Local Restaurants & Eateries
★ = ʻAipono Readers Choice Award Winner 2019
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
BR = Brunch N = Dinner past 9 p.m.
RR = Reservations Recommended
Average Entrée Price: $ = < $15 $$ = < $25 $$$ = < $40 $$$$ = $40+
★ Akamai Coffee Company - 1325 S. Kīhei Rd., Unit 100, Kīhei, 868-3251. Coffee and espresso done right with beans from their own farm. Coffee Shop. $
Amigo’s - 1215 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, 879-9952. Huge portions. Kid-friendly. Mexican. B, L, D. $
Bistro Molokini - Grand Wailea Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-1234. Chef Michael Young knows how to satisfy keiki as well as their parents. Organic Kurobuta pork, Hāna Bay fish and chips, and grilled mahimahi are made with fresh local ingredients. Kid-friendly. American. L, D. $$$
★ Botero Bar - Grand Wailea Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-1234. Named for the Fernando Botero sculptures that surround it, the Botero Bar offers nightly entertainment and Thirsty Thursdays—when a three-cocktail tasting is just $20. Cocktails. L, D, N. $
★ Café O’Lei - 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 891-1368. Choose from macadamia-nut-crusted chicken, seared ‘ahi tuna, tiger shrimp linguine and other favorites. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D. $$
Cheeseburger Grille and Tap Room - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8990. Hit the king crab and asparagus eggs Benedict for breakfast, head down to the beach for a swim and some sunbathing, then return for burgers and brew at this iconic restaurant. American. B, L, D. $-$$
Coconuts Fish Café - 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-9979. Fresh fish tacos, grilled fish burgers, fish and chips. Frances’s famous cabbage slaw with coconut dressing and mango salsa sets this place apart. American. L, D. $$
Cuatro - 1881 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-1110. Latin and Pacific Rim flavors mingle at this pocket-sized restaurant. Try spicy ‘ahi nachos or a “Maui-terranian” fish dressed in basil beurre blanc, salsa, and balsamic syrup. Latin/Pacific Rim. D. $$$
★ Duo - Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000. Duo reinvents the classic “surf and turf.” Japanese Kobe tenderloin (the real thing) and dry-aged rib eye are a carnivore’s delight. Choose a strong wine to match your meat’s performance. Steak/Seafood. B, D, RR. $$$$
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Deli - 2665 Wai Wai Pl., Kihei, 879-5686. Locals come here for the rice bowl topped with four types of poke: shoyu, spicy wasabi, furikake and spicy. Fresh opah fish and chips with cabbage coleslaw. Seafood, Deli. Local. L, D. $-$$
Fabiani’s Pizzeria & Bakery - 95 E. Lipoa St., Kihei, 874-0888. Lox and bagels, fresh croissants, Caprese salad with locally harvested tomatoes, thin-crust and gluten-free pizza, spaghetti with house-made pork-sausage meatballs. Italian. B, L, D. $$
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse - 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-8711. What happens to pulled pork, beef brisket and pork ribs when they’re smoked 15 hours over fragrant kiawe? Something amazing. Enjoy with sides like cornbread, chili-garlic beans, and two cabbage slaws: one sweet-tart, the other with blue cheese and apples. American. L, D, N. $-$$
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante - Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000. This poolside restaurant caters to high-class tastes, with lobster sandwiches and gourmet gelato. At night, the atmosphere transforms into an oceanfront slice of Italy. Italian. D, RR. $$$$
5 Palms Restaurant - 2960 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-2607. Watch the whales cruise by and enjoy lobster-tempura sushi and baked artichokes—half-price from 3 to 6 p.m. Breakfast is generously served until 2:30 p.m. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D. $$$
Fork & Salad - 1279 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-3675. “Eat local, eat healthy” is the mantra of chef-owners Cody, Travis and Jared. Imagine green superfoods topped with pastrami-style seared ‘ahi, baked quinoa falafel, or ginger tofu. Vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. International. L, D. $
★ Four Seasons Lobby Lounge - Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000. Impeccable service, an upscale, locally sourced menu, swank cocktails, and performances by hip, local songwriters. Pacific Rim. D, N, RR. $$$$
Gannon’s - 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr., Wailea, 875-8080. Order drinks at the Red Bar, then enjoy Chef Beverly Gannon’s fine comfort food: maple-vinaigrette-sweetened chicken salad, or venison atop rich Parmesan risotto. American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D. $$$
