ONO GRINDS (DELICIOUS FOOD)
Some of our favorite restaurants from around the island.
The fish tacos and calamari are excellent. Enjoy your tacos with a variety of local beers.
191 locals recommend
Coconut's Fish Cafe
1279 S Kihei RdThe fish tacos and calamari are excellent. Enjoy your tacos with a variety of local beers.
Local favorites with a twist!
Chicken & Waffles are a top choice
Crab Benedict is off the menu but they normally have it avail. If you see a line to enter that's normal. In our experience the wait wasn't more than 30 minutes.
151 locals recommend
Nalu's South Shore Grill
1280 S Kihei RdLocal favorites with a twist!
Chicken & Waffles are a top choice
Crab Benedict is off the menu but they normally have it avail. If you see a line to enter that's normal. In our experience the wait wasn't more than 30 minutes.
Extremely Fresh Sushi. The Udon and Saimin are very tasty too!
Be prepared to wait, very busy and only one authentic and amazing sushi Chef Watanabe. I would recommend making a reservation.
8 locals recommend
Sushi Paradise
1215 S Kihei RdExtremely Fresh Sushi. The Udon and Saimin are very tasty too!
Be prepared to wait, very busy and only one authentic and amazing sushi Chef Watanabe. I would recommend making a reservation.
Shaved Ice with all of the toppings and flavors that you can imagine. Be ready to wait in line but definitely worth the wait!
Mandi's regular order - ube or green tea + coconut + Haupia snow cap + toasted coconut+ mochi = it's like a meal!
76 locals recommend
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
61 S Kihei RdShaved Ice with all of the toppings and flavors that you can imagine. Be ready to wait in line but definitely worth the wait!
Mandi's regular order - ube or green tea + coconut + Haupia snow cap + toasted coconut+ mochi = it's like a meal!
As fresh as you can get, great ambiance on the North Shore.
Make sure to make a reservation way in advance $$$$
355 locals recommend
Mama's Fish House
799 Poho PlAs fresh as you can get, great ambiance on the North Shore.
Make sure to make a reservation way in advance $$$$
Upcountry Bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great variety of choices.
52 locals recommend
Kula Bistro
4566 Lower Kula RdUpcountry Bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great variety of choices.
Hip and busy restaurant and happy hour favorite. Be sure to try their seasonal pies and mai tai with lilikoi foam.
241 locals recommend
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
10 Wailea Gateway PlHip and busy restaurant and happy hour favorite. Be sure to try their seasonal pies and mai tai with lilikoi foam.
Authentic Thai cuisine with ample seating. Our go-to dine out in Kihei.
Family favorites - fried mahi app w/green mango salad, panang curry w/shortrib, drunken noodles and we like ours medium spice but we love spicy food so beware that it can be much for some - in that case ask for mild.
35 locals recommend
Maui Thai Bistro
2439 S Kihei RdAuthentic Thai cuisine with ample seating. Our go-to dine out in Kihei.
Family favorites - fried mahi app w/green mango salad, panang curry w/shortrib, drunken noodles and we like ours medium spice but we love spicy food so beware that it can be much for some - in that case ask for mild.
Kaohu Store
1833 Kaohu StFreshest poke on the island. Local mom and pop store.
Best Mexican food in Lahaina! Right next to the ocean.
Tip - if you love super extra spicy ask for their mango habanero sauce. It's really hot and a little goes a long way, but so yummy!!
30 locals recommend
Frida's Beach House
1287 Front StBest Mexican food in Lahaina! Right next to the ocean.
Tip - if you love super extra spicy ask for their mango habanero sauce. It's really hot and a little goes a long way, but so yummy!!
Love this restaurant for special occasions since it's quite costly located in the Andaz Hotel in Wailea. Breakfast buffet also has a nice spread $$$$
13 locals recommend
Ka'Ana Kitchen
3550 Wailea Alanui DrLove this restaurant for special occasions since it's quite costly located in the Andaz Hotel in Wailea. Breakfast buffet also has a nice spread $$$$
Everyone likes to try this place since the famous Chef Sheldon Simeon is the owner. It's take out only. Mochiko chicken and poke bowls are popular.
