There are many outstanding restaurants in the big resorts. However, this guide also features many of our local restaurateurs outside of the resorts. The list is based on our favorites, and guest feedback. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended for all of these establishments. We recommend that Destination Maui Vacations guests use the Open Table app to ensure a dining location is for reservations. Enjoy!

Mama`s Fish House  

799 Poho Pl., Paia. 1.5 miles past Paia town on the road to Hana

A frequent visitor question we hear: "Is Mama`s Fish House really worth it." The answer is yes, but it also depends on your perspective. Mama`s is the best fine dining experience on the island from before you even enter to the time you leave, but the prices also reflect that perfection. The location is unique- on a Northshore beach, with tropical grounds that look very natural. The food is over the top and always amazing, including the freshest local fish. The prices are just above other fine dining, but skip lunch if you have to and indulge.

If you would like to go to Mama`s during your stay, it is recommended that you make a reservation several months in advance (up to a year in advance for holiday periods), but you may be able to get a walk-in table during low season, or at a slower time between lunch and dinner. 

Lahaina Grill  

127 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina

Lahaina Grill combines the ambiance of a historic hotel, with incredible gourmet fair. What makes this dining spot so unique is the gallery walls of the restaurant- filled with colorful local fine art.  Somehow the space feels lively and intimate at the same time. The perfect setting for elegantly plated seafood, steak, and Hawaiian specialties since 1990. Among the many accolades, Lahaina Grill was voted #1 fine dining restaurant in the U.S., and has won numerous other awards in the region. They are also famous for their desserts and wine list. 

Service is top notch, and the establishment has been recognized with an `aipono award for Green and Sustainable business practices. The building also contains one of the last vestiges of old Hawaii- a historic hotel. Though the rooms have gotten an elegant upgrade, the ocean view lanai`s with plantation rocking chairs, feel like a step back in time. 

Merriman`s Kapalua  

One Bay Club Place, Lahaina

We can`t decide which is best- the incredible location overlooking Kapalua Bay, or Peter Merriman`s creative menu. If this is your first visit, the sharing menu provides samples of many dishes. It`s a good way to sample an entree you might want to have again (and again) like wok charred ahi sashimi, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, or ribeye steak with Maui onion. Merriman`s Hawaii cookbook is a great souvenir to purchase- containing a fascinating history of the farm to table movement in Hawaii, and great recipes.

Ko Restaurant 

4100 Wailea Alanui, Maui, Hawaii 

Fairmont Kea Lani`s signature restaurant Ko features award-winning cuisine inspired by the vast collection of ethnicities brought together during Maui`s sugarcane plantation era. Taste generations of local cuisine deeply rooted in the island`s culture and history.   With over 90% of fish, beef and produce sourced locally, the flavors are as authentic as they are sustainable.



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