Looking for the best restaurants in Kaanapali? From casual beach bars and local favorites to oceanfront restaurants overlooking the Pacific, Kaanapali has plenty of delicious places to eat throughout the day.
I spent much of my time living on Maui in West Maui and working in the restaurant industry, which gave me plenty of opportunities to eat and drink my way around Kaanapali.
Many of these restaurants are located along the Kaanapali Beach Walk, making it easy to grab breakfast, enjoy happy hour or have dinner after a day of exploring the best things to do in Kaanapali.
In this guide, I’m sharing the Kaanapali restaurants worth knowing about, including my personal favorites and the best options for breakfast, casual meals, oceanfront dining, sunset drinks and special occasions. I’ll also include helpful tips for reservations and parking to make deciding where to eat in Kaanapali easier.
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Best Kaanapali Restaurants at a Glance
Short on time? These are my top places to eat in Kaanapali for first-time visitors.
- Best Overall: Monkeypod Kitchen
- Best Oceanfront Restaurant: Hula Grill Kaanapali
- Best for Breakfast: Duke’s Beach House
- Best Casual Restaurant: Castaway Cafe
- Best for a Special Occasion: Japengo
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Best Restaurants in Kaanapali
From laid-back beach bars to upscale sushi and steakhouses, these are the best places to eat in Kaanapali for different tastes and occasions.
Monkeypod Kitchen
- 🍽️ Best For: Overall dining, mai tais and ocean views
- 📍 Location: Whalers Village
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Lunch, happy hour and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended
Located steps from Kaanapali Beach inside Whalers Village, Monkeypod Kitchen is my top overall pick for where to eat in Kaanapali. The open-air restaurant has ocean views, a lively atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh island fish, hand-tossed pizzas and locally inspired dishes.
The poke tacos and Hamakua wild mushroom pizza are longtime favorites of mine, but don’t leave without trying the signature Monkeypod Mai Tai. Its honey-lilikoi foam gives the classic cocktail its famous tropical twist.
Monkeypod is consistently busy, especially around sunset, so make a reservation when possible. Its daily happy hour is one of my favorite ways to end a day at Kaanapali Beach.
Hula Grill Kaanapali
- 🍽️ Best For: Beachfront dining, sunset drinks and a lively atmosphere
- 📍 Location: Whalers Village
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Weekend brunch, lunch and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended
Located along the water at Whalers Village, Hula Grill Kaanapali is one of the best beachfront restaurants in Kaanapali. Its open-air setting, ocean views and lively Hawaiian atmosphere make it especially popular around sunset.
The menu highlights fresh island fish, locally grown ingredients and dishes prepared on the kiawe wood-fired grill. The fish tacos and wood-fired flatbreads are great choices, but save room for the famous Hula Pie macadamia nut ice cream and chocolate cookie crust topped, need I say more
Hula Grill gets busy during dinner and sunset, so reservations are recommended.
Leilani’s on the Beach
- 🍽️ Best For: Oceanfront dining and fish tacos
- 📍 Location: Whalers Village
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Lunch and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended for the dining room
Leilani’s on the Beach is another popular Kaanapali Beach restaurant located at Whalers Village. The casual Beach Bar is perfect for fish tacos and drinks near the sand, while the upstairs dining room offers a more polished dinner with elevated ocean views.
The menu focuses on fresh Hawaiian fish, all-natural meats and island-inspired dishes. Leilani’s is especially known for its fish tacos, but the fresh catch and macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi are also great choices.
The Beach Bar is ideal for a relaxed meal after the beach, while reservations are recommended for dinner – especially if you want to dine around sunset.
Duke’s Beach House
- 🍽️ Best For: Breakfast and families
- 📍 Location: Honua Kai Resort & Spa
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended
Located at Honua Kai Resort & Spa on North Kaanapali Beach, Duke’s Beach House is one of the best restaurants in Kaanapali for breakfast. The open-air dining room sits steps from the beach and offers views across the Pacific toward Molokai and Lana’i.
