Are you planning a trip to Maui and want to know the top food spots? Find out where to eat on Maui with kids for families who love tasty food!
This post about where to eat on Maui with kids was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
I’ll be honest, planning what to eat on Maui used to stress me out when I first started bringing my kids to the islands.
Would they eat the food? Would we blow our budget on restaurants they’d turn their noses up at?
After 40+ trips to Maui, I’ve figured out exactly where my family loves to eat without breaking the bank or dealing with hangry meltdowns.
As a professional tourist who’s been visiting Hawaii since I was 10, I’ve watched Maui’s dining scene evolve.
What hasn’t changed?
The incredible fresh fish, the amazing local flavors, and those hole-in-the-wall spots where locals line up for lunch.
Let me share my family’s tried-and-true favorites.
Planning a Maui trip? Grab my complete Maui Travel Guide for Families with daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips for traveling to Maui like a pro.
My Go-To Maui Restaurants (That Won’t Disappoint)
Da Kitchen: Our First Stop Every Single Trip
Location: Kihei (1215 S Kihei Rd, Ste E)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, closed Sundays
Price: $15-25 per plate
We always make Da Kitchen our first meal in Maui. Always.
My husband orders the Kalbi ribs before we even sit down because they’re seriously that good. The ribs come in this sweet teriyaki glaze that’s perfectly caramelized, and the meat just falls off the bone.
But here’s what my kids absolutely lose their minds over: the deep fried Spam musubi.
I know it sounds weird if you’re not from Hawaii, but trust me on this.
It’s basically Spam wrapped in rice and nori (seaweed), then deep fried until it’s crispy on the outside. My kids could eat these every day.
The portions here are huge. Like, you’ll probably have leftovers huge. That’s just how Hawaiian plate lunches work.
They also have an amazing chicken katsu and loco moco if you want to try other local favorites. Fair warning: it gets packed during lunch, but the line moves fast.
Fun fact: Da Kitchen was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” so you know it’s legit.
Paia Fish Market: I Eat Here At Least Twice Every Trip
Locations: Paia (100 Hana Highway) and Kihei (1913 S Kihei Rd)
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Price: $12-20
This is my personal favorite restaurant on Maui. No joke, I’ve eaten at Paia Fish Market at least twice during every single trip for the past 20 years.
The fish is so fresh it was probably swimming that morning, and their homemade tartar sauce is legitimately out-of-this-world delicious.
My usual order? The blackened ahi plate with Cajun rice. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The fish tacos are incredible (and huge!), the fish and chips are perfectly crispy, and if you’re feeling fancy, try the fresh catch cooked your way – they’ll do it charbroiled, Cajun, or sautéed.
They have locations in both Paia and Kihei, so you’re covered no matter where you’re staying.
The Paia location is perfect if you’re heading up to Hana or exploring the North Shore.
Just know there’s usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly and the picnic-table seating has a fun, casual vibe.
Pro tip: Order at the counter, grab your number, and find a table. They’ll bring the food to you. And yes, get the tartar sauce on the side for dipping.
Cafe O’Lei: My All-Time Favorite (Period)
Locations: Kihei (2439 S Kihei Rd) and Wailuku (Mill House at Maui Tropical Plantation)
Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm
Price: $30-45 for dinner entrees
Cafe O’Lei is probably my all-time favorite restaurant on Maui. I’ve eaten here at least three times in one week before (oops).
The food is consistently excellent, the service is always friendly, and somehow it’s still reasonably priced compared to other sit-down restaurants on the island.
Start with the Maui onion soup or the crab cakes (both amazing). For entrees, I always get something with fish.
The blackened mahi mahi is my go-to, but the macadamia crusted fish is incredible too. My husband loves the prime rib when they have it as a special.
The kids’ menu has good options that aren’t just chicken fingers and fries, which I appreciate. They have a full bar too, so parents can enjoy a nice cocktail with dinner.
