Travel Guide | Maui, HI

I've had a lot of people ask about the best places to see and eat on Maui, so I made a travel guide that covers all of mine and Ryan's favorite things on Maui- some local hot spots, a few tourist attractions, and some hidden gems. If you are going to Maui with your significant other or your entire extended family, this list has something for everyone. Don't waste your time or money on mediocre- there are too many amazing places on Maui to settle for less. 

Update: Many of the places I have on this list were affected by the tragic Lahaina fire of 2023. Many of the businesses are rebuilding, while some won’t be able to. The places with an asterisk were affected by the fire and may not be open.

Eat: 

Breakfast:

Mala Ocean Tavern- Weekend brunch. They only serve breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays until 3pm. Eggs Benny, Caramel French Toast, Chilaquiles overlooking the ocean. My favorite way to start the day. On the pricier end, but worth every cent. 

*Cafe Cafe- I love this little european coffee shop right next to Front street for their acai bowls, and their bagel sandwiches. Great for a snack or breakfast. They also rent scooters for the day. 

*808 Grindz- Local Favorite. Cheapest Hawaiian style breakfast on the island (I'm talking less than $15 for more food than you know what to do with), hole in the wall. Expect a long line. I recommend the macadamia nut pancakes with the sweet cream sauce. 

*Sunrise Cafe - I just love this hole in the wall. It might not look like much, and they only accept cash. But, the food is SO GOOD, and a great price. The breakfast burrito is my go to! Located right on front street behind the harbor.

The Gazebo- Another popular breakfast spot on the island for tourists. Hawaiian breakfast menu. There is usually a line. I LOVE their white chocolate mac nut pancakes with coconut syrup and butterscotch whipped cream, and the fried rice (be warned, a half portion of fried rice will feed multiple people). Overlooks the water at Napili Bay.

*The Bakery- a hidden gem back by Taco Bell in Lahaina. Go before 9 to get the best French pastries and malasadas. Hole in the wall. You'll know where it is by the giant mixer outside. Bring cash!

*Belle Surf Cafe - Cute surf cafe on front street. Everything is so yummy and healthy - crepes, smoothies, bowls, bagels, toast. Love the outdoor seating area, it’s tucked away and quiet.

Casual lunch or mid day snack: 

Honokowai Fish Market- The BEST $4 Baja Fish tacos! I crave them all the time. Small, hole in the Wall, about a 10 minute drive from Kaanapali Beach. You can also pick up fresh fish to serve up for dinner.

*Choice Health Bar- Hit up this local favorite in Lahaina, Kaanapali or Paia for the BEST Acai bowls. $12 for a shareable size bowl. They also have healthy salads, smoothies, and kombucha on tap. 

*Baya Bowls- Food truck for Acai bowls (open Tuesday-Sunday 8-3:30pm) on Wainee street off of Front street. Cheap, yummy Acai bowl with homemade coconut and lots of toppings.

*Las Islitas Tacos Y Mariscos - Best mexican food on the island in my opinion! Food truck located next to Baya Bowls. Try their crunchy tacos - the tortillas are so cheesy and delicious.

*Ululani's Shave Ice- Best Shave Ice on the island. Don't forget the haupia ice cream on the bottom, and the sweet and condensed milk on top. The Coconut Lovers is my favorite. 

*Banyan Treats - best for hawaiian inspired cookies and ice cream!

*Paia Fish Market- Yummy fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and anything fishy. Located in Paia, but coming soon to Lahaina. 

A’A Roots - My go-to for a healthy, vegan lunch. Insanely good salads and bowls. I also can’t get enough of their smoothies - the matcha mint is my favorite. They can make anyone want to go vegan!

*Moku Roots - Popular vegan place. Very highly rated, one of the top in the country!

*Alchemy - Kombucha Bar and healthy entrees. They have tacos, sandwiches and salads, all gourmet and unique. They are known for the tropical flavored kombucha made by Valley Isle Kombucha, and their sourdough bread! Another good place for grab and take to the beach.

Tin Roof Maui - I haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard really good things! Located in Kahului. Hawaiian comfort food like pork belly bowls, spicy chicken, garlic noodles and more.

Laid Back, family- friendly dinner: 

Marlow - My FAVORITE Maui restaurant! Located in upcountry, quiet and less touristy. The neopolitan pizza is the best I’ve ever had. They also have salads and pasta - all so fresh and gourmet. I will make sure I go here everytime I visit Maui.

Flatbread Pizza- Another fantastic pizza place. Get the “Mopsy” pizza! Kalua pork, fresh pineapple, bbq sauce and goat cheese. Can't get better. Located in Paia. 

*Cool Cats- Solid burgers and shakes with a diner feel. At least one of us always got the burger of the month, and we almost always loved it! Located right on Front street across from the Banyon Tree. Great vibes, usually live music in the evenings. 

