Curator’s statement
Maui is my go-to for a mix of beach time and real local flavor, and this guide is my personal route through the best restaurants and a few hidden gems I’ve discovered along the way. It’s a mix of splurge-worthy spots and more casual, local favorites. If you’re coming to Maui to really experience the island’s food scene, this is the guide I wish I had—it’s all about the best spots and a few tips that make the trip feel special.
The Fora Difference
Book with Deanna Woo to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Maui
Unlock perks by contacting Deanna Woo to book your trip.
Things to do in Maui
On every one of my Maui trips, I always look for turtles.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Maui.
Road to Hana
Rent a car and drive the Road to Hana for a jungley, waterfall-filled experience, then stop at Paia Fish Market for a classic local bite.
Paia
Explore Paia town for its cute boutiques, galleries, and casual local eats and ice cream or shaved ice.
Molokini Crater
Go snorkeling at Molokini Crater, a short boat ride from Makena Beach. If you are lucky, you may even spot turtles.
Whale-watching
If you’re there in winter, take a whale watching tour (it’s a big part of Maui’s high season). Sometimes you can even spot whales from the Ka’anapali hotel poolside.
Kapalua
In Kapalua, swim and snorkel at Honolulua Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Napili Bay. Napili Bay is one of my favorites—it feels like a quiet bay all to myself, and turtles can be spotted there too.
Places to eat & drink in Maui
Aloha tastes like this!
Paia & North Shore
Mama’s Fish House: Maui’s iconic special occasion seafood spot, with ultra-fresh local fish and Polynesian-inspired dishes. Reservations are a must. My favorite is the Polynesian black pearl dessert: rich, beautiful, and worth saving room for. (Ho’okipa Beach Park is close by to Mama’s Fish House and is the best spot for seeing lots of turtles.)
Paia Fish Market: Casual, budget-friendly, and huge portions of freshly grilled fish. Go for the fish of the day plate.
Flatbread Company: Laid-back wood-fired pizzas. I love the Mopsy’s Kalua Pork.
Kihei & Wailea
Monkeypod Kitchen: Popular upscale-casual spot. If you like handcrafted cocktails, add the Monkeypod Mai Tai with honey-lilikoi foam.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: Widely considered Maui’s best, with incredibly fluffy texture and tropical flavors.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: Creative sushi and Japanese fusion dishes.
West Maui
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop: A must-stop roadside spot for savory sandwiches and homemade pies. Their banana cream pie is to die for.
The Fish Market Maui: Affordable seafood counter for poke, fish tacos, and fresh catch. I often take out and eat by the beach.
Mala Ocean Tavern: Relaxed oceanfront restaurant, perfect for a sunset dinner.
Favorite grocery store
Foodland Grocery Store: Their poke is incredibly fresh and very reasonably priced. On Fridays, they run “buy 3 lbs, get 1 lb free.”
Need to know
A little aloha goes a long way. Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases, support local businesses, and respect the land and culture while visiting Hawai’i.
Aloha = hello, goodbye, love
Ohana = family
Mahalo = thank you
Travel Advisor
Deanna Woo
Deanna Woo
Get in touch with Deanna Woo
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Maui page.