★ Honolulu Coffee Company - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., 875-6630. ‘Aipono’s 2019 Silver Award for Best Coffee Shop, this full-service coffee bar also offers light fare such as granola parfait with fresh fruit, bagels, and ham-and-cheese croissants. Coffee Shop B, L. $
Humble Market Kitchin - Wailea Marriott, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 879-4655. Chef Roy Yamaguchi hits it out of the ballpark with kampachi crudo, seasonal Goose Point oysters, roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, tender beef short ribs, and even saimin. Perfect. Pacific Regional. B, D. $-$$$
★ Humuhumu - Grand Wailea Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-1234. If fresh island prawns in Thai ginger, tomato broth and tapioca pearls, or brioche- and lemongrass-crusted rack of lamb doesn’t make you want to dance the hula, the tender butter lettuce, Cabot white Cheddar cheese, Asian pears, and candied macadamia nuts tossed in a mustard vinaigrette will. Pacific Rim. D. $$-$$$
★ Island Gourmet - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-5055. Sushi to go, deli sandwiches, plate lunches and much more. Pacific Rim. B, L, D. $
★ Ka‘ana Kitchen - Andaz Maui, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 573-1234. Start with grilled Wagyu hanger steak on green papaya salad, then charred octopus with local goat cheese. Next, Kona abalone on creamy risotto, or a modern interpretation of chicken and waffles. A curated wine list with sommeliers to guide you in pairings, and mixology at its finest. Asian Fusion. B, D. $$$$
Kamana Kitchen - 1881 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 879-7888. Eye-catching art and Indian relics grace the walls, a prelude to a menu highlighting exotic spices lovingly blended from family recipes. Indian. D. $-$$
★ Kihei Caffe - 1945 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-2230. Tasty, egg scrambles, house-baked pastries, fish with rice, and fresh juices lend you strength for catching waves across the street at Cove Park. Kid-friendly. American. B, L. $
★ Kō - Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-4100. Plantation Era cuisine takes the spotlight. Try the Kobe beef poke appetizer, and “On the Rock”—three mouthwatering morsels of ‘ahi served with a 300-degree lava rock for searing them to perfection. Pacific Rim. L, D. RR. $$
Lehua Lounge - Andaz Maui, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 573-1234. Cocktails created with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients like lychee, liliko‘i and Hawaiian navel oranges go hand in hand with Ka‘ana Kitchen’s award-winning menu. $
★ Lineage - 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., The Shops at Wailea, 879-8800. World-famous “flying saucers,” Simeon family pork and peas, and whimsical ochazuke toasted rice guri-guri. Chef Sheldon Simeon’s playful take on plantation cuisine will keep you coming back for more! Pacific Rim. L, D. $-$$
Local Boys Shave Ice - 1941 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei, 344-9779. How to chill out in the Islands? Slurp up a mountain of fruity shave ice served with plantation-culture-inspired add-ons like haupia (coconut) and macadamia-nut ice cream. Shave Ice. $
Longhi’s Wailea - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 891-8883. Try a crisp pinot grigio and a romaine tossed with lemon- feta vinaigrette and anchovies. Italian. B, L, D. $$$
Luana - Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 875-2210. This lobby lounge reimagines pau hana (happy hour) in lush tropical surroundings. Try the chef’s original appetizers, like the lū‘au-inspired kalua-pork flatbread with mango barbecue sauce, and lomi lomi tomato paired with ice-cold passionfruit sour ale. Pacific Rim. L, D. $-$$
Makana Market + Café - Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-4100. Healthy vegetarian fare, deli sandwiches and spectacular desserts abound at this take-out/eat-in deli. Espresso drinks, baked goods and house-made gelato, too. Try the new Juice Bar! American/Italian. B, L, D. $$
Manoli’s Pizza Company - 100 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea, 874-7499. The latest offering by Tri-Star Restaurant Group, Manoli’s believes in fresh, organic and sustainable ingredients. Order a pizza with handcrafted organic wheat or gluten-free crust, or dig into chicken scaloppini or Chef Geno’s homemade lasagna. American/Italian. L, D, N. $$
★ The Market - 10 Wailea Gateway Pl., Wailea, 879-2433. Fresh-baked bread, breakfast, salads to go, charcuterie and sandwiches like the Haole Hoagie: pepper-crusted turkey on sourdough with red-dragon cheese and cumin aioli. Coffee drinks sweetened with fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, and the cheese is made on Maui. L, D. $$
Matteo’s Osteria - 161 Wailea Ike Pl., Wailea, 879-8466. Matteo’s makes its meatball sandwich with Maui Cattle Company beef and Italian sausage, and crusts its ‘ahi with Calabrese olive tapenade. Or try the Tuscan kale-and-hemp salad with lemon- honey-mustard dressing. Italian. L, D. $$-$$$
