Maui

The most famous drive in Hawaii. This 64-mile coastal highway features 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, passing lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and hidden swimming holes. Key stops include Twin Falls, Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach, and the Pools of 'Ohe'o at the end.

Watching the sun rise from 10,023 feet above sea level, above a sea of clouds filling the volcanic crater, is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Pacific. The barren landscape looks like another planet, with cinder cones painted in reds, oranges, and grays.

Three miles of golden sand backed by resort hotels, Ka'anapali is Maui's most popular beach for good reason. The highlight is Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) at the north end — a volcanic outcrop with incredible cliff jumping and some of the best shore snorkeling on the island. Sea turtles are regulars here.

On Maui's rugged northwest coast, ocean swells force water through a lava tube that shoots 100 feet into the air. The short hike down the hillside to the blowhole passes a natural heart-shaped rock formation that has become one of Maui's most photographed spots.

The lush Iao Valley is home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle, a green-mantled rock pinnacle rising from the valley floor. The paved walkway and botanical gardens make this one of Maui's easiest yet most dramatic natural attractions. It also holds deep cultural significance as a historic Hawaiian battleground.

This crescent-shaped volcanic crater sits 3 miles offshore and offers visibility up to 150 feet — some of the clearest snorkeling water in the world. Boats depart from Ma'alaea Harbor early each morning. You will see tropical fish, manta rays, and often reef sharks in the deeper back wall.

A paved 1.5-mile oceanfront path connecting five crescent-shaped beaches along Maui's sunniest coast. Walk between Mokapu Beach and Polo Beach with views of Molokini Crater and Kaho'olawe offshore. Each beach has a different character — from family-friendly Wailea Beach to quieter Polo Beach.

The first major stop on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is an easy 20-minute walk through a lush farm and bamboo forest to a pair of waterfalls with a swimmable pool at the base. The trailhead includes a farm stand selling fresh sugarcane juice, banana bread, and coconuts.

Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a 19th-century whaling port, Lahaina's Front Street is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and historic sites. The famous Banyan Court Park features a massive banyan tree planted in 1873 that spans nearly an entire city block. The area is rebuilding and revitalizing after the 2023 wildfire.

A marine life conservation district on Maui's northwest coast, Honolua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the island when conditions are calm (typically summer). In winter, it transforms into one of Hawaii's premier big-wave surf spots. The short trail through a jungle canopy to reach the bay is an experience in itself.

The largest undeveloped white sand beach on Maui, stretching over half a mile with dramatic volcanic cinder cones as a backdrop. The turquoise water and powerful bodysurfing shorebreak attract adventurous swimmers. Little Beach (Pu'u Ola'i), a short hike over the cinder cone, is Maui's most famous clothing-optional beach.

Three consecutive beach parks in Kihei — Kam I, II, and III — offer some of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on Maui. Golden sand, calm swimming waters, excellent snorkeling, and full amenities (restrooms, showers, parking) make these south-side beaches a daily ritual for locals and visitors alike.

James Michener called it the most beautiful beach in the non-tropical Pacific, and it's hard to disagree. This crescent of grey-sand beach backed by lush jungle cliffs near Hana feels truly remote and unspoiled. The half-moon bay creates good swimming conditions, and the dramatic setting is unlike any other beach in Hawaii.

One of Maui's most beautiful crescent beaches, consistently voted among the top beaches in the US. The wide, curving white sand beach north of Ka'anapali has excellent bodyboarding waves in winter and calmer conditions in summer. The ironwood-shaded picnic areas and full amenities make it great for a full day.

Protected by two rocky points, Kapalua Bay has some of the calmest swimming water on Maui's west side, making it ideal for snorkeling and families. The reef is healthy and full of tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally spinner dolphins. The crescent of white sand is small and exclusive-feeling, backed by the luxury Ritz-Carlton.

