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.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @HawaiiIslander on Instagram to share the love.
TIP: Be sure to sure to make your reservations about thirty minutes before the sun sets.
Maui Sunset Dinner Map
Sunset Dining on Maui's South Shore
DUO
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. fourseasons.com
Humble Market Kitchin
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. hmkmaui.com
Morimoto Maui
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. morimotomaui.com
Sunset Dining on Maui's West Side
HuiHui
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. huihuirestaurant.com
Japengo
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. hyatt.com/japengo
Mala Tavern
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 . malatavern.com
Merriman’s
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 lounge and fire pit. Come for a 4-course prix-fixe dinner in the open-air dining room or on the lanai — advanced reservations are highly recommended through tock.com. Open daily 4pm to 8pm. merrimanshawaii.com
Sunset Dining in Paia
Mama’s Fish House
A sunset that’s been described as out of the movies or even better. An elevated yet warm service makes this restaurant one of the best places to soak up a sunset. The signature Polynesian Black Pearl dessert (lilikoi chocolate mousse in a pastry seashell) doesn’t hurt either. Open daily 11am to 8:30pm. mamasfishhouse.com
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.
