15 Best Restaurants with great views in Maui, Hawaii - with map! 2026 Update

Sheraton Maui Entrance

10 Best Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii (Local Favorites & Must-Try Spots) Map included for 2026

UPDATED: January 9, 2026

Maui isn’t just a paradise for surfers and sunset chasers — it’s a dream destination for food lovers, too. From casual beach-side breakfasts to elegant dinners with ocean views, this island’s dining scene is as diverse and delicious as its landscapes. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood plucked straight from Hawaiian waters, local twists on classic comfort food, or unforgettable fine dining experiences, Maui delivers unforgettable meals that are every bit as memorable as its beaches and sunsets. After years of visiting and eating our way around the island, we’ve rounded up the 15 best restaurants in Maui — the spots we always return to and that we think you’ll love too.

We’ve been to Maui every year since 2013, so we know a thing or two about the island. We try and find new restaurants but we have a handful that we keep going back to! Here is a great list of where to eat in Maui, Hawaii! See some of the best restaurants on the island, sorted by area, and noted by price.

There are a few restaurants that were lost due to the 2023 Maui fire but I’m going to keep them on this list in hopes they open a new location. I have made a note if their current status as of January 9, 2026.

Related Posts: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui - Complete Itinerary

Here is a map of the best restaurants in Maui made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google Maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation! 

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

 See our list of what to pack for your next Maui vacay here: Hawaii Packing Essentials

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Where to Eat in Kahului, Maui (Near airport)

Kahului is often seen as a quick stop for the airport or shopping, but it’s also home to some of Maui’s best local food spots. From casual counter-service restaurants to longtime local favorites, Kahului is where you’ll find authentic flavors, generous portions, and some of the island’s best value meals. If you’re looking to eat like a local—or want a great meal without the resort prices—Kahului is well worth a stop.

Tin Roof Maui ($)

Location: 360 PAPA PLACE STE Y, KAHULUI, HI, 96732

Closed on Sundays!

When landing in Maui, hunger hits. You've been on a plane forever. Pick up your rental car and drive 5 mins to Tin Roof! It's not a sit-down service restaurant (no liquor license) but excellent Hawaiian cuisine. 

Per their website: TIN ROOF is a new generation mom & pop shop, owned by Internationally recognized Chef Sheldon Simeon & his wife, Janice. Raised in Hilo, Hawaii rain is a part of everyday life. Farmers markets keep buzzing, errands roll along, and garage kani ka pila never ends.

I loved their steak bowl - chopped flat iron steak wok-fried with garlic & scallion bottoms & topped off with ginger scallion pesto, served over rice & with a side of our daily banchan. Josh ordered the Sheldon Stay Hungry Special with pork belly and garlic noodles. It was the perfect quick meal after our long flight. 

Don’t skip out on dessert! Try the Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake 🌈💗🎂 filled with ube, chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles, and pop rocks!

There isn’t a place to sit, so pick it up and take it to enjoy on the beach!

• 🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

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10 Best Restaurants Near Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua (North West Shore)

The North West Shore of Maui—home to Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua—offers some of the island’s most scenic and memorable dining experiences. From oceanfront restaurants perfect for sunset dinners to casual spots ideal for families staying near the resorts, this area is packed with must-try places to eat. Whether you’re visiting for a weeklong vacation or just looking for a great meal near your hotel, these are the best restaurants on Maui’s North West Shore worth adding to your itinerary.

We love to stay at Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa on Kaanapali beach! See our review here: Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Monkeypod Kitchen ($$$)

Wailea Location: 10 Wailea Gateway Place B-201, Kihei, HI 96753

Kaanapali Location: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761

See our full review: Best Restaurant in Maui: Monkeypod Kitchen

We first discovered Monkeypod in Wailea and were overjoyed when they opened a second location in Whalers Village, Kaanapali! We’ve found that it is the perfect spot for drinks and dinner. Get a Monkeypod Mai Tai with their fabulous honey foam! Loved the Bulgogi Pork Tacos - handcrafted kimchee, jalapeño, asian pear, sriracha aioli, locally-made corn tortilla. Jalapeño mashed potatoes ARE A MUST. They are green, but don’t let that scare you!

Dessert is a must here, we loved the rich Chocolate Cream Pie but they have other cream pies such as Banana available as well. Make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable (they might not be taking reservations at this time, but always triple check!).

Monkeypod is great for kids! They offer FREE butter noodles.

Best time to go to Monkeypod is Happy Hour to enjoy a discount on appetizers, pizzas, beers, and (my fave) Mai Tais!

See our full review here: Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant

• 🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

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Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar ($$$/$$)

Whalers Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Located in Whalers Village with outstanding ocean views, these two restaurants, Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar are not only owned by the same company, they are connected to each other. 

Hula Grill is a little more pricey with delicious traditional Hawaiian entrees including many fish dishes (crab, snapper, shrimp) and land dishes (chicken, steak, short rib, emu).

Barefoot bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment. 

Regardless of which restaurant you try, I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella! Also, you MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top (served at both restaurants)! Best part is - they are walking distance from the Kaanapali hotels! 

• 🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

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Merriman's Kapalua ($$$$)

Location: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

The perfect spot for sunset drinks and dinner, and a fine dining restaurant right on the water overlooking Kapalua Bay. Their cocktails are superb, made with fresh ingredients. The farm to table menu has a variety of fresh fish like Mahi Mahi and savory steak. Make a reservation a month in advance to get in around sunset (you can google "sunset in Maui" and a time table will appear). Merriman's about a 15 min drive from the Kaanapali resorts.

• 🍽 Best for: Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: SUNSET FOR THE VIEW!

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Yes, the sky was PINK! Made my Mai Tai much more enjoyable with a view like this:

Call ahead and make reservations or use Resy.com

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Aloha Mixed Plate ($$) - BACK OPEN AGAIN!

Location: 1285 Front Street, Lahaina

Star Noodle had taken over their location but as of October 2024, Star Noodle moved next door and Aloha Mixed Plate moved back home to their original location. You get the most bang for your buck here! Good sized portions of traditional Hawaiian fare.

What to order: I went for the traditional Aloha Mixed Plate -most popular combination - shoyu chicken, thinly sliced teriyaki rib eye, fresh fish served with macaroni salad and steamed white rice. I also indulged in a Lava Flow which is half strawberry daiquiri and half Pina colada.