One of the most striking beaches in Hawaii: jet-black volcanic sand meeting turquoise blue water, framed by sea caves, blowholes, and lush green cliffs. Part of Wai'anapanapa State Park, this beach is also culturally sacred to Native Hawaiians. The park includes hiking trails to blow holes and a freshwater cave.

Arguably the most famous restaurant in Hawaii. Set on a coconut palm-lined beach in Paia, Mama's serves the freshest catch on the island — each dish names the fisherman who caught it. The Polynesian-style decor, ocean views, and impeccable service make every meal feel like a celebration.

Chef Sheldon Simeon's casual takeout counter serves elevated local comfort food. The garlic noodles, pork belly, and mochiko chicken are all outstanding. It is the perfect first or last stop on a Maui trip — right near the airport with big flavors at small prices.

A roadside gem between Lahaina and Maalaea known for savory pot pies and legendary banana cream pie. The ahi cake burger and kalua pork pot pie are hearty and satisfying. The bakery case displays an irresistible lineup of cream pies, fruit pies, and macadamia nut tarts.

An Asian-fusion noodle house with a cult following on the west side. The hapa ramen, garlic noodles, and Lahaina fried soup are all excellent. The restaurant overlooks the harbor and mountains, and the shared-plate format makes it great for groups.

A casual south-side spot famous for its fish tacos — beer-battered mahi mahi with mango salsa, cabbage slaw, and a tangy crema. The menu is simple and focused on fresh, local fish. It is the kind of place you end up eating at three times during a trip.

An award-winning farm-to-table restaurant on the grounds of the Maui Tropical Plantation, where nearly everything on the plate was grown within view of your table. Chef Jeff Scheer's creative dishes celebrate Maui's farmers and ranchers with seasonal menus that change daily. The open-air setting amid sugarcane fields and mountains is breathtaking.

Wolfgang Puck's signature restaurant at the Four Seasons Maui serves contemporary California cuisine with a Hawaiian twist from an open-air setting perched above the ocean at Wailea. The smoked salmon pizza, wagyu beef, and fresh local fish with Asian-inspired sauces are all outstanding. Service and setting are world-class.

A beloved open-air breakfast institution right on the ocean at Napili Bay, famous for macadamia nut pancakes and breathtaking whale views (in season). The breezy lanai, fresh morning air, and endless ocean horizon make this the most scenic breakfast setting on Maui. Lines form early and move steadily.

An open-air breakfast and lunch spot that south-side locals swear by, serving hearty, unpretentious plates at wallet-friendly prices. The loco moco, breakfast burritos, and fresh fish plate lunches are crowd favorites. The casual picnic-table atmosphere captures the laid-back Kihei vibe perfectly.

A Maui institution since 1944 and the ultimate locals' breakfast dive. Famous for gigantic, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, loco moco, and Portuguese sausage plates at prices that haven't caught up with the 21st century. The diner is unchanged in decades and beloved for it — mismatched furniture, no-nonsense service, and honest food.

The quintessential North Shore lunch spot, serving the freshest local fish in no-frills style. Fish and chips, fresh-catch tacos, burgers, and salads made with whatever the local boats brought in that morning. Eat at picnic tables on the sidewalk and watch the windsurfers and surfers parade through Paia town.

Consistently voted the best shave ice in Hawaii by food media and locals alike, Ululani's uses natural fruit syrups made from real tropical fruits with no artificial flavors. The shave ice is impossibly fluffy and fine. Add a scoop of local ice cream at the bottom and drizzle of condensed milk for the complete experience.

Beverly Gannon's landmark Upcountry restaurant in a restored 1920s plantation general store has been a Maui institution since 1988. The menu blends Asian, Hawaiian, and American influences with locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. The sashimi napoleon, Hunan lamb rack, and pineapple upside-down cake are legendary dishes.

A Maui institution since 1933, Sam Sato's serves the quintessential Hawaiian saimin and dry mein alongside hearty plate lunches in a no-frills diner beloved by generations of locals. The dry mein — noodles with char siu in a rich broth served on the side — is the dish that defines this restaurant. The turnover pies (apple and coconut) are legendary.

