Top Eats and Treats While on Maui

If you've ever been to Hawaii you know how amazing the food scene is. If you haven't, you may have a hard time resisting the urge to Google flights by the end of this post. This was our second time visiting Maui and we made a point to try a variety of new places and also seek out the food and drinks we've been dreaming about ever since our first trip in 2017.

The best part about being on an island is a majority of the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. I have to admit I am not cut out to be a food blogger -- mainly because by the time the food comes I'm so excited to eat it that I forget to document it. But I did my best to capture some of our favorites from our trip. Let's dig in! 

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Down the Hatch

This restaurant had just opened when we were there in 2017 and unfortunately we didn't have a chance to go, so it was top on our list this time around. The lobster and crab grilled cheese was featured on an episode of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and I didn't even have to look at the menu - I was dying to try it! It certainly didn't disappoint - so delicious. Nate ordered the shrimp po-boy which was equally as good and their shoestring fries were an added bonus. 

The restaurant is located in downtown Lahaina and has so many fun events going on all the time to keep the party going -- DJs, silent discos, pajama parties, etc. They also share a space with Breakwall Shave Ice which serves the only "adult" shave ice on the island. 

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Coconut's Fish Cafe

We spent a full day exploring Kihei and this restaurant came highly recommended. I have two words..Fish Tacos! They are famous for these bad boys and for good reason. Featuring 17 ingredients and 7 layers they are so big they each need their own plate. I've tried my fair share of fish tacos over the years and these are certainly top on the list. Super messy but that's half the fun -- just embrace it! 

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The Plantation House

This was one of the stops we made on our honeymoon there was no question whether we were coming back for more. Located on the grounds of Kapalua Plantation course, the open-air views are stunning and a great way to start your morning. 

We came back specifically for their crab cake eggs Benedict but they had switched up the menu to feature soft shell crab instead which was surprisingly even better! If you love seafood like we do this is a must-try. We also ordered their pancake platter with eggs, bacon and fresh fruit. We've only ever visited for breakfast but they also serve lunch and dinner with island flare.

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Kimo's

We always make sure to go to one fancier dinner on each island we visit and Kimo's was a great choice. Located right on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, we were able to sit on the rooftop deck and take in the amazing sunset views. It can get pretty busy around dinner time so I would suggest making a reservation. 

This is one of those times that I completely forgot to capture my meal but I chose the lobster-topped fish and Nate had the coconut crusted fish with Thai peanut sauce. Paired with a glass of Riesling - it was literally mouthwatering. 

But wait...it gets better! We stopped by the Lahaina Visitor Center earlier that day and picked up a coupon for a free slice of their Hula pie. Oreo crust, macadamia nut ice cream, topped with fudge and whipped cream. Seriously out of this world - and the biggest slice of pie I've ever seen. 

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Monkeypod Kitchen 

While we were in Kihei for the day we ended our night with these gorgeous views. Once again, my stomach got the best of me and I didn't capture the food but it was amazing. We started with the Kauai shrimp and Hamakua mushroom potstickers and then split one of their famous hand-tossed kiawe wood oven pizzas topped with big island lobster, wild mushroom, parmesan, thyme and a garlic white sauce. They are also famous for their Mai Tais which are topped with honey-lilikoi puree.  

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Leoda's Pie Shop 

This place was recommended to us by one of my followers who lives on Maui so you know we had to stop. We actually had to stop twice because the first time they were sold out of basically all of their pies. The second time the line was out the door so we knew we were in for a treat. They are famous for their pies and they are the perfect size for trying more than one. We chose the pineapple mac nut and Olowalu lime - both amazing! The chocolate mac nut is also a really popular flavor. We also split their pot pie which was topped with a heavenly foccacia-style crust. They are also located in the same lot as an adorable juice truck (more to come on that in a later post).

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Aloha Mixed Plate

Hawaii is know for their "plate" meals which feature some type of meat with sticky white rice and mac salad. We spend a lot of our time in Maui in Lahaina and Aloha Mixed Plate is another stellar restaurant located on Front Street. I had the Shoyu chicken plate and it was one of the best meals of the entire trip. It has a Chinese flair which is one of my favorite types of food. I was in heaven. The perfect stop for lunch before heading on our whale watching tour. 

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Dole Whip

I should have my husband guest write this section. If I'm being honest he may love Dole Whip more than me (just kidding) but it is one of his favorites. We stopped for this delicious pineapple treat multiple times (like at least 4) after dinner. It's served in multiple places on the island but our favorite is at Lappert's Ice Cream on Front Street. Don't miss out on trying this at least once!  

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Ululani's Shave Ice

You can't go to Hawaii and not try the shave ice! This dessert resembles a snow cone but is made with shaved ice instead of crushed and 100 times more delicious. There are so many places to try this treat but Ululani's is one of the best. Make sure you get it with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom and then your favorite combination of flavors on top. 

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Wow Wow Lemonade 

Wow is right! We fell in love for the first time on the north shore of Oahu and have been dreaming about it ever since. Like I seriously brought my signature Aloha mason jar all the way from Michigan to have it filled with this liquid goodness. Located right next to Coconut's Fish Cafe in Kihei you won't want to miss this adorable shop. My favorite is the strawberry pineapple lemonade and my hubby loves their classic but they have SO many choices. They also serve up instagram-worthy acai bowls. 

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Maui Pineapple Store 

This is a new store on Front Street and gives you all the pineapple feels. In addition to the cutest merchandise they also serve up fresh pineapple chunks, ice cream and juice. This was their signature liquid gold drink and you can watch them blend it right in front of you and then sip it out of an adorable pineapple straw while strolling on the boardwalk.

Yum! Now I'm hungry just from writing this post. Have you had the chance to visit the islands? What is your favorite food or drink? 

Other blogs you might enjoy:
- A Day in Lahaina Town
- A Day in Upcountry Maui
- Most Insta-worthy Spots on Maui
- Maui Must Sees: 5-day Itinerary (trip #1)
- 5-day Itinerary on Maui (trip #2)