20 of the Absolute Best Lahaina Restaurants You Have to Check Out

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Wondering where you can find the best restaurants in Lahaina?

After your adventure of Maui snorkeling or surfing in Maui, you’ll have worked up an appetite! I was shocked how many options there were for restaurants in Lahaina and all the amazing options there were for casual dining.

Daniel and I had some pretty incredible meals on Front Street, and you won’t be disappointed by what you can find in the area. After exploring the things to do in Maui, make sure to head to these spots!

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The best restaurants in Lahaina you need to check out

Here are some of the best restaurants in Lahaina that you are going to want to make sure to visit.

1. Lahaina Grill

127 Lahainaluna Road

+1 808 667-5117

If there’s one establishment that deserves the title of best restaurant in Lahaina, it would be Lahaina Grill. Winner of several notable awards, including TripAdvisor’s 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Fine Dining in the U.S., Lahaina is a popular upscale establishment that offers a variety of contemporary Hawaiian dishes.

From Ahi Poke to Maui Onion Soup, Kona Coffee Roasted Lamb, and Sautéed Local Mahi-Mahi, you can find just about everything here. Open for dinner only, Lahaina Grill is located within the historic Lahaina Inn, which is situated in the heart of downtown Maui. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, as this restaurant does fill up quickly!

Best for:

✅ Hawaiian

✅ Historic

✅ Dinner

2. Lahaina Fish Co

831 Front Street

+1 808 661-3472

Offering stunning ocean views and incredibly delicious, fresh seafood, Lahaina Fish Co is one of the best places to eat in Lahaina. Located along the waterfront, mere steps away from Maui’s harbor, this restaurant provides some of the freshest seafood you can find, with much of it sourced directly from local fishermen.

Popular dishes here include Ahi Steaks, Fresh Island Sashimi, Mahi Mahi Sandwiches, and the award-winning Seafood Lau Lau. In addition to this, the restaurant is also known for its open-air seating, which offers 180-degree views of the ocean. Open for lunch and dinner, Lahaina Fish Co is a must for any visitor to Maui.

Best for:

✅ Seafood

✅ Views

✅ Location

3. Mala Ocean Tavern

1307 Front Street

+1 808 667-9394

There are several Lahaina restaurants to choose from, but few offer the outdoor dining experience you’ll find at Mala Ocean Tavern. Located directly on the beach, this popular restaurant and bar has several dining options to choose from, including grassy beach-side seating, open-air porch dining, and indoor seating with direct views of the ocean.

In addition to this, the tavern is well-known for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine, which features favorites such as Huli Huli Chicken, Mala Signature Seared Ahi, and Pan Fried Mahi Mahi. Open for brunch and dinner, Māla Tavern is undoubtedly one of the best waterfront restaurants in Lahaina, Maui.

Best for:

✅ Hawaiian

✅ Views

✅ Several dining options

4. Fleetwood’s on Front St.

744 Front Street

+1 808 669-6425

Owned and operated by rock and roll icon Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Fleetwood’s on Front St. is, without a doubt, one of the liveliest restaurants in Lahaina. Here you’ll find Hawaiian-inspired American cuisine, live music, and an abundance of rock and roll memorabilia.

In addition to this, the restaurant is home to Lahaina’s only rooftop deck, from which you can catch incredible views of the sun as it sets over the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the heart of town, Fleetwood’s on Front St. is one of the most popular and well-known Lahaina restaurants. Given this, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dinner hours.

Best for:

✅ Hawaiian

✅ Music fans

✅ Rooftop deck

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5. Gazebo Restaurant

5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road

+1 808 669-5621

Set within a beautiful gazebo located mere steps away from the shore, the Gazebo Restaurant is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque Lahaina restaurants. Known for its delectable breakfast offerings, this unique establishment is frequented by both locals and visitors alike, many of whom line up before the doors even open.

Given this, you can expect to encounter a wait here, but don’t worry, it’s well worth it, especially once you catch a glimpse of the menu. From Macadamia Nut Pancakes to Big Kahuna Omelettes and Loaded Breakfast Burritos, it’s easy to see why the Gazebo is one of the best restaurants near Lahaina.

Best for:

✅ Breakfast

✅ Local favorite

✅ Location

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6. Cool Cat Cafe

658 Front Street #160

+1 808 667-0908

Voted “Best Burger on Maui” five years in a row, the Cool Cat Cafe is the ultimate destination for classic American cuisine. Here you’ll find a family-style diner decked out in retro 50’s decor, complete with bright red booths and black and white checkered flooring. Open for lunch and dinner, this themed establishment offers a variety of diner favorites, including great burgers, fries, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Situated in the heart of Maui, Cool Cat Cafe is a casual, laid-back, family establishment that never fails to deliver. Given its atmosphere and decor, it’s certainly one of the most unique Lahaina restaurants.

Best for:

✅ Burgers

✅ Lunch

✅ Diner

7. Kimo’s Maui

845 Front Street, Suite A

+1 808 661-4811

Offering open-air dining, incredible ocean views, tropical craft cocktails, and unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, Kimo’s Maui is considered by many to be one of the best places to eat in Lahaina. Located directly on the waterfront, this trendy restaurant and bar is home to an extensive menu that includes popular items such as Koloa Pork Ribs, Sesame Crusted Ahi, and Baked “Kimo’s Style” Fish.

