18 Best Restaurants in South Maui

A day at the beach sure does work up an appetite, so there are plenty of South Maui restaurants to settle those hunger pangs. Our island cuisine will be a highlight of your Maui vacation, with options for every foodie. Indulge in fresh ingredients sourced on the island, explore diverse international culinary specialties, and savor local comfort food.

Staying in our One-of-a-Kind Getaway puts you in the heart of South Maui’s dining scene—Kihei! Here are some nearby restaurants that our guests love!

1. Monkeypod Kitchen

Photo Credit: Michael Aigner
  • 10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI
  • monkeypodkitchen.com
  • $$
  • Farm-to-table cuisine
  • Reservations recommended

Just a three-minute drive from our One-of-a-Kind Getaway, this restaurant embodies the Hawaiian spirit of āina, the Hawaiian word for ‘land.’ Most ingredients are sourced from the island to nourish the people (and visitors) who dwell on it. Get a taste of the island with Hawaiian cuisine and the must-try Cream Pie.

2. Manoli’s Pizza Company

Photo Credit: Clay Mariano
  • 10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI
  • manolispizzacompany.com
  • $$
  • Best pizza restaurant in Wailea
  • Reservations not required

Host a pizza party at your Maui vacation rental with delish pies from Manoli’s Pizza Company. It’s just a four-minute drive away, so its signature pizzas will arrive steaming hot. Place a takeout order of unique flavors like the Maui Onion, Shrimp Pesto, and, of course, Hawaiian pizza!

3. Cafe O’Lei

Photo Credit: a p

Indulge in the freshest food from the Pacific Region at Cafe O’lei. It draws inspiration from iconic regional cuisines, from Hawai’i to California to East Asian dishes. Seafood is a staple in the Pacific. Mahi Mahi, shellfish, and tuna (ahi) are just a few of the menu favorites.

4. Three’s Bar and Grill

Photo Credit: Emely Castillo
  • 1945 South Kihei Road Suite G, Kihei, HI
  • $$
  • threesbarandgrill.com
  • Award-winning food
  • Reservations not required

The long list of award-winning accolades places Three’s Bar & Grill as one of the top South Maui restaurants. Three’s the charm as you experience a combination of Hawaiian, Pacific Rim, and Southwestern cuisines on one menu. You’ll see Ginger Crusted Hawaiian Fish plates steaming next to Ramen bowls. And Short Rib surf n’ turf next to the signature Three’s Jambalaya.

5. Coconuts Fish Cafe

Photo Credit: Cindi Sue

Stuff yourself with an order of the famous fish tacos from Coconuts Fish Cafe. It specializes in using grilled fish for a healthier alternative to the standard battered fish tacos. To top it off, these tacos come loaded with Cole slaw, diced tomatoes, and mango, and garnished with cilantro.

6. Da Kitchen

Photo Credit: K Gonzalez
  • 1215 S Kihei Rd suite E, Kihei, HI
  • dakitchenkihei.com
  • $$
  • Hawaiian-style comfort food
  • Reservations not accepted

Good vibes and good food are what Da Kitchen is all about! It will leave you stuffed with hearty plate lunches topped with hamburger steak, loco moco, chicken katsu, kalua pork, and more.

7. Miso Phat Sushi

Photo Credit: Carmen Izquierdo-Oliva
  • 1279 S Kihei Rd #108, Kihei, HI
  • misophat.com
  • $$
  • Award-winning sushi
  • Reservations not required

The goal is to leave stuffed by the time you finish your meal at Miso Phat Sushi. So, pull up a stool to the Japanese-style sushi bar and pick out your favorite rolls—specialty rolls, traditional sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and baked rolls. The secret is hand-picking fish daily to serve customers the best quality on the island.

8. Gather on Maui

  • 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Kihei, HI
  • gatheronmaui.com
  • $$$
  • Ocean view dining
  • Reservations recommended

Gather on Maui treats guests to a refreshing island breeze while dining open-air at the Wailea Golf Club. Sweeping coastal views spotlight the Haleakala Volcano, the Wailea Blue Golf Course, and Molokini Island. Experience a range of Hawaiian-inspired dining experiences, including simple, fresh fish poke bowls and a special Paniolo (cowboy) BBQ dinner. Dine in on Sunday for live music!

9. Maui Thai Bistro

Photo Credit: AUYNantapon
  • 2439 S Kihei Rd #103B, Kihei, HI
  • mauithaibistro.com
  • $$
  • Contemporary Thai dishes
  • Reservations not required

The award-winning Thai cuisine at Maui Thai Bisto comes directly from the ‘Land Smiles.’ It brings the artisanal craft to traditional recipes for updated flavors of classics like Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles.

