7 Best Restaurants in Maui, Hawaii

Spend a sweet afternoon learning about the chocolate-making process during the Kuia Chocolate Factory Experience, a 90-minute tour of this confectioner's operations for guests ages 10 and up, followed by the chance to taste some of Maui’s best chocolate. If you have smaller children in tow and/or are short on time, you can head straight for the café for a hand-mixed chocolate shake, a hot chocolate or a coffee, and a treat from the bakery case. You can also embark on a chocolate-tasting flight, and then customize a box of chocolates to take home. Profits from sales and the tour benefit local charities, including major contributions to fire-relief efforts.

One of Makawao's landmarks is this mom-and-pop shop, which has changed very little over the last century. If you arrive early enough, you can get an incredible "stick" doughnut, cream-filled malasadas, or delicious cream puffs. The store makes hundreds daily but sells out.

Though it may seem like a tourist trap, this ocean-side restaurant does not disappoint, thanks to the quality of its food and an ambience steeped in Hawaiian history, with memorabilia that nods to famed surfer Duke Kahanamoku throughout. The seafood menu is downright astounding, and the famous Hula Pie—macadamia nut ice cream on a cookie crust served with hot fudge—might have you rushing to get to dessert. Resist the temptation to eat and run, though, so that you can linger over dinner and drinks while enjoying nightly live music.

An open-air lanai offers a breathtaking view of the golf course and the majestic backdrop of Iao Valley and the West Maui mountains at this fantastic addition to Maui's culinary scene. The menu takes you on a trip to Buenos Aires, with an assortment of emparedados (sandwiches); house-made chimichurri; and tomahawk, ribeye, sirloin, and skirt steaks, as well as lamb and chicken.

Momona is the Hawaiian word for "sweet," and this place definitely lives up to its name with the variety of flaky treats that are available every morning. The bakery is especially known for its cinnamon rolls and its medialunas, Argentinean croissants with sweet or savory fillings such as Nutella, dulce de leche, custard, lilikoi (passionfruit), or ham and cheese. In addition to baked goods, you'll also find sandwiches and dishes like avocado toast. The coffee is available with your choice of four types of milk, various sweeteners, and cinnamon or other toppings that perfectly complement the confections.

A stop at this popular coffee spot, tucked just behind the main buildings on Hana Highway, is a great way to start or end the day. Grab a coffee or tea along with avocado toast or banana bread for breakfast or lunch, or come during happy hour (2 to 5 pm) for a reasonably priced, island-fresh cocktail followed by live music (four nights a week) or trivia (Wednesday night).

Fresh gelato made with locally sourced ingredients is the big draw here (try Surfing Goat Dairy's Lilikoi Quark flavor and thank us later). You'll also find jams, jellies, and dressings from Jeff Gomes, coffees from Maui Coffee Roasters, and picnic lunches from Hana Lunch Co.