Maui Thai Bistro - 2439 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 874-5605. Fragrant with kaffir lime leaves, the Bistro’s tom yum shrimp-fried rice just might become your favorite lunch on Maui. Or try the green-mango salad with crispy fish, then finish with house-made black sesame ice cream. Curries are made to order with freshly ground herbs and spices. Thai. L, D. $-$$
Memphis Belle Coffee House - 1794 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 868-4091. Serious coffee and fresh-baked goodies to rev you up, morning or afternoon. Healthy papaya yogurt cups, bacon-brioche donuts, and the Black Market Cronut: croissant dough with dark chocolate glaze. Coffee House, Bakery. B, L. $
★ Miso Phat Sushi - 1279 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei, 891-6476. Sushi served on-site, takeout or delivered. Sashimi platters, sushi rolls, nigiri and specialty rolls. Japanese. L, D. $$
★ Monkeypod Kitchen - 10 Wailea Gateway Pl., Wailea, 891-2322. Lunch at this Peter Merriman restaurant includes pizza, burgers, tacos and ramen. For dinner: Big Island beef rib eye with chimichurri sauce, gnocchi with pork sausage, and banana-cream pie. Hawai‘i Regional. L, D, N. $$
Morimoto Maui - Andaz Maui, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 573-1234. Iron Chef’s Masaharu Morimoto combines signature and Maui-centric dishes such as rib-eye beef burgers lobster roll sandwiches. Dinner catches fire with prix fixe omakase. Handcrafted mixology and a dazzling selection of sakés. Japanese Fusion. L, D. $$$$
Mulligans on the Blue - 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 874-1131. Maui’s only Irish-owned pub serves up fish and chips, grilled bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. Or try the chopped salad with bacon, blue cheese and tomatoes. Guinness poured properly, great music to get you foot-stompin’ happy, and sports-bar action, too. Sláinte! Irish. L, D, N. $-$$$
Nalu’s South Shore Grill - Azeka Shopping Center (mauka), 1280 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei, 891-8650. Generous portions and locally sourced ingredients served with aloha. ʻAhi club with smoked bacon, and fresh fish and (hand-cut) chips will have you coming back for more! Burgers? Yes! American/Pacific Rim. B, L, D. $-$$
Nick’s Fishmarket - Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-7224. Classic seafood dishes are served beneath a trellis of stephanotis and a sky full of stars. Woo your date with plump strawberries that are drenched in Grand Marnier and set aflame. Pacific Rim/Seafood. D, RR. $$$$
★ Nutcharee’s Thai Food - 1280 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 633-4840. The flavors of Thailand never get boring when Nutcharee is cooking! Start with ahi laab tartare salad, or the popular crispy fi sh mango salad, then dig into tender braised short ribs smothered in masaman curry. Don’t forget the spring rolls! Thai. L, D. $-$$
Ono Gelato Kīhei - Azeka Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 495-0287. You don‘t have to go to Italy to enjoy a great gelato. And how’s this for a scoop: Ono makes gelato not only in traditional flavors, but also with local tropical fruits that will have you coming back for more. Treats. $
Outback Steakhouse - 281 Pi‘ikea Ave., Kīhei, 879-8400. Personable servers, steaks and shrimp hot off the “barbie” and a menu just for “joeys” (kids) make eating an adventure at this Aussie-themed chain restaurant. Kid-friendly. Steak. L, D, N. $$
★ Pā‘ia Fish Market Restaurant - 1913 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei, 874-8888. Huge slabs of fresh fish served with coleslaw on burger buns, quesadillas, fajitas and seafood pasta . . . the same yummy menu that for years has hooked surfers and families in Pā‘ia is now in Kīhei, too. Kid-friendly. Seafood. L, D. $
Piko Cafe and Restaurant - 1215 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 793-2671. Fried rice or buttermilk pancakes for breakfast, bento lunches for the beach, plus dry mein, waffle dogs, burgers, katsu, killer salads, and a signature dessert: haupia-chia-ube pudding. Hawai‘i Regional. B, L. $
★ The Pint & Cork - 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, 727-2038. Premiere gastropub/neighborhood sports bar specializing in craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, “hard to find” whiskeys and fine wines. The chef’s menu features Hawaiian-inspired pub food. Try the BIB Burger, pork adobo moco, and spicy beef salad. International. L, D, N. $-$$
★ Pita Paradise - 34 Wailea Ike Dr., Wailea, 879-7177. Start with classic spinach tiropitas with caramelized onion, feta, mozzarella and tatziki wrapped in phyllo dough; then move on to kababs, luscious pastas and gyros. Baklava ice-cream cake, too. Mediterranean. L, D. $–$$$
Pizza Madness - 1455 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 270-9888. This family-style restaurant serves Cobb salad, hot and cold deli sandwiches with chips and a pickle, some of the best pizza this side of the Pacifi c, and pasta, too. Italian/Pizza L, D. $-$$
