Dining

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Best Acupuncture

  • John Motley, L.Ac (Motley Acupuncture): Known for a compassionate bedside manner and blending traditional Oriental medicine with Reiki and medical Qigong.

  • Maui Acupuncture (David S. S. Jue): A long-standing practice in Wailuku focusing on pain management and chronic conditions using classical Chinese techniques

  • Three Treasures: Located in Haiku, they offer a holistic "East-meets-West" approach, often integrating herbal medicine with acupuncture sessions.

Food truck with a Kraken Coffee Maui logo on the side and a menu display window.

Kraken Coffee

Best Barbershop

  • Maui Barber Shop (Kihei): Frequently voted "Best on Maui," known for master barbers, precise skin fades, and classic straight razor shaves in a friendly community atmosphere.

  • The Shop Maui (Wailuku): A modern, high-energy spot popular for creative designs and sharp, contemporary men’s grooming.

  • V’s Barbershop (Kahului): Offers an old-school, nostalgic feel with hot towels and traditional barbering services for all ages.

Indoor café with pink chairs, wooden tables, hanging flowers, and a bar area with a pink espresso machine, baristas, and a person standing at the bar.

Belle Surf Cafe

Best Chiropractor

  • Dr. Richard Walker II (Kihei): Highly rated for personalized care and not rushing appointments; specializes in corrective chiropractic.

  • Dr. John Avallone (Kahului): A trusted name on the island for decades, known for effective adjustments and thorough diagnostics.

  • Dr. Shana Wasserman-Amouyal (Kihei): Praised for her gentle approach and ability to explain complex conditions clearly to patients.

The exterior of a shop called 'Westside Bagel' with a glass window and door, and a sign above the door.

Westside Bagel

Best Bakery

Leoda’s is a Maui institution where the line is always out the door for their mini pies (the Banana Cream is legendary). In Wailuku, Paukūkalo Sweets is the place for traditional local treats like warm malasadas. For a historical experience, Komoda Store in Makawao has been serving their famous cream puffs and stick donuts since 1916—arrive early, as they sell out fast!

Exterior of Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop with two people sitting at a table in front, green building with yellow accents, large windows, and hanging plants.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Brunch Spot

Mala Ocean Tavern was recently named one of the top brunch spots in the U.S. by OpenTable; their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes paired with a view of turtles in the surf is unbeatable. Ka’ana Kitchen offers the island's most luxurious breakfast buffet, while Kula Bistro is the Upcountry favorite for its massive "pasture-to-table" omelets and cozy Italian-cafe vibe.

Exterior view of a building with a sign that says 'Kate Bistro' against a cloudy sky, with greenery in the background.

Kula Bistro

Best Burger

Cool Cat Café is the perennial "Best of Maui" winner, serving retro diner-style burgers like the avocado-heavy "Luna" burger. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is beloved for its "Special Sauce" and high-quality flame-broiled patties. For something more elevated, the burger at Monkeypod Kitchen features local beef and vine-ripened tomatoes, making it a surprisingly gourmet standout.

Classic cars parked outside Galcat Cafe on a sunny day with people walking nearby and palm trees in the background.

Cool Cat Cafe

Best Catering Service

Celebrations by Bev Gannon is the gold standard for high-end events, bringing the culinary excellence of Haliʻimaile General Store to any location. Sugar Beach Events offers a stunning private venue with a professional culinary team, while Mala Ocean Tavern specializes in bringing their signature oceanfront flavors to private gatherings

People dining at an outdoor restaurant by the water during sunset.

Mala Ocean Tavern

Best Chinese Restaurant

Lineage in Wailea has redefined Chinese-Filipino fusion with upscale dishes like their famous Garlic Szechuan Noodles and Crispy Cauliflower. For traditional Cantonese, Fu Lin is the West Side’s reliable favorite. Happy Garden in Wailuku is the local choice for authentic Dim Sum and large "family-style" party platters.

