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.
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Feature Image: Monkeypod
Royal Lahaina Resort, 2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina
Opened in 2024 as part of the Royal Lahaina Resort’s propertywide renovations, this all-day beachfront restaurant blends French Riviera style with a casual-gourmet island menu. Char siu eggs benedict can fuel an active morning, while the artfully arrayed Royal Poke Bowl (including ahi poke in unagi sauce, furikake rice, avocado, wakame and chips) can be your lunchtime reward.
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.
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina,
808.662.3600
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.
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.
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.)
1287 Front St, Lahaina
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.
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.
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.
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.