They have two locations – one in Kihei (our usual spot) and one at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Wailuku. Both are great, but the plantation location is especially beautiful if you want a special dinner out.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: My Kids Demand This Daily
Locations: Kihei (61 S Kihei Rd), Kahului (333 Dairy Rd), Wailuku (50 Maui Lani Parkway)
Hours: Generally 10:30am-6pm (varies by location)
Price: $6-10
My kids ask for Ululani’s shave ice every. single. day. we’re on Maui. And honestly? I always say yes because it’s that good.
This isn’t like mainland snow cones. The ice is so finely shaved it’s almost like eating flavored snow.
They make all their syrups with real fruit purees and pure cane sugar, so the flavors actually taste like what they’re supposed to.
My go-to is POG with the snow cap (sweetened condensed milk), and my son rotates between rainbow and lilikoi (passion fruit).
Here’s my recommendation: get a large with ice cream on the bottom, your choice of flavors, and add the toasted coconut on top. You won’t regret it.
There are several locations across Maui now (their Lahaina spots closed after the 2023 fire, sadly).
The Kihei location is our usual stop, but wherever you are, there’s probably an Ululani’s nearby.
Coconut’s Fish Cafe: Best Fish Tacos on the Island
Locations: Two Kihei locations – Azeka (1279 S Kihei Rd) and Kamaole (2463 S Kihei Rd)
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Price: $12-18
If you want amazing fish tacos without the sit-down restaurant price tag, Coconut’s is your spot.
Their fish tacos are legendary. They are perfectly seasoned fish, fresh slaw, and their special sauce all wrapped in soft tortillas.
They even won “Top Taco in America” and “Top Taco Hawaii” awards.
My family also loves their fish burrito and the Ono on a Bun (ono is a type of fish, and yes, it lives up to its name which means “delicious” in Hawaiian).
Everything is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients but served fast-casual style so you’re not spending $40 per person.
The vibe is super casual and family-friendly with that surf shack atmosphere. Order at the counter, grab your food, and enjoy.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch between beach sessions or when you just want something good without the fuss.
Monkeypod Kitchen: Come for the Mai Tais, Stay for the Food
Location: Wailea (10 Wailea Gateway Pl)
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Price: $20-35
I have to tell you about Monkeypod’s mai tais because they’re the best I’ve ever had. They top them with this liliko’i (passion fruit) foam that’s absolutely incredible.
But beyond the drinks, the food here is really, really good.
They focus on locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable farming, which you can taste in every bite.
The bulgogi pork tacos are fantastic, and they have this organic spinach and quinoa salad that even my kids will eat.
Their pizzas are also great if you want something the whole family can share.
The atmosphere is lively and fun without being too loud for families. They have a kids’ menu, and the portions are generous enough to share.
Just keep in mind this is a popular spot, so reservations are a good idea for dinner.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Don’t Skip the Pie
Location: Olowalu (820 Olowalu Village Rd)
Hours: Daily 7am-8pm
Price: $12-18 for meals, $6-8 for pie
Leoda’s is this cute little spot on the way to Lahaina that feels like stepping back in time.
It’s got that old plantation-era charm with wooden tables and chalkboard menus. You’ll see lots of locals here, which is always a good sign.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but what everyone comes for is the pie. The Olowalu lime pie is tangy and sweet and absolutely perfect.
The coconut cream pie and banana cream pie are also top-tier. Honestly, just come for pie. You can have lunch too, but definitely come for pie.
Their sandwiches are really good if you need actual food before dessert (though no judgment if you go straight for pie).
This is a great stop if you’re exploring West Maui or heading to Lahaina.
Tin Roof: Local Food by a Celebrity Chef
Location: Kahului (360 Papa Pl)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-8pm, closed Sundays
Price: $12-18
Tin Roof is run by Sheldon Simeon, who was a two-time finalist on Top Chef. But don’t let that intimidate you. This place is super casual and affordable.