The dessert here is also worth noting, as the restaurant serves their most famous dish, Hula Pie, a cookie-crusted pie filled with macadamia nut ice cream. Open for lunch and dinner, Kimo’s Maui is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Best for:

✅ Cocktails

✅ Dessert

✅ Lunch

8. Down the Hatch

658 Front Street # 102

+1 808 661-4900

Delicious seafood, live music, and a well-stocked bar–Down the Hatch offers all of this and more. Located in downtown Lahaina, this lively establishment is known for its energetic atmosphere, upbeat entertainment, and fresh local fare. Popular dishes here include a variety of seafood, such as fish tacos, poke bowls, grilled fish, and fish sandwiches.

It’s even possible to have your own fresh fish cooked up here. Simply bring it on ice and let the chefs work their magic. Between the delectable menu, daily happy hours, and live music (that’s available all day long, even during breakfast), it seems fair to say that Down the Hatch is one of the best restaurants in Lahaina.

Best for:

✅ Fish tacos

✅ Live music

✅ Seafood

9. Honu Oceanside

1295 Front Street

+1 808 667-9390

Situated mere steps away from the beach, Honu Oceanside is a contender for the best Maui restaurant for those in search of a delicious meal with a view. Offering outdoor patio dining with incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean, this fine-dining restaurant is as scenic as it is delicious.

On the menu here, you’ll find several seafood favorites, including Ahi Poke, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Seafood Scampi, and Dungeness Crab Cakes. In addition to this, there are also a number of classic American options, such as pizza, burgers, and steak. Open for lunch and dinner, Honu Oceanside is conveniently located in downtown Lahaina.

Best for:

✅ Views

✅ Location

✅ Outdoor dining

10. Sale Pepe

878 Front Street, Units 7 & 8

+1 808 667-7667

Sale Pepe Restaurant is a highly-rated Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Lahaina. Known for its authentic cuisine, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, the establishment is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. On the menu here, you can expect to find a wide variety of house-made pasta such as seafood linguine, wood-fired pizza, and seafood options, as well as a selection of delectable appetizers.

Meanwhile, their drink list features an extensive offering of fine wines and spirits. Open for dinner only, Sale Pepe is one of the most popular Italian restaurants near Lahaina, HI, as such reservations are recommended.

Best for:

✅ Italian

✅ Wine

✅ Homemade pasta

11. Paia Fish Market Front Street Restaurant

632 Front Street

+1 808 662-3456

Known for its incredibly delicious seafood, Paia Fish Market Front Street Restaurant serves up some of the best food in Lahaina. Open for lunch and dinner, this popular dining establishment offers a variety of freshly caught fish and seafood on its menu, as well as a limited selection of chicken and burgers.

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Paia Fish Market is usually quite crowded at any time of the day. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted here, so you should come prepared for a wait.

Best for:

✅ Casual

✅ Local favorite

✅ Seafood

12. 808 Grindz Cafe

843 Waine’e Street

+1 808 868-4147

If you’re in search of Lahaina, Hawaii restaurants that offer homemade Hawaiian-inspired breakfast, then you should consider adding 808 Grindz Cafe to your itinerary. Open for breakfast and lunch, this casual, laid-back cafe serves up a variety of Hawaiian favorites, including Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Kalua-Pork Hash, Seafood Omelettes, as well as a variety of Loco Moco combinations.

They even offer a plethora of local coffee options made with Kona Coffee and Hawaiian-flavored syrups, such as macadamia nut, coconut, and hazelnut. Located in downtown Lahaina, 808 Grindz Cafe may appear to be small and unassuming, but in reality, it offers some of the best Hawaiian food in town.

Best for:

✅ Hawaiian

✅ Coffee

✅ Breakfast

13. Honokowai Okazuya and Deli

3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Suite D

+1 808 665-0512

Honokowai Okazuya and Deli is one of the best restaurants in Lahaina for classic, no-frills Asian and Hawaiian cuisine. Here you’ll find everything from Japanese Chicken Katsu to Korean Style Chicken BBQ, Loco Moco, and Blackened Seared Ahi.

The deli itself is located in a small space with limited seating available, so many people opt to order take-out. Despite this, it’s still a very popular restaurant among locals and visitors alike, so much so that it’s common for there to be a wait, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours.

Best for:

✅ Asian

✅ Local favorite

✅ Take-out

14. Star Noodle

1285 Front Street

+1 808 667-5400

Known for its unique Asian-fusion cuisine and ocean views, Star Noodle is one of the best restaurants on Maui. Here you’ll find a menu that features a variety of Asian-inspired noodle dishes, as well as shared plates and entrees. Some of the most popular dishes include Pad Thai, Star Udon, Hapa Raman, Steamed Pork Buns, Vietnamese Crepes, and Adobo Ribs.

