Everyone loves a sunset, and it doesn’t get much better than a Hawaiian sunset. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic meal with your partner on the terrace or celebrating a milestone with the whole family, no meal, music or candlelight will set the mood quite like a sky dappled in pinks, oranges and purples. Here are some of the top places on Maui to get the best of both worlds — great dining and prime sunset views.
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.
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For more suggestions on best restaurants in Maui, the best things to do in Maui, and the best places to stay in Maui, click here.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of Mimi Towle
TIP: Be sure to sure to make your reservations about thirty minutes before the sun sets.
Sunset Dining on Maui's South Shore
Intimate yet inviting, this upscale restaurant features world-class cocktails, a robust international wine list and a team of award-winning chefs cooking up meals that you’ll never forget. The scenic views and waterfall pool put guests over the edge. Open 6am to 11am and 5:30pm to 9pm.
Snack on complimentary edamame and treat yourself to signature items like kalua pork empanadas and the potato crusted fish. Our favorite desserts include the pineapple upside down and the soufflé, which both take about 20 minutes, but are well worth the wait — a perfect time to look up from your plate and watch the sunset. Open 6:30 am to 10:30am and 5pm to 9:30pm with a daily happy hour from 5pm to 6:30pm.
The excellent service, the A5 Wagyu prepared “ishi yaki” style, and of course the remarkable views are hallmarks of this restaurant. Inventive sushi rolls and the soft shell crabs are not to be missed. Open daily 12pm to 8pm.
Sunset Dining on Maui's West Side
The community of West Maui is recovering from the wildfires that devastated Lāhainā. Many restaurants are no longer in business or are temporarily closed. Please check their websites for the most recent information.
The newest restaurant in Kaanapali is already attracting attention and accolades from visitors and locals alike. The name HuiHui means constellation, and the open-air atmosphere is designed to honor the tradition of Hawaiian wayfinding. Every table in the house has a great view of the sunset — until everyone stands up for a photo. Open daily 7am to 9pm.
Temporarily Closed
The award-winning Japengo is located beachfront at the Hyatt Regency, allowing for stunning views of the Pacific and the resort’s waterfalls. Choose from steak, seafood or sushi for your evening meal, but whatever you do, be sure to make reservations well in advance. Open daily 5pm to 9pm. Happy hour Thursday 5pm to 6pm.
Temporarily Closed
Pro tip for those who like their meals with a side of excitement: get a table right by the ocean or beach if possible. Yes, you’ll be in the splash zone, but there’s no better views of the turtles. Attentive service and well-balanced drinks are also standard at this spot. Open Sunday through Thursday 9am to 10pm and Friday through Saturday 9am to 12am with a daily happy hour 2pm to 4pm.
On the edge of the point in Kapalua Bay, Merriman’s embodies the ever-popular farm to table concept, boasting a menu that’s at least 90% locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods. Enjoy fresh cuisine, gorgeous views, and an oceanfront point lounge that is open to walk-ins when weather permits. The Point menu features high end items like a raw bar platter for two, 1/2 dozen oysters, bone-in USDA Prime ribeye appetizer and some of the world’s finest Champagne. Their A la Carte dinner menu is offered exclusively in the open-air dining room or on the Kapalua Bay lanai — advanced reservations are highly recommended through tock.com. Menus are seasonally inspired and do change often but are always up to date on their website. Open daily 4pm to 8pm.
Sunset Dining in Paia
Though there is only a brief time of year that the sunset is visible over Kuau Cove, when you get the chance to see it, it’s a sunset that’s been described as out of the movies or even better. Even when the sun isn’t in clear view, the colors on the water and mountains are beautiful. An elevated yet warm service makes this restaurant one of the best places to end of fun in the sea and sun. The signature Polynesian Black Pearl dessert (lilikoi chocolate mousse in a pastry seashell) doesn’t hurt either. Open daily 11am to 8:30pm.
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
