 After a long day exploring the natural beauties of the Valley Isle, enjoy the best island fare on Maui’s South Shore. Here are our favorite dinner experiences near and around Kihei and Wailea.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.Â
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Feature Image: Morimoto Maui
Grand Wailea, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
If the surrounding oversized nude sculptures of Colombian artist Fernando Botero aren’t to your taste, the wide-ranging, island-sourced menu in this central and buzzy lounge at the recently renovated Grand Wailea resort will surely have something that is. Executive chef Ryan Urig’s new menu has a good variety of handheld options, including the Maui hot chicken sandwich with pickled starfruit and grilled pineapple slaw and a smash burger with a Surfing Goat Dairy animal-style sauce on a potato bun.Â
With sweeping views of Maui’s central valley and west Maui mountains, these open air grounds are an ideal spot for a casual sunset dining experience. Try one of their flatbreads with fresh summer rolls or ocean poke nachos paired with a signature cocktail made with the Ocean Vodka that is distilled on-site.Â
Recognized for their innovative farm-to-table menu, chef Emmanuel Eng creates Asian-American dishes that will etch themselves into your memory. Try the charred tako (octopus), ahi poke and one-ton salad (one-ton chips are a classic local favorite) inspired by traditional Hawaiian family style gatherings that include aunties, uncles, friends, cousins, and often neighbors and surf buddies.Â
Climb the stairs, (or hop in the elevator if you must) and you’ll find yourself in a large treehouse-esque area with a bar backed by hundreds of glass fishing balls. The decor will draw you in and the food will keep you there. Try a culinary cocktail or explore their extensive wine menu and be sure to order some garlic truffle fries for the table as you peruse the seasonal menu. Their Makai (ocean) section is a good place to look for a new favorite, but leave room for a slice of cream pie.Â
Sure, the Craigslist casual encounter section has closed down, but its spirit is alive and well at Morimoto Maui. Peruse the drink specials while scoping out someone special for yourself. The epic sunsets create quite the vibe.Â
This menu serves local beef, fish and produce with a focus on the flavors being as authentic as they are sustainable. Inspired by the plantation era, Ko’s cuisine is a modern blend of various Hawaiian dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.Â
It’s a sad but true part of life — good service often comes at a cost. Here, however, you can have high quality drinks and pupus at a great value AND great service. Rum drinks like the Crazy Cuban and Painkiller are known crowd pleasers.Â
The lobby fountain at the Four Seasons Maui Resort at Wailea marks this intimate spot for sophisticated sushi and other Japanese delicacies prepared by Tokyo-born Chef Kiyo Takeda, whose resume includes working for Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Takeda imports exquisite seafood for nigiri and other preparations, served with custom soy sauce and wasabi hand-grated at your table, and accompanied (if you desire) with exclusive sakes too. For a closer look at his artistry, belly up to the 14-seat sushi bar.
Striking sunset views overlooking Molokini Crater may be the only thing drawing your attention from your food at this upscale collaboration by Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino and spouses David and Alicia Soboda, who helped him open San Francisco’s Cockscomb. Local ingredients and bold flavors shine in dishes like the grilled hanger steak, seared over kiawe wood charcoal and served with charred Maui onions, wilted greens and a lilikoi au poivre sauce, and the Caesar salad, which features heart of palm and celery in lieu of romaine, plus an anchovy-studded creamy lemon vinaigrette.
There’s nothing boring about this asian-inspired eatery. You’ll find traditional sushi rolls and unexpected rice cakes (you’ll want to try at least 2), alongside Prime Ribeye and Poached Lobster. Chef Oao Jr. focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients to highlight dishes that fuse familiar Japanese recipes with a french twist.
1279 S. Kihei Road #201 Kihei
The name of this meat forward bar and grill is derived from the Hawaiian word for cowboy. Their dinner only menu offers a choice of cuts of meat alongside traditional seafood fare such as lobster tail and prawns, and is complemented by a comforting list of side dishes.
When you’re craving takeout, or a simple and delicious Thai meal, Nutcharee’s has got you covered. Their no-frills dining room is clean and comfortable, and whether you order takeout or dine in, you won’t have to wait long. They are known for their Pumpkin Curry and Kao Soi Prime Short Ribs. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Tuesdays.
Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea-Makena
Featuring a dramatic ocean view, this new addition to the Fairmont Kea Lani is a feast for the senses. Open for lunch and dinner, fresh seafood is the centerpiece of the meal, along with inventive cocktails or mocktails. Their hot rock bar is something to experience, and the flourless chocolate torte is not to be missed.Â
Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi St, Wailea
One of the most unique multi-sensory sunset experiences on Maui, The Birdcage is tucked on the hill in the understated Hotel Wailea. Open daily for dinner, you’ll want to arrive in time to secure a spot before golden hour. The fare highlights Japanese flavors along with sushi options and a wide range of creative and hand-crafted cocktails.
