Hungry in South Maui? You’re in luck. South Maui is a foodies paradise. Some of the island’s best restaurants are found in this area— from eateries worthy of a James Beard award to low-key local favorites. There are so many good places; this list just scratches the surface. Nevertheless, here are our all-time top favorite restaurants in South Maui.

 

OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN SOUTH MAUI

 

Monkeypod

If you’ve ever walked up to the host stand at Monkeypod Wailea and were seated immediately, I applaud your timing. And luck. Monkeypod’s popularity is reflected in perpetual crowds. After all, this Peter Merriman restaurant is known for craft beer, pizza, pies, and famous honey-lilikoi foam-topped mai tais— basically all that is good in life.

This buzzy restaurant is always packed with people— visitors with their families or locals enjoying a pau hana. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, daily live music, an epic happy hour, and friendly service which makes it one of the most popular South Maui restaurants.

 

Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa

If you were to turn a tiki bar into a five-star restaurant, you would get Humuhumu. This thatched-roof restaurant is balanced above a saltwater lagoon and decorated in tasteful Polynesian decor. Shiny glass buoys hang from the lauhala ceilings, wooden waʻa (sailing canoe) fixtures rest above the bar, and the entire place is constructed from beautiful Big Island ohia wood.

Meanwhile, the food reflects the best of Maui’s land and sea. Top menu items include Huli Huli chicken and mac nut-crusted fish with sweet potato puree, baby bok choy, and lilikoi emulsion.

 

Morimoto

If you’re a sushi fan, there’s no doubt you know the name Masaharu Morimoto. The Iron Chef star and acclaimed restaurateur opened his Maui location in 2013 in the Andaz Resort. While sushi is obviously a focal point, the menu also features a blend of Japanese and Western-inspired cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. Some of the most unique menu offerings include the ishi yaki buri bop: yellowtail or wagyu beef on rice cooked at your table in a hot stone bowl, or the seared local fish with Thai coconut curry and clams.

Like the rest of the Andaz, the restaurant’s decor is neutral-toned with an elegant, modern atmosphere. Come here for unparalleled Asian cuisine, ocean views, and tasty craft cocktails.

 

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company’s 85,000-square-foot Kihei facility is where some of Maui’s best beers are born. But it’s not all shiny Brite tanks and stacks of malt and grain here. The space is also home to a full-service restaurant— and a huge one at that. The indoor/outdoor restaurant opens to views of the West Maui Mountains. There is also a lawn area with picnic benches and games like oversized Jenga and Connect4, which kids get a kick out of. 

At the bar, you’ll find knowledgeable bartenders pouring pints from one of the 36 taps or shaking up craft cocktails. Come by at happy hour from 3:30 to 4:30 pm for discounted beer, cocktails, apps, and really-freakin’-good pizza. Live music is also on offer daily from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. One of the best south Maui restaurants for fun and music.

 

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

Fred’s is a South Maui icon. This colorful cafe is located directly across the street from Kamaole Beach II. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Fred’s serves classic and reimagined Mexican fare— think Hawaiian kalua pork burritos and calamari tacos.

The salsa is fresh, the beers are cold, the margaritas are strong, and the people watching along South Kihei Road is second to none. Snag an outside table around sunset for stellar views and to partake in the killer happy hour. If you like no-frills joints with lots of character, add Fred’s to your itinerary next time you’re in South Maui.

 

Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Nalu’s South Shore Grill does it all. Located in the Azeka Shopping Center (makai side) in Kihei, Nalu’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features nightly live music from some of Maui’s most respected artists. But you can’t beat the breakfast here. The menu features something for everyone— omelets, pancakes, acai bowls, loco moco, and chicken and waffles are just some of the delectable offerings.

The palm-fringed indoor/outdoor space is utterly chill with counter service and always-friendly staff. If you can’t make it for breakfast, stop by for happy hour from 3 to 6 pm daily.

 

Manolis

Delicious pizza, nice views, friendly people— what more could you ask for? Manolis boasts all this and more. Manoli’s is located on the Wailea Blue golf course, surrounded by swaying palms, views of Mount Haleakala, and the green.

The sleek black decor, granite bar top, and craft cocktail list give the place an upscale atmosphere. And while Manolis is a nice place, it is thoroughly family-friendly, and the prices aren’t over the top. In addition to pizza, you’ll also find Mediterranean/Italian eats like gyros and spaghetti and meatballs.

 

Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse BBQ

It’s not hard to find Hawaiian BBQ staples like Huli Huli chicken on Maui. But if you’re craving some hearty, southern-style BBQ, options quickly become limited. Fortunately, one of Maui’s finest southern BBQ joints is located in the heart of South Maui in Kihei Kalama Village. Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse is legit— the restaurant’s interior of wood-paneled walls, corrugated metal, and picnic benches evokes the sense that you’ve left Maui behind for a small town in Texas.

The menu features eats like slow-cooked pork ribs, Texas hot links, brisket, chicken, pork belly, and a range of sandwiches. And let’s not forget those sides! No southern BBQ would be complete without mac and cheese, potato salad, cornbread, and coleslaw. Fat Daddy’s also offers several local beers on tap— just in case you need reminding that you are, in fact, on Maui and not in the south.

 

Pint & Cork

This chic tavern is nestled between luxury storefronts in the Shops of Wailea. While one might guess that this gastropub serves wine and beer, you might be surprised to learn that Pint & Cork features an extensive cocktail list. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg— the pub serves elevated bar food classics like lobster mac and cheese with bechamel sauce and braised kalua pork shoulder sliders.

The vibe here is buzzy on weekends, with crowds of tourists and locals gathering to watch sports games on one of the several TVs. Pint & Cork is family-friendly, although the pub is also a late-night hotspot.

 

Tommy Bahama

As always, Tommy Bahama delivers tropical vibes and great food. Located in the Shops of Wailea, this restaurant features a spacious outdoor patio enveloped by palm trees. If that doesn’t get you into the island spirit, a few Mai Tais at Happy Hour certainly will. Happy hour runs from 2 to 5 pm daily and features discounts on wine, cocktails, and small bites like macadamia nut-crusted goat cheese and Tommy Bahama’s famous coconut shrimp.

As for the rest of the menu, Tommy Bahama’s culinary team utilizes the best fresh ingredients to craft delectable signature dishes. The Kona coffee-crusted rib eye and the tamarind pineapple glazed mahi-mahi with marinated Hamakua mushrooms are absolute standouts. Walk-ins are welcome, but this place is always poppin’, so reservations are recommended.

 

Thank you for reading our top 10 favorite South Maui Restaurants. Check out more restaurant recommendations.

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Happy Travels!

 

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