Home to incredible white sand beaches and many other spectacular sights of the island’s natural beauty, West Maui is a place to indulge your senses; particularly, your taste buds, with many fine and casual dining options to satisfy your gastronomic cravings.
Here’s a rundown of several of the best West Maui restaurants to enjoy after moving to your new West Maui home! For more great information on Maui and the Maui real estate market, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter today!
Named after the famous Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary Olympian swimmer who is recognized as the pioneering spirit of modern-day surfing. It is located at the Honua Kai Resort in Kaanapali and exudes the essence of the islands’ lively vibe.
Duke’s Beach House Restaurant is the place to be for those searching for a casual spot with excellent food, live music, and fruity island cocktails while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. Their specialties include Banana & Mac Nut Pancakes, Korean Steak Street Tacos, Crab & Macadamia Nut Wontons, Seafood Risotto, Chef’s ½ Pound Cheeseburger, and Banana Leaf Steamed Island Fish & Chips.
The Plantation House Restaurant
If you are looking for island-inspired and tasty cuisine set in a picturesque dinner setting, the Plantation House Restaurant is the option for you. The restaurant is situated high above the coastline of Kapalua, letting you enjoy splendid ocean views. It combines a traditional style and ambiance with a modern vibe that encapsulates the finest in Hawaiian hospitality.
Japengo is an Asian fusion beachfront restaurant in Kaanapali. It is part of the Hyatt Regency Resort and offers a distinct menu that combines the Hawaii-grown ingredients and flavors with the cuisines of different Asian cultures.
Guests enjoy sumptuous food and island cocktails while gazing at the lovely sights of the splendid coastline of West Maui and Lanai. For sushi lovers, the sushi bar is open for Happy Hour daily. Dinner is served in both outdoor and indoor dining areas. The popular Japengo dishes are Tengu Specials, Sashimi Style Hamachi & Watermelon, Rising Sun Roll, Lobster Dynamite, Makai-Mauka, Miso Glazed Salmon, and an array of palatable side dishes. If you want to try the full spectrum of their mouth-watering menu during your visit, try ordering their ‘special items’ served as half-plates.
If you like dining in a spot overlooking the Kaanapali Golf Course 18th hole, head on to Roy’s. Their plating and presentation of their mouth-watering international cuisine with hints of island flavors are truly exciting. Roy’s has the best views of the West Maui mountains, making your breakfast, lunch, or dinner a memorable experience. Residents and tourists alike enjoy their upscale dining ambiance and extensive selection of savory food selections, cocktails, and appetizers. The house favorites are Honey Mustard Glazed Beef Short Ribs, Blackened Ahi Benedict, Confit Duck Lumpia, Flying Dragon Roll, and Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad.
Hula Grill has the best outdoor patio in Kaanapali, offering beautiful oceanfront views while enjoying its fantastic menu. It offers a plethora of regional specialties that are prepared using the traditional island cooking methods. The menus were created by the known Pacific Rim cuisine innovator, Chef Peter Merriman.
It is located at the Whaler’s Village on Kaanapali Beach, where diners have the option for a casual dining experience at the Barefoot Bar. With your toes in the sand, you can revel in their famous Fish & Chips, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. For a full dining experience, check out their dining area and order the Hula Grill’s specialties like Kiawe wood-grilled fresh fish, steak, and seafood. Other celebrated dishes are Coconut Calamari, Whole Crispy Hawaiian Snapper, Hawaiian Salt & Pepper Ribeye, and a wide selection of cocktails and appetizers.
For a perfect fusion of oceanfront views, island brews, and lavish foods, Leilani’s on Kaanapali Beach is a fantastic choice. It has a magnificent setting that showcases the charm of Hawaiian culture. It uses certified sustainability-raised or locally-caught fresh fish and fresh produce of Maui farmers in their menu.
Leilani’s top favorites are Miso Salmon, Ahi Poke Bowl, Fresh Fish Tacos, Chef’s Fresh Hawaiian Catch, Sriracha-Guava Chicken Wings, Maui Fresh Salad, and Wayne Farms All-Natural Huli-Huli Chicken. For group orders, try their Taro Hummus and Chilled Seafood Platter.
For a casual dinner, you can have your order served at the Beachside Grill. For a more formal dinner, this iconic restaurant has a Dining Room for your perusal. The Aloha Hour is from 3-5 PM. You will enjoy live music and refreshing cocktails, wines, and appetizers.
Nestled on Napili Bay, this landmark restaurant is offering palatial foods for more than 50 years. The direct on-the-beach setting of The Sea House makes it a must-go place in West Maui. You get to experience open-air, sea-to-table dining while enjoying the spectacular burst of colors during sunsets.
Their fabulous menus were selected by the Best Chef on Maui, the acclaimed Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw. This award-winning restaurant is known for its delectable breakfast menu that includes Haleakala Pancake, Molokai Sweet Potato Frittata, Pele’s Potatoes, Homemade Macadamia Nut Cinnamon Roll, and a whole lot more. For an intimate setting, opt for their Under the Stars (Romantic Na Hoku) Private Dinner for two or a group of 12 people in a select location overlooking Napili Bay.
Voted 27 years in a row ((1994 to 2020) as the Best Maui Restaurant, Lahaina Grill deserves a sweet spot on the list. It is well-acclaimed for providing exceptional fine dining experiences and extraordinary service from start to finish. Lahaina Grill is worth every dollar you splurge when you taste their appetizing menu.
Their wine menu and culinary cocktails are also well-recognized by connoisseurs and critics. The decadent assortment of desserts will make you forget your diet. Their specialties include Kona Coffee Roasted Rack of Lamb, Wagyu Beef Ravioli, and Surf & Turf.
Savor the tastiest island-grown dishes and international cuisines that these remarkable West Maui restaurants have to offer. They will definitely satisfy your palate and appetite before or after embarking on the fun activities while in Hawaii.