Dessert - You must get the Aloha Pie - Cookie crumble, coconut ice cream, fudge topped with coconut flakes. Calories don’t count on vacation.

• 🍽 Best for: Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Sunset

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

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Star Noodle ($$)

Location: 1287 Front Street, Lahaina **NEW LOCATION**

See our full review here: Star Noodle Restaurant Review

So many people highly recommended Star Noodle to us, but every time we tried to go on previous trips, there was always a long wait. We made a reservation ahead of time and we finally made it to Star Noodle! It’s right on the water with a great view of Lanai and the perfect spot to watch the sunset. I HIGHLY recommend you make reservation at least a month out to dine at the restaurant.

Star Noodle is known for Asian shared plates, noodle dishes & sake cocktails.

MUST TRY: The garlic noodles and pork buns were so great, they brought us back a second night when we picked up food to go to eat on our balcony! Pro tip: Order the garlic noodles with the udon noodles (they are bigger, thicker, delicious noodles).

We went 3 times in one trip and our staples were the Pork Buns and Chicken Wings for appetizers, along with the Pork Udon (ramen type dish with pork, pork broth, and udon noodles) and the garlic noodles.

For dessert, they did have some interesting ice cream flavors: Ube Oreo, Mint mango, and Pineapple lichee.

Star Noodle has a full bar, but I wasn’t impressed with the selection. Their food is definitely worth the wait.

See our full review here: Star Noodle Restaurant Review

• 🍽 Best for: Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Sunset

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Star Noodle Pork Buns

Star Noodle Views

Star Noodle Ice Cream Flavors: Ube Oreo, Mint mango, and Pineapple lichee.

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Maui Brewing Company ($$)

Locations: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753 and NEW LOCATION in the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort - 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Maui Brewing Company is great for a beer (variety of selections on tap both local and from the mainland) and appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. Try the Black Rock dip and chicken wings, you won't be disappointed! 

One thing to note, the Honoapiilani Highway restaurant closed and is now walking distance within the Kaanapali resorts!

Fun Fact: The actual Maui Brew Co brewery is closer to the airport near Kihei. 

• 🍽 Best for: Lunch or Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Happy Hour

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Maui Brew Co Beers on tap

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Sale Pepe ($$) - NOW OPEN

Address: 157 Kupuohi St STE J1, Lahaina, HI 96761

Sale Pepe has returned after their storefront being destroyed in the Lahaina fires!

An Italian and New Yorker opened an Italian joint in Hawaii and it is PERFECTION! We had a few of their pizzas and pasta and can’t wait to come back for more.

We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza. They cut their slices in fourths, so if you want smaller pieces I suggest you make the request when you order! Indoor seating also available here.

• 🍽 Best for: Pizza

• 🕒 Best time to go: Dinner

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Sale Pepe Pizza

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Lunch at Aloha Braised Food Truck

Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761

We went here two days in a row we liked it so much. It’s a little off the beaten path but also conveniently located next to a grocery store and near our favorite dive shop, Extended Horizons! If you like spicy, you must try the Volcano Chicken (fried chicken with spicy mayo) served with rice and mac salad! Josh liked the pork belly! Get a side of crinkle-cut fries to share!

• 🍽 Best for: Lunch

• 🕒 Best time to go: Afternoon

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Aloha Braised Food Truck - Volcano Chicken

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Lahaina Coolers ($$) - PERMANENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

OLD Location: 180 Dickenson St #107, Lahaina, HI 96761

Amazing spot for breakfast (or lunch) just off Front Street! There was NO wait on a Saturday morning at 8:30a! We sat out on the patio and had great service right away! I indulged in the Local Benedict (served over Hawaiian sweet bread with Kalua pig) and did not leave hungry. Josh ordered the breakfast sandwich, which was good, but not as good as the benedict. Their potatoes are a perfect mix of french fries and tater tots! Also, try their homemade hot sauce, but caution, it’s SUPER SPICY if you overload!

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Gazebo Restaurant ($$)

Location: Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger, 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Great breakfast spot, however, it’s always crowded. Try and get there 30 minutes before they open to beat the line. We waited for about an hour after arriving a tad after 7:30a, but saw the most amazing rainbow while waiting (pictured below along with the pancakes that I was too excited to eat and forgot to take a picture of them whole).

Pro-tip: You can go around the back to place an order go (see where the lady is standing in the picture), then sit right on the beach and enjoy your meal with a view of Napili Bay!

The macadamia nut pancake combo with pineapple and banana pancakes made the wait worth it! Make sure you get coconut syrup and whipped cream on top. Their coffee was fresh and strong, definitely order the fresh POG juice (pineapple, orange, guava).

It's about a 15 minute drive from Kaanapali resorts. 

Pro tip #2: park in the free beach parking by Merriman’s then go to the beach/snorkeling after breakfast. Just wait those 30 minutes before you swim! ;-)

• 🍽 Best for: Breakfast

• 🕒 Best time to go: Early Morning

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Gazebo Restaurant for Breakfast in Lahaina

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Down the Hatch ($$) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRES - Hope they open a new location soon!

OLD Location: 658 Front St #102, Lahaina, HI 96761

Breakfast Burrito Maui

We went to Down the Hatch on our last day, in which we were heading to the airport. We decided to order breakfast to go to enjoy at a park along the beach! My breakfast burrito was amazing with a chipotle aioli sauce of some sort and the coffee was freshly brewed.

The downside, if I may, was that football games were on and the restaurant was super busy, taking about 30 mins for my food to go.

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Best Restaurants in Wailea

Wailea is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and some of the best dining experiences on the island. From upscale oceanfront restaurants perfect for romantic dinners to laid-back spots ideal for families staying nearby, Wailea offers a wide range of memorable places to eat. If you’re looking for exceptional food, stunning sunset views, and convenient dining close to your resort, these are the best restaurants in Wailea to add to your Maui itinerary.

Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante at the Four Seasons Wailea ($$$)

Location: Four Seasons - 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

After being in Maui for a few weeks, we hadn’t had much Italian food and were so excited about our reservation at Ferraro’s! We came hungry and ordered a lot of food for 2 people…

For an appetizer, we started with the Al Forno Fired Focaccia Bread (Nduja Butter, Roasted Garlic, Maui Olive Oil, Fried Rosemary), which was fantastic. The Nduja Butter was made with salami and was rather tasty.

