Food Staples on Maui: Good Eats & Good Vibes

From daily caught seafood to a refreshing bowl of acai, these spots in Maui are top tier for delicious eats and an ambiance of relaxation at its finest. 

Whalers Village ~ Kaanapali 

Starting out strong with Whalers Village, located on Kaanapali Beach in South Maui, the plaza of shops, restaurants, and café's are the go-to spots for diner on the beach. Additionally, you have the convenience of the best acai & coffee shop on the island just a short walk from most hotels on Kaanapali. 

1. Island Vintage Coffee 

Island Vintage Coffee is actually a chain café spanning across the islands, and is hands down my favorite spot for acai. With many breakfast items to choose from, I personally have always gotten the original acai bowl and add peanut butter (PB makes the bowl) with an iced latte to go with it! It is truly a bowl of comfort and happiness with every ingredient tasting fresh and homemade, from Big Island honey down to the peanut butter itself: a creamy consistency with the peanut grounds still making an appearance to pair perfectly with the freshness of the cold acai. What better way to start your morning? 

2. Hula Grill

Another one of my favorites situated on the beach at Whalers is Hula Grill. This restaurant encompasses the ultimate island feel while eating freshly caught fish on the outdoor patio with live music and waves ever so slightly crashing against the sand. Convincing yet?

3. Leilani's 

Sitting right next to Hula Grill, Leilani's has quite the same feel with outdoor seating along Kaanapali beach, just another name for good eats on the beach. 

4. Monkey Pod

For a different scenery than Hula Grill & Leilani's, Monkey Pod is not exactly positioned up close to the ocean like the others. Though, it has one of the best vibes in all of Whaler's with live music, impeccable service, and some of the most delicious foods on the island!

Longhi's ~ Kaanapali 

Opening in 1976 with the original location in downtown Lahaina, Longhi's is a Maui gem that falls under the category of a "must do". After the popular breakfast spot closed on Lahaina's front street in 2019, the famous restaurant made a comeback now operating in The Maui Marriott Ocean Club on Kā‘anapali Beach. From the fresh-squeezed orange juice to the locally grown macadamia nut pancakes, the menu is nothing short of delicious all around! 

Merriman's ~ Kapalua

Merriman's in Kapalua defiantly hits home when it comes to Maui's luxury side. This fine dining experience is a splurge, but the view of the pacific is where the worth is at! After a culinary treat of an exquisite main course meal, you'll want to take a minute and regain your appetite for a sweet treat because this dessert menu is not one to miss. Down below you will find one of my favorite meals including Merriman's famous Chocolate Purse: a warm chocolate cake wrapped in phyllo dough for a crunchy texture, served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate crumbles.

Told you this menu was not one to miss!