After a day exploring the Valley Isle, enjoy some of the best dining experiences on Maui’s West Side. Whether in Kaanapali, Kapalua, or Lahaina there are plenty of opportunities to taste local favorites, fresh fish, world-class cocktails and more.
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 @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Feature image courtesy of Star Noodle on Facebook.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr, Lahaina
Lots of living greenery softens the ambiance of the signature ocean-view restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where a special charcoal oven from Spain memorably smokes and grills seafood and other dishes at the same time. Book a seat at the communal chef’s table on Fridays for a five-course, “coastal cuisine” tasting menu that allows chef Ignacio Carballo to share stories of the island as well as its abundant produce and proteins.
1312 Front St, Lahaina
Nicknamed the Kitchen Assassin, chef-owner Alvin Savella has created a killer menu of local, American and Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood, at this casual restaurant on the untouched northern end of Lahaina’s Front Street. You can add spicy queso sauce to just about anything, while beef birria and cilantro broth transform ramen into a hearty new fusion dish.
Happy hour drinks are great, but you need some sushi to sop up that booze, look no further than Japengo. With plenty of hand-rolled options as well as half-sized portions, here you can try a wide variety of some of the best sushi on the island.
1285 Front St., Lahaina
808.661.3322
It’s no surprise that this award-winning restaurant is one of Maui’s favorite food spots, thanks to their fresh noodles, sake cocktails and Asian-inspired dishes. Their “Ahi Avo“ poke bowl features raw ahi tuna with avocado and lemon pressed olive oil — it’s a must-have, as well as several other items on the menu!
Renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi is at the helm of Roy’s, one of Hawaii’s most famous restaurants. The menu offers many different dishes and flavors, plus daily specials and a few sushi options. It’s best to come with a group so you can order an array of menu items. We recommended the Yamaguchi spicy ahi sushi roll, the short rib loco moco, and the “Sunset Prix Fixe Menu.”
Located on the grounds of the OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort, this installment of the Maui Brewing Co. restaurant chain is a hub for the ultimate refreshing-drink-tasty-food combination; their motto isn’t “come for the beer, stay for the food” for no reason.
Reopened in spring of 2018, Leilani’s features not only a killer happy hour, but breathtaking sunsets too. A unique cocktail list and diverse menu make this a local and tourist favorite. The chef’s tasting menu is a delicious steal.
Just cause it’s an island doesn’t mean you need a fruity cocktail, and Monkeypod Kitchen is a beer lovers heaven. So there are 36 beers on tap here, and they’re all handcrafted. Of course there are cocktails as well, all of which are made with fresh ingredients (read: less of a hangover.)
1285 Front St, Lahaina
Maui is a true melting pot of many cultures and traditions. If you’re curious about the fusion of multicultural flavors, you’ll find them here. Elevated versions of local style classics such as loco moco, shoyu chicken, and Kalua pig sandwich are enjoyed within a stone’s throw from the ocean. You might even see whales breaching off the coast if you’re visiting during the Winter months.
2580 Kekaa Dr J2, Lahaina
If you find yourself in Kaanapali and in the mood for exceptional sushi, you’ll want to make your way to this sweet little spot. They are open for lunch and dinner and with the very limited seating, you may want to order yours to take away. For a truly exceptional experience, try the Omakase Chef dinner with a single seating per night.
1307 Front St, Lahaina
808.667.9394
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.
1295 Front St, Lahaina
808.667.9390
This spot is the right place to be for a modern, oceanside dining experience. They specialize in fresh, locally sourced seafood and craft drinks, all in complement to the views, of course. Come thirsty and hungry, ready to taste all they have to offer.
2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina
The Plantation House’s location within the Kapalua Resort makes it a premiere dining spot with views of the Plantation Golf Course right below and the ocean in the distance. The brunch and lunch menu is full of hearty classic options with island flair, and the dinner menu features a nice selection of both seafood and non-seafood based meals.
