The West Maui tables
worth the short drive.
From pancakes in a gazebo on Napili Bay to sunset dinners on Kapalua Point, a fish counter where you buy tonight’s catch for the barbecue to the Mai Tai everyone on Maui talks about — these are the fifteen places we send our own guests, nearest first. And while you are here, try the three tastes of the islands above: ahi poke, a loco moco and a shave ice.
The Gazebo
A little open-air gazebo on the edge of Napili Bay, and a West Maui tradition. The order is the macadamia-nut pancakes with white chocolate chips and coconut syrup, or the fried rice plate — big enough for two. No reservations, so there is always a line: arrive before it opens at 7:30, and watch the turtles and the whales while you wait.
Joey’s Kitchen
Order at the counter, find a table, and let chef Joey Macadangdang’s kitchen do the rest. Filipino-Hawaiian cooking with real flavour: furikake-seared ahi, adobo fried rice, a proper loco moco and pancakes with ube syrup in the morning. Casual, quick and loved by locals, just up the hill in Napili Plaza.
Sea House
At the north end of Napili Bay, inside Napili Kai Beach Resort, with the beach right outside the windows. Breakfast on the patio, a famously good happy hour at the bar, and a sunset dinner of fresh island fish. Book ahead for dinner in season — it fills up.
Merriman’s Kapalua
Peter Merriman is one of the chefs who started Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, and his Kapalua restaurant sits on the lava point between Napili and Kapalua bays, with the sunset straight ahead. Farm-to-table island cooking, poke mixed at the table and a famous crème brûlée. Dinner only; reserve well ahead and ask for a table outside.
Honolua Store
Kapalua’s general store from the pineapple-plantation days, still on its veranda in the village. Coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the morning, hot plate lunches, sandwiches to take to the beach, warm mochi malasadas, and everything you forgot to pack. The easy, inexpensive lunch on this coast.
Taverna
An airy, relaxed restaurant overlooking the Kapalua golf course, with an Italian-inspired menu built on island ingredients: truffle gnocchi, ahi katsu, rack of lamb and a thoughtful wine list. Open from lunch through dinner, with complimentary valet parking.
Miso Phat Sushi
Small, busy and worth the wait: generous rolls of very fresh fish, the local catch of the day and the TNT roll everyone talks about. It is BYOB, there is a liquor store next door, and they do not take reservations — or order to go and eat on your lanai.
Captain Jack’s Island Grill
An open-air, easy-going grill tucked between the buildings of the Sands of Kahana resort, open from breakfast to dinner. Fluffy pancakes in the morning, fish tacos, crab cakes and ribs later on, and a Mai Tai at sunset. A reliable family favourite a few minutes down the road.
The Plantation House
High on the hill at the Kapalua Plantation golf course, with a 360-degree view over the fairways to the ocean and Molokai. Breakfast and lunch are relaxed; dinner is a sunset occasion, with macadamia-crusted fish and butterfish that people come back for. Reservations recommended.
Honokowai Okazuya
A tiny Pan-Asian okazuya in a small Honokowai strip mall, serving the kind of plate lunch locals eat: crispy chicken katsu, Korean BBQ chicken, teriyaki steak and coconut shrimp with rice and mac salad. Generous, honest and very good value. Closed on Sundays.
The Fish Market Maui
A fish counter with the day’s catch on ice and a short menu of fish tacos, fish burritos, fish and chips and seared ahi to take away. Pick up fresh fish and one of their marinades, and cook it on the barbecues on the lawn at Napili Point. Closed on Sundays.
Duke’s Beach House
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer, and set right on the beach at Honua Kai. Come for breakfast with the ocean in front of you, or for fresh fish and a Mai Tai at sunset — and save room for the famous Hula Pie. Book ahead for dinner.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Peter Merriman’s lively Kāʻanapali gastropub at Whalers Village, with live music most days. The Mai Tai under its honey-lilikoi foam is famous, the wood-fired pizzas and fish tacos are easy to share, and the coconut cream pie is the way to finish.
Leilani’s on the Beach
Right on the sand at Whalers Village, with tables looking straight out over Kāʻanapali Beach. Fish tacos and calamari downstairs on the beach side, fresh island fish for dinner upstairs, and Hula Pie for the table. Validated parking at Whalers Village.
Roy’s Kāʻanapali
Roy Yamaguchi is one of the founders of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, and his Kāʻanapali restaurant looks out over the golf course. Edamame on the table to start, then the signature blackened ahi, misoyaki butterfish or short ribs, and the warm chocolate soufflé to finish.
Stay where Maui slows you down.
Two oceanfront condos above Honokeana Cove, with Napili Bay a short walk away and every table on this list within fifteen minutes. Booked direct, hosted personally by Bob & Tracy. Opening hours change with the season, so check with the restaurant before you go.
See Our Two Condos