31 locals recommend
Tin Roof
360 Papa PlEveryone likes to try this place since the famous Chef Sheldon Simeon is the owner. It's take out only. Mochiko chicken and poke bowls are popular.
Hands down the best mochi. Most popular is peanut butter and chocolate. Most times they sell out before lunch hour so you might want to call ahead. If you have social media check their page beforehand as they usual update their open hours status.
Maui Specialty Chocolates
180 E Wakea AveHands down the best mochi. Most popular is peanut butter and chocolate. Most times they sell out before lunch hour so you might want to call ahead. If you have social media check their page beforehand as they usual update their open hours status.
Generational mom and pops ice cream shop with strawberry and pineapple flavors. Prices are ridiculously cheap per scoop. Iconic store located in Maui Mall.
Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
70 E Kaahumanu AveGenerational mom and pops ice cream shop with strawberry and pineapple flavors. Prices are ridiculously cheap per scoop. Iconic store located in Maui Mall.
Pizza Madness Maui
1455 S Kihei RdGreat atmosphere and ice cold beers on tap.
Great sushi happy hour right near the condo! Call them to check on happy hour and reservations. It can get really crowded.
28 locals recommend
Isana
515 S Kihei RdGreat sushi happy hour right near the condo! Call them to check on happy hour and reservations. It can get really crowded.
Try everything here! They have amazing food and the owner normally catches fresh fish daily.
44 locals recommend
Pita Paradise
34 Wailea Ike DrTry everything here! They have amazing food and the owner normally catches fresh fish daily.
This place has such a great vibe and food. Their pizzas, meatballs, and olive oil gelato are all fantastic! I have yet to try the rest of their menu but can bet it's all fresh and yummy.
Restaurant Marlow
30 Kupaoa StreetThis place has such a great vibe and food. Their pizzas, meatballs, and olive oil gelato are all fantastic! I have yet to try the rest of their menu but can bet it's all fresh and yummy.
Very yummy Thai food and similar to Maui Thai Bistro. It's hard to pick a favorite. They draw a regular lunch crowd.
31 locals recommend
Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food
1280 S Kihei RdVery yummy Thai food and similar to Maui Thai Bistro. It's hard to pick a favorite. They draw a regular lunch crowd.
Local food with a variety of selection. Priced right and some of their popular orders - fish special, Caesar salad, French onion soup, lettuce wraps, and sushi is served here too.
241 locals recommend
Cafe O'Lei Kihei
2439 S Kihei RdLocal food with a variety of selection. Priced right and some of their popular orders - fish special, Caesar salad, French onion soup, lettuce wraps, and sushi is served here too.
This is such a special treat! Book early and have high expectations met! The owner, staff, and food are 5 stars $$$$
46 locals recommend
Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna RdThis is such a special treat! Book early and have high expectations met! The owner, staff, and food are 5 stars $$$$
Gina and Josh are the owners of this cute wrap shop. They have the best sweets, don't forget to grab it with some of their sides like chips and homemade salsa. All of the wraps are made by Gina who is an amazing human! Tell her I said hello. Do check her social media or call for hours of operation as that can change.
8 locals recommend
That's A Wrap Maui
2395 S Kihei RdGina and Josh are the owners of this cute wrap shop. They have the best sweets, don't forget to grab it with some of their sides like chips and homemade salsa. All of the wraps are made by Gina who is an amazing human! Tell her I said hello. Do check her social media or call for hours of operation as that can change.
This food truck has recently opened in Kihei (also one in Kahului by Costco) and what a treat! They were featured on the food network with Guy Fieri. Go visit the South Maui Gardens adjacent to the truck. Such a gem spot.
