuisine: Italian

Top-Tier Happy Hours: The Insider's Choice

Happy hour, or pau hana as we call it here, is a cherished local tradition. It's the perfect time to enjoy incredible food and drinks at a great value.

Monkeypod Kitchen

This is a Wailea institution and a favorite for both locals and visitors. You absolutely cannot leave without trying their famous Mai Tai, topped with a signature honey-lilikoi foam. Their farm-to-table menu, featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh fish appetizers, is fantastic. The lively atmosphere, often with live music, makes it the perfect casual spot.

Happy Hour: Daily 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Gather on Maui

Located at the Wailea Golf Club, this newer gem offers what might be the best happy hour view in the area, with panoramic vistas of the ocean, Molokini, and Haleakalā. You can enjoy their modern-eclectic small bites and creative cocktails in a gorgeous, relaxed setting.

Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Koholā Brewery

For a more laid-back vibe, head to the Wailea Gateway Center. This local brewery offers a great happy hour with $2 off their flagship craft beers. It's a perfect, no-fuss spot to unwind.

Happy Hour: Weekdays 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hidden Gem Eats: Worth the Discovery

To taste the true culinary creativity of Maui, you sometimes have to venture just slightly off the main resort path. These places are my go-to recommendations for a truly memorable meal.

Lineage

Tucked into The Shops at Wailea, Lineage is a true culinary discovery. Built on a foundation of family recipes, the menu is an innovative and delicious exploration of Asian-American cuisine, with influences from Filipino, Korean, and Chinese traditions meant for sharing. It's a modern, vibrant spot that embodies the diverse culture of Maui.

Location: The Shops at Wailea | Cuisine: Asian-American

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea

For the ultimate romantic evening, this is the place. Perched on a hillside with panoramic ocean views, the adults-only Hotel Wailea offers an intimate, treehouse-like dining experience. It has been nationally recognized as one of the most romantic restaurants in America, and for good reason. It's a true special-occasion destination that feels like a world away.

Location: Hotel Wailea | Cuisine: Contemporary Hawaiian

Matteo's Osteria

Located in the Wailea Town Center, this is where you'll find locals celebrating a birthday or enjoying a fantastic weeknight dinner. Matteo's serves authentic, house-made Italian pasta and dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels completely removed from the resort scene. It's a delicious and genuine taste of Italy in the heart of Wailea.

Location: Wailea Town Center | Cuisine: Italian

My Pro-Tip: A Taste of Local Life

For a truly local and affordable meal, take the short five-minute drive north into Kihei. Da Kitchen is legendary for its massive, delicious plate lunches—a true taste of local-style Hawaiian food. For the best poke on the island, find the South Maui Fish Company food truck. Their fish is incredibly fresh, and the poke is made to order. It's the perfect fuel after a morning of shooting photos at the beach.