Maui may be surrounded by gorgeous beaches and lined with world-renowned hotels, but the Valley Isle is also home to some of the finest restaurants in all of Hawaii. Kapalua, a quiet natural paradise hidden away in the far west side of the island, offers the crème de la crème as far as dining with a spectacular view. It’s not a question of picking the sole best of the bunch, but rather which one you’d like to start with. Here are some of the very best restaurant experiences that Kapalua has to offer.
- Sea House
Sea House at the Napili Kai Resort is helmed by renowned chef Alex Stainslaw. Graduating with honors at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Stainslaw’s stomping grounds were at the Kapalua Bay Hotel. He honed his craft at Seafood Grotto, followed by a lengthy stint at the Plantation House. Stainslaw’s sensibilities are firmly rooted in Kapalua; Sea House is the culmination of years of fine-dining taste and experience. It’s a sea-foodies delight! Try the Center-Cut Filet Mignon, or the Sautéed Hawaiian Fish. Treat yourself to the finest in-house dining in Napili or relax on the open patio with the beach sitting next to you.
- The Gazebo
At the other end of Napili Bay sits The Gazebo, a popular breakfast-only hotspot. Their breakfast selection is so sought after that a wait is almost guaranteed. It’s first come, first served. Known for their macadamia nut pancakes topped with a personalized delectable sweet crème concoction, The Gazebo is pancake heaven! There’s also the usual breakfast offerings of specialty omelets, eggs benedict, French toast, breakfast burritos, etc. For those packing a mega appetite, their breakfast fried rice will fill you up and then some. The absurdly large offering is enough to feed an entire party; you’ll be having fried rice for days!
- Pineapple Grill
Sitting atop the wide-open green of the Kapalua Bay Golf Course and tucked beneath the iconic Cook pines, Pineapple Grill is a serene fine-dining retreat like no other, one that offers seclusion on top of luxury eating. Its casual American-style menu will offer tourists some familiarity, with, as always, a local spin. All ingredients are locally-sourced, everything made fresh. Guests can lounge at the bar with fish and chips and watch the game, enjoy a prime cut steak out on the lanai, or kick back inside and sway to the live entertainment. Perfect for all occasions: group parties, romantic-style evenings, or celebrating a successful round on the golf course.
- Cane & Canoe
The layout of Cane & Canoe is reminiscent of a Hawaiian canoe house – a communal gathering place for locals and weary voyagers. The restaurant’s vibrant interior honors the aloha spirit of the Hawaiian culture and the multicultural heritage of Hawaii. Guests are invited to partake in the past with a mouth-watering Seafood menu replete with fresh catches of the day. The sheer variety of food nevertheless offers an innovative spin on the flavors of contemporary Hawaii to satisfy your ‘opu (stomach) while delighting you with a taste of Hawaii’s history. Cane & Canoe certainly makes you feel like you’ve just come off a voyage of your own and leaves you ready to embark on another.
- Merriman’s
Merriman’s at the Kapalua Resort is the most elegant fine-dining experience in all of Kapalua. Overlooking Kapalua Bay, Merriman’s bathes in island luxury and spoils guests with pure decadence. You can enjoy the view of Molokai from the dining room, or take in the shimmering sunset out on the lanai beneath the gentle glow of dimly lit tiki torches. You simply have to try the Wok-charred Ahi – a Merriman’s original creation. Merriman’s otherwise offers a wonderful farm-to-table style menu. Chef Peter Merriman is firmly committed to local farmers and vendors. Everything on the menu is locally grown, guaranteed fresh and organic. It’s all about community at Merriman’s. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay long after the check is paid.
These are just a few of the many great dining options near your Kapalua home or West Maui condo. For more great fine and casual dining ideas in Kapalua and beyond, have a look at our Maui Information Database. Mahalo!