Last Updated on May 14, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Maui is a place that spoils you before you even sit down to eat. The air is warm, the light does something in the late afternoon that makes every glass of wine (or mai tai) look more golden than it actually is, and the seafood is so fresh it almost doesn’t need a menu. I’ve eaten my way through two trips here — both trips anchored in Wailea, the southern part of the island — and the truth is that deciding where to eat is one of the most genuinely enjoyable Maui planning “problems.”
This isn’t necessarily a comprehensive list of every restaurant on the island. It’s the places I’ve actually been, a few I keep hearing about from people I trust, and a short round-up of spots I’m adding to the list for next time, because there will be a next time. Whether you’re staying at the Four Seasons, Wailea Beach Resort, or any of the other resorts on the island, the restaurants below are worth planning your evenings around. One thing worth knowing going in: Wailea skews toward the elevated end of the price spectrum as it’s a “resort corridor,” and the dining reflects that. Most of the spots below are worth what they charge, in my personal opinion, but if you’re looking to balance a few splurge dinners with something more casual, I’ve noted the best options for that too.
A note on Lahaina: the 2023 wildfires tragically destroyed much of the historic town, including beloved restaurants that had been there for decades. Some spots have since relocated, reopened in new locations, or had additional locations on Maui prior — I’ve noted where that’s relevant below.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea
There’s a reason Spago remains one of the most talked-about restaurants in Wailea after all these years. It sits within the Four Seasons, and the outdoor terrace overlooks the pool and the Pacific. On a clear evening, that view is genuinely hard to beat. We came here on our first Maui trip for a proper celebratory dinner, and it delivered: the service is attentive without hovering, the menu leans into Hawaii’s exceptional seafood while still having that California-meets-Italy flare that Puck has with other Spago locations, and the whole experience is just magic.
What to Order
- Hamachi Tostada – Always a fan of anything hamachi on a menu, but this is super good
- Bigeye Ahi Poke Cones – a fun way to eat ahi
- Maui Onion Sourdough Focaccia – big fan of focaccia, and love the Maui twist!
- Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi – Moloka’i yam purée, cabernet reduction (a Maui staple meal the Spago way)
- Seared Bigeye Tuna “Tataki” – wasabi potato purée, shiso-cucumber vinaigrette, ogo-tomato relish
- Grilled U.S.D.A. Prime New York Steak – house-made steak sauce, caramelized Maui onion, petite carrots, pohole (Max’s personal favorite)
- Thai-Style Pineapple Coconut Red Curry – Kaua’i prawn, mahi-mahi, scallop, Thai basil, lemongrass-scented jasmine rice. (my personal favorite meal, probably my top 3 on Maui altogether)
Pro Tip: Book through the Four Seasons concierge or OpenTable well in advance, especially during peak season!
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea
Ferraro’s is the other Four Seasons restaurant that has earned its place on many Maui itineraries. Ferraro’s is Italian-focused, oceanfront, open-air, with the kind of relaxed elegance that Maui does oh so well. On our second trip, we had dinner here, and it was one of those evenings where everything just works: good wine, good food, warm air, and a view of the ocean at golden hour (literally could not be more stunning). The space feels like it could exist on the Amalfi Coast and somehow also feels completely at home in Hawaii.
What to Order
If you’re going with a group or simply want to surrender the decision-making to the kitchen, the Festa di Ferraro’s is the move. It’s a family-style tasting experience featuring a selection of the chef’s signature dishes made with local ingredients (caveat: whole-table participation required, but easy to do with two people). We did this on our visit, and it was exactly the kind of meal that makes what was supposed to be a beachfront Italian dinner feel like a special occasion!
