You’ve got plenty of choices for date night on Maui.
Picking from the multitude of Maui restaurants for a perfect dinner date on Maui can be like trying to spot a whale spout in Maʻalaea’s whitecapped seas— it quickly becomes overwhelming. There are so many great restaurants to sift through, and choosing one that’s just right for your occasion can be challenging. To help you narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite restaurants on the island, from beachside taverns to cozy Upcountry “cucinas.”
Here are the top 10 restaurants on Maui for a dinner date.
Mala Ocean Tavern
*** In August of 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, Mala Ocean Tavern was heavily affected by the fires and although the building is still standing, it will be some time before they are able to reopen.
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Located on the northern tip of Front Street in Lahaina, this restaurant boasts one of the best ocean views on Maui. The open-air eatery sits just feet from the water, and diners are afforded views of sailboats bobbing offshore, the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai, and— when conditions align— blazing sunsets. Dinner kicks off at 4 pm, featuring a menu lined with unique Hawaiian-Mediterranean fusion dishes and tapas-style appetizers, ideal for sharing. Libations here are also off the charts, with a full page of inventive cocktails offered at dinner. Come for the views, stay for the sunset, and return again and again for the fare.
Cafe OʻLei at the Mill House
Owned by standout Maui restaurateurs, Cafe OʻLei at the Mill House is known for its ultra-fresh farm-to-table fares, outstanding views, and polished service. Cafe OʻLei took over the original Mill House restaurant following the pandemic, but the menu still emphasizes farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many menu items are sourced from the gently sloping fields that you can see while seated on the outdoor patio. Cafe OʻLei is located at the Maui Tropical Plantation, and the restaurant is surrounded by flourishing gardens and views of the Waikapu Valley rising to the west. Book a patio table at sunset for the ultimate dreamy dining experience, or sit in Cafe OʻLei’s rustic-chic dining room, decorated to pay homage to Maui’s bygone sugar plantation era. Either way, this is one of the best Maui restaurants for a date night.
Fleetwood’s on Front Street
*** In August of 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, Fleetwood’s on Front Street was completely devastated and it will be some time before they are able to reopen.
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Owned by namesake Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood’s on Front Street is a favorite among new and returning Maui visitors. The multi-level restaurant is home to a popular rooftop bar— revered for its ocean and mountain views, live music, and Hawaiian sunset ceremonies— and a dark indoor dining room with a speakeasy vibe. Fares here are local and fresh, with artfully plated entrees and various seafood dishes. Fleetwood’s is also known for its extensive wine list. Make a reservation in advance, especially if your sights are set on the rooftop bar at sunset.
PacificʻO on the Beach
*** In August of 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, PacificʻO on the Beach was completely devastated and it will be some time before they are able to reopen.
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PacificʻO on the Beach is set just steps from the sand in Lahaina. This sophisticated outdoor restaurant is known for its bright, flavor-packed plates, fresh-caught fish, and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. Oʻo Farm— an organic Upcountry farm— provides PacificʻO with fresh produce daily. The kitchen is now under the direction of Chef Isaac Bancaco, an island local with unwavering integrity when it comes to using Maui-sourced ingredients. Behind the bar, you’ll find innovative cocktails— also made with fresh ingredients from Oʻo Farm— and a long, curated wine list.
Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa
Bordered by waving palms and the lapping surf at Wailea Beach, Humu Humu delivers one of Maui’s most romantic dining settings. This open-air eatery “floats” on a saltwater lagoon teeming with fish. Humu’s elegant construction reflects a traditional Hawaiian hale, with a thatched roof, lauhala ceilings, and rich ohia wood designs. The menu changes daily based on the fresh catch and what’s in season, but you can expect a bonafide highlight reel of locally sourced ingredients— think fresh, macadamia-crusted fish with Molokai sweet potatoes and lilikoi emulsion. Aligning with the Hawaiian/Pacific Rim theme, Humu Humu features a to-die-for island-inspired dessert list and imaginative cocktails with tropical flair, like the Lilikoi Awapuhi Spice.
Casanova
Tucked in the charming Upcountry town of Makawao, Casanova has been a local favorite since it opened in 1986. While the aging restaurant was recently renovated and now has a gleaming, sophisticated dining room, the menu hasn’t changed much in decades— and that’s the way Upcountry locals like it. Casanova’s kitchen has been turning out the same Italian favorites— like gnocchi strozzapreti and wood-fired pizzas— for years. The friendly service, reasonably-priced menus, and low-lit, plant-adorned dining room make Casanova an excellent choice for a low-key, romantic dinner date. Bookmark this place for a post-Haleakala-sunset dinner.
Nick’s Fishmarket
Located in the elegant Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, Nick’s Fishmarket is known for its as-fresh-as-it-gets seafood. The menu habitually features offerings that other seafood restaurants can’t match, like fresh opakapaka (snapper) and yellowfin ahi. Diners can cast their gaze upon views of the ocean and the Fairmont’s palm-fringed, torch-lit pool area. Fares aside, Nick’s has taken top honors at the Maui ‘Aipono Awards for exceptional service and first-rate wine lists multiple years running.
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante
Conde Nast Traveler called this lantern-lit, ocean-view restaurant in the Four Seasons proposal worthy’— and we agree. The elevated level of service, unmatched beachfront setting, Tuscan design, and flawless Italian cuisine make Ferraro’s ideal for special occasions. The menu here is thoroughly Italian, and the restaurant’s expert chefs source fresh ingredients from over 70 local farmers. Ferraro’s wine list doesn’t disappoint, either.
Merriman’s
Merriman’s is the product of renowned chef Peter Merriman, one of the founding fathers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. This open-air, dinner-only restaurant features a three-course prix fixe menu that is updated daily. In keeping with Peter Merriman’s farm-to-table passions, the eats here comprise 90 percent locally sourced ingredients, caught or harvested using sustainable methods. Merriman’s is also known for its dazzling location overlooking Kapalua Bay, which yields outstanding views of the sunset and the valley-pocked island of Molokai. The views, coupled with the candlelit tables and breezy dining areas, make Merriman’s one of the most romantic restaurants on Maui— if not in all of Hawaii.
Isana
This laid-back sushi joint is a North Kihei gem. Isana sits just across the street from the sand at Mai Poina Beach Park, offering ocean views— and an easy place to catch the sunset before or after your meal. This modern, spacious restaurant is fisherman-owned and features some of the freshest sushi on Maui. A kitchen menu supplements the extensive sushi bar menu, featuring island favorites like fried rice, chow fun, and seafood starters and entrees. The best part? Isana is right down the road from some of our favorite North Kihei rentals!
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