Peter Merriman's lively wood-fire kitchen and farm-to-table bar in Wailea, celebrated for its artisan pizzas, fresh local catch, and signature mai tai made with house-made sour mix. The open kitchen, local craft beers on tap, and buzzing happy hour atmosphere make it one of the most fun dining experiences on the island's south side.

Chef Sheldon Simeon's love letter to Hawaii's plantation-era food culture, celebrating the multicultural roots of Hawaiian cuisine through dishes that honor Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese immigrant traditions. The lechon kawali (crispy pork belly), pancit noodles, and local fish preparations are all extraordinary. A deeply personal and emotionally resonant restaurant.

Peter Merriman's oceanfront farm-to-table restaurant at the Kapalua Resort offers stunning views of Moloka'i across the channel alongside some of the best sustainable Hawaiian seafood on the island. The menu changes to reflect what local fishermen, ranchers, and farmers bring in each day. The sunset panorama from the open-air dining room is incomparable.

A wood-fired pizza restaurant using kiawe wood (Hawaiian mesquite) to fire artisan flatbreads topped with organic and locally sourced ingredients. The Mopsy's Kalua Pork flatbread with house-made sauce and the Hanalei Taro pizza are beloved North Shore staples. The lively, communal atmosphere with communal picnic tables makes it perfect for groups.

A modern Japanese restaurant tucked into the Haiku community by the Paia Fish Market family, serving exquisite sushi, sashimi, and Japanese small plates using locally caught fish. The intimate space and thoughtful preparations — uni from nearby waters, fresh ahi sashimi, creative nigiri — make this a destination for those who seek serious Japanese cuisine in Maui's countryside.

Ko celebrates Hawaii's rich plantation heritage through 'Ohana-style sharing dishes that honor the multicultural immigrant communities who shaped Hawaiian cuisine. Show-stopping tableside presentations include the Wagyu Beef Tomahawk, Korean Kalbi Wagyu, and whole-roasted fish. Reopened in 2025 with an updated menu that honors tradition while embracing contemporary creativity.

A Maui stalwart serving some of the most creative sushi on the island, blending traditional Japanese technique with Pacific Rim flavors and locally sourced fish. The panko-crusted ahi sashimi with ponzu butter, the mango crab salad hand roll, and the crispy rock shrimp cake are iconic dishes. The late-night prix fixe deal is one of the best bargains on Maui.

One of Hawaii's premier seafood dining experiences, Nick's Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kea Lani combines opulent interior design with exceptional local fish preparations. The signature crusted mahimahi, live Maine lobster thermidor, and tableside-carved prime rib are all legendary. The impeccable service and extensive wine cellar make every evening a celebration.

Maui's most celebrated craft brewery pairs award-winning local beers — Big Swell IPA, Coconut Hiwa Porter, Pineapple Mana Wheat — with a creative pub menu using locally sourced ingredients. The sprawling taproom hosts live music and weekly events. The brewery tours show the full production process and offer exclusive taproom-only small-batch pours.

A lively fusion restaurant in Kihei owned by three chefs whose backgrounds in Hawaiian, Southwest American, and Pacific Rim cuisine create an eclectic and genuinely satisfying menu. Tacos with Hawaiian fish, kalua pork quesadillas, and creative cocktails have made this a beloved casual dining destination for south-side visitors and locals alike.

Paia's go-to destination for health-conscious travelers, serving some of the best açaí bowls on Maui alongside fresh smoothies, raw food dishes, and organic juices. The açaí bowls are thick, deeply flavored, and beautifully topped with local tropical fruits, granola, and natural sweeteners. The welcoming North Shore vibe and organic approach attract a loyal crowd.

A beloved local restaurant group with multiple Maui locations, known for generous plate lunch specials, creative salads, and expertly grilled fish at accessible prices. The mahimahi plate with jasmine rice, the ahi poke bowl, and the fresh catch specials showcase local Maui fish at its best. A reliable choice wherever you are on the island.

