Last Updated on October 5, 2025
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, celebrated for its natural beauty, rich culture, diverse activities, and stunning ocean vistas.
Let’s face it. If you’re going to dine in paradise, why not visit places offering spectacular, jaw-dropping panoramas?
You may not remember every entrée you selected, but I can guarantee as a frequent visitor to Maui, that you’ll not soon forget dining with an incredible view. These are my family’s must-do favorites ranging from mid-priced to higher end. Yes, there are several that run on the more expensive side (think special occasion), but there are others more reasonably priced.
Mama’s Fish House, Paia
Lunch or dinner will definitely come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it. Located in Central Maui, the restaurant is right next to a picturesque beach and tide pool area with killer views and ocean breezes.
Reservations are a must and can be made a year in advance, and yes, they fill up fast and for good reason. Food, service and ambience are all top-notch. The mostly seafood entrees are very imaginative and change daily, each giving credit to the fisherman or fishing boat that caught each fish. If there’s only one restaurant to put at the top of your Maui list, make it this one. This is true aloha.
Hula Grill Ka’anapali
I make this amazing restaurant my family’s first lunch meal on our arrival day to Maui. Diners literally sit feet-in-the-sand on stunning Ka’anapali Beach with incredible ocean views.
The eatery features local, line-caught fish, Maui grown produce and all-natural meats served by happy, friendly staff. I have deemed their Mai Tai to be the best I’ve had on the island.
No matter what we’ve ordered here, we’ve always been pleased. Be sure to make room for dessert as Hula Grill’s Hula Pie made with a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nights and ice cream is to die for. And there’s more than enough to share. That is if you want to.
Lelani’s On the Beach, Ka’anapali
Also located in West Maui in Whaler’s Village, award-winning Lelani’s sports both a downstairs more casual Beachside Grill with a fun vibe, and a main upper-level restaurant that’s very relaxing and picturesque.
We dined here for dinner and the setting couldn’t have been more spectacular. An oceanside table, a stunning sunset, burning tiki torches, outstanding service and impressive Hawaii regional-inspired sea and land entrees made for a memorable dinner for two.
Sea House Restaurant, Napili
This restaurant definitely packs a “wow” factor. Located at the Napili Kai Resort, the open-air eatery situated right on the water’s edge offers some of the best views on Maui and feels like a throwback to Hawaii’s simpler times. To boot, their Happy Hour is one of the island’s best.
Guests will find an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, beer and entrees. Happy Hour runs from 2:00-4:45 pm, but we highly recommend getting there a few minutes before 2 pm as this restaurant is extremely popular.
Ulu Kitchen by Merriman, Ka’anapali
The oceanfront restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offers amazing vistas from its picturesque outdoor patio. Located at The Westin Ka’anapali, award-winning Chef Peter Merriman’s newest concept showcases Hawaii’s breadth of local offerings in a gorgeous waterfront setting.
Dishes from the land and sea were expertly prepared and service was outstanding during our candlelight dinner. Fish is sourced directly from island fishermen and beef and coffee come from neighboring ranches, while local fruit and vegetables are incorporated in wherever possible. If you’re a fish lover, head straight for the dayboat Macadamia Nut Fresh Fish.
Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina
Even with the tragic fire that swept through Lahaina in 2024, a few restaurants managed to survive devastation. One of these is Mala Ocean Tavern, a favorite for both locals and visitors on Front Street since 2004.
Mala offers panoramic ocean views, impressive sunsets and a setting that literally hangs over the Pacific water’s edge. The tavern’s warm ambience, commitment to the aloha spirit, along with locally-sourced seafood and authentic Hawaiian cuisine make this a continued top choice for dining.
Happy Hour here is awesome and our favorites include Coconut Shrimp and Crispy Calamari strips.
Cane & Canoe, Kapalua
This oceanfront restaurant set against the stunning backdrop of Kapalua Bay serves breakfast and lunch featuring Hawaii’s rich cultural influences with fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and regional produce.
Views of the Pacific and the island of Molokai are unforgettable, and though dining here will put a squeeze on your wallet, you won’t be disappointed in the quality of the food, service, or setting. We dined here for breakfast and felt the bang for our buck was spot on for the experience, especially enjoying a fresh tropical fruit plate and sweetbread French toast.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck, Wailea
I’ll never forget our first dinner at this impressive restaurant. Located at the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea with incredible views of the Pacific, Spago is a must for anyone who loves pampering. Of course, because my hubby and I were celebrating our anniversary, we were treated to the best outdoor seats in the house.
Innovative California and Hawaiian fusion cuisine are the specialties of this luxurious venue. Be sure to start with a sushi selection from the raw bar. Main dishes include jewels from the land and sea with innovative and unique touches. For a special occasion, Spago is a great choice.
Humble Market Kitchin, Wailea
Chef Roy Yamaguchi never disappoints with any of the restaurants he has opened on the islands, therefore the experience at Humble Market Kitchin was another winner for us. The dinner menu features Humble Beginnings, shareable small plates, sushi, and fresh from the farm and sea offerings.
The menu isn’t extensive, but selections are well-thought out and prepared, and oh my, the view is magnificent.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Ka’anapali and Wailea
This eatery keeps luring us back on every Maui visit because it has all the elements of a great dining experience. Both locations offer impressive ocean views from outdoor patios and tables. And because Monkeypod is another creation by the pioneer of Hawaii Region cuisine, guaranteed everything on the menu is going to impress.
The setting is idyllic, staff is friendly and conscientious, the food is consistent, and prices are reasonable for the craft of food and drink here. There’s a lot to choose from but just be aware that portions lean on the large side, just in case you want to leave room for one of Monkeypod’s homemade, luscious cream pies.
