Looking for the best restaurants in Lahaina? I know that tasting local cuisine and experiencing new restaurants are a highlight of many people’s itineraries, especially if you’re a foodie. Plus after a long day of hiking or enjoying the ocean you’ll have worked up an appetite.
I live in Lahaina town and work in the restaurant industry, giving me the inside scoop. I made a list of the best places to eat in Lahaina just for you! I broke it down into categories depending on what you’re looking for. Breakfast, casual, dining, health food/vegan, happy hours and food trucks/to go.
I will keep this post updated with current operating procedures due to COVID restrictions. *Update - All restrictions have been lifted but reservations in advance are recommended as there is a major staff shortage happening throughout Maui (and most restaurants in general.)
For full transparency, I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee ☕️. I thank you in advance.
- Down the Hatch
- Mala Ocean Tavern
- Plantation House
- Paia Fish Company
- Prison Street Pizza
- The Noodle Bar
- Tiki Tiki Thai
- Fleetwoods on Front Street
- Fridas
- Star Noodle
- Lahaina Grill
- Sale Pepe
- Merrimans
- Miso Phat
- Choice
- Moku Roots
Alchemy - Ono Tacos
- Baya Bowls
- Earth Aloha Eats Food Truck
- Food Trucks in Honokawai
- Sansei
- Sea House
- Eating Local
- Tameras
Helpful Articles to help Plan your Maui Vacation:
Breakfast in Lahaina 🥞
Down the Hatch
Fairly new to the breakfast scene, Down the Hatch has the BEST breakfast in Lahaina, dare I say on Maui! They stay true to the southern influence by offering items like chicken and waffles, southern style loco moco and the lava lava shrimp omelette.
My favorite breakfast item is the fried rice. Not only is the food excellent but so is the price, with $10 Bloody Mary or Mimosa Carafes, you can’t go wrong.
Breakfast hours 7:30-10:30 am daily and the place is always cranking. Located in Lahaina on Front Street across from the Banyan Tree.
Mala Ocean Tavern
Mala has brunch 7 days a week from 9 am to 2 pm. Their menu is amazing and you’ll have trouble placing an order because you’ll want everything on the menu.
My favorite items are the Avocado Toast with Eggs or the Ahi Benedict paired with some champagne. Located at the end of Front Street on the water.
A new addition to the Mala restaurant is a beautiful outdoor seating area on the lawn, perfect for the Sunday brunch. One of the classic restaurants in Lahaina on Front Street.
Plantation House
Although its not technically in Lahaina I wanted to include the Plantation House with the restaurants in Lahaina, Maui because I absolutely love their breakfast.
Situated on the Kapalua Gold Course about 20 minutes north of Lahaina is where you’ll find this stunning restaurant. This is the only place that I don’t sit at the bar because I love the view you get when you’re sitting at a table.
They serve breakfast daily til 3 pm and the home fries are crisped perfectly.
Casual Restaurants in Lahaina 🍕
Paia Fish Company
The Paia Fish Company has some of the best fish tacos in Lahaina therefore it made the best restaurants in Lahaina list. The original Paia Fish Market opened its doors in 1989 in Paia on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and the Hana Highway. It has since grown to 3 separate locations on Maui and one in Waikiki.
On the menu you’ll find plenty of fresh fish options like Ono, Ahi, Snapper, Opah, and Mahi Mahi. The casual eatery is open everyday from 10:30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m and is located across the street from Lahaina’s famous banyan tree. In the evenings expect a line and to share a table.
Down the Hatch
Making the best restaurants in Lahaina list for the second time is Down the Hatch. Owned by a group of friends from Georgia is southern hospitality meets Hawaii. All fish is fresh from ocean to table and you’ll want to try every item on the menu.
You may have already heard of this restaurant as it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, back in 2017.
Prison Street Pizza
I always get the surfers special (2 slices and a soda) and the spinach and goat cheese salad witch is perfect for 2 people to share. The place is open daily and they deliver!
Noodle Bar
Tiki Tike Thai
Located in the bottom of the wharf in the heart of Lahaina is Tiki Tiki Thai. The small restaurant fills up with locals and tourists alike because it has the best Thai food on the west side.
The large menu gives you many classic Thai options to choose from and they have a sushi bar some nights. My favorite dish is the avocado green curry which is what I have pictured above. Open daily til 10.
Lahaina Coolers
Currently Closed
Tucked away just off the main drag of Front Street on Dickenson Street is Lahaina Coolers. It’s been a staple in Lahaina for over 30 years. Open daily from 8-1 they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late night menu.
