Guidebook for Lahaina

Rhett
Guidebook for Lahaina

Food Scene

May be the best coffee shop on Maui and I'm not saying that just because it's only 2 blocks from our condo! They open early, have an awesome selection of baked goods (gluten free too) and they are very friendly. Right next to Maui Brewing Company!
28 locals recommend
Hawaiian Village Coffee
4405 HI-30
28 locals recommend
May be the best coffee shop on Maui and I'm not saying that just because it's only 2 blocks from our condo! They open early, have an awesome selection of baked goods (gluten free too) and they are very friendly. Right next to Maui Brewing Company!
This restaurant has my favorite dish that I've eaten on Maui. The "Vietnamese Crepe". It's not a crepe and I don't think it's Vietnamese either. It's got seasoned pork with a sweet garlic chili sauce and a crunchy fried "crepe" that you wrap in lettuce. I could eat this every day! Reservations are recommended and it's a difficult place to eat with for a group over 6. Also VERY noisy inside. Tip: Eat at the bar, usually able to get in for two and the bartenders here are chatty!
110 locals recommend
Star Noodle
1285 Front Street
110 locals recommend
This restaurant has my favorite dish that I've eaten on Maui. The "Vietnamese Crepe". It's not a crepe and I don't think it's Vietnamese either. It's got seasoned pork with a sweet garlic chili sauce and a crunchy fried "crepe" that you wrap in lettuce. I could eat this every day! Reservations are recommended and it's a difficult place to eat with for a group over 6. Also VERY noisy inside. Tip: Eat at the bar, usually able to get in for two and the bartenders here are chatty!
One of the best restaurants in the USA, not just Hawaii. The views are the best, the drinks are the best, the food is the best, they even have the best parking system! Eat everything on the menu. The macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi is too good to miss. And don't forget dessert! They are booked 2-3 months in advance. You MUST have reservations. Tip: You can eat the same food here at lunch usually without reservations.
355 locals recommend
Mama's Fish House
799 Poho Pl
355 locals recommend
One of the best restaurants in the USA, not just Hawaii. The views are the best, the drinks are the best, the food is the best, they even have the best parking system! Eat everything on the menu. The macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi is too good to miss. And don't forget dessert! They are booked 2-3 months in advance. You MUST have reservations. Tip: You can eat the same food here at lunch usually without reservations.
This is our favorite spot to stop after a morning surf session. They always have a breakfast special and they have a bakery that seems to always make something tropical and interesting. Located about halfway between Lahaina and Maalea. We stop here often. The Pork/Pork/Pork sandwich is great! And don't miss the passion fruit cheesecake if it's on the menu!
79 locals recommend
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
820 Olowalu Village Rd
79 locals recommend
This is our favorite spot to stop after a morning surf session. They always have a breakfast special and they have a bakery that seems to always make something tropical and interesting. Located about halfway between Lahaina and Maalea. We stop here often. The Pork/Pork/Pork sandwich is great! And don't miss the passion fruit cheesecake if it's on the menu!
The running joke is that the China Boat is the #1 rated Chinese Restaurant in all of Maui. Thankfully this is true, however we're not sure if that's because we haven't seen another Chinese restaurant or it's really that good. Candied Walnut Prawns. I can eat the entire plate! Best part = Almost directly across the street from the condo!
20 locals recommend
China Boat Restaurant
4474 Lower Honoapiilani Rd
20 locals recommend
The running joke is that the China Boat is the #1 rated Chinese Restaurant in all of Maui. Thankfully this is true, however we're not sure if that's because we haven't seen another Chinese restaurant or it's really that good. Candied Walnut Prawns. I can eat the entire plate! Best part = Almost directly across the street from the condo!
Absolutely the best deal on Maui. Right on the beach and free parking too! Right behind the Safeway store in Lahaina. Recently remodeled. You can eat here with drinks for under $20 per person. Unheard of in Lahaina! Especially with the location. The Kalbi Ribs are our favorite. But the garlic prawns are pretty awesome too.
35 locals recommend
Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St
35 locals recommend
Absolutely the best deal on Maui. Right on the beach and free parking too! Right behind the Safeway store in Lahaina. Recently remodeled. You can eat here with drinks for under $20 per person. Unheard of in Lahaina! Especially with the location. The Kalbi Ribs are our favorite. But the garlic prawns are pretty awesome too.
Probably the best sushi on Maui. There are two locations. Luckily, there's one about 2 blocks from our condo. The prices are high but the portions are big. Check out their T-shirt selection = Mi-so-phat / She-so-phat!
99 locals recommend
Miso Phat Sushi
4310 Lower Honoapiilani Rd
99 locals recommend
Probably the best sushi on Maui. There are two locations. Luckily, there's one about 2 blocks from our condo. The prices are high but the portions are big. Check out their T-shirt selection = Mi-so-phat / She-so-phat!
Best BBQ on the island. Also the best bourbon selection on the island. Prices are good and the portions are big. Try the burnt ends. Located in a strip mall among about 10 other bars and restaurants - don't be tempted by the other stuff here - wait in line, it's worth it!
20 locals recommend
Fat Daddy's Smokehouse
1913 S Kihei Rd
20 locals recommend
Best BBQ on the island. Also the best bourbon selection on the island. Prices are good and the portions are big. Try the burnt ends. Located in a strip mall among about 10 other bars and restaurants - don't be tempted by the other stuff here - wait in line, it's worth it!
Just go here!. The portions are YUGE! The food is very good. There is ALWAYS a line.
102 locals recommend
Da Kitchen
1215 South Kihei Road
102 locals recommend
Just go here!. The portions are YUGE! The food is very good. There is ALWAYS a line.