It’s basically elevated comfort food with Hawaiian and Asian influences.
Their poke bowls are fantastic (and under $15!), and the mochiko chicken is crispy perfection. Everything on the menu is made with local ingredients when possible, and you can tell they put a lot of care into the food.
It’s close to the airport, so it’s perfect for your first or last meal on Maui. Just know it gets busy around lunchtime, so arrive early or late to avoid the rush.
New Spots Worth Checking Out
Star Noodle (Reopened in Lahaina!)
Location: 1287 Front Street, Lahaina (new oceanfront location)
Hours: Check website for current hours, brunch Sat-Sun 10am-1pm
Price: $15-30
Star Noodle reopened in 2024 in a beautiful new oceanfront location after losing their original spot to the fire. This restaurant has been a Maui favorite for years, and I’m so glad they’re back.
Their ramen and noodle dishes are fantastic, and they also have great small plates (pupus) that are perfect for sharing.
The Asian-inspired menu has something for everyone, and the ocean views from the new location are stunning. Their garlic noodles and steamed pork buns are legendary.
Make a reservation because this place fills up fast, even for lunch sometimes. They also offer weekend brunch now, which is a nice addition.
Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar
Location: 1287 Front Street, Lahaina (north end that survived the fire)
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Price: $15-25
This is a newer restaurant that opened after the 2023 Lahaina fire in the section of Front Street that survived.
Chef Alvin Savella (who ran the popular Duckine restaurant) is behind the kitchen, serving up a fun mix of Mexican, local, seafood, and American dishes.
The oceanfront location is gorgeous, and they have a keiki (kids) corner which is clutch when you’re dining with little ones.
It’s casual and family-friendly with happy hour specials that are worth checking out.
A Few Important Notes
About Lahaina
The August 2023 wildfires devastated much of Lahaina, and many beloved restaurants were lost.
However, a few restaurants on the north end of Front Street survived and have reopened, including Star Noodle, Coco Deck, and Aloha Mixed Plate.
Other restaurants like Cheeseburger in Paradise are planning to relocate to other parts of Maui.
If you’re looking for West Maui dining, I recommend focusing on the Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua areas where restaurants are fully operational.
My Planning Tips
- Make reservations for sit-down restaurants, especially for dinner. Maui gets busy, and you don’t want to spend your vacation waiting for tables.
- Bring cash for food trucks and some casual spots. Not everywhere takes cards.
- Order local fish whenever possible. It’s what Maui does best, and it’s always worth it.
- Try plate lunch at least once. It’s a Hawaiian tradition – huge portions of protein, rice, and mac salad. Perfect for sharing or having leftovers.
- Don’t skip shave ice. Your kids will thank you, and honestly, you’ll thank yourself. It’s basically mandatory in Hawaii.
Need More Maui Planning Help?
I’ve been helping families plan amazing Hawaii vacations for years.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning your Maui trip, I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll help you create the perfect itinerary for your family.
Want to learn everything you need to know before your trip? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Maui.
I’ll walk you through all the essentials so you can plan like a pro (or at least like someone who’s been to Maui 40+ times!).
And if you want everything in one place, my Maui Travel Guide for Families has daily itineraries, restaurant recommendations, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips.
More Maui Resources
Looking for more things to do? Check out my guides on the best snorkeling in Maui, things to do in Maui at night, and the best Maui boat tours worth booking.
I also host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast where I share even more tips and answer your Hawaii travel questions.
The best meals on Maui aren’t always at the fanciest restaurants or the places with the longest waits.
Sometimes they’re at the local spot where you eat kalbi ribs at picnic tables, or the shave ice stand where your kids’ faces light up, or the casual fish market where you’ve been going for 20 years because it just never gets old.
That’s what I love about Maui. Great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be fresh, made with aloha, and enjoyed with the people you love.
And maybe with an ocean view. Ocean views definitely help.
Now go eat something delicious! You’re on Maui!
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