A charming French-Moroccan café in the heart of Paia offering breakfast crêpes, French onion soup, and beautifully prepared couscous dishes alongside excellent espresso. The crêpes — both sweet with Nutella and fruit or savory with local vegetables and cheese — are some of the best on the island. A relaxed, European atmosphere in the center of Paia's surf town.

A beloved local taco truck turned restaurant serving some of the freshest fish tacos on Maui — beer-battered mahi mahi, grilled ahi, and spicy shrimp all wrapped in warm corn tortillas with house slaw and mango salsa. The laid-back vibe, fresh fish, and fair prices have made this a south Maui institution.

A Paia institution since 1969 — a classic American bar and grill with a legendary list of celebrity guests (Willie Nelson is a frequent visitor) and live music most nights. The breakfast is outstanding with massive portions of pancakes, eggs, and burgers. The bar serves excellent tropical cocktails and hosts impromptu music jams that are pure North Shore magic.

Wailuku's most beloved Vietnamese restaurant, praised by Bon Appétit magazine and frequented by locals who queue for the fresh spring rolls, lemongrass beef, and pho. The family-run kitchen uses authentic recipes and fresh locally sourced ingredients. The warm hospitality and excellent food at modest prices make it one of the best-value restaurants on Maui.

A laid-back specialty coffee shop and café in the heart of Paia town, beloved by surfers, windsurfers, and North Shore locals. The single-origin pour-overs, creative espresso drinks, and fresh açaí bowls are exceptional. The outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching in Paia — one of Maui's most colorful communities.

Maui's premier artisan coffee roaster, sourcing and roasting single-origin beans from Hawaii and around the world. The coffee bar showcases the latest roasts in pour-over, espresso, and cold brew formats, and the attached café serves fresh pastries and light bites. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the current offerings with genuine enthusiasm.

A beloved Upcountry institution serving coffee grown on the family's farm on the slopes of Haleakala since 1918. Five generations of the same family have maintained this café, where the freshly roasted estate coffee, homemade pastries, and quiche are served with genuine aloha spirit. The lush Upcountry setting at 3,000 feet elevation is cool, green, and stunning.

A Makawao landmark since 1916 serving legendary cream puffs, doughnuts, and fresh-baked goods that locals set their alarms for. The cream puffs sell out before noon — they are transcendently good, with a cloud-light shell and generous fresh cream filling. The old-fashioned store interior and unhurried small-town pace make it one of the most charming stops on Maui.

The west-side location of Maui's most acclaimed shave ice shop, conveniently situated near the recovering Lahaina area. The same extraordinary natural fruit syrups and impossibly fine ice texture that made the original famous are available here, making it the perfect reward after a beach day on the west side.

Voted the best malasadas in South Maui, this Kihei bakery also produces outstanding pies, croissants, and artisan breads using local flavors like taro, haupia, and lilikoi. The morning line forms before opening, and popular items sell out by 10 AM. The warm, buttery malasadas filled with haupia cream are exceptionally good.

A Hawaii-born artisan ice cream brand beloved for uniquely tropical flavors — Kona coffee, mango sorbet, taro, guava, and the signature Kauai Pie (macadamia nut, coconut, chocolate). The dense, rich gelato-style scoops are packed with flavor. Multiple Maui locations including Lahaina and Wailea make it easy to find a sweet ending to any meal.

A cozy Upcountry Maui gem serving Italian-inspired comfort food at 2,400-foot elevation surrounded by farm fields and Haleakala's lower slopes. The wood-fired pizza, housemade pasta, and daily specials using local Kula produce and upcountry farm ingredients create an experience that feels worlds apart from the beach resort scene. The cool evening air enhances every meal.