For dinner, I ordered the Pappardelle A.O.C. Ragu Bolognese (Pork and Beef Ragu, Shaved Pecorino, Fiore Sardo) and there wasn’t a bite left. Josh ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara (Guanciale, Organic Egg, Pecorino Romano, Black Pepper) heavy white cream sauce with a pepper kick. Good, but not our favorite. Call us crazy, but we ordered a side of Gnocchi (Brown Butter, Rosemary, Black Truffle), yes, we ordered a side of pasta to go with our pasta and don’t regret it one bit. It was the best gnocchi we’ve ever had.

You’d think we’d stop there after all the carbs, but no, we went for dessert. So, we liked the options on the regular menu but saw there was an Apple Pie with Vanilla ice cream on the kids/teens menu, and that’s what we went with. It came out looking like a tart and was perfect.

This is one of our new favorite restaurants and we will definitely come back.

• 🍽 Best for: Italian

• 🕒 Best time to go: Early evening

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Pappardelle and Gnocchi at Ferraro’s Wailea

Apple Pie for dessert at Ferraro’s

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Lineage in Wailea ($$$)

Location: 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

cinnamon leaf and POG Sherbet at Lineage

You might recognize Chef Sheldon as a finalist on the show Top Chef, and after trying his food and drinks you can see why he made to the finals! His theme is eat, drink, and talk story - which is what we did at Lineage!

DRINKS: The Mai'a Tai is different from most Mai Tais but has a delicious spin to the tiki classic. Mai'a Tai - Banks 5 Rum, Banana Milk Punch, Walnut, Pecan, Giffard Apricot de Rousillon, Lime, Almond~Spice Liqueur

FOOD: Josh and I split the Korean Fried Chicken and had both the Sweet Kochujang and Spicy Jalapeno Garlic - Crispy fried chicken, pickled kohlrabi, sesame seeds, peanuts and kochujang glaze. The chicken was tender and perfect with a light kick but not too spicy. Complimentary tea was served to cleanse our palettes and savor our dishes.

DESSERT: We were pretty full but had to try dessert! We had the sherbet flavors cinnamon leaf and POG (Pineapple, Orange, Guava juice). The pog was so tangy and refreshing while the cinnamon leaf had a spice to it. Very yin and yang!

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HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A ($$$)

Location: Grand Wailea - 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753

Easy for you to say! This was our favorite place to get a drink a fancy cocktail in the bar and watch the sunset. Humuhumnukunukuapua’a means triggerfish with a snout like a pig (it’s a reef triggerfish). Their recipe for The Grand has a lighter taste without the dark rum and topped off with a wonderfully sweet pineapple vanilla foam. 

Make reservations ahead of time for dinner here, the menu looks fantastic!

• 🍽 Best for: Cocktails and Appetizers

• 🕒 Best time to go: Sunset

• 👶 Kid-friendly? No

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Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at the Four Seasons Wailea ($$$$)

Location: Four Seasons - 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

DRINKS: The mixologists at Spago have come up with some really inventive, and delicious, takes on the Mai Tai, giving that floating in the ocean without a care in the world feeling!

• The 1944 - Plantation Xaymaca Run, Duquesne Aged Rhum Agricole, Dry Curacao, Lime

• The Spago Maui - Plantation Pineapple Rum, Koloa Dark Rum, 151 Proof Rum, Apricot Brandy, Almond, Lime, Pineapple

• The Stirred - Plantation Xaymaca Rum, Duquesne Aged Rhum Agricole, Plantation Pineapple Rum, Dry Curacao, Citrus Oils

FOOD: We enjoyed a nice sunset dinner at Spago overlooking Wailea Beach. Adam Sandler was sitting at the table next to us! For dinner, I savored the Pan Roasted Puna Chicken with surfing goat cheese, chili, garlic, and roasted Aloun Farm's vegetables and Josh had the Wiener Schnitzel with marinated fingerling potatoes, watercress, and Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Don’t forget dessert! Try the decadent Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé topped with Guanaja Valrhona chocolate sauce & vanilla ice cream! So rich and delish!

• 🍽 Best for: Dinner

• 🕒 Best time to go: Sunset

• 👶 Kid-friendly? No

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MONKEYPOD KITCHEN

Don’t forget, there is a Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea too! See the Kaanapali section for more or see our full review here: Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant

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Best Restaurant in Paia / Road to Hana

Mama’s Fish House  ($$$)

Location: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779

Mama’s Fish House is one of Maui’s most iconic dining experiences, known for ultra-fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and unforgettable oceanfront views. It’s a must-visit for special occasions and first-time visitors looking for a classic Hawaiian fine dining experience. Great for dinner and drinks on the North Shore. We went here on our way back from the Road to Hana adventure. See our guide here: ROAD TO HANA GUIDE

I'm not a fish person particularly, but I did try some and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. I enjoyed their short rib and a couple of Mai Tai's (love that it's served in a tiki glass)!

Make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable. Parking is valet only. 

• 🍽 Best for: Fish

• 🕒 Best time to go: Early evening

• 👶 Kid-friendly? Yes

Mama’s Fish House Mai tai

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BONUS: MAUI COFFEE AND ICE CREAM SUGGESTIONS!

 Island Cream Company ($)

Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761

I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream. All ice creams are hand made as well as their cones, fudge and other fun toppings. Most ice creams are natural and products are bought locally.

My favorite was the Maui-Loco filled with Macadamia nuts, chocolate chips and caramel in a creamery coconut ice cream base. So refreshing and delicious!

See our full review here: Island Cream Co

Coffee and Breakfast at Island Press Coffee

Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761

You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). We went here twice, taking our breakfast to go to enjoy on the beach!

Island Press coffee and breakfast croissant

Grandma’s Coffee ($)

Location: 9232 Kula Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

Perfect place for coffee and breakfast if you're attempting the back way to Hana. Fresh coffees, espresso drinks and pastries will leave your tummy happy and full.

