Leah Ponichtera
Leah is a communications professional and macadamia nut farm owner based out of Maui, Hawaii. Having been spoiled by the culinary scenes in New York City and Los Angeles where she lived before relocating to Maui in 2013, she has spent the past few years mapping out Maui’s best brunches, Happy Hours, and everything in between. When she’s not working behind her laptop or on her farm, you can find her at the beach with her husband and their two pit bull rescues.
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Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers in Lahaina serves our favorite burger on the island in a bright space.
808 On Main
When you need a break from spending a ton of money but still want great food, head to 808 on Main for a sandwich.
Kihei Caffe
Open at 5am, Kihei Caffe is one of the island’s most popular breakfast spots so expect a wait for large portions of pancakes, biscuits, and scrambles.
The Pint and Cork
The Pint and Cork inside The Shops at Wailea is a sports bar, but one that serves some really elevated bar food.
Baked On Maui
Baked On Maui in Haiku is a local favorite because they bake everything on site and serve everything from pastries to full meals.
Flatbread Pizza Company
This spot in Paia is great for a low-key lunch or dinner of flatbreads and salad.
Longhi’s
Our number one brunch pick on the island, Longhi’s has a bakery on-site and an entire section of different benedicts.
Mala Ocean Tavern
Mala is so close to the shoreline you’ll feel like you’re eating on top of the water - come with a few people and order lots of tapas-style dishes.
Hali’imaile General Store
Hali’imaile General Store is located in a historic building in Makawao and serves a varied menu - come for lunch or dinner after shopping in the area.
Taverna
If you need a one-meal break from seafood, Taverna has an Italian menu with plenty options and two daily Happy Hours.
Merriman’s
The dining room of Merriman’s looks out over Kapalua Bay on the west side, so you’ll have perfect views while eating the local, farm-to-table dishes.
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
With the longest name you’ve probably ever seen, Humuhumu serves upscale Hawaiian food under a Polynesian-style thatched roof in Wailea.
Morimoto Maui
Morimoto at the Andaz Resort Maui has one of the best views on the island, and serves a seafood/sushi focused menu with an omakase option.
The Mill House
Though it’s a 20-30 minute drive from the main tourist areas, The Mill House is one of the most beautiful restaurants on the island.
Vana
One of our favorite restaurants in Paia, Vana serves Hawaiian-Japanese food in a small garden space on the ground floor of the Paia Inn.