Belle Surf Cafe: This little hidden gem of a coffee shop in Kihei can easily be missed from the road, but it’s so worth the hunt to find it. They have everything from specialty coffees to homemade crepes, and the tropical-island vibe is as relaxing as it is instagrammable! (@bellesurfcafe)
Bobby’s pick: The Flat White
Alli’s pick: The Treesap
Akamai Coffee: We love Akamai, also in Kihei, A) because the coffee is pretty darn good, and B) because they only roast local Maui coffee beans. The decor is fun and inviting, and their Local Lilikoi Cheesecake isn’t bad either! (@akamaicoffee)
Sip Me Maui: This cute, cozy little coffee shop in Paia serves tasty coffee & baked goods in true Hawaiian flavor and hospitality. They also serve cold-pressed juices, health elixers, hot and iced teas, and a vegan + gluten free “Hot Cacao” that’s out of this world. (@sipmemaui)
Maui Coffee Roasters: What’s a trip to Maui without a stop at the iconic Maui Coffee Roasters? It may be the bigger, more touristy option, but we still think it’s worth a visit. Located in a stripmall in Kahului, it’s a great place to stop for a post-surf sesh cold brew! (@mauicoffeeroasters)
Breakfast
Kihei Caffe: This order-at-the-counter style local’s spot in Kihei turns even the most normal breakfast (like bacon and eggs) into a phenomenal creation. We’re not sure what their secret is, or why everything tastes better here, but it does. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying one of their cinnamon rolls. (@kiheicaffe)
Bobby’s pick: #9 Loco Moco
Alli’s pick: #1 Two Eggs, Bacon, Home Fries & Biscuit
The Gazebo: Nestled in a condo complex on the Napili Bay shore, this bustling cafe serves one of the best breakfasts on the entire island. And the long lines prove it. (Insider Tip :: Call in and order your breakfast to go. You’ll skip the line and it’s the perfect excuse to have your breakfast on the beach!) No matter what you order you can’t go wrong, but the real winner here is their famous Macadamia Nut Pancakes. (The Gazebo on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Fried Rice Plate
Alli’s pick: Macadamia Nut Pancakes
Kula Lodge: Perched high above the rolling hills of Kula, at nearly 3,200 feet elevation, dining at Kula Lodge is quite the experience. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the food is really good. We love their breakfasts - but they’re also an awesome lunch and dinner option too (be sure to make a reservation)! (Kula Lodge on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: The Haleakala Mountain of a Meal
Alli’s pick: Classic Eggs Benedict
Andaz Maui: If you’re looking for a splurge, and the best breakfast buffet on the island, head straight to the Andaz Maui in Wailea. Get comfortable - you’ll want to take your time with the never-ending amount of fresh fruit, made-to-order specialties, baked goods, and more. (@andazmaui)
Lunch/Dinner
Monkeypod: Last time we were in Maui we went to Monkeypod nearly every night. Partially because they have a killer mai tai, partially because of their killer happy hour, and partially because of their famous pies that are… you guessed it, killer. We suggest you go for an early dinner (happy hour is from 3-5:30pm), and top it off with some strawberry pie. You’re welcome in advance. (@monkeypodkitchen)
Bobby’s pick: Kalua pork & Pineapple Pizza
Alli’s pick: Pumpkin Patch Ravioli
South Maui Fish Company: We’re about to say something controversial: this no-frills food truck in Kihei has the best fish tacos on the island. There. We said it. Now go try for yourself and let us know if you think otherwise (oh, and they also have deee-lish poke bowls, chowder, and more). Get there early - once they run out of fish, they’re done for the day! (@southmauifishco)
Mama’s Fish House: Oh, Mama’s! We’d fly to Maui just for this iconic local landmark. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a spot to splurge, this is it. Their fish is so fresh, they’ll oftentimes print the name of the person that caught it that day! It’s an island must. If you’re a whiskey fan, try their Papa’s Whiskey Sour while you’re there! (@mamasfishhouse)
