9 Must-Try New and Reopened Lahaina Restaurants
Old favorites and fresh finds are breathing life back into West Maui’s culinary scene.
The devastating Aug. 8, 2023 wildfire forever changed Lahaina, leaving many of its beloved locales closed indefinitely or lost completely. Eighteen months later, West Maui is showing signs of renewal with enticing new dining options.
Here, we’ve curated a list of nine must-try Lahaina restaurants, featuring both fresh concepts and cherished favorites. Many of these establishments are in the last remaining section of Front Street—keeping the town’s spirit and tastebuds alive.
Aloha Mixed Plate
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This iconic eatery opened in 1986 as the official kitchen and bar for the Old Lahaina Lūʻau. After a decade, it became its own entity and began serving up award-winning plate lunches, paying homage to Hawaiʻi’s plantation-era fare. Signature dishes like the crispy shoyu chicken sandwich, fried rice loco moco and the Aliʻi Plate—a traditional Hawaiian feast of kālua pork, lau lau, lomi lomi salmon and poi—give diners a nostalgic taste of the Aloha State. The pandemic forced the eatery’s closure in March 2020, and Star Noodle moved in to occupy its oceanfront location on the north end of Front Street. Now, four years later, Aloha Mixed Plate has returned to its original location, bringing back these long-time favorites that locals so dearly missed.
1285 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 661-3322; alohamixedplate.com
Captain Jack’s Island Grill
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After losing its original Front Street location, Captain Jack’s Island Grill has dropped anchor at a new port in West Maui. Now situated poolside at The Sands of Kahana Resort, the restaurant pairs its laid-back island vibes with unobstructed ocean views, an expanded bar stocked with 10 draft beers, and all the signature flavors that locals love. Chart a course for happy hour, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. daily, offering specials like $5 well drinks, $6 margaritas and mai tais, and $2 off specialty cocktails like the Sirens Lemonade and Tropical Pirate—both crafted with local liquor from Ocean Vodka, and sure to shiver your timbers.
4299 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road, Lahaina; (808) 667-0988; captainjacksmaui.com
Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar
Some of the dishes served at Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar.
Photo: Courtesy of Alvin Savella
The newest addition to Front Street’s dining scene, Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar, offers an elevated sports bar experience, pairing sweeping ocean views with giant TVs for watching all the most anticipated games. Helmed by owner and executive chef Alvin “The Kitchen Assassin” Savella, this concept is intended to provide an affordable, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a play area for keiki (kids). Enjoy happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. daily, weekend brunch, and a dinner menu that blends Mexican, Hawaiian and American flavors. Inventive plates include a crispy poke doughnut; birria ramen; and My Girlfriend Isn’t Hungry, which adds extra fries, one queso taco, and one chicken finger to any entrée.
1312 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 451-2778; cocodecklahaina.com
Happy Fish
Dazzling lightbulb chandeliers and plenty of TVs adorn the walls of Happy Fish, Kāʻanapali’s newest restaurant and bar. This elevated counter-service experience was designed to be cozy, relaxed, and food forward, featuring a mix of modern Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and American comfort food with international influences. The full bar features specialty drinks, such as the Easy Breezy with cucumber vodka, lychee and lemon, or the Crazy Liar frozen cocktail, a blend of white rum, coconut cream, orange Curaçao and lime. There is not one, but two happy hours from 3 to 5 and 9 to 11 p.m., with drinks flowing until midnight. Keep an eye out for special gatherings like late-night music, sporting events, holiday parties and other opportunities to socialize.
2580 Kekaʻa Drive, Lahaina; (808) 214-6315; happyfishmaui.com
Honu Oceanside
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After enduring not only the Lahaina fire, but also the passing of its original owner, esteemed restaurateur Mark Ellman, Honu Oceanside closed for over a year before reopening in October 2024. Now operated by a collective of local businessmen, including Sean Corpuel—owner of Cool Cat Café and Captain Jack’s Island Grill—this fine dining establishment honors its legacy. The oceanfront location sets the scene for a tide-to-table menu featuring fresh oysters, lobster salad, and crab mac and cheese. Alternatively, opt for āina (land)-forward dishes like braised veal osso buco or Hāmākua mushroom pizza. An exceptional wine selection from around the world complements the menu, ensuring a refined island-style dining experience.
1295 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 667-9390; @honuoceanside
Lahaina Noon
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Hawaiian Resort & Bungalows
Led by Lahaina local Chef de Cuisine Vanessa Castillo, Lahaina Noon combines retro vibes with modern flavors that showcase Maui’s melting pot of cultures. Start your day poolside with views of the Pacific Ocean and a breakfast buffet or á la carte dishes like char sui pork Benedict, garlic shrimp and taro grits, or a loco moco fit for Hawaiian royalty. Exclusive lunch offerings include pork lumpia and a blackened mahi mahi sandwich, while dinner features the likes of chilled Kusshi oysters and seafood cioppino with Kona lobster and Manila clams. Also visit the adjacent open-air bar, Pineapple Moon, for a selection of pūpū (appetizers), salads, sandwiches, and drink specials.
2780 Kekaʻa Drive, Lahaina; (808) 270-9744; royallahaina.com/lahaina-noon
Māla Ocean Tavern
Inside the kitchen at Māla Ocean Tavern on Maui.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
In February 2024, Māla Ocean Tavern paved the way for West Maui’s culinary resurgence. Renowned for its stunning oceanfront dining, Māla offers daily brunch, happy hour with live music, and a diverse dinner menu. Late-night revelers can enjoy a special menu and deejay sets on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight. Standout dishes served all day include Hood Canal oyster shooters, poisson cru with Molokaʻi sweet potato chips and the award-winning ʻahi bruschetta. Local fishermen are also welcome to bring in their own fresh catch, which the chef will prepare market-style—as long as it’s clean and ready to cook.
1307 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 667-9394; malatavern.com
Star Noodle
Star Noodle specializes in family-style fare.
Photo: Courtesy of Star Noodle
Once a hidden gem in Lahaina’s industrial district, Star Noodle has evolved into a bustling oceanfront dining destination. The restaurant specializes in family-style fare, with delectable dishes like miso butterfish, steamed pork buns, and house-made dim sum. Guests can enjoy fresh, hand-pulled noodles every day, alongside signature offerings like hoisin-braised short rib and certified A-5 Japanese wagyu. The beverage menu includes classic cocktails with an Asian twist, plus premium Japanese beer, whiskey and sake, as well as a selection of handcrafted mocktails. End on a sweet note with desserts like classic malasadas, matcha tiramisu or annin doufu, a Japanese-style almond panna cotta finished with jasmine tea syrup.
1287 Front Street, Lahaina; (808) 667-5400; starnoodle.com
Takumi
Transport yourself from the shores of Kāʻanapali to an authentic Japanese izakaya with a taste of artisanal sushi at Takumi. Choose from three dining options: omakase, á la carte, or takeout. Omakase dinners at the sushi counter include an eight-course meal expertly curated by the chef to feature the freshest ingredients from Maui and Japan. Be sure to inquire about sake pairings and the secret add-on menu. If you’d prefer to order freely, the á la carte menu offers a selection of sashimi, nigiri, rolls, combo platters and specialties like crispy rice sushi or battera (pressed sushi), all of which can be enjoyed on the six-person lānai or packaged beautifully to go.
2580 Kekaʻa Drive, Lahaina; (808) 214-5780; takumimaui.com
