Maui will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been traveling here with my family for over 30 years, and now I get to share that same tradition with my kids. We’re creatures of habit and usually stay at the Marriott Ocean Club in Kāʻanapali Beach—a perfect spot right on the water where you can walk to restaurants, shops, and activities.

This year was a little different. With the devastating fires that destroyed much of Lahaina, we found ourselves exploring new restaurants and rediscovering old favorites. If you’re planning a trip to West Maui, here are some of the places we dined and loved:

Kāʻanapali & Nearby

• Monkeypod Kitchen – Hands down, the best mai tai on the island (maybe anywhere!). The food is great too, but that mai tai is a must.

• Hula Grill – The setting is beautiful, but I thought the food was just okay. Personally, I prefer its sister restaurant, Leilani’s on the Beach, right next door—especially their fish tacos.

• Kealani’s Juice Co. – A fun little gem! It’s literally a VW van parked along the boardwalk in front of the Marriott serving fresh juices and smoothies.

• Hula Scoops – Perfect for an afternoon treat—gelato, Dole Whip, and shaved ice all in one spot.

• Son'z Steakhouse (at the Hyatt) – Excellent steaks, an impressive wine list, and a gorgeous setting in the Hyatt’s pond court.

• Sergio’s Cantina – A casual, laid-back spot tucked in a strip mall. Good food, great tequila selection, and easy for families.

Lahaina

While Lahaina has suffered tremendous loss, a few restaurants remain open and are helping bring life back to the area.

• Honu Oceanside – One of the few still standing, offering delicious cocktails, incredible sunset views, and consistently amazing food.

• Sale Pepe – A cozy Italian spot with delicious pizza and pasta—worth seeking out if you’re craving comfort food.

Kapalua & Napili

If you venture further west, Kapalua and Napili are home to some truly special dining experiences.

• Taverna – Italian-inspired cuisine set on the Kapalua Golf Course. Their lasagna is a standout.

• The Pour House – Another Italian option, leaning heavily toward pasta dishes.

• Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Fun, lively atmosphere with great sushi and fresh seafood.

• The Plantation House – Perched on a hillside with sweeping views, this restaurant is part of the Cohn Restaurant Group (originally from San Diego). It’s a great spot for both food and drinks.

• Sea House Restaurant (Napili Kai Beach Resort) – A charming location right on the beach. The food is consistently good, and the views are picture-perfect.

   

  Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or trying new places, dining in West Maui is always an adventure. The island’s resilience and spirit are felt everywhere, even in its restaurants.

  I hope this list helps you plan your trip and discover some delicious meals along the way. If you have any questions or want more Maui recommendations, feel free to message me on Instagram @VocabularyBoutique.

  Aloha & happy dining! 🌺