Best Places to Eat in Maui

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When visiting Maui, don't make the mistake of grabbing fast food in order to cram in sightseeing.  Savor the island breeze and enjoy the views.  Check out our favorites, highlighted by where they are near popular visitor spots.

Breakfast:

• The Gazebo, Lahaina: Love the chocolate chip macademia nut pancakes as big as a steering wheel.  Omelets also as large and will fill you up for days.  Can't beat the view, but seating is limited so come early.  Conveniently located at Napili Shores by Outrigger, closer to Kapalua than really in Lahaina town.
• The Plantation House, Lahaina: Best place to celebrate a special occasion with breathtaking views of Lanai and Molokai.  Casually elegant with pricing on par with hotel restaurants, some unique offerings include Pork Belly Benedict, Guava Mimosas, and short rib loco moco.  Our favorite is Maui French Toast.  Did we mention it is on the famous Plantation Golf Course?

Lunch:

• Cafe O Lei, Kahului: On your way to/from the airport, check out this restaurant featuring golf course and West Maui mountain views.  Reasonably priced breakfast sandwiches and daily lunch plate specials are the way to go.
• Joey's Kitchen, Lahaina: Strictly speaking, there is no view from the restaurant on the bottom floor of Whaler's Village, but we frequently buy and bring to the beach the best food from the former chef of Roy's.  Fusion food is fantastic here and our favorites are the braised beef and coconut shrimp - all without breaking the budget.
• Huli Huli Chicken, Hana: At the end of the road to Hana is this unpretentious outpost of a restaurant where you'll get flavorful rotisserie chicken and ribs.  Right on Koki beach, an authentic red sand beach surrounded by ironwood trees.

Dinner:

• Morimoto Maui, Wailea: Headed by Iron Chef Morimoto, this restaurant is the epitome of Allez Cuisine!  Omakase style will let the chef prepare multiple courses for you.  If you prefer to order off the menu, there is not only local Hawaiian catches, but also fish flown in from Japan and Wagyu beef filet.  Since this is at the Wailea Resort, the prices are not inexpensive but the experience is one for the senses.
• Leilani's On the Beach, Kaanapali: Located in Whaler's Village, you'll get ocean views in a relaxed atmosphere by romantic torch light.  If you want something inexpensive, dine in the downstairs restaurant called the Beachside Grill.  In either restaurant, order the fish tacos and Hula Pie for dessert. Also if you are from southern california, save your receipt and get a discount at Dukes in Huntington Beach (same parent company).
• Sunset Dinner Cruise: Most of them sail from Lahaina harbor and offer the unique water perspective of the mountains and feature live music.  Your choice if you want to have buffet or sit-down dinner and is great for families.  Children are most welcome aboard and are at a discount.  Normal adult rates vary from $80 - $110.
• Romantic dinners don't get much better than at the Fairmont Ko.  Try the braised short ribs or the lavender honey crispy shrimp.  They always have fresh fish of the day and have won numerous awards for the fresh fish of the day.