From central Maui, head up Haleakala Highway 37 from the Hana Highway. Following Highway 37 traverse Haleakala Crater while enjoying the spectacular upcountry Maui views. Continue on to the picturesque community of Keokea, home of Grandma's Coffee House. Grandma's is a short distance from the Kula botanical Gardens and on the way to Tedeschi Vineyards.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Maui

What are the best restaurants in Maui?

Some of the best restaurants in Maui include Mama’s Fish House, Monkeypod Kitchen, Merriman’s Kapalua, Tin Roof Maui, and Star Noodle, offering everything from casual local food to upscale oceanfront dining.

Do you need reservations at Maui restaurants?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for popular Maui restaurants, especially for dinner and oceanfront dining, and should often be booked weeks in advance during peak seasons.

Where should I eat in Maui by location?

Kahului is best for casual local food near the airport, Wailea is known for upscale resort dining, and Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua offer scenic oceanfront and resort-friendly restaurants.

Are there kid-friendly restaurants in Maui?

Yes, Maui has many kid-friendly restaurants, including casual eateries, food trucks, and restaurants with outdoor seating that are well-suited for families.

What is the best area to stay in Maui for food?

Wailea and the Kaanapali–Lahaina area are the best places to stay for food lovers, offering the widest variety of dining options from casual spots to fine dining with sunset views.

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MORE MAUI, HAWAII Travel Inspiration, Hacks, and Tips:

HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS ON YOUR MAUI VACATION - COMPLETE ITINERARY WITH MAP

Kaanapali Beach - Black Rock

Updated: January 12, 2026

What to do for 4 days in Maui, Hawaii - FULL ITINERARY AND MAP

Maui is our absolute favorite place in the world! We got engaged, then married there a year later. Now, we return EVERY year to celebrate our anniversary and relive our favorite memories.

This itinerary is part of our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide, where we cover hotels, food, activities, and travel tips.

Hawaii is calling and I must go sign in our apt!

Do as our sign in our apartment says, "Hawaii is calling and I must go!" We got this sign at Sand People in Maui, my favorite shop!

There are so many different things to do in Maui, but here is our favorite itinerary! Whether this is your first trip to Maui, or tenth, we hope you love our suggestions.

This post may contain affiliate links of services that we love! If you book anything through these links, we get a commission at no cost to you! Help support the blog by saving and using these links.

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii - includes a helpful list of items you can buy straight from Amazon!

Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

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DAY 1

FLIGHT & CAR RENTAL

Front Street - Lahaina

We take the 8:30a American flight from LAX and the airport to fly into Maui is known as OGG. It's about 5 hours to get there and with the time difference, we arrive at the hotel around noon and have almost a whole day to do something fun on the island.

It's hard to get around the island without a car. We always rent a Jeep through Costco Travel to save money and get the best car to tour the island. We love the ones with the removable roof!

Don't have a Costco membership? That's ok, Booking.com also has great deals on car rentals or you can get a fairly decent rate on an airport transfer (if you don’t want to drive)!

What does Maui mean? Fun fact: This name belongs to a trickster god in Polynesian mythology!

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

Maui Rainbows are everywhere!

BEST MAUI RESORT HOTELS

We like to stick the Kaanapali stretch of hotels mainly because there is a lot to do and you can walk (or swim) everywhere. We love the Sheraton Maui Resort, which is located at the end of the Ka’anapali hotel stretch, against the black rock. We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! If you are looking for a place to stay with more people, they even have offers for apartments and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO!

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii

Sheraton Maui Resort Pool - Lagoon

Check out our entry for more on the Sheraton:  Hotel Review: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

Check-in is normally 3p, so we try and check-in to see if our room is ready early, and if not we head to get lunch at one the pool bars (Cliff Dive Bar or Mai Tai Bar) and a Mai Tai! YUM!

Usually, our room is ready right after lunch, giving us time to move in and get ready for our first adventure. 

AFTERNOON: SNORKELING

The best part about the end of the Kaanapali beach is the Black Rock, in front of the Sheraton Resort. Where it might seem like a hideous black lava rock, under the sea you can find gorgeous coral, tons of fish, and usually see a turtle or two. We’ve even seen a few octopuses but you have to look hard for them! Also, try a different spin on snorkeling and take sailing and snorkel trip to Honolua! Their catamaran is a BEAUTY!

Snorkeling in Maui - Turtle sighting

Another great spot is Kapalua Bay. Even though the clarity isn't as great as around Black Rock, there are still plenty of fish to see. On one of our swims, we saw 6 turtles! We parked in a free beach parking lot (or there is street parking) next to Merriman's, and walked through the tunnel near the valet for beach access.

RELATED POST: See more in our 5 Best Snorkel Spots in Maui

Kapalua Bay

 Don’t forget to pack a hat!

Hello Sunshine floppy hat

on Amazon.com

EVENING: DINNER AT MAUI BREW CO BREWPUB

NEW Location: 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Note: the Maui Brewing Company Kahana Gateway Shopping Center location permanently closed in 2025.

This is a perfect place for good brews and bar food especially if you are coming back from a swim in Kapalua! The Maui onion dip and buffalo chicken wings are our favorite items on the menu! They put all of their beers on menu chalkboards in the restaurant and switch them out occasionally. You can also purchase beers there and take them home! We had them package up a few cans of beers we couldn’t buy on the mainland - all beers made it home just fine in our checked bag. There are also TV's throughout the restaurant if you are looking to root for your favorite sports team.

Fun fact: Did you know Maui Brew Co is independently owned? Garrett Marrero is a Poway native and the owner and found of the Maui Brewing Company, with local production on Maui itself! You can even tour the brewery for $20 in Kehei.

RELATED POST: Want more dinner options? Check out our post for our Top 10 Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii

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DAY 2

ROAD TO HANA - FULL DAY TRIP

We’ve done the Road to Hana a few times since there are so many different things to do and see along the way. Some of our favorite stops include:

1. Black Sand Beach 

2. Lava Tubes 

3. Red Sand Beach 

4. Coconut Glen's ice cream

5. Haleakala National Park (2 hours - if you do the long hike)

Don’t want to drive the windy roads? I don’t blame you! Book a seat with this Road to Hana Tour as recommended by a local!

Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide with a map of our favorite stops: Guide to the Road to Hana

Don't forget to stop to try some of Coconut Glen's homemade ice cream! They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. Don't let "organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream" scare you. TRUST ME, you won’t regret it.

