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Ka'anapali:
Amidst the five-star hotels and designer boutiques of this famous resort, one can find any number of fabulous restaurants. Most of them fall a bit short of world-class gastronomically, choosing to offer ambiance and affordable prices in lieu of top-tier culinary masterpieces. Old favorites such as Leilani's on the Beach and Reilley's Steaks & Seafood feature live music, drink specials and amazing views. The lovely Hula Grill can't be beat for ambiance—and the fresh seafood wins local awards, if not international ones.
WEST MAUI:
Kahana, Kapalua, Napili: Further along the coast the emphasis shifts from pleasing hungry crowds to pleasing educated palates. The area's gourmet restaurants include Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill, the Maui Brewing Company Fish & Game Rotisserie and Erik's Seafood Grotto. Make a trip to one of the finest restaurants in the state of Hawai'i, the Plantation House located in isolated Kapalua.
Lahaina: Lahaina Town is Maui's undisputed dining and drinking hot spot. All the best places are within a mile of each other, meaning if one place isn't working, it's easy to walk to another. Upscale restaurants range from first-class French, served at Gerards Restaurant, to the cutting-edge Pacific Rim creations found at David Paul's Lahaina Grill or I'o. The Feast At Lele, presented on the beach outside Pacific'O, wins awards for the best cuisine and entertainment in Maui. For exotic Asian cuisine, try Bamboo Cafe. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse serves a great steak every time, while Longhi's Restaurant lobster is simply to die for.
While not advertised as much, inexpensive options abound. At least once, it is absolutely crucial to try an authentic local-style plate lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate. Lahaina Coolers, a block down from Front Street, is popular with locals because of its food and its atmosphere. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a boisterous Front Street experience, as is Moose McGillycuddy's. Each one of these places features live music most nights, and turns from a daytime restaurant to an after-hours bar.
SOUTH MAUI
Kihei: Dining options in Kihei range from five-star to five-dollar. Roy Yamaguchi's Roy's - Kihei is causing people to head over to Pi'ilani Villages in droves. Mid-range restaurants abound on South Kihei, ranging from Spices at the Maui Coast Hotel to Margarita's Beach Cantina, which is actually in North Kihei. People who are trying to eat cheap on Maui won't find a better place than Kihei. Tasty and inexpensive meals can be enjoyed at Kihei Caffe, Maui Tacos and Alexander's Fish, Chicken & Ribs. The Coffee Store—Azeka Place is a great place for a chilly espresso drink any time of day.
In terms of nightlife, the local vote goes to Hapa's Brew Haus, where each night brings a different theme. Kai Ku Ono has a very pleasant bar scene that caters to a slightly more sophisticated crowd.
Wailea: The South Side equivalent of Ka'anapali boasts a wealth of fine dining options—and very little else. All of the hotels have at least two gourmet restaurants; some have more. Standouts include Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at the Grand Wailea, Nick's Fishmarket Maui in the Kea Lani, and for buffet dining, the Palm Court at the Renaissance Wailea. For Sunday Brunch, the Maui Prince puts on a fabulous spread.
CENTRAL MAUI
Kahului: It's not always easy to figure out where to eat in Kahului. The town is spread out, and except for the two major malls, restaurants aren't in any one location. Probably the best known restaurant in Kahului is Marco's Grill & Deli, followed by Koho—the quintessential family restaurant.
Wailuku: Surprisingly, though Wailuku is as local and un-beautiful of a town as Kahului, it has a number of excellent restaurants, mostly ethnic. If you can find your way to either A Taste of Saigon or Saigon Cafe, you won't be disappointed. Saeng's Thai Cuisine is delicious and inexpensive, not to mention central.
Ma'alaea: The restaurants of Ma'alaea are developing a reputation among savvy tourists and affluent locals. Buzz's Wharf is famous for its enormous, sweet Tahitian prawns and award-winning crème brulee. The Waterfront is harder to find, but has earned rave reviews for its fresh fish, which are caught fresh daily and prepared nine different ways.
Pa'ia: Health food nuts should make Pa'ia their first, last and only stop for dining. Whether you're enjoying enormous breakfasts at Charley's or perhaps packing a picnic lunch at—where else? Picnic's—you're sure to get something delicious, fresh and healthful.
Just outside of Pa'ia one will find a true Maui legend, and a must-visit for any self-respecting gourmand. This is Mama's Fish House. The cuisine, ambiance and service are legendary, and deservedly so.
UPCOUNTRY
Makawao, Kula, Pukalani: There are only a few destination restaurants in rural Upcountry Maui. En route to Haleakala you'll find the Hali'imaile General Store and the Kula Lodge Restaurant. In Makawao Town, there's only one place to go for night time entertainment: the famous Casanova Italian Restaurant & Deli. If it's more of a peaceful occasion, make reservations at the Makawao Steak House. And anyone who makes the two-hour journey to Hana and wants a fine meal should definitely try the Hana Ranch Restaurant.
Dining in Maui is only as much of a science as you make it. If you're just looking for a good time, a quick bite, or a pretty meal, trust your own judgment.
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