Outdoor patio dining area with wooden tables set with plates, glasses, and utensils, overlooking a lush green landscape with trees and plants.

Lineage

Best Donut

Purve Donut Stop is the newcomer making waves with hilarious names and wild flavors like "Unicorn Butt Sneeze" (lemon and Fruity Pebbles). Komoda’s stick donuts remain the timeless king of Maui pastries, while Donut Dynamite elevates the craft with artisanal brioche donuts that look like edible art.

A display of colorful decorated donuts on a table with small signs labeling each one.

Purve Donut Stop

Best Ethiopian/Spice-Forward

While Maui doesn't have a dedicated Ethiopian storefront, Satrang in Haiku captures those vibrant spice profiles with their organic Indian/Global fusion. Mediterranean Grill is the go-to for savory, spice-heavy lentils, and Moku Roots often features African-inspired "earth bowls" that satisfy that specific craving for complex, plant-based flavors.

Food truck with menu boards and colorful signage, offering Indian cuisine and vegetarian dishes.

Satrang

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

Monkeypod Kitchen is perfect for families, offering live music, a great kids' menu, and a high-energy vibe that welcomes a bit of noise. Flatbread Company is a hit with kids who love watching pizzas go into the wood-fired clay oven. Slappy Cakes is a unique interactive experience where you cook your own pancakes on griddles built right into the table.

Outdoor seaside restaurant with tables set for dining, some customers seated, overlooking the ocean with sailboats, trees, and a clear sky.

Monkeypod Kitchen

Best Food Cart/Truck

Thai Mee Up is a local phenomenon located behind the Kahului Costco; it consistently beats out sit-down restaurants for the best Thai on the island. Kitoko in Kihei offers "fine dining from a truck" with beautifully plated bento boxes. Geste Shrimp Truck is the legendary stop for Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp near the harbor.

A small food stand with a person preparing food in the window, sign reading "Open," and menus listing plant-based, sorbets, and bentos, with tropical plants surrounding it.

Kitoko

Best French Restaurant

La Provence in Kula offers a slice of the French countryside with a panoramic view of Maui, specializing in authentic croissants and pâtisserie. Gerard’s in Lahaina is the island’s bastion of traditional French fine dining, while Casitas in Wailea offers a modern, breezy take on coastal European flavors.

Interior of a lively restaurant with outdoor seating, large glass windows, and people dining inside and outside in the evening.

La Provence

Best Gluten-Free Restaurant

Moku Roots is a haven for those with dietary restrictions, offering creative GF breads and meals in a zero-waste environment. Maui Sugar Shop is a 100% gluten-free and paleo-friendly bakery that makes incredible lilikoi bars. Coconut’s Fish Cafe is famous for their GF fish tacos, which use a massive stack of 17 ingredients.

Sign for Codnut's Fish Cafe with opening hours from 11 AM to 9 PM and a 'Now Open' banner.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Ice Cream

Reefs Real Fruit Icecream is tucked away in the food pod next to Maui Gardens and it might be one of the islands best kept secrets. Lappert’s Hawaii is the classic choice; their "Heavenly Hana" (dark chocolate and marshmallows) is a must-try. Island Cream Co. in Lahaina offers a staggering 150 handmade flavors and "Glacier Ice." For a decadent local touch, Ghelfi’s in Kihei creates incredible handmade gelato and chocolate-dipped treats.

People dining in a restaurant with large windows showing a sunset view of the ocean and palm trees.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Indian Restaurant

Monsoon Bar & Grill offers authentic North Indian curries with the best view of any Indian restaurant in the world—right on the Kihei oceanfront. Kamana Kitchen is the local's choice for traditional Tandoori, while Satrang offers a modern, farm-to-table take on Indian street food.

