Many find West Maui to be the most dynamic region on the island Maui; as is evident in its incredible dining scene. The area is home to a wide variety of dining options, from quaint fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and quirky food trucks. Given the wealth of dining options in the area, it can be a daunting task to decide where to eat; to help you with this here is a list of some of the top West Maui restaurants that are worth checking out:
Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar
Located within the Whaler’s Village, a popular shopping destination in the Kaanapali area, Hula Grill serves delicious comfort foods, including famous Hawaiian specialties like Poke Tacos and Hawaiian Ceviche. This dining spot also features the Barefoot Bar, which serves refreshing cocktails and some delectable pupus (appetizers) as well. This beachside dining spot is famous for its celebration of Hawaiian culture through its aloha-inspired interior and Hawaiian menu. Serving authentic Polynesian dishes, the restaurant’s menu is a creation of Chef Peter Merriman, a distinguished chef and restaurateur who founded some of Hawaii’s best restaurants. The delectable menu allows customers to explore authentic Polynesian flavors while getting a taste of the freshness of Maui’s local produce harvested from the local farms in the island. Open daily, Hula Grill is the perfect place for a romantic dinner dates and big family gatherings alike.
Japengo at Hyatt Regency Resort
Set at the beachfront of Hyatt Regency Resort in Kaanapali Beach, Japengo is an Asian fusion restaurant serving a blend of Asian cuisines prepared using island-grown ingredients. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining spaces overlooking the gorgeous West Maui coastline out across the waters towards the beautiful outer island of Lanai. Japengo has a diverse range of items on its menu. Some of the most popular dishes include wok-fired and roasted items, sashimi, sushi rolls, and a variety of Asian side dishes. There are also “special items” that can be ordered as half-plates, which is a great option for diners who wanted to savor a full spectrum of the restaurant’s menu in a single visit. Japengo also features a sushi bar that is open for dinner and Happy Hour. As an added perk, this restaurant sources their ingredients fresh from local farms on the island!
Roy’s Kaanapali
Owned by restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and local Hawaiian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Known for its scenic views overlooking the West Maui Mountains and Kaanapali, Roy’s features a higher end upscale dining ambiance featuring expertly prepared selections, which will amaze your palette. The menu here features a savory selection of International and Hawaiian cuisines, including appetizers and refreshing cocktails. Open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, Roy’s in Kaanapali is famous for its delectable family-style appetizers that include sushi rolls, fish sandwiches, spring rolls, and much more!
Lahaina Grill
Conveniently located just off of Lahaina’s famed Front Street, Lahaina Grill is an award-winning restaurant famous for its delicious menu consisting of appetizers, soups, and salads. Some of the most popular dishes on their menu are the sautéed mahi-mahi, Wagyu beef ravioli, and Maui onion soup.They also have a delectable list of delicious wines and cocktails on the menu, the most popular of which is the Maui Mule, which is the island version of the famous Moscow Mule.
Monkeypod Kitchen Kaanapali
Monkeypod Kitchen is another West Maui restaurant located in the wonderful Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali. This restaurant is one of three locations currently serving the islands. Famous for their delicious foods made from sustainably sourced ingredients, Monkeypod Kitchen welcomes guests to dine in with a casual ambiance and live local musicians playing in the background. Monkeypod’s menu consists of salads, pizzas, burgers, and tacos. They also have wines, craft beers, and craft cocktails. If you have kids, Monkeypod is a great option as they also offer exclusive meals just for your keiki. Visit during happy hour for additional discounts on a wide selection of appetizers and craft cocktails.
Leilani’s on the Beach
Set against the backdrop of the world famous Kaanapali Beach, guests at Leilani’s can enjoy dining with a gorgeous beachfront view just steps from their table. When dining at this West Maui restaurant, guests can choose to eat at the beachside grill or the more formal dining room area. Both dining areas serve appetizers, salads, seafood, and desserts. Although their menus are totally different, there are a few crossover selections as well. If you will choose to dine in the dining room, it is highly recommended that you try the Chef’s Tasting Menu. The Aloha Hour at the beachside grill is also worth a try.
These are just a few of the many dining options available to you when you make your home on Maui. Keep an eye on my blog for more great places to enjoy before, during, and after your Maui home purchase. Mahalo!
