Maui Restaurants

katiel716

I am looking for a restaraunt in South Maui (Makena or Kihei area) to go to with everyone after our sunset wedding ceremony in April.  I really want a good local dive (not a dump...just one of those hidden gems).  I'm looking for something with really good food, inexpensive, and preferably with a great view.  I want something that feels like Maui!  I just think it will be really fun to walk into a place like that in my wedding dress!   It currenly looks like there will only be 8 of us total.  As I have never been to Maui before, I could really use some suggestions.

Sara4242

Here are a few in Kihei/Wailea/Makena area that we loved while we there:

Matteo's - good pizza, even better pasta; fun environment - we went there twice, and it was dark both times so I don't know how it looks during the day, but at night they have little twinkle lights everywhere and it's really pretty. LINK

Mulligan's - this is an Irish pub on a golf course at Makena, but they told us they're not actually affiliated with the golf course. The food was really good, and it seemed to be a lot of locals. (Side note - I don't know if they do it year round, but we were there during football season and on Sunday mornings they have a pretty decent all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $10 and way-too-cheap mimosas - worth the trip!) LINK

Fred's - this may be more touristy than you're hoping for, but it was fun, reasonably priced, and the tacos were good. We sat on the patio and it there was a great view of the ocean. LINK

Stella Blues Cafe - I hesitate to list this one because we didn't love the food here, but the reviews are typically pretty good so maybe we just ordered the wrong stuff. It's in a strip mall in Kihei, so there's not much of a view, but they have live music and it was a fun atmosphere. LINK

None of those were terribly expensive, especially compared to the restaurants at the resorts.

Others we wanted to try and didn't get around to - Lulu's, Sansei (if you're into sushi), and Monkey Pod. 

Hope that helps!!

carrieoz_76

We had our reception dinner at the Five Palms, which is on the water with a view, and was very Hawaii - but it's not cheap.  Review in my bio.

We had our welcome dinner at the Tiki Lounge, which is more of a bar/lounge type setting, has a nice outdoor back patio with music durin happy hour, but no view.  Review also in my bio.

I loved Stella Blues - for breakfast.  Our guests went back a couple more times for breakfast.

My WC recommended Lulu's, which I believe has a view.  You might look into it.

I found Yelp and TripAdvisor particularly helpful in finding good restaurants.  Good luck!

NurseJo34

We are having our reception dinner at 808 Bistro in Kihei. It came highly recommended from our coordinator and from yelpers. 

memegrace

We loved 808 when we were there and wanted to have a meet and greet there but may not work out now since not in budget to do a full rental.  The food is AWESOME!  and the vibe is very hawaii.  def a hidden gem i would say.