A modern market café in Wailea focused on farm-to-fork bowls, sandwiches, and seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, and casual evening dining. The rotating menu highlights what's fresh from local Maui farms — açaí bowls, grain bowls with local vegetables, and creative sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. A sophisticated yet casual alternative to resort dining.

A farm-to-fork salad and bowl restaurant using entirely local Hawaiian produce, proteins, and flavors. The signature bowls feature local greens, house-made dressings, and proteins like Maui grass-fed beef and local fish. Everything is made fresh daily with seasonal ingredients — a genuinely healthy and delicious lunch option in South Maui.

A beloved local bottle shop that houses one of the best poke counters on Maui, made fresh daily with sashimi-grade local fish. The ahi, tako (octopus), and salmon poke in a dozen different seasonings attract a devoted local following. Grab a container and head to the nearby beach — it is the most local and spontaneous dining experience on the west side.

The most famous banana bread stand on the Road to Hana, baking fresh loaves with perfectly ripe Keanae valley bananas throughout the day. The warm, aromatic banana bread — slightly crisp on the outside, moist and dense inside — is one of the most iconic Hana Highway experiences. The Keanae Peninsula backdrop makes this roadside stop unforgettable.

A beloved Paia taco truck and takeout spot serving authentic Mexican street tacos alongside Hawaiian-influenced burritos and quesadillas using locally sourced ingredients. The carnitas, carne asada, and the fresh fish taco are all standouts. The North Shore surf crowd, windsurfers, and kitesurfers fill the small seating area for an eclectic, energetic lunch scene.

The Grand Wailea's iconic over-water thatched-hut restaurant surrounded by lagoons and tropical gardens, serving upscale Hawaiian cuisine with spectacular resort ambiance. Named for Hawaii's state fish, Humuhumu features fresh local seafood, prime steaks, and creative Hawaiian-inspired preparations in one of the most dramatic resort restaurant settings in the Pacific.

Elevated dining at the Kapalua Golf Club with sweeping views of the Kapalua Bay coastline and the island of Moloka'i across the water. The menu features locally sourced farm-to-table preparations, fresh Pacific fish, and Big Island beef alongside an excellent wine list. The clubhouse setting exudes relaxed West Maui elegance.

A waterfront Mediterranean-influenced restaurant with spectacular ocean views and excellent fresh seafood preparations. Chef Mark Ellman's signature dishes — Mediterranean-spiced local fish, inventive flatbreads, and expertly executed small plates — pair beautifully with the breezy oceanfront setting and the watching of spinner dolphins offshore in the morning.

An artisan coffee shop in the heart of historic Wailuku town, roasting locally grown Hawaiian beans alongside carefully sourced international origins. The intimate shop is a gathering point for the local community, with excellent pour-overs, espresso drinks, and fresh pastries. The building's historic character and warm neighborhood atmosphere make this a beloved Maui destination.

A Mediterranean oasis in Kihei serving fresh, authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes with a Hawaii-friendly lightness. The grilled seafood platter, chicken souvlaki, and the house hummus platter are all beautifully prepared. The lively outdoor patio, casual atmosphere, and generous portions have made this a South Maui favorite for over two decades.

A casual waterfront restaurant on the famous Front Street area serving fresh fish, burgers, and classic American bar food with spectacular Pacific Ocean views. The fish and chips with local mahi mahi and the ahi tacos are crowd favorites. The open-air setting with ocean breezes and the energetic atmosphere make it a perfect casual evening spot.

Voted Best Local Sandwich every year since 2008, 808 Deli makes homemade recipes served on freshly baked bread with locally sourced ingredients. The Maui Cattle Co. roast beef sandwich, the spicy tuna melt, and the fresh veggie panini are all outstanding. The casual counter-service format and fair prices have built a devoted following across South Maui.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Maui outpost at the breathtaking Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, serving his signature pan-Asian cuisine from a spectacular oceanfront terrace. The wagyu gyoza, fresh oysters with ponzu, and the Morimoto omakase are all extraordinary. The sunset views from the open-air terrace over the Pacific make this one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in Hawaii.