The open air gives it a local feel. It’s an industry bar so it will be full later at night. You can never go wrong with a pizza here and I love their fiesta salad (only available at lunch.)
Dining in Lahaina 🍽
Fleetwoods on Front Street
Currently open 7 Days a week 3-10 pm.
Located in the heart of Lahaina. This is one of the best restaurants in Maui and definetly one of the top restaurants in Lahaina.
Fleetwoods on Front Street has the best location on Front Street. I mean who wouldn’t want to enjoy a hand crafted cocktail at Lahaina’s only rooftop bar with amazing ocean views.
Owned by legendary Mick Fleetwood, the restaurant is tastefully decorated with pictures and memerobilia from his own house. If you’re lucky and come at the right time, you can enjoy dinner and a show put on by the rock and roll icon himself.
Must Eat Items: Oysters, Seafood Linguini, Lobster Tacos, Pork Belly and the Ultimate Surf & Turf! Make reservations for 5:00 on the rooftop to have dinner and watch the sunset ceremony.
Fridas Beach House
Frida’s is a Mexican Beach House located towards the end of Front Street across the street from Safeway. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm.
Frida’s serves traditional Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. You can’t go wrong with the food here.
They also have a great happy hour especially if you love tequila. Their tequila special is on point with the Mexican fare.
Star Noodle
Located off the main drag in Lahaina on Kupuohi Street Relocated due to COVID to the North end of Front Street next to Frida’s and Mala restaurant is Star Noodle. The Asian Fusion Cuisine is on top of its game and I’m never disappointed when I come here.
They don’t take reservations so its first call first serve which means theirs usually a line but its worth the wait. I’m a sucker for warm broth based soups so my favorite dish is the Local Saimin. They also have a nice craft cocktail and beer selection.
Lahaina Grill
Lahaina Grill first opened its doors in 1990 and has been a staple in Lahaina ever since. They have an excellent wine list and craft cocktails to match. Their Espresso Martinis are always on point and every member of the staff is knowledgeable.
The menu is clean and elegant. Must try items are the kona coffee roasted rack of lamb and the wagyu beef ravioli. Open nightly at 5 pm.
Sale Pepe
If you are craving authentic Italian come to Sale Pepe. They use all fresh and local ingredients taking your taste buds on a trip through Italy. It has a great atmosphere and is located towards the end of Front Street (where the shops end) across from the Bank of Hawaii.
Family friendly or perfect date night. They are open Monday through Saturday for dinner only. Some of my favorite items include Risotto Con Burrata Tartufo Nero Pesto and you can never go wrong with an authentic Italian style pizza!
⭐️ BONUS
*If you’re staying up north towards Kahana, Kapalua, or Napili, Merriman’s is a great restaurant to check out that is located on Kapalua Bay. Make sure you try out one of there famous Mai Tai’s!
Vegan/Health Food Places in Lahaina 🥑
Choice
Fresh, local, organic, and mostly vegan food is served here at Choice Health Bar. They serve some of the best Açaí bowls on the island as well as delicious smoothies. I love their buddha bowls which are usually a choice of the vegan soup of the day, kale and quinoa.
I always try to recreate these at home but it never tastes the same. Choice is located off the highway (there’s only one highway) on the mountain side of the road on Limahana Place. Open daily til 5 pm with the exception of Sunday when they close at 2 pm.
Moku Roots
Moku Roots is new to the dining scene but is a fan favorite. If you’re health conscious and looking for a place to have variety and not sacrifice in taste then look no further.
This vegan restaurant has much to offer and is as eco conscious as they get. If you want food togo you can bring your own container or get a sandwich wrapped in banana leaves. A few of my favorite items include the Butternut Squash Alfredo, the Cobb Salad, and Taro Burger.
On Sunday’s they only offer a brunch menu til 3. Every other day they serve breakfast daily from 8 am to 10:30 am.
Alchemy
One of my favorite lunch spots on Maui is Alchemy and worth a stop if you’re in Lahaina. Located off the main drag of Front Street on Kupuohi Street is the Kombucha bar and tasting room.
Their menu offers the freshest ingredients and the presentation is always on point. My favorite items are the Vegan Power Bowl and the Fresh mahi Tacos. Open Monday – Saturday 11 am to 4 pm.
Lahaina Food Trucks 🌮
Ono Tacos
Located next to Lahaina’s only brewery you’ll find this bright orange food truck. I love Ono tacos and that I can make them traditional, meat, onion, cilantro and if I’m feeling saucy a fun hot sauce.
