The Best Restaurants in Kihei: 7 Local Favorites To Try
7 Best Restaurants in Kihei
On the beautiful island of Maui, Kihei stands out as one of the sunniest areas with the least rainfall. Visitors enjoy a small town’s sleepy, slow vibe and six uninterrupted miles of glittering beaches. There are many opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, whale watching, or simply relaxing on the sand. Just ensure you don’t forget to explore the best restaurants in Kihei to enjoy your stay.
Wherever you like to travel, trying the best places to eat is an exciting part of the experience. Kihei is home to a variety of eateries, from fancy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall digs and everything in between. Explore this list of Kihei, Hawaii, restaurants on your next visit, and you might even find your new favorite!
1. Nalu’s South Shore Grill
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a great time with friends or family over delicious food, Nalu's South Shore Grill is a great place to start. Vacationers travel from all over Maui to enjoy the eclectic menu of fresh and tasty offerings at Nalu’s, but those staying in Kihei are minutes from their next fantastic meal.
Nalu’s is open seven days a week and offers daily happy hours from 3 pm to 6 pm. This casual spot doesn’t take reservations, so it’s the perfect place to stroll into after a long day of surfing, swimming, or hiking. Nalu’s also features live music every night, making it one of the most unique and memorable restaurants in Kihei for dinner. Every evening at Nalu’s is a brand-new experience!
2. Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Finding a delicious fish taco in Hawaii isn’t a tough challenge, but you might struggle to find one better than the fish tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe on Maui. Don’t worry — you won’t have to splurge on an upscale establishment to enjoy Maui’s best fish tacos. Coconut’s Fish Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant with a chill vibe and various healthy, affordable, and tasty options.
When you visit Coconut’s, there’s no better way to enjoy one of the best places to eat in Kihei than to order the fish tacos. However, if you’re in the mood for a salad, a grilled fish sandwich, or even some fish and chips, Coconut’s has you covered with a long and detailed menu. Not in the mood for fish? You can also find delicious and tender grilled steak, chicken, and Kalua pork entrees, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
3. South Maui Fish Company
When you hear that South Maui Fish Company sells out of their fresh fish entrees daily, you’ll understand how popular this destination is for Maui locals and vacationers. South Maui Fish Co. uses nothing but the best when it comes to their ingredients, and that means starting each dish with locally caught fish that have never been frozen.
South Maui Fish Co. is high on the list of the best restaurants in Kihei, and one of their most sought-after items is the poke bowl. They serve fresh poke in half-pound helpings with generous sides of white rice and slaw for a complete meal. This restaurant is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!
4. Paia Fish Market South Side
Searching for the best fish sandwich on Maui? You’ll find it at Paia Fish Market, one of five locations of this locally beloved eatery. You’ll find Paia Fish Market in Kihei across South Kihei Road from Kalama Park. Stop in on your way to the beach for a picnic or after a full day of fun in the sun.
To give you an idea of why Paia Fish Market is one of the best places to eat in Kihei for a classic fish sandwich, envision this: a warm sesame seed bun topped with cold, crunchy coleslaw, shredded cheese, a slice of fresh tomato, and a fresh-caught piece of fish grilled to perfection topped with tartar sauce made in-house. If your stomach is growling already, plan a trip to one of the best restaurants in Kihei on your next visit.
5. Brekkie Bowls
If you think you’ve tried the best acai bowl — think again! Brekkie Bowls is a food truck in various spots around Maui, so you’ll have to check their website or social media platforms to see where they will be during your visit to Kihei.
Every breakfast bowl at Brekkie Bowls is made with love by a tight-knit team of passionate employees, not to mention incredibly fresh and delicious ingredients. When you plan your visit to one of the best restaurants in Kihei on the beach (or wherever the truck happens to be parked that day), go early. Their hours are limited, and they often sell out!
Each build-your-own or superfood bowl starts with a base of fresh acai, fresh dragon fruit, or a mixture of both. Add your favorite fruit toppings alongside some agave drizzle and toasted coconut for refreshment and flavor in every bite. The superfood bowls also come with layers of blue majik chia pudding, which add even more nutritional value and deliciousness to the experience.
6. Da Nani Pirates
Everyone loves a themed restaurant, and Da Nani Pirates does not disappoint. Did you know that the owner of this spot is a real-life descendant of Blackbeard? That makes Da Nani Pirates’ dedication to the pirate attitude and aesthetic even more special. Their delicious menu includes fresh fish entrees, sliders, wraps, specials, and more.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Kihei, stop at Da Nani Pirates. Their Kihei location is minutes from the beach, making it easy to savor a delicious dinner after your day on the sand or grab some takeout to enjoy by the water. You’ll soon see why the expert chefs behind Da Nani Pirates have won more than 26 competitions for various dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and chicken wings.
7. Maui Brewing Co.
At the end of a long day of exploring the gorgeous island of Maui, there’s no better way to kick back and relax than with any of the locally brewed concoctions at Maui Brewing Co. From lagers and porters to IPAs and pilsners — there’s something for every beer fan to enjoy at one of the top Kihei restaurants.
You don’t need to be of drinking age to enjoy a trip to this popular destination. The handcrafted island sodas are made with natural, locally sourced ingredients for a truly authentic flavor no matter what you order to drink. Visit Maui Brewing Co. to enjoy a refreshing beverage and some tasty food, or go the extra mile with a brewery tour!
Plan Your Hawaiian Adventure Today
You’ll need the perfect rental car to reach the best restaurants in Kihei with a view of the stunning Pacific. At Discount Hawaii Car Rental, we make it easy for vacationers to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii to the fullest without breaking the bank on car rental. We can help you find the right vehicle so you can explore the island in style.
As you make your travel bookings, check out Maui car rental and Kihei rental car for rental availability. We look forward to serving you on your next trip to the islands!