If you’re ordering à la carte:
- Tonno Tonnato – ahi prepared vitello tonnato-style, which sounds unexpected for Maui until you remember you’re surrounded by some of the best tuna in the world
- Cavatelli al Tartufo is exceptional (Max’s pick)
- Bucatini alle Vongole is delicious and lemony, and I consider vongole a non-negotiable life philosophy
- Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake – if it’s on the dessert menu, order it — it arrives shaped like a lemon, looks absurdly charming, and tastes as good as it looks
- Gavi di Gavi – a lovely, crisp white wine choice that I’d recommend time and time again
- Negroni – worth noting if your dining companion leans that direction, like Max
Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi – Wailea Beach Resort
Roy Yamaguchi is something of a Hawaii culinary icon. He’s the chef behind Roy’s, which introduced Hawaiian cuisine to the masses back in the late ’80s (yes, before I was alive). Humble Market Kitchin is his more relaxed concept with the same commitment to local ingredients and Hawaiian flavors, in a setting that’s genuinely approachable. It’s located within the Wailea Beach Resort, which means if you’re staying there (as we have done), you can wander down in a sundress and sandals and have a great meal without leaving the property. The menu is a good mix of fresh fish, shared plates, and a few dishes that lean more comforting than some of the less-casual restaurants in Wailea.
Don’t be fooled, though. Despite the casual atmosphere, the prices still compete closely with some of the other restaurants in the Wailea area. Not a deterrent, just something worth knowing going in, given that sometimes people associate a casual environment with lower prices, and that is not always the case.
What to Order
For those who stay at Wailea Beach Resort, Humble Market Kitchin is the breakfast buffet restaurant that you may have included in your stay (or pay for yourself each morning if not). Their breakfast buffet includes the typical breakfast fare with an island twist: fried rice for breakfast? Yes please! And it’s genuinely one of the better hotel breakfast buffets I’ve had.
Aside from the buffet, this is where I’d point you when it comes to the à la carte breakfast and dinner menus:
- Makahiki Omelet – yes, it’s on the buffet menu, too, but if you’re here for a one-off breakfast, it’s a delicious, simple, veggie-forward omelet with mushroom, local tomato, spinach, Maui onion (of course), and white ceddar
- Coconut Macadamia Nut Pancakes – haupia cream, toasted coconut, brúléed banana (worth ordering from their à la carte breakfast menu at least once, even if you have the buffet included with your stay… the haupia cream is beyond delicious!)
- Blackened Island Ahi – soy mustard, beurre blanc
- Charred Brussels & Cauliflower – Queso fresco, bawang crunch, cilantro aioli
- Hamachi Crudo – Hawaiian chili ponzu, green onions, takuwan (can you tell I love hamachi?)
- Wailea Kai Roll – tempura shrimp, hamachi, cucumber, sweet chili aioli
- Potato Crusted Mahi-Mahi – ali’i mushroom seafood couscous, charred carrot lobster sauce (this is so tasty)
- Crispy Garlic and Toasted Nori Crusted Island Ahi – umami potatoes, Portuguese sausage stir fry, beurre blanc
- Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib – market vegetables, honey mustard, demi-glace
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman – Wailea & Ka’anapali
Monkeypod Kitchen has a special place in my Maui heart, and it goes back further than you might expect. I first went to their Ko Olina location on Oahu with my family back when I was very much not of legal drinking age, and even then, their non-alcoholic drinks and island-focused food were good enough to make an impression. So when Max and I planned our first Maui trip, Monkeypod was already on my list with something to prove. It delivered. Both times we’ve been to Maui, it’s been our first stop off the plane, and at this point, that’s less a habit and more a ritual.
If someone asks you where to get the best mai tai on Maui, the answer, almost unanimously, is Monkeypod Kitchen. Chef Merriman is a pillar of Hawaii Cuisine, and his Maui Monkeypod locations (there are two: one in Wailea at the Shops at Wailea, one in Ka’anapali) have built a following for good reason. The mai tais are made with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made lilikoi foam (the best thing ever), and they are every bit as good as the reputation they’ve received. The food holds its own, too: farm-to-table, locally sourced, with a menu that ranges from wood-fired pizza to fresh fish to some very respectable shareables. It’s lively, it’s unpretentious, and if you go for lunch, plan to stay much longer than you originally intended.