A pink ice cream truck named 'Reef's Real Fruit Ice Cream' with signs displaying menu options and ingredients, window for ordering, and potted plants in front.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Italian Restaurant

Sale Pepe in Lahaina is widely considered the best for authentic, artisanal pasta and thin-crust pizza. Olivine at the Grand Wailea provides an upscale, coastal Italian experience featuring Sale Pepe’s handmade pastas. Fabiani’s is the beloved family-run spot in Kihei, famous for their lasagna and "Vittorio’s" cakes.

Interior of a cozy restaurant with wooden tables set with plates, glasses, and napkins, a bar area with red paneling and bar stools, warm lighting, and a menu written on a chalkboard.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Late-Night Eats

Zippy’s in Kahului is the 24/7 (or late-night) heart of Hawaii, where a bowl of Saimin or "Zip Pac" solves any midnight hunger. And for a caffeine-fueled late-night snack, the VigiLatte cart in Wailuku offers a "rock and roll" atmosphere long after other shops close.

Zippy's restaurant entrance with stone columns, glass doors, and a sign above the door.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Ramen

Star Noodle is world-famous; their Hapa Ramen and Garlic Noodles are legendary, now served with a stunning ocean view. Ichiban Okazuya is a "locals only" secret in Wailuku for traditional saimin and ramen. Ramen Ya offers a consistent, family-friendly experience that hits the spot every time.

People dining at tables outdoors near a waterfront with trees and a sunset in the background.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Mediterranean Restaurant

Mediterranean Grill is a Haiku food truck that arguably serves the best gyros and falafel in the state. Pita Paradise in Wailea uses fresh-caught fish from their own boat for their Mediterranean fusion dishes. Cafe Des Amis in Paia is a North Shore staple, famous for Mediterranean crepes and savory curries.

Restaurant sign reading 'Mediterranean and Indian Food' with patrons dining inside.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Mexican Restaurant

Roasted Chiles in Kihei is exceptional for its sophisticated, regional Mexican dishes like Mole and Chile Rellenos. Amigo’s provides the classic, high-energy "tacos and margaritas" experience. Milagros in Paia is the place to see and be seen while enjoying "island-style" Mexican fusion on their famous outdoor patio.

Inside a colorful restaurant with yellow walls, patrons sitting at tables, a television on the wall, and decorative elements including sombreros and artwork.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Pizza

Flatbread Company in Paia is the gold standard for its local, organic ingredients and massive clay oven. Prison Street Pizza is the choice for those who want a true, foldable Jersey-style slice. Pizza Paradiso in West Maui is an award-winner known for its Mediterranean toppings and consistent quality.

A busy restaurant with customers and staff, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a sign that says 'think good thoughts'.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Sandwich shop

808 on Main is the king of the "creative" sandwich, using high-end ingredients for their paninis. Leoda’s seared ahi sandwich is a must-try for seafood lovers. Home Maid Bakery in Wailuku is famous for its simple, delicious "local style" sandwiches served on buns they bake fresh every morning.

Close-up of a store window with a white August Burns Red band logo outline and an outdoor sidewalk scene reflecting in the glass.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Soul Food and BBQ

Fat Daddy’s brings a soul-food sensibility to their BBQ with items like truffle mac & cheese and slow-smoked meats. Beach Bums offers the classic Southern BBQ experience with big platters and harbor views. Bearded BBQ is a food truck with filling plates at fair prices with cornbread that is absolutely to die for.

Food truck with a Bernadette BBQ sign and a silhouette of a woman on the side, serving customers outdoors on a sunny day.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best South Asian Restaurant

Kamana Kitchen is the premier destination for traditional Indian flavors across the island. Satrang offers a more experimental, South Asian fusion that focuses on local Maui produce. Monsoon Bar & Grill provides a high-end, fine-dining take on South Asian classics with an oceanfront bar.

Exterior view of Kamana Indian Cuisine restaurant with signboard and glass windows

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Sushi

Vana in Paia is the "insider's" choice for top-tier, intimate sushi. Sansei is famous for its creative rolls and legendary "Early Bird" discounts that draw huge crowds. For the ultimate luxury experience, Sensei by Nobu (connected to Lanai) offers the highest level of sushi craftsmanship available in the region.

