Looking for the best restaurants in Kaanapali? Tasting local cuisine and experiencing new restaurants are a highlight of many people’s itineraries. Plus after a long day of exploring the island, hiking or enjoying the ocean you’ll have worked up an appetite.
Ka’anapali is one of West Maui’s premier spots. Filled with world class resorts, beautiful beaches and and tasty restaurants, Kaanapali is one of the most popular areas to stay on Maui while vacationing on this tropical island.
Ka’anapali is a great area to stay especially if you are traveling to Maui with your family as there are many family friendly resorts, lots of fun things to do and places to eat in Kaanapali that are all within walking distance.
I live in Lahaina town and work in the restaurant industry, so I assure you this is the best list of Kaanapali restaurants that will send your taste buds soaring. This list of the best places to eat in Kaanapali is broken it down into categories depending on what you’re looking for. Breakfast, dining, health food/vegan, and happy hours
As an added bonus, I will also include the top two Lahaina restaurants, Kapalua restaurants, Napili restaurants and Kahana restaurants since these towns are all within a 10 minute drive of Kaanapali on West Maui.
It is always encouraged to make reservations in advance especially if you are traveling in a large group.
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Kaanapali Breakfast
They say there’s no better way to start the day than with a healthy and hearty breakfast. There are several restaurants along Kaanapali beach that serve breakfast. These are the best Kaanapali restaurants that serve a delicious breakfast.
🍜 Read Next: The Best Breakfast Spots on Maui
Kaanapali Restaurants for Dining
Monkeypod Kitchen
Monkeypod Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Kaanapali, Maui. Located at beginning of Whalers Village (closest to the ocean) is this delicious restaurant.
The restaurant is huge and there are about 30 bar seats, although there is almost always a line out the door. Plus you can never go wrong with an ocean view!
The menu is a variety of local and organic dishes including hand tossed flatbread pizzas along with fish and steak dishes. They also have a great craft cocktail menu and one of the largest selections of draft beer on island.
Must try items include the Poke Tacos, Hamakua Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil Pizza and the Monkeypod Mai Tai.
Hula Grill
This Kaanapali Beach restaurant is located on the waters edge. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 9:30 am – 9 pm, the Hula Grill is always busy due to its location and fun Hawaiian vibes.
The menu is full of fresh local cuisine with several different fish options, Maui grown produce and all-natural meats. They also have a Kiawe Wood Burning Oven & Grill which produces some delicious flatbreads.
This is a great place to eat after a day of Maui activities on the water. A few must try items include the fish tacos, the flatbread and of course the infamous macadamia nut Hula Pie.
Leilani’s on the Beach
Another Kaanapali beach restaurant is aptly named Leilani’s on the Beach. Open Mon-Sun 11:30am-9:00pm Lelani’s is located on Kaanapali Beach at Whalers Village.
Here you will have your basic premium casual beach fare including items like calamari, ahi poke, ceviche, crab cakes, fish tacos and parmesan crusted mahi.
Japengo
Japengo can be found on the south end of Kaanapali beach inside the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Open Thursday-Monday from 5pm-9pm (closed Tuesday & Wednesday), Japengo is a place to go if you love sushi and are looking to treat yourself.
This is one of the best places to eat in Kaanapali. The menu consists of Asian cuisine infused with island flavors including hand-rolled selections from the sushi bar and a variety of hot entries consisting of steaks and seafood that are sourced locally.
Enjoy fresh fish, a hand crafted cocktail and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Macadangdang
Macadangdang is Hawaiian-Filipino Fusion Cuisine! The menu consists of the best blend of traditional and modern dishes.
Enjoy sushi, sake, and specialty cocktails in an indoor or outdoor setting. Must eat items include the Brussel Sprouts and Pistachio Wasabi Ahi.