A beloved Makawao institution serving hearty Mexican and Tex-Mex comfort food in a warm, saloon-like atmosphere. The chili verde, enchiladas, and margaritas are all excellent. Local Upcountry families, cowboys from nearby paniolo ranches, and paniolo riders from Haleakala all share tables in this lively community gathering spot.

An upscale Italian restaurant in Wailea serving handmade pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and expertly prepared Italian classics using local Hawaiian ingredients alongside imported Italian specialties. The truffle pasta, fresh fish al forno, and the extensive Italian wine list make this one of the most satisfying European dining experiences in Hawaii.

A health-forward restaurant and juice bar serving nourishing açaí bowls, grain bowls, raw food dishes, and fresh cold-pressed juices. The commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients and mindful preparation has made this a favorite for health-conscious visitors seeking a light, nutritious alternative to heavy resort dining. Excellent for vegans and vegetarians.

One of Maui's most celebrated fine dining restaurants, Lahaina Grill has been serving acclaimed New American cuisine in the heart of historic Lahaina town since 1990. The menu features creative preparations of fresh local fish, prime aged steaks, and Hawaiian-grown produce executed with classical French technique. The intimate atmosphere, exceptional wine cellar, and impeccable service have earned Lahaina Grill consistent recognition as one of Hawaii's top restaurants.

An oceanfront fine dining restaurant in Lahaina serving innovative contemporary Pacific Rim cuisine with fresh local fish, organic Maui produce from the adjacent O'o Farm, and creative Asian-inspired sauces. The beachfront setting, the outstanding wine list, and the thoughtfully crafted menu have made Pacific'O a consistent top-tier dining destination on Maui.

A vibrant, colorful Mexican restaurant on Lahaina's waterfront serving fresh, creative coastal Mexican cuisine with local Hawaiian-grown ingredients. The ceviche of fresh local ahi, the guacamole prepared tableside, and the creative tequila cocktail program make Frida's a festive and memorable dining experience. The lively atmosphere and the ocean views create an atmosphere that perfectly captures old Lahaina's spirited character.

A Maui institution since 1976, Longhi's is the original fine Italian restaurant in Lahaina serving house-made pastas, fresh local seafood prepared Italian-style, and the best steak on the West Side. The no-menu format — servers recite the daily offerings based on fresh ingredients — creates a uniquely personal and theatrical dining experience that has charmed generations of Maui visitors.

A beloved beachfront restaurant on Kaanapali Beach with some of the most beautiful sunset dining views in Maui. Leilani's serves fresh local seafood, prime steaks, and Hawaiian-style comfort food in a festive, open-air setting directly on the sand. The signature hula pie dessert and the fresh fish specials are the house favorites.

A classic beachfront restaurant on Kaanapali Beach designed to evoke the spirit of a 1930s beach house, with an open-air setting, hula performances, and an excellent menu of fresh local fish, Hawaiian cuisine, and creative tropical cocktails. The Barefoot Bar serves casual food directly on the beach, while the upstairs dining room offers a more refined experience with equal ocean views.

Named after legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, Duke's Beach House at the Honua Kai Resort sits directly on Kaanapali Beach with stunning ocean views and a menu of fresh local fish, Hawaiian-style comfort food, and tropical cocktails. The surfing memorabilia, live Hawaiian music, and beach setting create a festive, relaxed atmosphere.

The signature fine dining restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Banyan Tree offers extraordinary Pacific Rim cuisine in an elegant open-air setting beneath a century-old banyan tree with sweeping views of the Kapalua coastline. The seasonal menu of local fish, Maui farm produce, and creative tasting menus represents the finest luxury dining experience in West Maui.

A beloved Makawao institution combining an excellent Italian restaurant with Maui's most popular live music nightclub. The wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh local fish preparations are all excellent, and the lively late-night entertainment with touring and local musicians makes Casanova a unique full-evening experience. A Maui gathering spot for the island's arts and music community.