Outdoor restaurant patio with wooden tables, black chairs, and decorative circular wall art under string lights.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Poke

Like Poke? is the chef-driven food truck that locals flock to for fresh-cut ginger and shoyu poke. Tobi's Poke & Shave Ice in Paia is a great option that also has shave ice. South Maui Fish Co. is exceptional for its "boat-to-bowl" freshness, serving only what was caught that day. And don’t forget Foodland which remains the "people's choice" for its massive variety and convenience.

A busy outdoor seating area at Tobi's Deli in Paia, with people sitting at tables, pink flower arrangements, and a sign encouraging visitors to stop by Tobi's.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Shave Ice

Ululani’s is the undisputed world champion of shave ice, known for its "micro-shaved" texture and 100% cane sugar syrups. Wailua Shave Ice offers a modern twist by using fresh fruit foams and purees. Breakwall in Lahaina is the place for "adult shave ice," which includes a splash of spirits for a boozy beach treat.

Sign for Hawaiian shave ice stand with logo of a hawaiian woman in a pink dress

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Sweet Shop/Chocloatier

Maui Specialty Chocolates is famous for their "Mochi Truffles" which are a local obsession. Maui Ku'ia Estate in Lahaina is an award-winning "farm-to-bar" chocolate factory where you can do tastings overlooking the cacao trees. Island Press Coffee is the boutique stop for locally made truffles and artisan pastries.

Coffee shop counter with brown paper bag packages, a bowl of golf clubs, a refrigerated display case with desserts, and a wooden shelf with black boxes and a zucchini.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Taco

Ono Tacos is the real deal for street-style tacos—simple, fast, and incredibly flavorful. Coconut’s Fish Cafe changed the game with their 17-ingredient fish taco that has been featured in national food magazines. El Taco Borracho is the late-night hero of Kihei, serving authentic tacos from a truck.

A food truck with a black exterior decorated with green leaves and cartoon tiki figures. It has a sign that says 'Enjoy Our Authentic Sonora Flavor' and another sign with the truck's name, 'Ono Tacos Lahaina.' The truck has a serving window with menus and QR codes visible.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Thai Restaurant

Thai Mee Up is a "can't miss" for their Garlic Salmon and perfectly spiced Pad Thai. A Saigon Cafe bridges Thai and Vietnamese flavors beautifully in a sit-down setting. Nalu’s in Kihei offers a Thai-inspired "island grill" menu that features some of the best curry dishes on the South Side.

Sign on a building that reads 'Thai Mee Up' along with a phone number.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Vergetarian/Vegan Restarant

Moku Roots is the island's plant-based leader, known for their "Taro Burger" and zero-waste mission. Choice Health Bar is the ultimate stop for Acai bowls and superfood smoothies. A’a Roots in Napili offers beautiful, health-conscious bowls that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.

Interior of a cozy restaurant with a colorful counter, barista, and seating area with tables and chairs.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Vietnamese Restaurant -

A Saigon Cafe is the long-standing king of Pho on Maui; the owner is a local legend. Ba-Le Sandwiches is the place for a quick, crunchy, and authentic Banh Mi. Hoopiilani Vietnamese is a rising star in the food truck scene, offering incredibly fresh spring rolls and noodle bowls.

Close-up of a sub sandwich with lettuce, onions, and cilantro held in front of a French sandwich shop.

Paukukalo Sweets

Best Wings -

Nalu’s wings are a local obsession—extra crispy and perfectly seasoned. Monkeypod Kitchen offers a sophisticated take with their wood-fired wings tossed in chili lime and cilantro. Maui Brewing Co. serves high-quality wings that are designed to pair perfectly with their "Bikini Blonde" or "Big Swell" beers.

Nalu's restaurant entrance with a blue sign, surrounded by tropical plants and a red and black umbrella over the outdoor seating area.

Paukukalo Sweets