Breakfast favorites include the banana and macadamia nut pancakes, Hawaiian sweet bread French toast and loco moco. Duke’s also serves fresh Hawaiian fish, burgers and island-inspired dishes later in the day, with a keiki menu that makes it a convenient choice for families.
Named after legendary Hawaiian swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s also features live music throughout the day. I especially love it for a relaxed breakfast near the ocean.
Japengo
- 🍽️ Best For: Sushi, date nights and special occasions
- 📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- 💰 Price Range: $$$-$$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Highly Recommended
Located inside the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Japengo is one of the best restaurants in Kaanapali for sushi and a special occasion. The open-air dining area overlooks the Pacific, creating a beautiful setting for dinner around sunset.
Japengo’s menu blends Asian flavors with locally inspired ingredients. Along with hand-rolled sushi and sashimi, you’ll find fresh seafood, premium steaks and creative cocktails.
This is one of the pricier places to eat in Kaanapali, but the sushi, oceanfront location and sunset views make it worth the splurge. Reserve a table in advance and request outdoor seating.
Roy’s Kaanapali
- 🍽️ Best For: Hawaiian fusion, golfers and special occasions
- 📍 Location: Kaanapali Golf Courses clubhouse
- 💰 Price Range: $$$-$$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Lunch and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended
Located inside the Kaanapali Golf Courses clubhouse, Roy’s Kaanapali offers a quieter setting away from the busy beachfront restaurants. It was founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi, who is known for combining Hawaiian ingredients with Japanese and European cooking techniques.
The menu centers around Hawaiian fusion cuisine, including fresh seafood, sushi and premium meats. Roy’s signature dishes vary, but its fish preparations and melting hot chocolate soufflé have long been favorites.
Its location at the golf course makes Roy’s a great place to eat after an afternoon round. It’s also a solid choice for a date night or a special occasion in Kaanapali.
Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali
- 🍽️ Best For: Local beer, casual meals and families
- 📍 Location: OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Located steps from the beach inside the OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort, Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali pairs locally brewed beer with sweeping ocean views. The spacious, open-air setting and relaxed atmosphere make it a great option for families and groups.
The menu features island-inspired comfort food, burgers, fresh fish and plenty of shareable appetizers. My favorite beer is the Coconut Hiwa Porter, a smooth dark beer brewed with toasted coconut – don’t let its color fool you, it’s surprisingly easy to drink.
Come for happy hour or stay for dinner and live music around sunset. Complimentary resort parking is available for restaurant guests, making this one of the more convenient places to eat along Kaanapali Beach.
Honoapiilani Food Truck Park
- 🍽️ Best For: Casual dining, families and groups
- 📍 Location: Lower Honoapiilani Road in Honokowai
- 💰 Price Range: $–$$
- 🕦 Serves: Lunch and dinner; hours vary by truck
- 📅 Reservations: Not accepted; walk-up ordering only
Just north of Kaanapali in Honokowai, Honoapiilani Food Truck Park is a great option when you want a casual meal away from the resorts. The rotating collection of trucks usually includes options such as Thai food, tacos, poke, burgers and other local favorites.
This is an especially good choice for families or groups because everyone can order something different and eat together at the outdoor picnic tables. I like coming around dinner when more of the trucks tend to be open, but vendors and hours change frequently, so check current listings before heading over.
Castaway Cafe
- 🍽️ Best For: A laid-back beach bar atmosphere
- 📍 Location: Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
- 💰 Price Range: $$
- 🕦 Serves: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended around sunset
Tucked inside Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas, Castaway Cafe is one of my favorite casual restaurants in Kaanapali. It has that laid-back, tiki-bar-on-the-beach vibe, with a shaded lanai and outdoor tables overlooking the ocean.
The menu mixes local favorites with familiar comfort food, including loco moco, kalua pork nachos, burgers and fresh fish. Grab a tropical cocktail, settle in beneath the palm trees and enjoy an easygoing meal steps from the sand.