A rustic, saloon-style steakhouse in the upcountry paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao, serving well-aged beef, fresh local fish, and hearty side dishes in an atmosphere that celebrates Maui's authentic ranching heritage. The kiawe-broiled steaks and the local fish plates are the house specialties, served amid the Western décor and the aloha spirit of old-school Maui.

A beloved deli and diner in the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, CJ's serves hearty American breakfasts, deli sandwiches, and comfort lunches at reasonable prices in a relaxed, no-frills setting. The fluffy pancakes, generous omelets, and freshly made deli subs make it a top breakfast choice for families staying in Kaanapali who want quality food without resort prices.

A classic Lahaina oceanfront seafood restaurant with stunning sunset views over the harbor, serving fresh local fish, prime steaks, and Hawaiian comfort food in a warm, upscale-casual setting. Kimo's hula pie — the legendary macadamia nut ice cream dessert — has become a Maui icon since the restaurant opened in 1977.

A 1950s-themed burger and shake café on the second floor of the Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina, serving gourmet burgers, fresh fish sandwiches, and thick milkshakes with ocean views. The creative burger menu — featuring surf-inspired flavor combinations — and the nostalgic diner atmosphere have made Cool Cat a beloved Lahaina lunch and dinner spot.

A Maui-born fast-casual taco chain serving creative fish tacos, burritos, and Hawaiian-Mexican fusion plates using locally sourced fish and produce. The fish tacos with fresh salsa, the kalua pig burrito, and the açaí bowls have earned Maui Tacos a loyal following at multiple locations across the island. Great for a quick, satisfying meal.

A charming local coffee house and café on the main street of Paia, the beloved North Shore surf town, serving locally roasted single-origin coffees, fresh smoothies, and light breakfast items in a laid-back, surf-culture atmosphere. A favorite morning stop for the North Shore surfing and windsurfing community.

A quirky, eclectic café in the bohemian North Shore town of Paia serving creative, globally inspired plates — from Mediterranean mezze to Pacific Rim fish dishes — in a colorful, art-filled atmosphere. The creative daily specials, the fresh pressed juices, and the welcoming laid-back vibe reflect the unique character of Paia's artistic community.

A popular South Maui sushi restaurant in Kihei serving fresh, creative rolls and sashimi using daily-caught local fish in an intimate, casual setting. The inventive roll combinations — featuring local ahi, Maui-grown ingredients, and creative sauces — have made Kai Sushi one of the most beloved Japanese restaurants on the South Shore.

A casual beachfront restaurant at the Mana Kai Maui Resort on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, serving fresh local fish, hearty breakfasts, and creative Pacific Rim dishes with stunning views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. The oceanfront setting and the excellent fresh fish preparations make Five Palms one of South Maui's best beachside dining experiences.

Maui's beloved craft brewpub in Wailuku serving house-brewed ales, stouts, and lagers alongside pub fare and local plate lunches in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Named after Hawaii's state bird, the Nene Goose Brewhouse celebrates local culture with brews that feature Maui-grown hops, tropical fruit, and island herbs. A gathering place for Maui's local craft beer community.

A fun, tropical tiki bar and restaurant in Kihei serving creative burgers, fresh fish dishes, and strong tropical cocktails in an open-air, retro-Hawaiian atmosphere. The creative cocktail menu and the laid-back beach bar vibe make it one of Kihei's most popular happy hour destinations, while the food menu surprises with genuinely well-crafted dishes.

A casual, open-air seafood restaurant directly on the Lahaina waterfront, serving fresh local fish prepared simply — grilled, blackened, or sautéed — with stunning views of the harbor and the island of Lana'i. The fish-first philosophy and the excellent fresh daily catches have made Lahaina Fish Company a beloved local seafood institution.

