My Favorite Places to Eat on Maui

If you've booked a session with me or you're planning a trip to Maui one of the questions I get asked all the time is:

"What are your favorite places to eat?"

Whether you're visiting for your honeymoon, babymoon, family vacation, anniversary, or just because, these are the places I find myself recommending over and over again.

If you're searching for the best restaurants on Maui, here's my personal list of favorites.

Monkeypod Kitchen

If I had to pick one restaurant that I recommend the most, it would definitely be Monkeypod Kitchen.

Located in Wailea, it's the perfect place to grab dinner after a sunset photography session. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is consistently amazing, and if you can snag a table around sunset, the views are hard to beat.

My favorite things to order:

  • Truffle fries

  • Fresh fish sandwich

  • Pizza

  • The famous Mai Tai

If you're staying in South Maui, this is an easy recommendation whether you're celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply ending a beach day.

Why I love it:

  • Great outdoor seating

  • Perfect location near many of my favorite photography beaches

  • Excellent service and family-friendly atmosphere

Paia Fish Market

Whenever someone asks me where to eat my answer is almost always Paia Fish Market.

My favorites:

  • Fresh mahi mahi

  • Fish tacos

  • Cajun rice

  • Their famous seafood plates

It's one of those restaurants that both visitors and locals love, and for good reason. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable for Maui, and the fish is always fresh.

If you're visiting Paia or Kihei, don't skip this spot.

South Maui Fish Company

The Freshest Fish on the Island!!!

If you're looking for some of the freshest seafood on Maui, South Maui Fish Company is a must-visit.

This local food truck has earned a loyal following for its incredibly fresh, locally caught fish and simple menu that lets the quality of the seafood shine. It's one of my favorite places to stop when I'm in South Maui, and I recommend it to clients all the time.

My favorites:

  • Fresh fish tacos

  • Poke bowls

  • Grilled catch of the day

  • Fish and chips

Why I love it:

  • Some of the freshest locally caught fish on Maui

  • Friendly, local atmosphere

  • Quick and casual dining

  • Great option for lunch in South Maui

  • Consistently one of my favorite meals on the island

My Maui Food Tips for Visitors

A few tips I always share with my photography clients:

  • Make reservations whenever possible, especially during busy travel seasons.

  • Sunset dinner reservations book quickly, particularly in Wailea.

  • Explore smaller locally owned restaurants you'll often find some of the best food there.

  • If you're planning a sunset photo session, consider making dinner reservations for about an hour after your session ends.

Planning Photos While You're Visiting Maui?

After your session, you'll have beautiful photos to remember your trip and hopefully a great dinner reservation waiting for you afterward.

If you're currently planning your Maui vacation, be sure to check out my other blog posts for photography tips, the best beaches on Maui, outfit inspiration, and everything you need to know before your session.

Next
Next

Maui Photographer Explains Why Printing Your Photos Matters