Open Tuesdays-Sundays from 3-9 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Tiki Terrace
Located on the Kaanapali boardwalk inside the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel set in a relaxed, open-air courtyard is the Tiki Terrace Kaanapali. Open for daily for breakfast from 7:00am – 11:00am and for dinner 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
The Tiki Terrace offers delicious and authentic Hawai’i Regional Cuisine using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. A few must try items include the goat cheese and herb bruschetta, kalbi short ribs and lau lau.
One of the best things about the Tiki Terrace was the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
Duke’s Beach House
Located on the North end of Kaanapali Beach inside the Honua Kai Resort & Spa is Dukes Beach House. Named after Hawaii’s most famous son, Duke Kahanamoku, Duke was the father of modern day surfing and if you have ever visit Oahu you would see his famed statue on the beach of Waikiki.
Duke’s is just steps from the sand and offers sweeping views of the ocean along with views of the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai. Open daily from 8am-9pm, Dukes serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Another premium casual restaurants offering an array of fresh fish items as well as local produce and meat. Must try items include the sautéed mac nut & herb crusted fresh fish and the filet mignon.
Casual Places to Eat in Kaanapali
The Food Court
If you are looking for cheap eats, togo food and convenience eat at the food court at Whalers Village. Some of the counter restaurants inside the food court are
- Nikki’s Pizza
- Joey’s Kitchen
- Subway
- Ohana Tacos
Health Food/ Vegan Kaanapali Dining Options
Choice Health Bar
Fresh, local, organic, and mostly vegan food is served here at Choice Health Bar at Whalers Village. They serve some of the best açaí bowls on the island as well as delicious smoothies.
Along with açaí bowls and smoothies, Choice offers quick salads, fresh cold pressed juices and sweet treats. A few of my favorite items include the POWabunga açaí bowl, Pow Hana smoothie and the Sunny Dayz juice.
Happy Hour in Kaanapali
Happy hours are great to save a few bucks and they’re fun! Check out more things to do in Maui on a budget.
Monkeypod
- Daily 3:30pm-5pm
- Drink specials include $2 draft beers, $3 off wines by the glass, all handcrafted cocktails $5 off (including the mouth watering Monkeypod Mai Tai) and all Ocean Vodka cocktails $7.
- Food specials on happy hour are 1/2 off most appetizers and $10 pizzas. Come hungry and enjoy quality drinks with a view.
- Live Music.
Hula Grill
- Daily 2:30pm-5pm
- Drink specials include $7 select cocktails and wine, $5 beer.
- Reduced price on select appetizers.
Leinlani’s
- Daily 3pm-5pm
- Select cocktails, wines and beers at a discount price
- Select pupus aka appetizers also at a discounted price
- Live music on Monday and Wednesday-Sunday.
Top 2 Lahaina Restaurants
Fleetwoods on Front Street
Located in downtown Lahaina on Front Street is the hip and swanky Fleetwoods on Front Street. I may be bias because I bartend here but this is the best restaurant on Maui. One of the best assets is its rooftop bar. Yes, Fleetwoods has the only rooftop bar on Maui.
They have a great happy hour daily from 3pm-5pm with half off most drinks and $2 oysters. The menu is full of fresh fish and steak. Must try items include the beef wellington, risotto with scallops and lobster tacos.
If you are going to treat yourself to a nice dinner it should be here. Plus the live music is always above par at this restaurant in Lahaina.
Down the Hatch
Another restaurant located on Front Street is Down the Hatch. If you are looking for a fun bar that is budget friendly and has great food you came to the right place.
The menu is Hawaiian inspired Southern Aloha dishes including items such as the chicken and waffles, lobster and crab stuffed grilled cheese and lava lava chicken sandwich.
Down the Hatch is also one of the best places to eat breakfast on Maui. Eat, drink and be merry at this Lahaina restaurant.
Top 2 Kahana Restaurants
Miso Phat
Hands down the best restaurant to enjoy sushi on Maui is at Miso Phat. This Kahana restaurant is small in size so there is usually a line out the door. It is a first come, first serve basis and does not take reservations but I promise you it will be worth the wait.
