Dining on Maui
What are the Best Places to Eat on Maui?
“Where do you recommend we eat?” is one of the most asked questions from our guests. Undoubtedly, we have our local favorites, but at the same time, our local favorites might not fit your taste buds or the atmosphere you expect on vacation. So, we’ll start with some suggestions and then list some of the restaurants we frequent in the immediate vicinity. We will certainly offer our favorites in other regions of Maui as well.
Stopping at a grocery store to pick-up a few items before your arrival at our Inn may make some sense. Know first that we do provide juice for breakfast and our municipal water is great water to drink. From the airport (hwy #32) is a Safeway Store on your left as you enter Wailuku Town. From Lahaina/Kihei way (hwy #30) is a Foodland Store on your right as you enter Wailuku Town.
Mama's Fish House is The World Favorite
Maui Dining Establishment
Mama’s Fish House is available to book up to 18 months in advance, so if you are considering eating there, book early.
Visit their website at
Wailuku Restaurants
Fuego’s Argentinean Steakhouse
At The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf club will bring you the new old world that only Argentina can produce. Fuego is Spanish for the wood fire that sears yor steak to a just perfect char. Just the right amount. It is also a slang term for chic, trendy, socially hot. Pablo moved to Maui with a dream that his children now share in providing you with a family atmosphere and the perfect steak and foods of Argentina. There is nothing else like it on Maui and it is just a few short miles from Iao Alley Inn.
Visit the website: https://fuegosteakhousemaui.com/
Gianotto’s Pizza:
Just North East of Iao Valley Inn. It is the only restaurant that delivers to the Inn and has free delivery if you spend more than $35.00. Directions: downhill from Iao Valley till you reach the traffic lights on High St. Continue past Church St. Gianatto’s is there on your left. Park wherever you can, It’s Wailuku. Pizzas, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads and great desserts too. The Tiramisu is well worth it and some of the best on island. Gianatto’s has inside and outdoor eating.
Visit the website: https://giannottos.com/
The Empanada Lady:
“Where the Caribbean meets Maui” is a little hard to find but has such a unique presentation and atmosphere, it is a must visit in Wailuku. Fish, chicken, pork, and beef dishes from Jamaican, Cuban, Dominican and Caribbean culture. Very reasonably priced and a lot of food, The Empanada Lady will easily slake your appetite with good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Visit the Website: https://www.theempanadaladymaui.com/
Wailuku Coffee Company
Great place for a morning pick-me-up. Coffee drinks and an assortment of wraps and sandwiches in a charming setting on Wailuku’s Market Street. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Visit the website: https://wailukucoffeeco.com
A Saigon Cafe:
If you want a fun place to eat, this is it, thanks to the joking waiters. Since 1993 A Saigon Cafe has served mainly healthy Vietnamese food. Just down the road off Main Street Wailuku, A Saigon Cafe is friendly, fun, healthy and delicious.
Visit the website: https://asaigoncafe.com
CAFE O’LEI
(at the Maui Tropical Plantation)
One of the newer restaurants on Maui, CAFE O’LEI at the Plantation is the child of many CAFE O’LEI’s prior. This locally owned chain has a lot of experience on Maui, always serving fresh local food. It has had several restaurants around the island and there is still one in Kihei as well .
Visit the website: https://www.cafeoleirestaurants.com/cafe-olei-plantation/
Kahului Restaurants
Kaahului Restaurants
Bistro Casonova with an upbeat bar atmosphere certainly complements the fine Italian food they offer. It also offers outside dining.
Visit the website: https://bistrocasanova.com
My Thai Mau is an authentic Thai with Pad Tai, Assorted Fried Rices, curries, noodles, rolls and more. On the way here from the airport at 230 Hana Hwy. Try pineapple fried rice!
Visit the website: https://mythaimaui.com
Ale House is a Sports Bar atmosphere with comfort food and occasional music.
Visit the website: http://www.alehouse.net
Kihei Restaurants
Da Kitchen, What locals and visitors like is the “huge” plates of food for reasonable prices. No alcohol.
Visit the website: https://www.dakitchenkihei.com/
Nalu’s South Shore is an open air grill and bar that bustles with activity. Serving breakfast until 11AM and lunch through 9PM with live music every night. Ono Local and pacific cuisine.
Visit the website: https://naluskihei.com/
Maʻalaea Restaurants
Tante’s Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar is an upscale seafood restaurant serving local fresh market seafood and locally grown vegetables. With lunch, dinner, sushi menus and daily happy hour.
Visit the website: https://tantemaalaea.com/
Ma’alaea General Store where you can make a quick stop for deli snacks and drinks for your travels to and from West Maui.
Visit the website: http://maalaeastore.com
