South Maui’s Best Dining Options

I’ll be honest, finding quality and well priced foods on Maui is tough. Maui’s food scene is…for a lack of a better word, insufficient; largely due to poor hours of operations, small amount of above average restaurants, and pure effort put into food prep and presentation. A lot of the restaurants turn out average food for okay prices because they can; it seems as if the restaurants feel no incentive to outdo the competition if nobody is going the extra mile. However, I’ve compiled a list of South Maui restaurants that I think do an outstanding job, provide quality food at good prices, and boast excellent service.

Top Class Sammies: 808 Deli

If you don’t get a side, you’re not doing it right

Their fresh breads, gourmet spreads, and 19 various sandwich and panini options make this place one of my favorite sandwich shops not only on island, but across the state. Albeit a tiny but top notch sandwich shop across from Kam II, it’s always pumping; their salads and hot dog options are also done very well. I regularly order takeout as this is the perfect place to grab a picnic lunch. The specialty sandwiches they offer is what keeps the parking lot full and locals zipping in-and-out of the deli. Limited seating so just like the other small food venues, don’t let that keep you from ordering – Kam II is right across the street with nice bench seating.

Price: $9-$12

Best Fish Tacos on Island: Coconuts

Topped with 17 ingredients, it’s no wonder I can never get the exact recipe right whenever I try to make fish tacos at home. I always thought it was their cooking methods with years of fish flavored goodness sealed onto the flat top that gave the tacos it’s unique flavor. They come fully loaded with fish falling off the taco and a sweet-tangy mango salsa to cut away any of the fishiness. The fish is a combo of mahi mahi and ono, accompanied by a coconut based coleslaw, a culinary creation by the owner’s daughter.

Price: $15-20 per person

Fabiani’s Kihei

They also kill it when it comes to baked goodies 

Fabiani’s is probably one of most affordable and best quality Italian Restaurants on island. Their Spaghetti & Meatballs is one of their simpler dishes, but the few ingredients they use speaks for itself. Their delectable Osso Bucco with heavy influences from Cinque Terre in Italy is undeniable. There’s also a location in Wailea, but the Kihei restaurant is a few bucks cheaper; either or, the food will be good.

Price: $15-$30 per person

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi

Never have I had a crab ramen quite like theirs 

The early bird special from 5:30-6:00 pm and the late night happy hour from 10:00 pm-1:00 am are when your dollar is maximized at this otherwise pricey restautheirant. Contemporary sushi and new wave Asian inspired dishes served in a lively setting is what makes Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar a critic’s favorite. Sansei’s sushi chefs are known for their highly imaginative creations, like their signature Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, and the famous Kapalua Butterfly Roll, a colorful delight of salmon, crab, shiromi, and fresh vegetables. A multiple first place winner at the annual Taste of Lahaina, Sansei’s Asian Shrimp Cake with Ginger Lime Butter and Cilantro Pesto, is a delicate shrimp cake encased in crispy Chinese noodles.

Price: $20-$45 per person

Contact a South Maui Real Estate Specialist

Our team has had the distinct pleasure of being able to be part of the Ho’olei community since its inception in 2005. We’ve been located on site 7 days a week for the past 5 years. It truly brings a smile to my face seeing first time guests, returning clients, and full-time residences embrace and wholeheartedly love their Maui lifestyle.

Ho’olei’s spacious community pool

We’d like to extend an invitation to you to feel free and stop by the on-site Ho’olei real estate information office, which is open daily, before the reservation desk, from 9:00AM – 5:00PM.

Mahalo,