Ready to Taste the Real Maui?
What if every bite of your Maui vacation was as unforgettable as the view from your lanai?
From warm banana macadamia nut pancakes to freshly caught mahi mahi, here’s where to experience Maui’s most delicious flavors — many just steps from your Rentals Maui stay.
Every dish tells a story of local tradition, island freshness, and the aloha spirit. Best of all, you can enjoy these mouthwatering moments without spending hours in the car.
Kihei Favorites — Local Comfort Just Steps Away
Kihei Caffe – “Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes That Taste Like Aloha”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Across from Kalama Beach Park in the heart of Kihei, Kihei Caffe has been serving hearty island breakfasts since 1998.
Their legendary banana macadamia nut pancakes are famous for a reason—fluffy, rich, and layered with tropical sweetness that feels like sunshine on a plate.
Why it’s worth it: More than breakfast—it’s Maui on a plate. Relaxed, flavorful, and just steps from the sand, it’s the kind of morning that sets the tone for your whole day.
Top Nearby Rentals:
- Kihei Alii Kai – Positioned just across the street from Kamaole Beach and within walking distance of Kihei Caffe, shops, and restaurants.
- Island Surf – Located in the heart of Kihei across from Kalama Beach Park, offering easy access to the Cove area and Kihei’s dining scene.
Paia Fish Market South Side – “Generous Portions, Laid-Back Island Vibes”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
In the lively South Kihei area, Paia Fish Market serves generous portions of freshly caught fish prepared every way you can imagine—from grilled mahi mahi and seared ahi to casual fish tacos.
It’s a spot that blends great food with easygoing island energy, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Why it’s worth it: Every bite tastes like it was caught this morning. Hearty plates and casual vibes make this the perfect stop after a beach day.
Top Nearby Rentals:
- Pacific Shores – Tucked in the heart of South Kihei, offering convenient walking access to dining, beaches, and shops.
- Kihei Kai Nani – Located right across from Kamaole Beach II, within easy strolling distance to Paia Fish Market and the shoreline.
Coconut’s Fish Café – “Legendary Fish Tacos, Bright & Zesty Flavors”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Just off South Kihei Road, Coconut’s Fish Café is a casual gem where each award-winning fish taco is layered with grilled fish, mango salsa, crisp cabbage, and island-style flair.
Bright, fresh, and colorful, it’s the kind of meal that instantly reminds you why you came to Maui.
Why it’s worth it: Bright, fresh, and colorful—this is a Maui must-do. Every bite delivers the zesty, sun-soaked flavor of the island.
Top Nearby Rentals:
- Kihei Kai Nani – A prime choice, just across from Kamaole Beach II and walking distance to Coconut’s.
- Kihei Akahi – Directly across from Kamaole Beach Park and within comfortable walking range to Coconut’s Fish Café and other Kihei favorites.
Wailea Dining — Elegant, Scenic & Farm-Fresh
Monkeypod Kitchen – “Sunset Sips, Farm-to-Table Delights”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
At Wailea Gateway Center, Monkeypod Kitchen pairs farm-to-table freshness with an upscale yet lively vibe.
Sip a signature Mai Tai topped with lilikoi foam, enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, and savor island-inspired plates as the sun dips into the Pacific.
Why it’s worth it: This is dinner with a view and a vibe. Great food, live music, and unforgettable sunsets create the perfect Maui evening.
Top Nearby Rentals:
- Wailea Ekolu Village – Along the Wailea Blue Golf Course, with ocean views and a short walk or drive to Monkeypod.
- Wailea Elua Village – Oceanfront on Ulua Beach with walking paths and pools, and direct access to the scenic Wailea Beach Walk—less than a 5-minute drive from Monkeypod.
Lineage – “Heritage on a Plate”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Tuesday to Saturday | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Located in the Shops at Wailea, Lineage reimagines Hawaiian and Filipino traditions into inventive plates that feel both fresh and familiar.
From garlic noodles to smoky adobo, every plate celebrates culture while offering something new.
Why it’s worth it: Intimate, flavorful, and deeply rooted in culture—this is where heritage meets creativity for a dining experience that feels personal and memorable.
Top Nearby Rentals:
- Wailea Elua Village –With its oceanfront setting and refined style, this property places you close to Wailea’s dining scene, including Lineage—making evening strolls to dinner easy and enjoyable.
Island-Wide Gems Worth the Drive
Hali‘imaile General Store – “Upcountry Charm”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Located in a historic plantation town about 40 minutes from Kihei/Wailea, Hali‘imaile General Store blends Upcountry charm with refined island cuisine.
The scenic drive adds to the experience, making the flavors feel even more rewarding.
Why it’s worth it: The scenic drive makes the flavors even more rewarding—rolling hills, cool air, and dishes that turn local ingredients into something extraordinary.
Tin Roof (Kahului) – “Elevated Plate Lunch”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
In Kahului, just approx. 20 minutes from Kihei/Wailea, Tin Roof is Chef Sheldon Simeon’s ode to Maui comfort food.
From mochiko chicken to poke bowls, it’s a quick, flavorful stop locals and visitors love.
Why it’s worth it: Comfort food with heart—fast, affordable, and bursting with flavor. Perfect before a flight or as an easy, satisfying stop.
Star Noodle – “Coastal Flavor with a Twist”
Location | Website | Instagram | Open Monday to Sunday | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Now set along Lahaina’s Front Street, Star Noodle offers Asian-inspired share plates, handmade noodles, and creative cocktails.
Just approx. 50 minutes from Kihei/Wailea, its oceanfront setting makes dining here as much about the view as the food.
Why it’s worth it: Bold flavors meet ocean views in a stylish yet relaxed setting. The kind of dinner that feels both special and authentically Maui.
Farmers Markets & Food Trucks — Fresh Finds on the Go
Upcountry Farmers Market – “Fresh Finds Every Saturday”
Location | Website | Instagram | Saturdays | 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Nestled in Upcountry Maui, this bustling Saturday market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food makers.
From tropical fruit and fresh catch to vegan bites, coffee, and lilikoi butter, it’s a flavorful glimpse into the island’s bounty.
Why it’s worth it: More than shopping—it’s tasting Maui at its freshest, straight from the growers.
Kihei 4th Friday Town Party – “Food, Music & Local Spirit”
Location | Website | Facebook | Every 4th Friday | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Every fourth Friday evening, central Kihei transforms into a lively block party filled with food trucks, artisans, and live music.
Families, couples, and travelers alike gather to celebrate community spirit under the stars.
Why it’s worth it: Food, music, and community spirit come together for an evening you’ll never forget.
Make Every Bite a Memory
Your Maui getaway shouldn’t mean choosing between great food and great location—you can have both.
By staying with Rentals Maui, you’re putting yourself at the heart of the island’s most delicious experiences.
Plan your foodie adventure:
- Morning: Banana macadamia nut pancakes at Kihei Caffe.
- Beach time: Kamaole Beach
- Afternoon: Legendary fish tacos at Coconut’s Fish Café.
- Sunset: Mai Tai and live music at Monkeypod Kitchen.
Don’t just visit Maui. Taste it. Live it.
Book your Rentals Maui stay today—and step straight into Maui’s most memorable meals.