Drinks & Nightlife

You've heard of Fleetwood Mac? Well Mick Fleetwood decided to open a club on Front Street in Lahaina. It's in an awesome location among all the other nightlife! Not exactly budget friendly, but worth the effort. Usually has live music on the weekends.
100 locals recommend
Fleetwood's on Front St.
744 Front St
100 locals recommend
You've heard of Fleetwood Mac? Well Mick Fleetwood decided to open a club on Front Street in Lahaina. It's in an awesome location among all the other nightlife! Not exactly budget friendly, but worth the effort. Usually has live music on the weekends.
You have to be a member of the Yacht Club (notice that there are no yachts here) or be with someone who is a member of a yacht club in order to get in here. This is ground zero for fun on Front Street in Lahaina. The drinks and food here are so good and such a good deal, you'll think you're on the mainland. Note: It truly is an EXCLUSIVE club. They really won't let you in without a membership. Thursday is Steak and Lobster night. You have to call and pre-order your lobster by Tuesday in order to eat on Thursday.
8 locals recommend
Lahaina Yacht Club
835 Front St
8 locals recommend
You have to be a member of the Yacht Club (notice that there are no yachts here) or be with someone who is a member of a yacht club in order to get in here. This is ground zero for fun on Front Street in Lahaina. The drinks and food here are so good and such a good deal, you'll think you're on the mainland. Note: It truly is an EXCLUSIVE club. They really won't let you in without a membership. Thursday is Steak and Lobster night. You have to call and pre-order your lobster by Tuesday in order to eat on Thursday.
Great location and a great bar right on Kaanapali Beach. Go to Whalers Village and keep walking towards the ocean!
73 locals recommend
Hula Grill
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
73 locals recommend
Great location and a great bar right on Kaanapali Beach. Go to Whalers Village and keep walking towards the ocean!
Yes, I know they serve food here. But the fancy umbrella drinks are just too good!
24 locals recommend
Roy's
2290 Kaanapali Pkwy
24 locals recommend
Yes, I know they serve food here. But the fancy umbrella drinks are just too good!

Entertainment & Activities

Whale watching, dolphins and snorkeling. These are the guys to go to!
45 locals recommend
Pacific Whale Foundation
612 Front St
45 locals recommend
Whale watching, dolphins and snorkeling. These are the guys to go to!