Thai Mee Up
30 Alahele PlaceThis food truck has recently opened in Kihei (also one in Kahului by Costco) and what a treat! They were featured on the food network with Guy Fieri. Go visit the South Maui Gardens adjacent to the truck. Such a gem spot.
Da Green Coffee Bar
33 Auhana RoadHidden gem for delicious coffee. Check out the garden area and enjoy the zen.
Cool and casual outdoor lawn with panoramic views. Order all vodka mixed drinks (no beer served) and some of the best poke bowls. Sunset hours are best so it's not too hot and for the view. Inquire about a tour ahead of time.
42 locals recommend
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
4051 Omaopio RdCool and casual outdoor lawn with panoramic views. Order all vodka mixed drinks (no beer served) and some of the best poke bowls. Sunset hours are best so it's not too hot and for the view. Inquire about a tour ahead of time.
Cool Cat Cafe
658 Front StMessy & tasty burgers! It's outdoors so prepare for the heat.
Best acai bowls!
Mandi's favorite: green buzz bowl - your teeth will appear black for a short period to follow but so worth it!
25 locals recommend
Choice
1087 Limahana PlBest acai bowls!
Mandi's favorite: green buzz bowl - your teeth will appear black for a short period to follow but so worth it!
Great grab and go spot. They also serve hot food made to order in the back of the store.
32 locals recommend
Island Gourmet Markets at The Shops of Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui DrGreat grab and go spot. They also serve hot food made to order in the back of the store.
Custom order your salad delight. Kombucha on tap and soup specials available.
27 locals recommend
Fork and Salad Maui
1279 S Kihei RdCustom order your salad delight. Kombucha on tap and soup specials available.
Very popular breakfast spot - line will wrap around the side but they seem to have it down and outdoor seating only.
185 locals recommend
Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei RdVery popular breakfast spot - line will wrap around the side but they seem to have it down and outdoor seating only.
A top local favorite! Very limited seating, but can do take out as well. Popular orders - dry mein noodles, cheeseburger & fries, lima bean manju, banana pancakes.
13 locals recommend
Sam Sato's Inc
1750 Wili Pa LoopA top local favorite! Very limited seating, but can do take out as well. Popular orders - dry mein noodles, cheeseburger & fries, lima bean manju, banana pancakes.
Already made bentos and okazuya food plus desserts. It's also reasonably priced.
Tj's Warehouse Outlet
875 Alua StAlready made bentos and okazuya food plus desserts. It's also reasonably priced.
Cute spot with limited seating. All of their dishes taste authentic and serving size is tapa style.
Izakaya Genbe
1280 S Kihei RdCute spot with limited seating. All of their dishes taste authentic and serving size is tapa style.
Small okazuya which draws a lot of regulars. You can order ahead as well. They have good chicken katsu! No seating inside, one bench seating outside.
Ichiban Okazuya Hawaii
2133 Kaohu StSmall okazuya which draws a lot of regulars. You can order ahead as well. They have good chicken katsu! No seating inside, one bench seating outside.
Local plate lunches all made to order. They have indoor AC seating as well. Might want to check their reviews for best plate lunches to order as they have a decent sized menu.
Southshore Grindz
2439 South Kihei RoadLocal plate lunches all made to order. They have indoor AC seating as well. Might want to check their reviews for best plate lunches to order as they have a decent sized menu.
Specialty Japanese desserts (very impressive) and variety of bento options. If in Wailuku, this is a great grab and go spot (on the way to Iao Valley).
Shikeda Bento Patisserie
2050 Main StreetSpecialty Japanese desserts (very impressive) and variety of bento options. If in Wailuku, this is a great grab and go spot (on the way to Iao Valley).
They are open for dinner and sister restaurant to Nalu's on this list. Lots of menu items to select from and open kitchen concept. Drinks are abundant too!
Ekolu Kitchen
1279 S Kihei RdThey are open for dinner and sister restaurant to Nalu's on this list. Lots of menu items to select from and open kitchen concept. Drinks are abundant too!
