Kihei is a vibrant coastal town on the south shore of Maui, known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and an impressive variety of dining options. Unlike the more secluded resort areas, Kihei offers a mix of local favorites, casual food trucks, and upscale eateries that cater to both residents and visitors. Whether you are looking for a quick bite after a morning of snorkeling or a formal dinner with a sunset view, the Kihei food scene has something to offer.
Navigating the dining landscape in Kihei is straightforward, but knowing where to go for specific cuisines can save you time. Most restaurants are located along South Kihei Road, which runs parallel to the coastline. This guide provides a detailed look at the top-rated spots, organized by dining style and meal type, to help you make the most of your time on the island.
Top Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting your day with a hearty meal is a common tradition in Maui. Kihei features several iconic breakfast locations that focus on fresh ingredients and large portions. Many of these spots can get busy early in the morning, so arriving before 8:00 AM is often recommended.
Kihei Caffe
Located directly across from Kalama Park, Kihei Caffe is perhaps the most famous breakfast spot in town. It is known for its casual atmosphere and generous servings of classic island breakfast dishes. The menu features items like macadamia nut pancakes, loco moco, and pork fried rice.
- Best for: Large portions and a classic Maui experience.
- Tip: This is a cash-preferred establishment, and there is often a line, so be prepared to wait.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Nalu’s offers a more modern take on breakfast with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The open-air seating provides a relaxed environment. Popular menu items include the cornflake-crusted French toast and their various egg benedict options featuring fresh fish or kalua pig.
- Best for: Fresh ingredients and a comfortable, airy atmosphere.
- Tip: They often have live music in the evenings, making it a great spot to return to later in the day.
Casual Eats and Quick Bites
If you are looking for a quick lunch or a budget-friendly dinner, Kihei has an abundance of casual eateries. These locations are perfect for grabbing a meal to take to the beach or for a relaxed sit-down experience without the need for reservations.
Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Coconut’s is famous for its fish tacos, which feature 17 different ingredients layered to create a unique flavor profile. The restaurant uses fresh, wild-caught fish and provides a family-friendly environment with surfboard-shaped tables.
- Best for: High-quality fish tacos and casual family dining.
- Tip: Try the coconut shrimp or the grilled fish platter if you want an alternative to tacos.
Paia Fish Market South Side
An extension of the original Paia location, this restaurant offers fresh fish prepared in several styles, including grilled, blackened, or sautéed. The seating is communal, which adds to the bustling, social atmosphere. It is a reliable choice for consistent quality and fresh catches.
- Best for: Fresh fish fillets and a lively atmosphere.
- Tip: The portions are large, so consider sharing a plate if you are not overly hungry.
Kihei’s Food Truck Scene
The food truck culture in Kihei has grown significantly in recent years. Food trucks offer a way to sample diverse cuisines, from Thai and Mexican to traditional Hawaiian, at a lower price point than traditional sit-down restaurants.
South Maui Gardens
South Maui Gardens is a beautifully landscaped area that hosts several food trucks in a centralized location. It provides outdoor seating, clean restrooms, and a peaceful environment away from the main road. Popular trucks here include Thai Mee Up and Da’Shore Grill.
- Best for: Variety and a scenic outdoor dining experience.
- Tip: This is an excellent option for groups where everyone wants a different type of food.
Seafood and Local Hawaiian Favorites
You cannot visit Kihei without sampling traditional Hawaiian dishes and locally caught seafood. These restaurants focus on “Plate Lunches” and fresh poke, which are staples of the local diet.
Da Kitchen
For those looking to experience a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, Da Kitchen is a top choice. They are known for their massive portions and local favorites like fried spam musubi, kalua pork, and chicken katsu. It is a no-frills establishment that focuses entirely on the food.
- Best for: Authentic, heavy Hawaiian plate lunches.
- Tip: The “Fried Spam Musubi” is a signature item that is often shared among several people.
South Maui Fish Company
This is a small red food truck located in the heart of Kihei that serves some of the freshest poke on the island. They source their fish directly from local fishermen daily. Because the fish is fresh, they often sell out of certain items by mid-afternoon.
- Best for: Authentic, fresh-caught poke and fish tacos.
- Tip: Check their social media or arrive early (around 11:30 AM) to ensure they haven’t sold out for the day.
Fine Dining and Special Occasions
While Kihei is generally casual, there are several options for those seeking a more refined dining experience. These restaurants often feature extensive wine lists, creative cocktails, and premium cuts of meat or seafood.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Sansei is renowned for its creative sushi rolls and contemporary Japanese cuisine. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during their late-night karaoke and happy hour events. The menu includes unique items like the panko-crusted ahi sashimi and mango crab salad rolls.
- Best for: High-quality sushi and inventive Japanese dishes.
- Tip: Reservations are highly recommended as this is one of the busiest spots in Kihei.
Lineage
Located nearby in the Shops at Wailea (just on the border of Kihei), Lineage offers a modern take on Filipino and Hawaiian heritage cooking. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere and dishes that are meant to be shared. It is an excellent choice for a celebratory dinner.
- Best for: Creative, upscale Asian-fusion cuisine.
- Tip: Be sure to try their craft cocktails, which are designed to complement the savory flavors of the menu.
Healthy and Plant-Based Options
For travelers looking for lighter fare or those with dietary restrictions, Kihei has several health-focused establishments. These spots emphasize organic produce, vegan options, and gluten-free alternatives.
Fork and Salad
Fork and Salad is a farm-to-table quick-service restaurant that focuses on fresh greens and local ingredients. You can build your own salad or choose from a variety of signature bowls and sandwiches. They work closely with local Maui farmers to source their produce.
- Best for: Quick, healthy lunches and customizable salads.
- Tip: Their kombucha on tap is locally brewed and highly recommended.
Joy’s Place
Joy’s Place is a small cafe that specializes in organic, vegan, and vegetarian foods. They offer a variety of soups, sandwiches, and live (raw) food options. It is a quiet spot perfect for a nutritious meal that feels home-cooked.
- Best for: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
- Tip: Their vegan chocolate mousse is a popular dessert that satisfies a sweet tooth healthily.
Practical Tips for Dining in Kihei
To have the best possible dining experience in Kihei, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Peak Hours: Breakfast is busiest between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Dinner peaks between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, especially at restaurants with sunset views.
- Parking: Many shopping centers in Kihei have limited parking. If you are dining at a popular spot like Kihei Kalama Village, you may need to park a block or two away and walk.
- Reservations: For sit-down restaurants like Sansei or Nalu’s, use apps like OpenTable or call ahead. Casual spots and food trucks generally do not take reservations.
- Tipping: Standard tipping in Hawaii is 18-20% for good service, similar to the rest of the United States.
- Alcohol: Some smaller eateries and food trucks do not serve alcohol but may allow you to bring your own (BYOB). Always ask the staff before opening your own beverage.
Kihei’s dining scene is a reflection of Maui’s diverse culture and abundant natural resources. By exploring a mix of established restaurants and hidden food trucks, you can experience the true flavors of the island. Whether you are looking for a simple plate of poke or a multi-course seafood dinner, Kihei provides a welcoming environment for every diner. For more Maui travel tips, consider exploring our articles on local beaches and outdoor activities.