Leoda's Pie Shop- One of my tops! Farm to table style. They have pot pies, sweet mini pies, salads, burgers, sandwiches, everything! I love their salads, fries, and Reuben sandwich. Get it to go and picnic at the beach! I suggest ordering online and picking up, the line can get long.

*Sale Pepe- Some of the BEST pasta I’ve ever had. The Pasta is so flavorful, fresh, and homemade. Authentic woodfired pizza, and yummy appetizers. Small, cozy atmosphere. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation.

*Star Noodle - Book reservations in advance, they fill up fast. So many yummy asian dishes, including poke, ramen and vietnamese crepes.

Upscale, sit down dinner:

Leilani's- Go to the upstairs restaurant over the downstairs beach bar. Everything is delicious- I recommend any of the steak, fish, or chicken dishes. 

*Honu Oceanside - I love that they have a bit of everything, and it’s all fresh, modern dishes. Amazing views. Do not skip dessert here!

*Lahaina Grill- Voted best food on island (in all of Hawaii, I think!). Perfect for a special evening with your sig. other. Only open for dinner, and you have to make a reservation well in advance. If you are a foodie who is willing to spend money for good food, this is for you. 

Mama's Fish House- Popular spot for a fancy dinner, with an unreal view. Save room for dessert. Located in the lovely town of Paia. Make reservations in advance!

*Fleetwood's - With the most beautiful rooftop setting on Front Street, and the frequent local band playing, this is a date night to the max. Pricy, wide range of dishes. 

Luau- *Old Lahaina or Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt. 

Beaches:

Napili Bay-  Next to Kapalua. We usually hit up both beaches in a day. Great place to snorkel with turtles.

Kapalua Bay - My favorite beach. Take the pathway and follow it all the way around to the dirt road and there is a stunning coastal walk. Along the way, you’ll see “cliff house” where locals hang out and jump off rocks.

Kaanapali Beach aka Black Rock - Tourist hot spot, but it's fun for an all day hangout with a lot going on. Great for snorkeling. If you want a quieter beach, walk past the Sheraton to the other side of black rock. 

Big Beach- Located in Wailea. Biggest and most beautiful beach on Maui, in my opinion. The water is insanely blue, but watch for big shore break. Great beach for walking, picnics, relaxing, and sunbathing, because there is usually a nice breeze. If you continue driving down the main road past the beach parking, you will see volcanic rock fields, and at the end there is another parking lot. Park, and follow the path for a beautiful walk around La Parouse Bay. 

Slaughterhouse Beach- Next to Honolua Bay, with a nice sandy beach perfect for jumping in the waves, laying out, and building sand castles. If you continue driving past the beach entrance, you will find incredible cliff views, and cool landscape to photograph. There is a small fruit stand on the side of the road open until 2pm daily. They sell the largest/yummiest avocados I've ever seen. 

Puunoa Beach - aka Baby Beach. This beach is located at the end of front street. The water is very shallow and perfect for babies and kids. Romy loved swimming here and I love that they have grassy areas to lay out. I also go to the south side of the beach, its usually pretty calm.

Baldwin Beach - If you are on the North shore, this is a good family - friendly beach, great for picnics and playing in the waves. It has bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, bbq’s, a covered pavilion and lifeguard stations.

Wailea Beach - stunning resort beach with perfect sand and a calm bay for swimming and lounging. Be warned, it gets crowded.

See & Do:

Trilogy Excursions- The sailing company Ryan worked for, and the oldest on Maui. The trip to Lanai is the best thing to do in my opinion. You get to sail, see another island that is so different looking, snorkel, eat, and explore. They are the only sailing company that has rights to go to Hulopo'e Bay, one of my favorite beaches in the world. The trip is worth it for this beach alone. All of the snorkel trips are a fun adventure, and a great way to spend a few hours. They do 2 hr. whale watches in the winter.

Drive to Honolua Bay - The drive up and around Honolua Bay is one of my favorites. I love stopping at Honolua Bay to walk through the jungle, it’s really amazing! The snorkeling is also great at Honolua - many sailing companies anchor out in the bay, but you can also bring your gear and swim out from the rocky shore. After stopping at Honolua, drive about 20-30 mins farther for rocky cliffs and red rock with green rolling hills and lots of ocean viewpoints. There are a couple good stops along the road: Walk down the hill to see the blowhole, and drive a bit further for the Olivine Pools trailhead. I also love stopping at the fruit stands for the yummiest & largest avocados I’ve ever had and banana bread!

*Shopping- Check out the shops along Front Street. Don't forget see “Hale Zen” and "Going Left" on Dickenson St. They are the cutest Maui Boutiques. My favorite things to buy in Maui: prints from Going Left, Hawaiian inspired jewelry from "Sand People," or Hale Zen, Hawaiian "slippers" from any touristy store on Front St, coconut syrup from any "Whaler's", "Alola" clutch or bag from "Hale Zen," Surf treasures from "Puka Puka,” and clothes from "Imrie” in Paia.