See my full review here: Coconut Glen's Homemade Ice Cream

Mai Tai at Mama’s Fish House

EVENING: MAMA'S FISH HOUSE

799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779

On our way back from the road to Hana adventure, we stopped at Mama's Fish House for dinner. Make sure you make a reservation in advance, we used Opentable. Parking is valet only. 

I'm not a fish person particularly, but I did try some of our friends Mahi Mahi dish and it was the best fish I’ve ever had. I enjoyed their short rib and a couple of Mai Tai's (love that it's served in a tiki glass)!

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DAY 3

MORNING: SCUBA DIVING

Since we are scuba certified, we love to go diving at different locations in Maui. 

We loved the company, Extended Horizons in Lahaina, they go to the best spots and have amazing diving instructors. The dive site, Cathedral II, was one of my favorite dives! We went through a lava tube which was basically a cave with holes in the back, creating a fun place to explore! Check out the weird-looking slipper lobsters we found on the dive in our video! Some other great spots include Molokini Crater, the Carthaginian shipwreck, and Olowalu Reef, also known as turtle reef!

Extended Horizons trips depart from Lahaina, which is very convenient for staying on Kaanapali beach!  Whale season runs from November to May, which you can often see the humpback whales breach above water and you can often hear them while diving underwater.

They lost their shop and their boat in the Lahaina fire but still offer dives!

Want to set sail but not scuba? You can always rent a boat from our friends at Get My Boat, which is like Airbnb for boats!

Related Post: BEST SCUBA DIVE SITES IN MAUI

AFTERNOON: MASSAGES

We book our massages at the hotel typically the day we check-in, and look forward to them every day. 

We love getting our annual couples massage at the resort, especially after a few scuba dives or doing a trip to Hana. We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins, but this last time we went for the 80 mins and it was worth every penny. The rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes. Ahhh.. relaxing just thinking about it. 

POOL SIDE

Grab your flip flops! We like to bring a book, a magazine, cards, or scroll through Instagram by the pool. This is where I started my research to start a travel blog! I may have ordered a few drinks to think it was a GREAT idea!

Havianas Slim Flip Flops

Various colors and prints available on Amazon.com

Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii

EVENING: SHOPPING & DINNER

We walked down to Whaler's Village for some shopping and grab dinner at the Barefoot Bar. 

The Barefoot Bar is more casual ($$) serving burgers, fish and chips, pizza. The fun part about the bar, your feet are in the sand. Usually, they have live music and entertainment. 

I love their Mai Tai's which are served in tiki glasses topped with the umbrella! Presentation is everything to me. You MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top! OR try their enormous brownie ice cream sandwich. It’s a hard choice… just get both!

Need more options? There is also the Monkeypod Kitchen Restaurant in Whaler's Village that opened from the owners of Merriman's. We’ve literally tried everything on the menu and can’t recommend it enough - don’t skip out on the chicken wings or the mai tai with the honey foam! Check out our full review for more on Monkeypod: Restaurant Review: Monkeypod Restaurant

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DAY 4

MORNING: HALEAKALA SUNRISE

Sunrise at Haleakala

Parking: Haleakala Summit Parking, Kula, HI 96790 - You MUST make a reservation in advance as parking is limited! Reservations can be secured two months in advance and up until 6pm the day before your visit. See more information and tips on visiting Haleakala here: HALEAKALA CRATER

We got up at 2am and hit the road by 3am to drive about 2 hours to the top of Haleakala Summit. Check the sunrise times and try to arrive about an hour beforehand for a spot in the lot.

It gets pretty chilly at almost 10,000 feet. I wore layers including exercise clothes with sweatpants and sweatshirt on top. Bring snacks and water (and coffee) too!

If you don't want to drive (the roads are very windy up and down the mountain at very early hours), take this guided tour with Roberts Hawaii where they will pick up, take you to the top, feed you 2 meals, and bring you back. You can rest easy and even take a nap!

Since the sunrise viewing in atop of a mountain, there are many spots to watch the sunrise from and not a bad view. As the sky starts to change cameras come out, and the sun rises through the clouds. It's one of the best sunrises I've ever seen in my life. Fun Fact: Josh proposed to me here!

Mauimosas at Kula Lodge

BREAKFAST @ KULA LODGE

15200 Haleakala Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

On the way down from Haleakala, we stopped at Kula Lodge for spectacular views, a delicious breakfast (eggs benedict was my fave), and a Maui-mosa - they use pineapple instead of orange juice.

AFTERNOON: NAP AND POOL-TIME

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for a nap and relaxation. We took a quick nap, then went to hang out by the pool and snorkel in the ocean.

Black Rock Jumpers

EVENING: DINNER AT MERRIMAN'S KAPALUA

Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

We made a reservation about a month in advance to make sure we could get there for some cocktails and sunset. 

This fine-dining restaurant ($$$$) is the perfect spot in west Maui for sunset drinks and dinner. Located right on the water, you’ll overlook the waters of Kapalua Bay. Their cocktails are superb, made with fresh ingredients. The farm to table menu has a variety of Hawaiian fish and my favorite is the chimichurri savory steak.

Don’t forget about ordering some dessert! I enjoyed their homemade ice cream and cones (of course).  It's about a 15 min drive from the Kaanapali resorts.

Wwoof, what a trip. But how amazing did it look?! :) Let us know what you think or if you have any suggestions in the comments below!

We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!

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Everything you need to know about visiting Flamingo Beach, Aruba!

Everything you need to know about visiting Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach, Aruba (part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino)!

Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba

Find the best rate to visit these flamingos by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

Flamingos on Flamingo Beach - Renaissance Island

My favorite part of Aruba was definitely hanging out with the gorgeous flamingos living on Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach! Just because I’ve posted hundreds of pictures of these pink beauties, doesn’t mean you can find them all over Aruba. They have inhabited the Renaissance Island and you must plan ahead to see them, they are not available to the public. Here’s all you need to know about the island so you don’t miss out on your flamingo selfie.

Let’s flamingle - Flamingo selfie

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Flamingos on Renaissance Island

Pricing and Getting to Renaissance Island

This is a perk for staying at the Renaissance Aruba hotel because it’s free to get in! If you’re looking to spend the day there, it’s $100 a day per person but comes with food and a drink. However, if the hotel is completely booked, they might not offer the pass and you can only purchase tickets the day of, first come, first served.