Sightseeing

Kind of reminds me of Key West. A lot of local shops. Our favorite thing to do is get a "Dole Whip" (pineapple soft serve) and walk the street after dinner. We may even buy something one day! VERY touristy, especially when the cruise ships are in town. Can be extremely busy. Tip: Park 2 blocks south of the Banyan Tree in the FREE 3 hour parking lot directly across from the Kamehameha School.
58 locals recommend
Front Street
Front Street
58 locals recommend
Kind of reminds me of Key West. A lot of local shops. Our favorite thing to do is get a "Dole Whip" (pineapple soft serve) and walk the street after dinner. We may even buy something one day! VERY touristy, especially when the cruise ships are in town. Can be extremely busy. Tip: Park 2 blocks south of the Banyan Tree in the FREE 3 hour parking lot directly across from the Kamehameha School.
Maui's hippie community all seemed to know that this was the place they should go! Reminds me a lot of Pahoa on the Big Island - without the lava and rotten egg smell though. On the road to Hana. Paia is known for art galleries, food and good coffee Also some of the best surfing on the island can be viewed right from the beach.
208 locals recommend
Paia
208 locals recommend
Maui's hippie community all seemed to know that this was the place they should go! Reminds me a lot of Pahoa on the Big Island - without the lava and rotten egg smell though. On the road to Hana. Paia is known for art galleries, food and good coffee Also some of the best surfing on the island can be viewed right from the beach.
Everyone can drive to Hana, this is a much better experience. You essentially drive from Kapalua to Wailuku on a narrow, one lane, windy road with no shoulders! What could be more fun? At the halfway point, you'll see a farm stand for Julia's banana bread. Stop and get some with her passion fruit butter! There are some amazing places to stop on this trip. Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse beach, the Nakahele Blowhole, The Ovaline Pools ... You can easily spend an entire day exploring the area. Note: most rental car companies forbid you from taking their cars on this road - read the fine print.
9 locals recommend
Kahakuloa
9 locals recommend
Everyone can drive to Hana, this is a much better experience. You essentially drive from Kapalua to Wailuku on a narrow, one lane, windy road with no shoulders! What could be more fun? At the halfway point, you'll see a farm stand for Julia's banana bread. Stop and get some with her passion fruit butter! There are some amazing places to stop on this trip. Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse beach, the Nakahele Blowhole, The Ovaline Pools ... You can easily spend an entire day exploring the area. Note: most rental car companies forbid you from taking their cars on this road - read the fine print.
One of the only accessible areas on the Hawaiian Islands where you can see petroglyphs. A short hike around the area with some very interesting cultural history. Hard to find in a valley tucked behind some houses. Go to the Olowalu Fruit Stand and take the road behind it for about one mile. When the road ends, you're there! Don't park in front of any gates or driveways. This is a VERY sacred Hawaiian location, please treat it with respect.
8 locals recommend
Olowalu
8 locals recommend
One of the only accessible areas on the Hawaiian Islands where you can see petroglyphs. A short hike around the area with some very interesting cultural history. Hard to find in a valley tucked behind some houses. Go to the Olowalu Fruit Stand and take the road behind it for about one mile. When the road ends, you're there! Don't park in front of any gates or driveways. This is a VERY sacred Hawaiian location, please treat it with respect.