Star Noodle: It can be hard to find good, affordable restaurants in Maui. Especially in Lahaina. This asian-inspired restaurant serving house-made noodles and shared plates is refreshingly affordable and mouth-wateringly delicious. The word is out, so we highly suggest making a reservation in advance. (@star.noodle)
Bobby’s pick: Hapa Ramen
Alli’s pick: Garlic Noodles
Paia Fish Market: We can’t get enough fresh fish while we’re in Hawaii. It’s just so good here. This casual eatery is another favorite of ours, with several types of fresh-caught fish and tasty preparations. (@paiafishmarket)
Bobby’s pick: The Snapper, Blackened
Alli’s pick: The Mahi Mahi, Sauteed
Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors: Sure, this liquor store has a great selection of alcohol (lots of wine for under $20), but what most people don’t know is that they also serve some of the best poke in town. The flavors change daily, and they can run out quick. Go early, or call in advance. (@tamurasfinewine)
Eskimo Candy: The other favorite for fresh poke is Eskimo Candy. We had many conversations with locals about which poke was the best (Tamura’s vs. Eskimo Candy) and it was a pretty even tie. So try both and let us know what you think! And like Tamura’s, go early - especially in high season. (Eskimo Candy on Instagram)
Merriman's Maui: Besides Monkeypod, this may be our favorite happy hour on the island. From 3-5pm daily, you can enjoy live music on their oceanfront patio, with a Merriman’s Mai Tai (complete with honey-lilikoi foam) in one hand and Parmesan Truffle Fries in the other. It’s pure bliss. (@merrimansmaui)
Maui Brewing Co: Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, Maui Brewing Co, has a beautiful, brand new brewery and restaurant in Kihei that’s definitely worth a visit. For $15 you can go on a 45 minute brewery tour, that gives you a BTS look at the brewhouse and a tasting of their flagship beers! (@mauibrewingco)
Ka’Ana Kitchen: If craft cocktails are your thing, definitely make a stop here. Located in the Andaz Maui, this farm-to-table restaurant is home to some incredibly talented mixologists. If you can swing it, try the “Bitters & Bites” cocktail experience! (Ka’Ana Kitchen on Instagram)
Andaz Maui: Words can’t describe how stunning this property is, both inside and out. And in true Andaz fashion, every detail is perfectly taken care of - from the complimentary mini bar in your room, to the luxurious Hawaiian soaps and toiletries, to the many free activities and wellness sports. Not to mention the idyllic Wailea location... It’s a dream. (@andazmaui)
Hotel Wailea: Named by Conde Nast as the “#1 Resort in Hawaii”, it doesn’t get much better than Hotel Wailea. This adults-only boutique hotel has 72 luxurious and spacious suites, and it’s the epitome of peaceful serenity. If you’re looking for a place to relax and be pampered, this is it. You won’t want to leave. (@hotelwailea)
Napili Kai: This hotel is an awesome choice if you’re on a little tighter budget - and it’s in our favorite location - Napili Bay. The rooms are comfy and spacious, and the vieeeews!! (@napili_kai)
(Obviously, you’ll be spending most of your time on the sand and in the water… but here’s a few other options in case you get the itch to see more!)
The Road to Hana: Rent a car and spend the day exploring the road to Hana. Research where you want to stop along the way (there’s a lot to see if you’re packing it all in a day) and make sure you bring some cash for roadside banana bread and smoothies!
Molokini Crater: This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater is home to some of the best snorkeling in Maui. There are several tours that will take you there by boat, whether it’s for the morning or for the whole day! If you get seasick, the rocky ride in the boat may not be for you (Bobby would pass).
Lunch Tour at O’o Farm: Tour a sustainable, local farm, where you can learn about their crops and native plants... And then even pick your lunch ingredients by hand! It doesn’t get more farm to table than this - and you’ll be blown away by the imaginative and beautifully presented meal!
There are plenty of pet friendly spots, but we say - don’t bother. Leave your pup at home so you don’t have to put a time limit on your relaxing day at the beach!