Find the best rate for the Renaissance Aruba by booking your room through Booking.com!

Renaissance Aruba Lobby - Boat Dock in front of Starbucks

The island is open from 7am to 7pm with boats that come every 15 minutes, picking up in the lobby by Starbucks as well as over by the casino. When the tide is low and the boats can’t make it into the lobby, pick up is in front of Lucy’s right across the street from the Renaissance. You must use your room key or day pass to get on the boat to visit the island.

Aruba Adults Only Hotel and Casino

There are 2 hotels at the Renaissance hotel property, an adults-only hotel and a family hotel, both right across from each other. The adults-only hotel is more inland but still in the marina. It’s also connected to a very fancy, high-end mall and casino! 

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Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island

These beautiful pink birds hang out at Flamingo Beach all day! Kids are allowed from 9-10am to feed them and take the cutest family photos. Since we stayed at the hotel we ended up going 2 days in a row. We went the first day around 2pm and stayed until 5:30pm. I was immediately glued to the flamingos as soon as we arrived. I probably took 200 pictures/videos!

There were 6 pretty birds and they seemed to all travel as a flock around the beach. It was great people-watching, you could tell who had just arrived for the first time, who was doing it for social media and those who were truly enjoying themselves. And then there was me…

Do the flamingo

Food and drinks served at Mangrove bar until 5pm on Flamingo Beach. I wanted something to match my new pink flamingo friends and went with a strawberry daiquiri.

Drinking with pink sea chickens

We had a burger as a late lunch and ate it on the beach while watching the flamingos roam.

Flamingos starting the conga line

The bartender suggested to leave before 6pm so you didn’t have to wait long for a boat to come. 

We came back the next day and missed the 8:15am boat since they loaded across the street because the tide was low to pick us up in the lobby. We caught the 8:30am which was pretty crowded. It was still nice to get there early and have one on one time with my pink friends! The crystal clear water makes this one of the best beaches in Aruba!

Feed Flamingos

Bring a few US quarters, there’s a gum ball dispenser filled with flamingo food when you walk in! $0.50 is a lot of food to feed them for one person. They’ll either eat it right out of your hand or run from you depending how much they’ve already had to eat.

Flamingo Feed

Feeding Flamingos

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What else is there to do at Flamingo Beach?

Other than watching the silly flamingos, Flamingo Beach is a great beach to take a dip in! The beach is fully equipped with towels, pool chairs, bar, restaurant, bathrooms, floaty rentals, scuba gear, etc. We charged things to our room or you can pay in US dollars or their local currency, Florin. Don’t miss an opportunity to relax in a hammock! Rent floaties for $6 a day or rent a fancy cabana ahead of time. You can even get massages on the island in private rooms!

Hammock life

Don’t forget the essentials!

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Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island

Iguana beach is the family beach and more like a beach! There are plenty of fish to see if you snorkel or you can swim/float/etc.

Breakfast is served from 8a-12p. The menu is limited to a few items for $19.95 USD, you can get a fruit plate, basket of pastries, entrée, and coffee/tea/orange juice. 

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Secret Spot on Renaissance Island

If you head towards the end of Iguana Beach past the restaurant, there is a hidden area where baby flamingos nest!

The babies aren’t as pink as the adults, but they are still so cute!

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It was like a dream! Is this real life!? It sure can be! :) Add Flamingo Beach to your bucket list!

Again, find the best rate for the Renaissance Aruba by booking your room through Booking.com!

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More Island Life:

10 Best Brunch Los Angeles Restaurants - with map!

Santa Monica Pier

10 Best Brunch Spots around Los Angeles - Map included!

Brunch is my favorite meal! I love meeting with my friends all over LA for some breakfast food and a couple of drinks. Let me guide you to great food, bottomless mimosas, outdoor seating, and who takes reservations! It will be the perfect weekend brunch!

Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation! 

Map courtesy of Wanderlog travel planner

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WESTSIDE BRUNCH

26 Beach

Address: 3100 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

($$) With beach umbrellas out front and a mix match of coffee mugs this is such a unique and fun restaurant! I love it because you can have ice cream for breakfast and Mom won't get mad!

Must Haves:

• Polar Bear French Toast - Croissant french toast topped with ice cream and berries! Sometimes its not on their menu but you can still order it! 

• The Peach Melba - 2 "croissant" French toasts, caramelized peaches, vanilla ice cream, melba sauce. Melba is pureed raspberries thickened with powdered sugar. 

• Reese's Piece's - Stuffed with peanut butter, chopped Reese's, served with Callebaut chocolate sauce on the side

Speaking of ice cream, see our other local ice cream suggestions in our Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles post 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes and a covered patio - can get hot on warm summer days!

• Parking?: Street Parking - I usually park in the residential neighborhood across the street

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: YES!

• Menu: 26 Beach brunch Menu

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 SALT at the Marina Del Rey Hotel

Address: 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($$$) Located in the Marina on the water, this place has stunning views of boats floating by and great brunch dishes!

Must Haves:

• Croque-Madame - Fra’mani ham and gruyere cheese on brioche, sunny side up farm egg, sauce morna (MOUTH IS WATERING) Morna sauce is like an aioli 

• Buttermilk Pancakes with Berries and Cream - reminds me of the Starburst commercial every time

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, usually pretty sunny - bring sunscreen! Firepits are available too for those cold mornings!

• Parking?: Valet parking only ($4 for 4 Hours)

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, by the glass

• Menu: Click Here

Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar

Address: 417 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

($$-$$$) Jeremy Fall has concocted a special menu incorporating breakfast items into almost anything, even cocktails! The restaurant was inspired by serving breakfast to musicians after finishing their sets during the wee hours of the morning on the Sunset Strip in the 80's and 90's.

Must Haves:

• Spiked Cereal Milk - I loved the Cocoa Puffs and Vanilla Vodka. Just like it sounds - cereal milk with the cereal strained out and add alcohol! Why didn't I think of that?

• Benedict Fries - the only funky thing was the gruyere cheese - it smelled bad and I picked it off. 