Castaway feels smaller and more intimate than many of Kaanapali’s resort restaurants. Come here when you want a tropical cocktail, an unfussy meal and that classic Maui beach-bar experience.
Ulu Kitchen by Merriman
- 🍽️ Best For: Oceanfront breakfast and locally sourced cuisine
- 📍 Location: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
- 💰 Price Range: $$–$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Overlooking Kaanapali Beach at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ulu Kitchen by Merriman offers open-air dining throughout the day.
Created by chef Peter Merriman, the restaurant focuses on Hawaii Regional Cuisine made with island-sourced fish, beef, produce and coffee. The menu changes with availability and includes options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ulu Kitchen is worth considering when you want locally inspired food with a beachfront view, particularly if you’re staying near Whalers Village.
Son’z Steakhouse
- 🍽️ Best For: Steaks, wine and romantic dinners
- 📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- 💰 Price Range: $$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Happy hour and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Highly recommended
Located inside the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Son’z Steakhouse is one of the best restaurants in Kaanapali for steak. The dining room overlooks the resort’s Swan Court lagoon, creating an intimate setting surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls and resident swans.
Son’z serves USDA Prime steaks alongside fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. The larger cuts—including the rib eye, New York strip and tomahawk—are dry-aged in-house, while classic steakhouse sides are ordered separately for the table.
Son’z works particularly well for a romantic dinner or special celebration away from Kaanapali’s livelier beach bars. Complimentary valet parking is available with restaurant validation.
Cliff Dive Grill
- 🍽️ Best For: Watching the cliff-diving ceremony
- 📍 Location: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa at Black Rock
- 💰 Price Range: $$-$$$
- 🕦 Serves: Lunch, happy hour and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Contact the restaurant and arrive early
Set beside Black Rock at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Cliff Dive Grill is an open-air Kaanapali Beach restaurant serving casual island-inspired food and tropical cocktails.
The menu includes fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches and shareable appetizers. Grab a Black Rock Mai Tai and arrive before sunset to watch the resort’s nightly torch-lighting and cliff-diving ceremony, a Sheraton Maui tradition since 1963.
The ceremony honors Maui chief Kahekili and includes live music, hula and narration about Puʻu Kekaʻa. Seating with a good view fills quickly, so give yourself plenty of time to find a table before sunset. The ceremony may be canceled during inclement weather.
Mauka Makai
- 🍽️ Best For: A quieter breakfast or resort dinner
- 📍 Location: The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
- 💰 Price Range: $$$
- 🕦 Serves: Breakfast, Sunday brunch and dinner
- 📅 Reservations: Highly recommended for dinner
Found at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on North Kaanapali Beach, Mauka Makai offers a quieter alternative to the busy restaurants around Whalers Village. Its open-air setting overlooks the resort pool and ocean beyond.
The restaurant specializes in Hawaii Regional Cuisine, with a menu featuring local flavors, fresh seafood and familiar comfort food. Breakfast options include loco moco, an açaí bowl and a breakfast sandwich made with kalua pork, while the dinner menu and weekly specials change regularly.
Mauka Makai is especially convenient if you’re staying on the northern end of Kaanapali. Visit for a relaxed breakfast, Sunday brunch or dinner timed with sunset.
Where to Eat in Kaanapali by Occasion
Still deciding where to eat in Kaanapali? These quick recommendations will help you choose a restaurant based on the meal, atmosphere or occasion you have in mind.
Best Breakfast in Kaanapali
For an oceanfront breakfast, my top pick is Duke’s Beach House, especially if you’re craving banana macadamia nut pancakes or Hawaiian sweet bread French toast.
Ulu Kitchen by Merriman is another strong option near Whalers Village, while Mauka Makai offers a quieter breakfast on North Kaanapali Beach.
Best Oceanfront Restaurants in Kaanapali
Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach are convenient oceanfront choices at Whalers Village, while Japengo is better suited to an upscale dinner with Pacific views. For a more relaxed beach-bar atmosphere, head north to Castaway Cafe at Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas.
