Ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna), and mahimahi are just a few of the fresh fish caught daily in these beautiful blue waters. So, while in Hawaii, why not enjoy some locally caught fish? Here’s a hand-picked list of restaurants that are rolling up the finest sushi in north and central Maui — perfect stops if you’re driving the road to Hana or about to catch a plane in Kahului.
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: Vana Paia
You’ll need to book well in advance to nab one of the 14 seats in the intimate dining room at nyloS in Paia, and plan to spend a minimum of $230 to $300 (excluding tax, tip and drinks) on its prix fixe menu with six-plus courses But fine-dining aficionados with money to spend won’t mind getting to watch chef Jeremy Solyn and wife Paulina Solyn, the host, at work on a menu that routinely incorporates Petrossian caviar, Wagyu beef, truffles, lobster and other exquisite elements.
1424 Lower Main St, Wailuku
You won’t find breakfast, or blue boxes, at this Tiffany’s, but the throngs inside this longtime, casual Wailuku hangout are a tribute to Top Chef celebrity Sheldon Simeon’s makeover of its menu — and his wisdom in keeping a few old favorites like the honey walnut shrimp on it. The hearty comfort food includes a classic cheeseburger, saimin and a brisket-based “just like oxtail” soup, but you can also go healthy with the caesar broccolini or fish of the day.
1063 Lower Main St., Wailuku
808.243.5333
This little sushi spot has a big reputation. They have the basics covered, but you’ll want to try the wonderfully named specialty rolls like the “Superman Burrito Hand Roll” and the “Marilyn Mon Roll.” Chopsticks up, there’s sushi to eat!
1951 E. Vineyard St., Wailuku
808.633.2502
It’s BYOB here at Umi, a relaxed sushi joint on Maui’s north shore. Some of our favorite rolls includes the Special Opaka with fried calamari steak topped with opakaka and a lemon caper aioli, the Shiso Dragon, a spicy tuna roll topped with tuna, avo, truffle oil and potato chips, and the Garlic Tiger, a shrimp tempura roll topped with spicy tuna and tempura flakes.
30 Kupaoa St A104, Makawao
808.868.3366
Born from a love of entertaining and the feeling of sharing warm hospitality with family and friends, Chef Jeff Scheer and his wife Kaili opened this Upcountry gem in August 2021. Specializing in Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza, you’ll find delightful modern takes on traditional Italian dishes such as wood-fired octopus and cioppino with fresh Kauai prawns.
30 Baldwin Ave, Paia
(808)646-5222
Under new ownership since 2024, this gem in the heart of Paia town has been completely renovated, with an eye towards a clean and modern aesthetic. Large windows open to the sidewalk where you can enjoy brunch all day and dinner into the evening. The fresh and flavorful menu will delight your tastebuds and the creatively crafted cocktails will quench your thirst.
100 Hana Hwy, Paia
808.579.8030
Paia Fish Market has brought fish lovers, surfers, windsurfers, sugar mill workers, and visitors together since 1989. Family-style seating and kind service welcome all to “talk story” over a good meal. Enjoy their local menu sporting dishes of daily fresh catch, dinner plates, fajitas, and seafood pasta.
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.
93 Hana Hwy., Paia
808.344.7569
The bartenders at this hipster restaurant in downtown Paia are stirring up delicious cocktails to go with the artistically rolled sushi. The lights are dim here, so you may just want to go for the cocktails and ambiance — but a few fresh sushi bites are always a good idea.
780 Haiku Rd., Haiku
808.575.2939
This 50-seat contemporary Japanese izakaya and sushi bar is tucked away on Maui’s north shore. Their menu offers a wide array of small plates, hand rolls, specialty rolls, noodles, and salads. No reservations required.
This intimate gem is in a decidedly off the beaten path location up the road from the heart of Paia town. With only 14 seats available, you’ll want to book your reservation early for their 6 course, pre-fixe menu. Run by a husband and wife team devoted to absolute indulgence, you will be surprised and delighted by the entire experience, from start to finish. Reservations are required for dinner only service offered Wednesday through Saturday.
Recently under new management by the owners of the 5 Palms restaurant in Wailea, this quintessential Upcountry restaurant has taken on new life. The expansive and dramatic views from every table enhance the experience of a wide and varied menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Valley Isle’s first Peruvian restaurant naturally shines at classics such as lomo saltado, ceviche and Pisco sours. It has also created a lively vibe with daily happy hour from 2–5 p.m. and dancing to reggaeton, cumbia and salsa Friday nights from 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku
Part of a family-owned chain, this Café O’Lei location has the most dazzling location, overlooking a large pond, farmland and green mountains from Maui Tropical Plantation, with vintage sugarcane machinery and trains serving as sculptural elements. Skip the skimpy shrimp salad in the Kumu Farms half papaya (admittedly grown on site) in favor of heartier options such as tempura mahi and chips, macnut chicken sandwich or vegetable laulau (seasonal vegetables cooked in a ti leaf with Thai coconut curry).