• Chicken and Biscuits - the gravy is perfection, phenomenal dish

• Nighthawk Breakfast Sandwich - maple bacon sausage, scrambled eggs, gruyere cheese, arugula, peppercorn mayo, champagne vinegrette, pretzel bun

• Stack O'Bacon - Sweet Tapatio candied bacon! Kinda pricey for bacon.

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Not exactly, but there are seats by the windows that are wide open

• Parking?: Valet or Street - valet would be easier

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: I don't think so. but get the Spiked Cereal Milk

• Menu: Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar

Whiskey Reds

Address: 13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($$) Family owned and located in Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey, just before the boats hit the channel! There are plenty of covered tables outdoors to enjoy the sea lions swimming and boats sailing by. On Sundays, they offer a brunch buffet. 

Must Haves:

• Breakfast burrito with a side of tots! 

• Eggs Benedict - a classic and always great

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Tons of outdoor seating with plenty of umbrellas and fire pits if its cold

• Parking?: Valet Parking or lot next door (free with validation)

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: YES

• Menu: Whiskey Reds Brunch

Killer Cafe

Address: 4213 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

($) Our favorite place to stop for a quick breakfast burrito and hash browns or to nurse a hangover. As a sister to Killer Shrimp and just next door, this has a nice cafe atmosphere complete with a long counter where coffee constantly flows to your cup! 

Must Haves:

• Breakfast Burrito with avocado and Hash Browns! The hash browns are sooo goood - thick slices of potatoes and a huge brick serving! 

• Scrambles - huge portions! 

• I'm not a shrimp fan, but there are a lot of Shrimp items on the menu!

• Coffee is great, you can get a free cup if you check-in on Yelp! 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: There are a few tables on the patio but they are usually in full sun in the morning

• Parking?: Parking lot in front

• Takes Reservations?: Nope, but you can order from Grubhub if you really can't wait!

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but you can get them by the glass

• Menu: Killer Cafe Brunch

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Huntley Hotel - Penthouse Restaurant

Address: 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Must Haves:

• b a c o n w a f f l e s t a c k - Bacon Waffle Batter, Topped with Two Eggs Any Style, Maple Syrup

• e g g s b e n e d i c t - Two Poached Eggs, Canadian Bacon, Classic Hollandaise

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Nope, but beautiful Penthouse views!

• Parking?: Valet Parking in the hotel or Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Sometimes? They didn’t offer it last time I went.

• Menu: Penthouse Brunch

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The Rose Venice

Address: 220 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

($$) Properly named, located off Rose Ave and Main St, Rose Cafe had a major facelift a few years ago. Chef Jason Neroni (formerly of Superba) has brought back life to this cafe presenting local Southern California cuisine with an international influence from his world travels. Inside you'll find a gorgeous bar designed with a local touch from Studio UNLTD and a bakery with an impressive selection of baked goods on the front counters. 

Must Haves:

• Pasteries! Served in threes this is a perfect start to your meal

• Classic Quiche - Leek, toma, honey nut squash, garden salad with poppyseed vinaigrette 

• Avocado Toast - So LA, but with a twist - Fried duck egg, pickled fresno chillies, pistachios 

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, lots, both covered in the beer garden or open air out on the front patio

• Parking?: Valet Parking in the back or Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but you can get them by the glass or a carafe of Rosé

• Menu: Rose Cafe Brunch

HOLLYWOOD Brunch Spots

Norah 

Address: 8279 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

($$$) Fancy brunch for fancy friends! Note: If you go for a birthday, they don't have dessert at brunchtime! 

Must Haves:

• Cast Iron Corn Bread - YUM

• Breakfast Sandwich - so basic, but the combo of egg, sausage and american cheese is pure genius! 

• Duck Confit Hash - was very popular among the table! Yukon gold potatoes, poached eggs and chili sauce

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, if you count a large open window creating a patio atmosphere

• Parking?: Street Parking

• Takes Reservations?: Yes, Opentable

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, but try the seasonal spritzer! 

• Menu: Norah Brunch
  

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Hamburger Mary's

Address: 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

($$) Enter if you're looking to have a good time! On weekends the drag queens come out and put on a great show at this famous hamburger stand! 

Must Haves:

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes! 

• Mac 'N Cheese Hamburger

• Cookies and Cream Milkshake - spectacular!

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, there is a patio off of the street

• Parking?: Street Parking or a garage across the street 

• Takes Reservations?: Only for large parties

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Yep, the Bloody Mary's are also amazing 

• Menu: Hamburger Mary's Menu
  

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MALIBU Brunch Places

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

($$) This spot is located at the end of the Malibu pier and has great farm to table options!

Must Haves:

• Breakfast burrito - scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, black beans, cheese, peppers, onions, guacamole

• Fried egg sandwich - bacon, arugula, baby potatoes, havarti, country wheat toast, lemon aioli

The Details:

• Outdoor Seating?: Yes, lots of patio seating!

• Parking?: Lot just before the pier

• Takes Reservations?: No, you order at the registers and take a number

• Bottomless Mimosas?: Nope, they only have beer and wine, the Malibu Farm Restaurant at the beginning of the pier does have a full bar.

• Menu: Malibu Farm Menu
  

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Don’t forget the brunch essentials:

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Thanks for reading! 

Love and ice cream,

Kathleen

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More to do in the City of Angels

Things to do Moorea: Buggy Ride Around the Island

Moorea is such a beautiful island! One of our favorite activities when we visited was when we took a drive around the island in a cute little buggy! We rented a little 2 seater buggy, which was like a small go-kart that went faster than you would expect, zooming around the island in about 4 hours. The road was super bumpy at parts but overall it was a blast! 

Related Post: Top 10 Things to do in Moorea

How to Rent a Buggy

We rented our red buggy through Moorea Fun Roadsters. The Sofitel Moorea concierge assisted us in booking the car the night before, and without a problem, they delivered it to our hotel the very next morning!

We went back and forth between renting for 4 or 8 hours, but we decided to do the 4 hour which was the perfect amount to go around the entire island and make all recommended stops. 

