Today we’re checking out some of the BEST Maui restaurants in the Wailea and Kihei area. Aside from hitting Costco after landing, one of our top tips for saving money is by hitting the local Maui Happy Hours.
One of our favorite restaurants in Maui for Happy Hour is the Tommy Bahama in Wailea, which runs 2-5 daily. Don’t miss the Coconut Shrimp with Papaya Chutney, Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos, or their famous Macadamia Crusted Goat Cheese with Mango Salsa. You also can’t go wrong with the salt and pepper wings or the cheeseburger sliders. Wash it down with a few Mai Tais and you’re good to go for the evening!
Monkeypod Kitchen also has a great happy hour, which runs 3:30-5 p.m. Be sure to start with one of their famous Mai Tais, which were named best on the islands. Then you can take your pick of half-priced appetizers and $10 pizzas. Try the Coconut Corn Chowder made with local lemongrass, followed by the Fresh Island Fish Sandwich with Thai Chili Aioli. Some other standouts include the Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza and the Poke Tacos. One of my favorites was the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, made with with roasted local squash, goat cheese, spinach, and a toasted walnut sage pesto!
Pint & Cork’s happy hour, which runs 2-5 p.m., was one of our favorites. Some of their signature items include lemongrass chicken wings, deviled eggs with smoked bacon and béarnaise sauce, and Kalua Pork Sliders, topped with a Jicama Slaw. You can’t leave without ordering their signature Lobster Mac & Cheese, which sadly isn’t on the happy hour menu, but well worth the splurge.
If you’re looking for happy hour with an ocean view, don’t miss 5 Palms, which runs 3-9 p.m. daily. We really enjoyed everything we ordered, including Calamari with crispy kale and lemon butter, a shrimp tempura roll, and Brussels sprouts with Bacon Onion Jam. The standout, however, was their Spicy Chili Shrimp, served in garlic white wine sauce.
Another favorite is Humble Market Kitchin, run by chef Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurants fame. This restaurant is really great for breakfast, but their Happy Hour (5 pm-6:30 pm daily) is pretty awesome too. Don’t miss the Szechuan Spiced Ribs or the Chili Peppa Chicken Wings. My wife loves their Brussels sprouts and crispy calamari!
Finally, for some of the most delicious fish and chips on the island, check out Cafe O Lei. You can order them family style, which is a great deal if you have a large group!
Another great breakfast spot is Cinnamon Roll Place in Kihei. They’ve been around since 1981, and are famous for their huge cinnamon rolls that are made fresh daily. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the lines forming out into the parking lot.
You also can’t go wrong at Kihei Caffe, which is open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Some of our favorites are the Crab Benedict, Kalua Pork Loco Moco, and the Chicken Fried Steak — served with Biscuit, Gravy and Eggs.
If you’re looking for shave ice, Ululani’s Shave Ice serves some of the best shave ice on the islands. They have so many unique flavors, but one of our favorites is the Haleakala with the Snow Cap, made with sweetened condensed milk.
Every Maui trip should include the Road to Hana, and the Twin Falls Fruit Stand is one of the first places you should stop. Don’t miss their fresh cracked coconut, sugar cane water, or famous banana bread!
Note: We paid for all meals ourselves and this video was not sponsored.