The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea - 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 879-2224. Produce gathered from the hotel’s gardens and fish plucked from island waters provide some of the freshest ingredients you’ll find in any restaurant. Add Chef Zach Sato’s culinary talents and a gorgeous outdoor setting, and you have a night made in heaven. European-inspired. D, N. $$-$$$$
★ Roasted Chiles - Azeka Shopping Center, 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 868-4357. Ofir and Suki Benitez share family recipes like Mama Benitez’s chicken mole, pozole verde, and langostino enchiladas blanketed with tomatillo cream sauce. Giant margaritas and fresh mixology. Mexican. L, D. $-$$
★ Ruth’s Chris Steak House - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8880. Steaks worthy of devotion, top-flight service and a superb wine list earn the chain loyal fans. This venue doesn’t stray from the flock. Several tables overlook the harbor. American. D, N. $$$$
★ Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar - 1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-0004. D.K. Kodama’s wildly popular restaurant draws lines late into the night. Small and action-packed, this classy sushi bar is the place to try a Kenny G roll (snapper with shiso and ponzu sauce) with a swig of saké. Pacific Rim/Sushi. D, N, RR. $$$
Sarento’s on the Beach - 2980 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-7555. Inspired entrèes are backed by great wines and a myriad of martini choices. And of course, there’s the romantic location—smack dab on Keawakapu Beach. Italian. B, D. RR. $-$$$
Seascape Restaurant - Maui Ocean Center, 192 S. Mā‘alaea Rd., Mā‘alaea, 270-7068. Located next to an award-winning aquarium, Seascape serves up great harbor views with a side of sweet aloha. Mahimahi sandwiches with fresh cabbage slaw, halfpound burgers and veggie selections. Save room for the Maui Mud Pie: coffee ice cream topped with fudge, on a buttery cookie-crumb crust. American. L (daily), D (Sat/Sun only). $$-$$$
South Shore Tiki Lounge - Kīhei Kalama Village, 1913 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei, 874-6444. Gourmet pizza, burgers, salads, and several vegetarian items round out this hip bar’s menu. American. L, D, N. $
Spago - Four Seasons Resort, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 874-8000. Wolfgang Puck’s ‘opakapaka sashimi and perfectly seared Kobe beef match the trendsetting wine list note for note. Spectacular sunsets may as well be on the menu. Pacific Rim. D, RR. $$$$
Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors - 91 E. Līpoa St., Kīhei, 891-2420. Head to the refrigerated section to find a huge selection of fresh ‘ahi poke prepared in Maui’s ethnic flavors of the rainbow: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Hawaiian, plus poke bowls made to order. Poke. $
Tanpopo - 1215 S. Kīhei Rd., #F, Kīhei, 446-3038. Lunch offerings include ramen, Japanese-style chicken curry, California rolls and beef burgers. Dinner goes Italian and Japanese, with pastas, flatbreads, sashimi, sushi and tempura. Japanese Fusion, L, D. $-$$$
1054 Togoshi Sushi - 95 E. Līpoa St., Kīhei, 868-0307. Chef Manabu’s twenty-five years as a sushi chef—including two years as head chef at Morimoto’s Maui—shines through in fresh sashimi and sushi. Closed Mondays and the last Tuesday of each month. Sushi. D. $-$$
Thailand Cuisine - 1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 875-0839. Gracious waitstaff welcome you with a steaming pot of vanilla tea. Sticky rice served in a woven Thai basket perfectly complements the flavorful red duck, lobster, or tofu curries. Thai. L, D. $-$$
Three’s Bar & Grill - 1945-G S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, 879-3133. Southwest, Pacific Rim, and Hawaiian flavors mingle at this eclectic bistro. Try the tasty CoCoNut Porter BBQ sauce on the kalua pork sandwich, build-your-own burger, or quesadillas. Pupu served till midnight. Pacific Rim, Southwest. L, D, N. $$
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, 875-9983. Who guessed a clothing company could deliver mean pork sandwiches and Caribbean-inspired libations? Caribbean/Pacific Rim. L, D, N. $-$$
Trilogy Excursions’ Sunset Dinner Sail - Ma‘alaea Harbor, 661-4743. Board a luxury catamaran for Chef Bailey’s four-course dinner. Choose a rosemary-garlic-crusted steak on roasted garlic demi-glace, wild-caught mahimahi with lemon caper butter, or vegetarian pasta. Open bar with cocktails, Maui Brewery and wine selections. American. D. RR. $$$$
★ Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice - 61 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei. Homemade tropical-flavored syrups like liliko‘i and coconut set this shave-ice business apart. Kid-friendly. $
https://www.mauimagazine.net/maui-dining-guide/south-maui-dining/