Best Lunch Near and Around Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Lahaina

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Clean Plate Club

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Looking for a tasty lunch that won’t break the bank? Here’s our list of the places with the best calorie per dollar ratio in Kaanapali.

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: Monkeypod

A person uses chopsticks to pick up food from a takeout container filled with various dishes, including sushi rolls, edamame, and leafy greens. The container is divided into sections, each holding different items alongside small sauce containers.

If you’re looking for affordable gourmet food — and who isn’t — then Joey’s Kitchen is your spot. Here diners will find a scrumptiously diverse menu with Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino and Chinese influences, at some of the best prices in town. No, you won’t get a white cloth table on the beach, but you won’t care. 

A Maui-inspired sandwich made with seeded whole-grain bread, filled with fresh vegetables including lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrots, and sprouts. It's cut in half and held together with toothpicks, then placed on parchment paper.

For farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients try Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Their causal family style dining offers the best of classic and traditional favorites ( what they call glorified grandma comfort food). Try one of their handcrafted sandwiches on freshly baked bread, crunchy fresh salads, and so much more. 

An overhead shot of a table with various dishes: a cheeseburger with fries, a fresh green salad with avocado, fried chicken strips with fries, and dipping sauces. The table has a mix of colorful and appetizing food items.

Well, the name says a lot, but doesn’t give the whole story. A “Best Burger on Maui” winner for many years running, Teddy’s delivers big and delicious burgers without the price markup often found on the islands. 

A plate of three tacos filled with raw fish, diced cucumbers, and garnished with sesame seeds, served with a wedge of lime on the side. The background shows a blurred view of what appears to be a beach in Lahaina. This might just be the best dinner spot near Kapalua or Kanapali.
Photo: @monkeypodkitchen

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.) 

Pork bun tacos, shrimp, noodles, a cocktail and more arranged on a table.
Photo courtesy of Star Noodle on Facebook.

Originally a cult classic, tucked away in an industrial area, this gem of a spot is newly reopened with one of the most memorable dining room views. Directly overlooking the ocean, sunset is best experienced with one of their inventive cocktails in hand. Start with the tako and pohole salad to open your palate to what is likely to be one of your most delightful meals on Maui.

A plate held outside, with steal rice, macaroni salad and topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
Photo courtesy of Aloha Mixed Plate on Facebook.

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.

Two plastic containers with poke and a black label that reads "Foodland".
Photo courtesy of Foodland on their website.

Stores located island wide

If you ask any college student returning home to Hawaii on their break where they go for a poke bowl, they’ll likely tell you this spot. You can place your order at the counter and do your grocery shopping, or you can order online and skip the line. Either way, this well-priced island classic is surely one you will return to time and time again.

A blue plate with potatoes, eggs benedict, fruit, ketchup and a cocktail on the side.
Photo courtesy of The Plantation House on Facebook.

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.

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