Hang out in Paia- My favorite little hippie town. Paia has some of the coolest boutiques and the best food. Ho’okipa Beach is a fun one to watch windsurfering and see turtles on the shore. 

Drive up to the top of Haleakala. We go for sunset because sunrise is way too early and it looks just as cool to me. At night, the stars are unbelievable up there. There is a bakery called Komoda's in Makawao (close to the bottom of haleakala) for really good donuts and malasadas. I also suggest going to Marlow for dinner before sunset, it’s on the way.

Go Hiking- One of my favorite hikes other than the Road to Hana hikes is Waihee Ridge Trail- gorgeous hike with cool mountain views. Be warned, it's mostly out in the open so go on a cool, clear day or early in the morning when it's cooler outside. Around 2 miles uphill. Bring lots of water! 

Road to Hana:

Here is the short version: It is a long drive, but I think its worth it (unless you get really car sick- I just bring Dramamine or ginger candy). Bring food with you because there isn’t much on the road (we usually stop at Mana Foods for some healthy snacks before we start the drive). Leave early in the morning because its a good 5-6 hours of driving for the day, with stops in between. 

Places to stop along the Road to Hana: (pick and choose because you can't do them all in a day)

Twin Falls- short 2 miles or so hike to multiple waterfalls. 

Three Bears Falls aka Upper Waikani Falls- off the side of the road. 

Hana Farms Roadside Stand - Best food stop on the Road to Hana. Get fruit, banana bread, drinks & wood fired pizza!

Black Sand Beach- a short 5 min. walk from the parking lot. Really beautiful beach, but the water can be rough.  *now requiring reservations

Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch) and the Bamboo Forest Hike (Pipiwai Trail) - Hike is 2 miles, but it is super easy and really cool - you walk through bamboo forests & pass by a banyon tree. The trail ends with a tall waterfall, Waimoku Falls. Pools are located by the ocean, 5 minute walk from cars. Bring cash for parking. Really cool spot when the pools are flowing. 

Laulima Farm Fruit Stand - love this cute fruit stand. Stop to refuel before driving back

Hamoa Beach- a local beach with gorgeous scenery, and good waves to play in, lots of shade. 

Da Fish Shack & Brudduh Huts- along the side of the road, local food trucks for some Hawaiian grub. 

Waioka Pond (Venus Pool) - beautiful pool on the ocean where people cliff jump. Limited parking & the path can be tricky to find.

*If you drive all the way around the island, instead of turning around in Hana, the landscape totally changes and its fun to see. I recommend it if you have time. Stop at the general store if you do the whole way around. It’s a little ways past seven sacred pools. 

Maui is a dream. Treat the locals with respect and love, wear reef safe sunscreen, and take in all of the beauty around you. Maui No Ka Oi. 

Stay:

There are so many places to stay on Maui, it gets overwhelming. If you are going on a couples getaway and want luxury and peace, there are some good options in Wailea (I’ll list below), or stay in a vacation rental somewhere like Paia or Upcountry. For family vacations, I would recommend the West side of Maui (my favorite side). Look for accommodations in Lahaina, Napili, Kapalua, or for a more tourist/resort feel, stay in Kaanapali.

Puamana Condos (West Side) - My favorite place to stay. Great for families. This is a gated community at the end of Front Street in Lahaina. The condos are privately owned, but you can find vacation rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo. Multiple pools, picnic tables, grassy area for kids to play, private beaches and surf break. It really makes for an easy and relaxing vacation. You are within walking distance (a mile or so) to restaurants and shops on Front Street.

Hotel Lahaina (West Side) - Charming, recently updated hotel in the heart of Lahaina, just off of Front Street. Perfect for a stop over in Maui, a couples getaway or a homebase for adventuring. It is small and quiet, adult only!

The Westin (West Side) - Located on the resort strip in Kaanapali, you are surrounded by other tourists. If this is your vibe, you’ll like the Westin. They have great pools, nice restaurants near by, and shopping. You can stay here for a week and not need to leave. There is a huge beach in front of the hotel and is good for all ages.

The Sheraton (West Side) - Similar to The Westin, but at the end of the resort strip. A little quieter on this side, but still busy. A great option for families.

The Montage Kapalua Bay (West Side) - One of my favorite hotels. Luxurious, and quiet, close to a stunning coastal walk and beautiful beaches. Great place for families - multiple pools, calm bays, and open space to relax. Feels like a resort, but not as busy as Kaanapali. There are larger villas for family reunions, as well.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (West Side) - Located next to the golf course, quiet and calm luxury resort. There are multiple beaches near by, and lots of places to lounge and relax. Great for a couples getaway.

The Grand Wailea (South Side) - Luxury resort. Great for couples, but there is still plenty to do with kids if you choose to bring them. Perfect if you don’t plan on adventuring as much, and want to enjoy the hotel amenities. Best pools and spa. You will not regret staying here. Shopping and food nearby.

Four Seasons Wailea (South Side) - Same as The Grand Wailea. One of the best stays on Maui!