Best Casual and Affordable Restaurants in Kaanapali
Kaanapali dining is generally expensive, but Joey’s Kitchen and Choice Health Bar are two good options for a quicker meal that costs less than a typical sit-down restaurant.
For casual dining with ocean views, try Castaway Cafe, the Beach Bar at Leilani’s or Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali. These restaurants aren’t necessarily cheap, but their relaxed settings and approachable menus make them easy choices after a day at the beach.
Best Kaanapali Restaurants for Families
Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali is my top family-friendly choice because it has plenty of space, a casual atmosphere and something on the menu for nearly everyone.
Duke’s Beach House and Castaway Cafe also have keiki menus and beachfront settings. For something more entertaining, Teppan-yaki Dan prepares steak, seafood and fried rice directly in front of diners.
Best Kaanapali Restaurants for Sunset and Date Night
For sunset views, reserve an outdoor table at Japengo, Hula Grill or Leilani’s on the Beach. Japengo is my top choice when you want ocean views paired with an upscale dinner.
For a quieter date night away from the beachfront crowds, choose Son’z Steakhouse or Roy’s Kaanapali.
Best Happy Hours in Kaanapali
Monkeypod Kitchen is my top pick for happy hour in Kaanapali, especially if you want its signature mai tai and a few appetizers. Other good options include Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali for local beer, Leilani’s Beach Bar for ocean views and Cliff Dive Grill for drinks near Black Rock.
Tips for Dining in Kaanapali
- ⏰ Make dinner reservations early. Oceanfront restaurants fill quickly, especially during whale season, holidays and around sunset.
- 🌿 Ask for outdoor seating. A reservation does not always guarantee an oceanfront table, but it never hurts to include the request.
- 🚙 Allow extra time for parking. Whalers Village and the resorts offer parking, but spaces can fill during busy periods. Ask your restaurant about validation before paying.
- 🚶 Walk when possible. Many of the best Kaanapali restaurants are connected by the paved Kaanapali Beach Walk.
- 💰 Expect resort pricing. Casual meals are still relatively expensive in Kaanapali, so check menus beforehand if you’re traveling on a budget.
- ⏱ Confirm current hours and specials. Restaurant schedules, happy hours and menus change frequently.
- 🌮 Fish tacos are always a good idea.
FAQs About Kaanapali Restaurants
What is the best restaurant in Kaanapali?
Monkeypod Kitchen is my top overall pick for its locally inspired menu, lively atmosphere, ocean views and signature mai tai.
What are the best oceanfront restaurants in Kaanapali?
Hula Grill, Leilani’s on the Beach, Japengo, Castaway Cafe and Ulu Kitchen all offer oceanfront or elevated ocean-view dining.
Where is the best breakfast in Kaanapali?
Duke’s Beach House is my top breakfast choice. Ulu Kitchen and Mauka Makai are also good options, particularly if you’re staying on Kaanapali Beach.
Do you need restaurant reservations in Kaanapali?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, special occasions and meals around sunset. Casual beach bars may accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long during busy travel periods.
Are Kaanapali restaurants within walking distance?
Many restaurants are connected by the paved Kaanapali Beach Walk. However, restaurants on North Kaanapali Beach may be farther than you want to walk from Whalers Village.
Where can you find affordable food in Kaanapali?
Joey’s Kitchen and Choice Health Bar are good options for quicker, relatively affordable meals. Keep in mind that food throughout the Kaanapali resort area tends to be expensive.
Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Kaanapali
From casual beach bars and local craft beer to sushi and sunset dinners, Kaanapali has somewhere to eat for nearly every taste and occasion. Monkeypod Kitchen is my top overall pick, but each restaurant in this guide offers a different reason to visit.
I hope this guide helps you decide where to eat in Kaanapali. If you have a favorite restaurant or recently discovered somewhere new, let me know in the comments below 👇.
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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!