What to Order
Please note that the menus may differ a little bit from location to location (and they have specials, cocktails, and food, worth considering):
- Monkeypod Mai Tai – kula organic silver and dark rums, lime, house-made macadamia nut orgeat^, Bols orange curacao, honey-lilikoi foam+ (the holy grail of all mai tais)
- Cabana Boy – Botanist Gin, Licor 43, pineapple, lime, honey, mint (if you want to veer from a mai tai)
- Poke Tacos – raw ahi, ginger, shoyu, cabbage, avocado cream sauce, crisp wonton shells (my favorite appetizer)
- Garlic Truffle Oil Fries – parmesan cheese, whole grain mustard aioli, monkeypod ketchup
- Maui Cattle Company Cheeseburger – Maui beef, dijon aioli, sautéed onions, fontina, vine-ripened tomatoes, butter lettuce, house-made quick pickle
- Pete’s Fish & Chips – troll-line caught fresh fish tempura style, malt vinegar aioli
- Fresh Caught Fish Tacos – chipotle mole, salsa fresca, sour cream, cilantro, cabbage, corn tortillas
- Seared Ahi Steak – fresh ahi, jalapeño mashed potatoes, sautéed bok choy, soy sesame maui onion sauce (my personal favorite and go-to order)
- Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish – macadamia nut and panko crust, Maui pineapple relish, scallion-garlic rice, sautéed bok choy, lemon beurre blanc
KOAST – Wailea Village, Wailea
KOAST is a newer addition to the Wailea dining scene and already the one generating the most conversation. Opened in 2025 by Top Chef Masters winner and James Beard Award-nominated chef Chris Cosentino, it sits on the second floor of Wailea Village with a wraparound lānai (patio) and views of Molokini Crater that make the already-delicious food feel even more special. The philosophy is whole-animal preparation, local Hawaiian ingredients, and what the team calls “simple, honest food.”
What to Order
We went for dinner, and this is what we ordered (or considered ordering):
- beet + strawberry – surfing goat cheese, shish, raspberry vinegar (some of the freshest strawberries we’ve ever eaten!)
- “maui hot” crispy calamari – black garlic ranch dressing (did not order, but looked delicious)
- grilled ahi – calamansi sage brown butter + spinach
- local line caught fish – sauce Provençal + zucchini
- rigatoni – dry aged wagyu rags + basil (Max’s other choice that he didn’t order but had good reviews)
- crispy fried potatoes – rosemary + aioli
Paia Fish Market – Paia & Kihei
Paia Fish Market is one of those places that exists on Maui the way a great taco shop exists in Southern California: it’s not fancy, the line is real, and it is absolutely worth it. The location we visited originally was in Lahaina, which was devastated in the 2023 fires, but the Paia location (on the North Shore, near the famous windsurfing beach) has been there for decades, and there’s now a Kihei location for those anchored on the south side of the island. Order at the counter, grab a table, and prepare to be perfectly happy with fresh fish and garlic shrimp on paper plates in the open air. They do have a few locations on Oahu and one on Kauai for anyone visiting those islands, too!
What to Order
Their menu skews “build your own” with market price plates, but here are my recommendations:
- Fresh Catch Plates – Mahi Mahi + sauteed in butter, garlic, wine + lemon + cajun rice (this is my order!)
- Fish & Chips – always a good choice
- Sashimi – thin slices of Ahi on a bed of cabbage + pickled ginger
- Onion Rings – a good Maui onion ring to round out the palette, always
The Birdcage – Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
The Birdcage is Hotel Wailea’s rooftop restaurant and bar, and it is genuinely one of the most beautiful places to spend an evening in Maui. Max booked it for our second trip when we went up for drinks, and the property was lush, green, and gorgeous, adults-only, boutique in scale, and so unhurried in energy. The concept is Japanese-inspired small plates and cocktails, with wraparound views of Maui’s south shore.
Oh, and did I mention parakeets? Everywhere? As a girl who’s not the biggest fan of birds, the first 10 minutes were a bit rough, but they never came up to our table and just stayed on the outer rim of the pergola.
You don’t need to stay at Hotel Wailea to dine here, and you absolutely should visit if you haven’t.
What to Order
The Japanese bites to share, a craft cocktail or two, and plan to stay for sunset. Get there early for the best seats on the lānai.
- Yabai Fries – Spicy Aioli, Furikake, Arare, Scallion (very unique flavors to accompany curly fries!)
- Hamachi Handroll – Ponzu, Furikake, Micro Shiso
- Ahi Handroll – Cilantro, Tare, Furikake
- Yuzu Whiskey Sour – Hibiki Harmony Whiskey, Kuromitsu Syrup, Yuzu, Lemon, Egg White
- Green Jay – Hendrick’s Gin, Melon Liqueur, Cucumber, Rosemary “Super” Syrup (loved this one, I had two!)