The Forrest Gump-themed shrimp restaurant chain's Lahaina location sits on the historic Lahaina waterfront with excellent views of the harbor and the channel between Maui and Lana'i. The creative shrimp preparations — garlic shrimp, shrimp scampi, popcorn shrimp — and the fun, movie-themed atmosphere make it a popular family dining choice.

A beloved family-run Thai restaurant in Kihei serving authentic, generously portioned Thai cuisine at prices that locals appreciate. The green curry, pad see ew, and house spring rolls are made with genuine care and traditional recipes. One of the best value dinners in South Maui.

A popular waterfront bar and restaurant in Lahaina serving fresh fish tacos, creative burgers, and classic pub fare alongside a generous selection of tropical cocktails and local craft beers. The fun, social atmosphere and the strong cocktail program make Down the Hatch a favorite Lahaina happy hour destination.

A charming French bakery and restaurant in the upcountry Kula farming region of Maui, serving authentic French pastries, quiches, and simple French lunches using locally grown Kula vegetables and herbs. The croissants, macarons, and fresh-baked tarts are made with classical French pastry technique and have earned La Provence a reputation as the finest bakery in upcountry Maui.

A beloved Kihei breakfast and lunch spot serving hearty American-style breakfasts with local Hawaiian touches — loco moco, eggs Benedict variations, and creative omelets — alongside fresh smoothie bowls and coffee. The friendly service and generous portions have built a loyal following among South Maui locals and repeat visitors.

One of the top aquariums in the Pacific, this facility features a 750,000-gallon open-ocean tank with a walk-through tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The living reef exhibit and humpback whale discovery center are world-class. A great rainy-day option or family activity.

Perched at 4,000 feet on the slopes of Haleakala, this 13-acre lavender farm offers stunning views of the central valley and west Maui mountains. Over 45 varieties of lavender bloom across the hillside. The gift shop sells lavender scones, honey, and essential oils.

Maui sits in the middle of the humpback whale breeding grounds, and from December through April the waters come alive with breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping whales. Boats depart from Lahaina and Maalaea harbors for 2-hour tours that often encounter pods within minutes of leaving shore.

A working goat dairy on the slopes of Haleakala offering farm tours where you can feed and pet Nigerian Dwarf goats. The cheese-tasting counter features award-winning varieties like truffle, lavender, and mac nut. The sunset tour with cheese and crackers is a unique Maui experience.

A 4-mile round-trip hike through dense bamboo forest to the towering 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The trail passes massive banyan trees and follows along lush stream beds inside the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park. It is one of the most magical hikes in all of Hawaii.

Consistently rated Hawaii's best luau, the Old Lahaina Luau presents an authentic and moving celebration of Hawaiian culture on the oceanfront. Rather than a kitschy spectacle, the experience educates as it entertains — tracing the history and traditions of the Hawaiian people through hula, storytelling, and a feast of traditional foods.

Ho'okipa Beach is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the world — on any afternoon with trade winds, dozens of colorful sails dance above massive waves. The clifftop parking lot is an ideal spectator perch. Pair the visit with a stroll through Paia town, the hippest two-block stretch in Maui, full of eclectic shops, galleries, and cafes.

One of Maui's top outdoor adventures, the Kapalua Zipline Tour features multiple lines soaring above the West Maui Mountains and Kapalua Bay with stunning views of the ocean and Moloka'i in the distance. The longest line is over 2,600 feet. Open to guests of all ages and experience levels.

Descend 100 feet below the surface of the Pacific in a real submarine to explore coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and sunken aircraft and ships off the coast of Lahaina. The air-conditioned vessel is comfortable for all ages and requires no swimming or diving ability — perfect for those who want to see the reef without getting wet.

The green, cool slopes of Haleakala above 2,000 feet are Maui's agricultural heart. Drive the winding Kula Highway past lavender farms, protea flower fields, and organic vegetable operations before stopping in Makawao — a paniolo (cowboy) town with a bohemian art scene, fantastic galleries, and the best cream puffs in Hawaii at Komoda's Bakery.