Local Favorites in Kihei and Wailea

On Maui there are way too many restaurants to list, so we have just included some favorites of guests and locals alike. Click the underlined links for more information. Listed from North Kihei to Wailea. 
 
Isana Restaurant: A North Kihei local favorite. Fisherman-owned relaxed Japanese restaurant featuring freshly caught local fish, sushi & island cuisine. They have a great happy hour, but it does get crowded.
 
Monsoon Bar & Grill: One of the few oceanfront restaurants in Kihei. Indian food with a great view.
 
Nalu’s South Shore Grill: Casual and relaxed tropical vibe with excellent local food and other favorites. In the Azeka Shopping Center on the Makai side. Live music most evenings.
 
Miso Phat Sushi: Another local favorite. Small, so there can be long waits. In the Azeka Shopping Center on the Makau side.
 
Maui Brewing Company: Visit the flagship location of Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. It features expansive outdoor garden seating, an open-air interior, and a family-friendly vibe. Eat at their full-service bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating or at the beer garden with games for the whole family.
 
Fabiani’s Bakery & Pizzeria: A family-run restaurant serving homemade Italian dishes & baked goods in a cozy, casual setting.
 
Pizza Madness: Good pizza, kid-friendly, and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite game.

Cool Cat Cafe: Cool Cat Cafe from Lahaina is now in Kihei! Maui’s favorite old-time 50’s Diner. Home of the best burger on Maui!
 
Three’s Bar & Grill: In Kalama Village. An excellent place to go for dinner or happy hour. Relaxed Hawaiian, Southwestern & Pacific Rim fusion fare. Live music.
 
Kihei Café: This is the best breakfast spot in Kihei. There are two locations! One in Maui Coast Hotel and one is across from Kalama Park. There are long lines between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Get there early or go later on if you don’t want to wait. 
 
Koiso Sushi Bar: Called the best sushi on Maui! It’s very small—only seats 12, and reservations must be made in advance. It’s not a place for kids. Serious sushi lovers only! Located in Dolphin Plaza.
 
Café O’lei: Excellent sushi, seafood, and a favorite dinner place of locals. In the Rainbow Mall on the second floor.
 
Maui Thai Bistro: Best Thai food in Kihei. In the Rainbow Mall on the back left side.
 
Fred’s Mexican Cafe: A touristy place with casual Mexican food and a fun atmosphere. But they have great sunset views. It’s located right across from Kamaole Beach II, where people gather to watch the sunset. Gets very crowded for dinner, especially on Taco Tuesdays.
 
Penny’s Pizza: Right behind Fred’s. Less crowded than other places. They have tasty brick oven pizza and pasta dishes.
 
Monkeypod: In Wailea. Great for dinner. A favorite of locals and visitors alike. Upscale casual but fun vibe. Great drink menu. Live music.

OAO Sushi: Local seafood and sushi favorite. They have an awesome happy hour.

Mateo’s Osteria: Great Italian food in a little hidden location in Wailea.
 
DUO Steak & Seafood: In Wailea. Upscale dining at the Four Seasons Resort in a beautiful setting.
 
Ko Restaurant: In Wailea. Maui’s Restaurant of the Year winner for 2022! An upscale eatery inspired by the vast collection of ethnicities brought together during Maui’s sugarcane plantation era. Located in the Fairmont Kea Lani.
 
Nick’s Fishmarket: In Wailea. It’s considered one of the finest seafood restaurants in Maui. Also located in the Fairmont Kea Lani.
 
Gather on Maui: In Wailea. Upscale open-air restaurant serving Hawaiian food on the Wailea Golf course with sweeping ocean views.