- Kaua’i Prawn Skewer – Garlic Chili, Cherry Tomatoes
Nick’s Fishmarket – Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea
Nick’s Fishmarket has been around for longer than most of its neighboring restaurants have existed. Located within the Fairmont Kea Lani, it’s a more “formal” experience than most of the Wailea dining scene — white tablecloths, candlelight, a wine list that takes itself seriously — and it remains one of the best places on the island to order fresh Hawaiian fish prepared simply and well. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner that isn’t flashy, this.is it.
What to Order
I once had Tiger Prawns that were delicious at Nick’s, but they were a special, so it likely doesn’t make the rotation often, if at all. That said, they have some great menu items:
- Kalua Pig Potstickers – Caramelized Maui Pineapple Curry (so yummy)!
- B&B Ahi – Blackened Yellowfin Tuna, Seared Rare, Sake-Mustard Beurre Blanc, Mango Papaya Avocado Relish
- Lump Crab Cake – Mango Pico de Gallo, Parmesan-Yuzu Aioli
- Potato Scaled Mahi Mahi – Asparagus, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Beurre Rouge
- Ginger-Soy Marinated Ahi – Baby Bok Choy, Wasabi Whipped Potatoes, Lemongrass Au Jus
- Coconut Panacotta – Italian Custard, Fresh Berries, Macadamia Nut Biscotti, Lilikoi Syrup
- Banana’s Foster – Sautéed Banana, Myers’ Dark Rum, Creme De Cacao, Cinnamon, Vanilla Ice Cream, Sweet Bread French Toast
Also on the List: Restaurants I Haven’t Tried Yet
A few more spots that kept coming up in conversations with people I trust, these are on my personal list for next time, because I’m definitely coming back to eat my way through this delicious island again.
- Mama’s Fish House (Paia): I have to be honest: somehow, across two Maui trips, I still haven’t made it to Mama’s. Around since 1973, in a beach house in Paia, with a menu that lists where each fish was caught and who caught it. Reservations book out weeks, sometimes months, in advance, so if you’re reading this before your trip, go book a table before you do anything else. This has been my mistake, two trips in a row, a genuine personal failure I intend to make up for next time!
- Duke’s Beach House (Ka’anapali): Sits right on the sand in Ka’anapali with an open-air dining room facing the water. On my list for the next west-side day. The hula pie (macadamia nut ice cream on an Oreo crust) is apparently non-negotiable.
- Lineage (The Shops at Wailea): Not sure how we still haven’t eaten here, given it’s right up the driveway from where we’ve stayed twice, and it’s one of the most talked-about restaurants in all of Maui.
- Gather (Wailea): A newer addition to the Wailea dining scene, locally sourced and well-reviewed. Worth keeping on the radar.
- Mala Ocean Tavern (Lahaina): A recommendation from a previous coworker. Oceanfront in Lahaina (the first to reopen post-Lahaina fires) with a menu built around local farmers and fishermen.
- Kitoko Maui (Kihei): A food truck in Kihei! Word is the poke here is exceptional. One for the list.
If You Want to Explore the Island’s Flavors
If you’re the kind of traveler who’d rather eat your way through a destination with a guide than navigate it alone, the Authentic Taste of Maui food tour is a genuinely fun way to spend a half-day. A small group format, a knowledgeable guide, and six stops hitting the kind of local spots most visitors never find on their own.
Maui has a way of making every meal feel like an occasion, even the ones on paper plates at a picnic table. That’s the magic of eating well on this island: the setting does half the work before the food even arrives. Whether you’re working your way through the Festa di Ferraro’s with a glass of Gavi di Gavi in hand or sitting down at a counter with a fish taco and no agenda whatsoever, there’s a version of a perfect Maui meal for every kind of evening. Start with the mai tais at Monkeypod, end with the lemon ricotta cheesecake at Ferraro’s, and leave a little room on the list for next time… because there will always be a next time.
Looking for where to stay between all these meals? My guide to where to stay in Maui covers the island’s best resorts and hotels, from our personal home base in Wailea to the most luxurious properties on the southwest shore.