After a long day exploring Maui, you’re famished. Maybe you just want to fill your belly and hit the hay, or maybe you want a more elaborate dinner. Maui boasts delectable cuisine and gorgeous seaside restaurants, in all price ranges. Here are our picks for the best dinner options on the Valley Isle.
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.
Feature Image: Leilani’s
Fred’s Mexican Cafe
It’s always a bummer to be charged for bread and butter or chips and salsa when dining out. but that definitely won’t happen here. The inviting vibe, delicious items like chicken taquitos and frozen margaritas and superb service make Fred’s a standout. Open Monday through Friday 8am to 9pm and Saturday through Sunday 7:30am to 9pm. fredsmexicancafe.com
Leilani's
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy., Lahaina
(808) 661-4495
This popular, award-winning restaurant sources its produce from over 40 family-owned Maui farms and receives fresh locally-sourced fish every day. One of the best places to take in a Maui sunset, its menu has something for everyone, including a wide assortment of appetizers, salads, local Hawaiian plates, barbecue ribs and the famous Kimo’s Original Hula Pie. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. leilanis.com
Manoli's Pizza Company
100 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea
(808) 874-7499
It’s all about freshness and family at Manoli’s. Named after the owner’s father, who hailed from the Greek island of Crete, the family tradition of plentiful seafood, vegetables, and fruit continues here on Maui. Organic and sustainable products are used whenever possible in crafting menu items. Open daily 11am to 12am. manolispizzacompany.com
Monkeypod Kitchen
To say Monkeypod Kitchen gets repeat customers is an understatement. Guests are known to eat here every day, and with winning items for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from lobster deviled eggs to ahi steak with jalapeño mashed potatoes, who’s to blame them? Be sure to check out the daily happy hour 3:30pm to 5pm. Open daily 11am to 10pm. monkeypodkitchen.com
Monsoon India
The packed parking lot says it all. Many claim this restaurant ranks among the top Indian spots in the world and they aren’t wrong. They also have oceanfront views to boot. Recently remodeled, Monsoon India serves classic tandoori dishes, butter chicken, kabobs and perfectly baked naan. Wash it all down with a cold pilsner for an enlightening experience. Open daily from 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 9pm. monsoonindiamaui.com
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