Joe (the man behind the lens) and I love how crispy the meat is. If tacos aren’t your thing they have burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
Earth Aloha Eats Food Truck
One of the newest additions and best food trucks Lahaina has to offer is Earth Aloha Eats. Located in the back parking lot behind Longs drugstore just off the Piilani highway at the cannery mall is a small group of food trucks.
This menu is large and offers tons of gluten free and vegan options. Whether you’re searching for vegan burgers, sandwiches, wraps or tacos, they have it all.
They also offer home made kombucha and lemonades. Some must try items include the Aloha Burger and Mexican Street Tacos.
Open daily 11-8.
Travel Tip: There are 3 other food trucks in the area, which are all fantastic. You won’t be disappointed which ever one you go to.
Baya Bowls
Located off the main drag of Front Street on Waine’e Street is where you’ll find this açaí bowl and smoothie truck. Bowls are around $10.
Pick a bowl that suits your taste buds and add as many fresh, local toppings as you’d like. I frequent here often for the proximity to my house and its oooohhh so good.
The Food Trucks in Honokawai
Located just north of Lahaina in the beginning of Honokowai is a group of food trucks that are clustered together. If you’re looking for variety on a budget this is a great place to hit up.
Best Happy Hours in Lahaina 🍹
Fleetwoods
This means half-off all beer, wine, and most liqueurs plus they have $1.25 oysters flown out daily from Vancouver. On “Aloha” Friday’s they offer happy hour all day on the rooftop from 11 am to 4 pm. Live music will be playing during every happy hour and the music is always top notch.
This is the best happy hour in Lahaina.
Down the Hatch
Down the Hatch makes the best restaurants in Lahaina list for one of the best happy hours in Lahaina because it is the longest happy hour on the west side!
2 – 6 pm everyday you can get 15% off all appetizers $3.50 Blue Moon and Coors Lights $4.50 Well Cocktails $5.50 Hawaiian Cocktails like the Lava Flow and Mai Tai. Great location, fun atmosphere, live music it even has adult shave ice…need I say more! It’s no wonder Down the Hatch is one of the best bars in Lahaina.
Sansei
Although not technically in Lahaina Sansei makes the best restaurants in Lahiana list because who doesn’t want a sushi happy hour.
Located north of Lahaina about 20 minutes in Kapalua is this hopping sushi restaurant. Come early for the early bird special (have to be seated by 5:30 and Sansei opens at 5) to get the half off sushi deal.
If you enjoy a late dinner join them on a Thursday or Friday night after 10 for half off select sushi and to battle it out at karaoke.
Sea House
The Sea House has one of the best happy hours on island. Everyday from 2 – 4:30 as they have many happy hour pupu’s (appetizers) to choose from.
Drinks are basic but I come here for the food and the views. Overlooking Napili Bay you won’t be able to get enough of the views and grinds.
They also have an amazing breakfast.
If you’re looking for great craft cocktails go to Fleetwoods, Taverna, Mala, Lahaina Grill, Mill House.
Grab & Go 🥡
Eating Local
Eating Local is a new plate lunch spot that opened up across the street from the Food Land in the same parking lot as Ace Hardware. This is one of the best local restaurants in Lahaina.
The menu is tasty and will sell out of items because its so good. The Honey Dipped Fried Chicken is always cooked to perfection. Open Monday through Saturday.
Tameras
Technically not a restaurant and more of a fine wine and liquor store but it serves the best poke on the west side so it’s making the Best Restaurants in Lahaina list. For all of those who don’t know, poke is diced raw fish tossed in a type of sauce with avocados and onions and is usually served as an appetizer.
Come early if you want your pick of the poke because certain flavors sell out fast like the ‘Fresh Ahi Island Shoe and my personal favorite with avocados and jalapeños. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Take Home Maui
Currently closed.
If you want a tasty sandwich that you can get on-the-go, head over to Take Home Maui. This small mom and pop shop has been around since the 70’s. The sandwiches are big, delicious and fresh. My favorite is the ham on a croissant with the works including sprouts and avocado.
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Why didn’t you include Honu and Friedas???? They are two of our favorites!
Makes no sense . Really makes us wonder …
I do really enjoy Fridas, especially their Happy Hour. I plan on updating this post as a few of the Lahaina restaurants listed have since closed due to COVID and I agree I think they deserve a spot on the list. Thanks for your input.