Minit Stop
1900 Main StGreat beach pupu pick up! Known for their fried chicken and wedges.
ISLAND DESTINATIONS
Popular areas to check out on Maui.
Located on the North Shore, this small town has lots of boutique shops and restaurants.
208 locals recommend
Paia
Located on the North Shore, this small town has lots of boutique shops and restaurants.
Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) Town. Swing by Komoda Bakery for the famous donuts on a stick.
117 locals recommend
Makawao
Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) Town. Swing by Komoda Bakery for the famous donuts on a stick.
The famous road to Hana. If you are up for a day trip this long windy road will take you to the windward side of Haleakala where you can enjoy beautiful views, waterfalls and hikes.
196 locals recommend
Hana
The famous road to Hana. If you are up for a day trip this long windy road will take you to the windward side of Haleakala where you can enjoy beautiful views, waterfalls and hikes.
Historic whaling town, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Front Street is a popular hangout with lots of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants.
205 locals recommend
Lahaina
Historic whaling town, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Front Street is a popular hangout with lots of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants.
The sunny side of the island with breathtaking sunsets and views of Kahoolawe, Molokini and the West Maui Mountains.
Be sure to check out the beaches before lunch to avoid the trade winds.
66 locals recommend
Kihei
The sunny side of the island with breathtaking sunsets and views of Kahoolawe, Molokini and the West Maui Mountains.
Be sure to check out the beaches before lunch to avoid the trade winds.
ISLAND ACTIVITIES
Fun tourist activities
Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea RdLearn about Hawaiian sea life at the Maui Ocean Center.
Beautiful white sand beach with crystal clear water.
Waves can get big and dangerous, "When in doubt don't go out"
158 locals recommend
Makena Big Beach
Beautiful white sand beach with crystal clear water.
Waves can get big and dangerous, "When in doubt don't go out"
Everyone must see the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala at least once.
Bring warm clothes!
45 locals recommend
Haleakalā National Park Summit Entrance
Everyone must see the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala at least once.
Bring warm clothes!
Enjoy the Humpback Whale highway where you can witness whales breaching and mothers caring for their calves.
Whale watching season is around November through April.
77 locals recommend
Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea RdEnjoy the Humpback Whale highway where you can witness whales breaching and mothers caring for their calves.
Whale watching season is around November through April.
Learn how to surf.
If waves are flat in Kihei try their location in Lahaina.
42 locals recommend
Maui Waveriders
2021 S Kihei RdLearn how to surf.
If waves are flat in Kihei try their location in Lahaina.
Dozens of local beers on tap. Growlers are available to take home with you.
146 locals recommend
Maui Brewing Company
605 Lipoa PkwyDozens of local beers on tap. Growlers are available to take home with you.
Off the South Side of Maui, Molokini is a natural preserve with clear water diving.
Molokini Island Preserve
Off the South Side of Maui, Molokini is a natural preserve with clear water diving.
City advice
Customs and culture
Take off your shoes before entering someone's home.
Hosts appreciate you removing your shoes and slippers before entering their home.
Useful phrases
Mahalo
Thank you in Hawaiian
Don't miss
Maui Now or Maui 24/7 on Social media will provide updates
Maui's 24/7 News Source - Provides you with up to date information on island life. Includes traffic, accidents, weather etc.
Don't miss
MAUI LIVE WEBCAMS - https://www.mauihawaii.org/webcams/
View island webcams to see locations before you head out.
Don't miss
Kihei Beaches are nicest before lunch and during sunset
The winds are light during the morning hours and typically pickup around lunch through late afternoon. Winds usually calm down right around sunset. Fronting the Mana Kai is a popular sunset spot. You can also find a lot of the younger local generation sitting up top in Poli Poli's to catch sunset giving a mountain eye shot down of the panoramic beaches.
Useful phrases
Pau
Finish / Done
Getting around
Rental Car Recommended
Although there is public transportation on Maui we recommend a rental car to make the most of your time here on the island. Driving around is easy and there is usually parking easily available at most areas on the island.