In addition to this, the restaurant offers a variety of Asian-inspired cocktails alongside a selection of sake, beer, and wine. Open for lunch and dinner, Star Noodle is a very popular destination for locals and visitors alike, so reservations are highly recommended.

Best for:

✅ Asian

✅ Views

✅ Cocktails

15. Waikiki Brewing Company

900 Front Street

+1 808 856-0036

The Waikiki Brewing Company is undoubtedly one of the most well-known breweries in Hawaii–and they just so happen to maintain a location in Maui. Located in downtown Lahaina, Waikiki Brewing Company offers ocean views, Hawaiian-inspired bar bites, and, of course, delicious local craft beers. The beer here encompasses a wide variety of options, including IPAs, stouts, pilsners, blonde ales, and porters.

They even offer a selection of beer cocktails and ordinary craft cocktails, as well as wine. Meanwhile, their great food menu features favorites such as Smoked Ahi Dip, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Grilled Mahi Mahi, and Pineapple Pork Belly Fried Rice. Open for brunch and lunch, this local brewery is one of the best options for beer lovers and enthusiasts alike.

Best for:

✅ Pub food

✅ Beers

✅ Brunch

16. Pacific’o on the Beach

505 Front Street, Suite 114

+1 808 667-4341

Many Lahaina restaurants offer local farm-to-table meals, but Pacific’o on the Beach is one of the few to source their ingredients from their very own farm. Situated about 25 miles from Pacific’o lies O’o Farm, where a majority of the restaurant’s produce is grown. Given this, it should come as no surprise to hear that Pacific’o offers some of the freshest food in West Maui.

With a focus on providing Hawaiian-inspired fine dining, the restaurant serves up everything from Local Style Poke to Mahi-mahi Wellington, Grilled Fish “Mai Tai,” and Wagyu Beef Short Ribs. Open for dinner only, the restaurant is located close to the beach and offers an intimate, romantic setting.

Best for:

✅ Healthy

✅ Locally-sourced

✅ Brunch

17. Hungry Coyote

840 Waine’e Street

+1 808 793-0909

Family-owned and operated, the Hungry Coyote is a Hawaiian-inspired Mexican restaurant known for its rustic, laid-back atmosphere, nightly entertainment, and BYOB margaritas. Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, this casual eatery serves up a variety of local favorites, including fish and shrimp tacos, seafood enchiladas, and “Maui Surf & Turf” plates.

Located in the Lahaina Square Shopping Center, the Hungry Coyote is one of the best Lahaina restaurants for those in search of a bite to eat after a day of hiking in Haleakala.

Best for:

✅ Mexican

✅ Casual

✅ Margaritas

18. Sunrise Cafe

693 Front Street

+1 808 661-8558

Open for breakfast and brunch, the Sunrise Cafe is a casual, laid-back restaurant that offers a mix of American and Hawaiian cuisines. Family-owned and operated, the cafe is known for its friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and affordable menu offerings.

Here you can expect to find a wide variety of meal options, including pancakes, waffles, loco moco, chicken wings, salads, and sandwiches. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the Sunrise Cafe is one of the best Lahaina restaurants for brunch.

Best for:

✅ Brunch

✅ Families

✅ Brunch

19. Betty’s Beach Cafe

505 Front Street, Apartment 120

+1 808 662-0300

Located mere steps away from the ocean, Betty’s Beach Cafe is a popular restaurant known for its beachy setting, outdoor seating, friendly service, and delectable menu. Open for brunch and dinner, the cafe serves a mix of Hawaiian and American cuisines alongside an extensive list of tropical cocktails.

Here you can expect to find everything from pancakes to french toast, loco moco, burgers, salads, sandwiches, tacos, as well as seafood. The cafe also offers a daily happy hour that features a small selection of cocktails and appetizers.

Best for:

✅ Outdoor seating

✅ Happy hour

✅ Location

20. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

790 Front Street

+1 808 877-3700

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice serves refreshing, fluffy shave ice that delicately melts in your mouth, topped with exotic, house-made syrups crafted from fresh local ingredients. This charming and vibrant establishment offers an authentic Hawaiian experience, delighting locals and tourists alike. It’s not just a dessert stop, but a tropical getaway in each visit, embodying the Aloha spirit with its friendly staff and relaxed ambiance.

Best for:

✅ Dessert

✅ Families

✅ Local favorite

Where to stay in Lahaina

Here are some of my recommended Lahaina hotels to stay at on your Maui itinerary!

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⭐BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: TIKI BEACH HOSTEL⭐

⭐BEST FOR COUPLES: THE KULANI MAUI⭐

⭐BEST FOR FAMILIES: ROYAL LAHAINA RESORT AND BUNGALOWS⭐

⭐BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: SHERATON MAUI RESORT AND SPA⭐

⭐BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: KA’ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL⭐

⭐BEST AIRBNB: MAUI SANDS⭐

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Conclusion: best restaurants in Lahaina

No matter what you are in the mood for, these restaurants in Lahaina are perfect for your time in West Maui. Make sure that you take advantage of the delicious fish that you can find in the Hawaiian Islands, and gear your taste buds up for some excellent food.

Have you ever tried any of these Lahaina restaurants? Let me know in the comments!

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