10. Kihei Food Oasis

Photo Credit: Samir Patel

Explore the South Maui Gardens to pick your favorite cuisine inside the Kihei Food Oasis. This trendy food truck park features 14 specialty trucks. Sample island cuisines from Kitoko, dig into a fresh Acai bowl at Sweet Hula, Argentina delicates at El Carrito, Canadian-fusion dishes at Howzit Eh!, and juicy Wagyu burgers from Burger Boys.

11. Amigo’s

Photo Credit: Auntie Athena (ExploreMauiToday)
  • 1215 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
  • amigoskihei.com
  • $$
  • Mexican-style dishes
  • Reservations not required

You picked a Maui Getaway instead of a Mexico retreat, but you can still enjoy a taste south of the border.’ Everyone is a friendly face at Amigo’s. Eating tacos, fajitas, tamales, and pozole surrounded by the Mexican flag and hanging paper picado will make you forget you’re in Maui.

12. Fabiani’s

Photo Credit: Anant Subramanian
  • 95 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI
  • fabianis.com
  • $$
  • Handmade Italian dishes
  • Reservations not required

Casual dining just got a lot tastier at Fabiani’s. Flip flops and shorts are welcome as you experience one of the best South Maui restaurants for Italian cuisine. The menu is lined with traditional recipes for every course. Start with a Caesar Salad. Order pizza, lasagna, or spaghetti for the main course. Then, finish with a tasty cannoli dessert.

13. Nalu’s South Shore Grill

  • 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
  • naluskihei.com
  • $$
  • Hawaiian cuisine
  • Reservations not accepted

If you’re visiting Maui with kids, Nalu’s South Shore Grill is an Ohana-style restaurant specializing in flavors of the island. Their local food selections include one of Hawaii’s most famous dishes, the loco moco! They prepare two versions. Try the classic loco moco with natural grass-fed beef or Nalu’s Loco Moco for a healthier alternative made with homemade organic tofu. It also has a special keiki menu for kids.

Include a visit to one of these best beaches in Maui for families during your stay.

14. Paia Fish Market Southside

Photo Credit: Trevor Seki (Trevor)
  • 1913 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
  • paiafishmarket.com
  • $$
  • Freshest fish in South Maui
  • Reservations not accepted

Located across the street from Kalama Park, stop by the Paia Fish Market on your way back to your Maui vacation rental for a fresh fish dinner. There are plenty of fish options—from fish tacos to sashimi to fish plates.

15. South Shore Tiki Lounge

Photo Credit: King King
  • 1913-J S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
  • southshoretiki.com
  • $$
  • Best happy hour in Kihei
  • Reservations not accepted

Dine inside one of the hippest tiki huts on the island. South Shore Tiki Lounge is a tiki-style venue inside Kihei Kalama Village known for having the best Pau Hana (happy hour) in Maui. Order popular pupus (appetizers) while enjoying discounts on island-inspired drinks like the Tiki Style Mai Tai and Pina Colada. This restaurant has a club vibe at night with a live DJ and dancing.

16. Kihei Caffe

Photo Credit: Sriram Kumar
  • 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
  • kiheicaffe.com
  • $$
  • Best Breakfast in Kihei
  • Reservations not required

You’ll need an early start to the day if you plan to check off several of these top things to do in Maui from your bucket list. Get the early morning fuel you need for a day of island adventures at Kihei Caffe. It was voted the best breakfast with menu highlights like the Banana Macadamia Nut Fresh Toast, crab cake benedict, and hues rancheros.

17. Matteo’s Osteria

Photo Credit: Ericka Williams
  • 161 Wailea Ike Pl A107, Wailea, HI
  • matteosmaui.com
  • $$$
  • Authentic Italian food
  • Reservations required

Chef Matteo from Matteo’s Osteria was voted Maui’s Best Chef by the Maui Time. Born in Italy, this professionally-trained chef brings recipes from his homeland to the island. All pasta is made in-house for popular dishes like the Squid Ink Pasta, seafood pasta, and spaghetti bolognese. Pair your pasta with an Italian wine.

18. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Photo Credit: bluestork

You can find Hawaiian shaved ice across the island, but Ululani’s is the best South Maui restaurant for this island treat. Cool off with a refreshing cold dessert after a day at the beach. Top the shaved ice with coconut, mango, passion fruit, and other island-inspired syrup combinations.

A Recipe for an Amazing Maui Vacation

You’re never short on food options when staying in Kihei. Our One-of-a-Kind Getaway is just minutes from many of the best South Maui restaurants. Book a stay today and experience the delicious island cuisine.

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