The owner catches the fish himself and supplies the restaurant so you know the fish is fresh. Honestly all the the rolls and sashimi is out of this world. A few of my favorite rolls include the Miso the Bomb, Miso Horney and Miso Pretty.
Miso Phat has locations in Kahana and in Kihei.
Maui Brewing Company
Located in the Kahana Gateway Center the Maui Brewing Company is open daily from 11:30-am-9:30pm. I wouldn’t neccasssarly come here for the food but you come here to sample some of Maui’s own brews.
Hit up the happy which happens daily from 3:30pm-5:30pm for a $1 off one of the many craft beers on tap. Try the flagship Bikini Blonde Lager or sip on the Coconut Porter, one of the most unusual things to do in Maui.
Top 2 Napili Restaurants
Sea House
The Sea House is located on the beautiful Napili Bay one of Maui’s best beaches. The views are picture perfect Hawaii no matter where you sit.
The Sea House serves a delicious breakfast and has an excellent happy hour from 2pm to 4:45pm. Spend the mornings soaking up the rays at the crescent shaped bay and drinks at this beachfront Napili restaurant.
Gazebo
This restaurant in Napili has excellent breakfast, there is usually a line out the door. If you’re feeling saucy this place is B.Y.O.B. A must try is the fried rice, a true Hawaiian staple.
This is a great place to grab breakfast in Maui before heading up North to explore places like the Mahana Ridge, Honolua Bay, the Nakalele Blowhole, the Olivine Pools & the Ohai Trail.
Top 2 Kapalua Restaurants
Merriman’s
Perched atop Kapalua Bay just off the Kapalua Coastal Trail is this exquisite Kapalua restaurant, Merriman’s. Known for its views, locally sourced menu and hand craft cocktails, Merriman’s is a great way to spend an evening.
Enjoy a glass of wine on the patio or their foam topped Mai Tai as you watch the sun sink into the ocean.
Cane & Canoe
Cane & Canoe restaurant can be found inside the stunning Montage Resort one of the best resorts for your honeymoon in Hawaii. Offering the freshest catches and top-quality meats reflecting the best of land and sea, complemented by fresh produce from local farms, the Cane & Canoe’s menu is composed of modern Hawaiian cuisine.
Enjoy views of Kapalua Bay at this stunning restaurant in Kapalua.
Maui Travel Guides
📍Plan your Trip:
- The Ultimate guide to Maui
- 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui
- 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii
🗺 How long to travel Maui? 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui
💰 Average Daily Budget:
- How to Travel Maui on a Budget
- 28 Things to do on Maui on a Budget
- 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures
⛺️ Maui accommodation Guides
- Best Area to Stay on Maui
- West Maui vs. South Maui – Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget
- Best Airbnbs in Maui
- Where to Stay in Hana, HI
- Top Honeymoon Resorts in Maui
- 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
🪂 Highlights
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Sunrise over Haleakala
- Exploring Exotic Beaches
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Whale Watch
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail
- Snorkel Molokini
- Drive the West Maui Loop
- Lahaina Town
- Learn to Surf
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Do you have any other favorite restaurants in Kaanapali Maui? Let me know if the comments and as always thanks for reading.
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Star Noodle is great!
Star Noodle is so good!! I swear I always end up ordering the whole menu when I’m there!
Monkeypod is delicious. Those ahi tacos are outstanding! But when we went a couple weeks ago there was a 2 hour wait and they didn’t take reservations.
Yes Monkeypod is a great restaurant in kaanapali but like most, restaurants on Maui have been hit hard with Covid restrictions and are still trying to bounce back. Like most of the USA, Maui is dealing with a staff shortage and its hard to find reliable staff (especially in the back of the house) which cause for long wait times unfortunately. Let’s hope this changes soon as 2 hours can make people hangry for sure!
I adore dining out and have always chosen beachside restaurants. These settings were breathtaking, and whenever my children and I went to one of the restaurants, we always ordered the specials! It reminds me a lot of home because I live on Tybee Island and am accustomed to dining outside, particularly on beachfronts!