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Where to Go in Moorea

A map was provided by the Moorea Fun Roadsters, including the best places to stop (which we did most all of them). They recommended the following:

• Opunohu Bay (black sand), Opunohu Belvedere, archaeological and legendary sites, Agricultural High School (tasting)

• Protestant Papetoai Temple, Churches, Dolphin center & Marine Turtle Clinic (Intercontinental), Tiki village (Polynesian Village)

• Surf Spot, Cascasde in the Afareaitu Valley, Golf, Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery (tasting)

• Cook's Bay

• Tahiti Aromas Factory (Noni, Monoi, Vanilla, Coconut and Tamanu Oil Production Laboratory, Natural Tiare Essences.)

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Driving Around the Island

We were on our way! We drove for 2 minutes and then saw a picture-perfect view of our hotel, so we pulled to the side of the road and stopped for pictures. 4 hours didn't seem like it was going to be enough! 

We hopped back in and made our way to our first stop, Belvedere lookout. The road to the top was bumpy and unpaved most of the way, but it was totally worth it!

To our surprise, there were many wild chickens around the island (and bugs)! 

This was our favorite site, we were able to experience Belvedere and all its beauty.

On the way back down from Belvedere, we stopped at the Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery for a quick refresher. The pineapple drink was delicious, it tasted like ice cream! 

We continued on, with many unpaved roads and quick turns, but overall we were enjoying our buggy ride. We kept stopping to enjoy the sights, including the gorgeous aqua water. 

We figured it would be a good idea to stop at the only grocery store on the island on the way back since we had a way to get there! We picked up a few things such as cheese and crackers to snack on in the room and needed a mixer to go with our duty-free liquor pickup. Unfortunately, we picked up concentrate instead of juice but had plenty of Mango/Orange drinks for days!

Returning the Buggy

Before you return the vehicle, just like renting a regular car, you have to fill it up but it doesn't use much gas and it cost about $8 to fill it back up!

This was a great way to see the island and get out of the resort for a little bit. We would highly recommend it to anyone who visits Moorea!

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii

Updated January 2026

Monkeypod Kitchen

• Location: Whaler’s VIllage - L/1, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Website: Monkeypodkitchen.com

• Menu: Monkeypod Kaanapali Menu

Whether you’ve been to Maui or if it’s your first visit, this is a restaurant you cannot miss! On our mini moon after getting married in Maui, we stayed a few nights in Wailea and discovered this amazing restaurant called Monkeypod Kitchen. With a variety of GREAT choices, we really enjoy the Mai Tai’s, Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes (they’re GREEN - see below) and the Rosemary Roasted chicken wings with garlic and chili flakes! I know it sounds so simple, but they are so good. Some recipes for these below as well!

Monkeypod Wailea

Quick Verdict: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali is famous for its Mai Tais and laid-back open-air vibe, but reviews are mixed on food quality, service, and price. It’s great for drinks and atmosphere — decent for a casual dinner.

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Monkeypod History

Owned by Merriman’s, another favorite of ours, we hoped for the best and were not disappointed. Everything from the drinks to the main course were well above average, the only downside was the location. We normally stay in Kaanapali and Wailea is pretty far for dinner, but all that changed this year. Whalers village in Kaanapali opened their own Monkeypod location as of October 2017. 

Check out their menu here: Monkeypodkitchen.com It changes often!

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN DINING ROOM - Kaanapali Location

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DRINKS AT MONKEYPOD

We were glad they finally received their liquor license 2 days before we arrived so we could try their cocktails! They have the perfect Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with honey foam, giving a more natural sweetness. 

Mai Tai Recipe found online:

1. Add lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, Old Lahaina Light Rum to mixing glass.

2. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice about 30 seconds and pour into highball glass.

3. Float dark rum.

4. Top with honey-liliko'i foam and garnish with pineapple half moon

They also have a nice wine list. ;-)

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Appetizers at Monkeypod Kitchen

• The Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wings are a must, dusted with chili flakes and garlic, these were definitely a favorite. To top it off, they came with an amazing dipping sauce.

• We also ordered the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, roasted squash, chèvre, spinach, toasted walnut sage pesto, a perfect fall treat.

• Kauai Shrimp & Hamakua Mushroom Potstickers were really good, didn't taste too fishy!

• The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were phenomenal. 

APPETIZERS AT MONKEYPOD KITCHEN IN MAUI - Chicken Wings and Fries

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MAIN COURSE AT MONKEYPOD

For the main course we tried the New York Strip Steak topped with house-made chimichurri sauce along with greens and jalapeño mashed potatoes. The savory steak melts in your mouth and the mashed potatoes are green from the jalapeño but not spicy (no seeds)!

Monkeypod steak and jalapeno mashed potatoes

Other sides included: 

• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with peppers, onions, parmesan cheese

• Griddle Top Upcountry Cornbread paired perfectly with the steak! 

• and MORE Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, because YUM!

BY THE WAY, if you want to make those delicious green Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, here is the Monkeypod Recipe as found by Chef Chan Blog:

Ingredients (Serving Size: 3-4 People):

• 1 Jalapeno, seeded and cut into small pieces

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 3 Cloves of Garlic, peeled

•  8 Small to Medium Idaho Potatoes, peeled and quartered into even sizes

• 4 Tablespoons of Butter

• 1 Cup of Milk (Almond Milk works just as good!)

• A pinch of Salt (Optional)

Recipe:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until potatoes are soft but not falling apart in the water. This takes about 8-15 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

2. In a blender, combine the jalapeno, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until it becomes pasty. Place mixture to the side.

3. Once the potatoes are done, place them into a large bowl. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Using a fork or mixer, mash the potatoes until the butter melts and no chucks of potatoes are left. [If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, add more milk until desired creaminess is reached.]

4. Lastly, combine the jalapeno mixture to the mashed potatoes. Adding salt is optional.

5. Pair with a delicious piece of steak, pork chop, or fish and enjoy!

See full recipe here green Monkeypod Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes: Chef Chan Blog

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Dessert at Monkeypod Kitchen

They have the best PIE! Try the chocolate cream pie, it is so good! Want something other than chocolate? Try their Strawberry, Banana, or Coconut Cream pies! You can also try their Tropical Dreams Gelato & Sorbet for 7.95 with options of: Tahitian vanilla, chocolate, island hop Kona coffee, or featured flavor sorbet.

Chocolate Pie at Monkeypod Restaurant

I can't wait to go back next year!

Love Monkeypod? Let us know what you ate in the comments below!

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