Parks & Nature

It's an easy hike around this park but the reason you come here is for the story. The culture and history of the area will leave you wondering why you've never heard about this before!
39 locals recommend
Iao Needle State Monument
39 locals recommend
It's an easy hike around this park but the reason you come here is for the story. The culture and history of the area will leave you wondering why you've never heard about this before!
Dormant 10,000 foot volcano that you can drive right to the top of! who knew? Great views of the volcano crater and the neighboring islands. It can be VERY cold and the wind blows hard here. Bring a jacket. You can hike in to the crater and the cold and wind seem to disappear! You can even hike all the way to Hana through the Kaupo Gap if you're prepared and have a permit. Tip: Now requires a reservation from the National Park Service to view the sunrise. Usually booked months in advance and they won't let you up to the top without one. Good news is that the reservation is only $1.50 but you still have to pay to enter the National Park!
249 locals recommend
Haleakalā National Park
249 locals recommend
Dormant 10,000 foot volcano that you can drive right to the top of! who knew? Great views of the volcano crater and the neighboring islands. It can be VERY cold and the wind blows hard here. Bring a jacket. You can hike in to the crater and the cold and wind seem to disappear! You can even hike all the way to Hana through the Kaupo Gap if you're prepared and have a permit. Tip: Now requires a reservation from the National Park Service to view the sunrise. Usually booked months in advance and they won't let you up to the top without one. Good news is that the reservation is only $1.50 but you still have to pay to enter the National Park!
Rated one of the best beach parks in the USA. Located directly below the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua (shares the same beach) this is a great place for boogie boarding. NOT a good place to snorkel. The current here is VERY strong. Easy public parking and a short walk to the beach make this a great place!
33 locals recommend
D.T. Fleming Beach
Lower Honoapiilani Rd
33 locals recommend
Rated one of the best beach parks in the USA. Located directly below the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua (shares the same beach) this is a great place for boogie boarding. NOT a good place to snorkel. The current here is VERY strong. Easy public parking and a short walk to the beach make this a great place!
Probably the best snorkeling on the island is right here! The women's WSL (World Surf League) final event of the year is held here. The waves are awesome at the point and the snorkeling is amazing. It's a bit of a walk to the beach, but worth it. A lot of tourist boats bring their snorkelers to the bay here. It can be VERY crowded. Tip: The locals have set up a "toll booth" and charge admission to the area. There is no charge, but feel free to leave them something. The economy has been hit hard in the past few years. Maui no longer grows pineapples or sugar cane on the commercial scale that it used to and there is just no work for a lot of people here!
99 locals recommend
Honolua Bay
99 locals recommend
Probably the best snorkeling on the island is right here! The women's WSL (World Surf League) final event of the year is held here. The waves are awesome at the point and the snorkeling is amazing. It's a bit of a walk to the beach, but worth it. A lot of tourist boats bring their snorkelers to the bay here. It can be VERY crowded. Tip: The locals have set up a "toll booth" and charge admission to the area. There is no charge, but feel free to leave them something. The economy has been hit hard in the past few years. Maui no longer grows pineapples or sugar cane on the commercial scale that it used to and there is just no work for a lot of people here!

Arts & Culture

You can fly to Molokai and see the leper colony. It's a National Park. Do this before it can't be done any longer. There are only a few people living here and once they're gone... You could ride a mule down to the park or fly in. The flight in is STUNNING! I can't tell you about the mule ride! This is surprisingly inexpensive when you figure out the cost for an entire day excursion. Tip: You can fly out of the West Maui Airport which is less than a half mile from our condo.
7 locals recommend
Kalaupapa
7 locals recommend
You can fly to Molokai and see the leper colony. It's a National Park. Do this before it can't be done any longer. There are only a few people living here and once they're gone... You could ride a mule down to the park or fly in. The flight in is STUNNING! I can't tell you about the mule ride! This is surprisingly inexpensive when you figure out the cost for an entire day excursion. Tip: You can fly out of the West Maui Airport which is less than a half mile from our condo.

Shopping

A quaint shopping mall with a lot of restaurants in Kaanapali. Right on the beach too. I'm sure that there's a Starbucks around here somewhere...
159 locals recommend
Whalers Village
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
159 locals recommend
A quaint shopping mall with a lot of restaurants in Kaanapali. Right on the beach too. I'm sure that there's a Starbucks around here somewhere...
The high end shopping mall on Maui! I keep looking for the Bellagio Casino around every corner here...
222 locals recommend
The Shops at Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui Dr
222 locals recommend
The high end shopping mall on Maui! I keep looking for the Bellagio Casino around every corner here...