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  • Writer's pictureKaty Morris

The Ultimate Maui, Hawaii Travel Guide

Updated: Jul 30, 2023


Grab your favorite sundress, sunglasses, and sandals and head to Maui, Hawaii. Unwind in the warm weather surrounded by palm trees, gorgeous beaches, and phenomenal sunsets. Spend the day by the pool, snorkeling, tanning on the beach, or paddle boarding! Below are my Maui, Hawaii vacation recommendations for casual and fine dining, vegan and vegan friendly restaurants, activities, and sweet treats.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN MAUI, HAWAII:


A'A Roots - is an upbeat and fun vegan restaurant. I highly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, avocado toast, and bagel hummus sandwich. You can't leave A'A Roots without the banana bread. Be careful because you can eat the whole loaf in one sitting!


Cafe O'Lei at the Mill House - located on the Maui Tropical Plantation, it is the perfect destination for a fun lunch. While waiting for your table walk around the plantation and explore the shops, stroll the grounds, and watch the zip line tours.


Farmer's Market Maui - located across the street from the beach is the perfect spot to pick-up to-go food. After I get my food, I head back to the beach to have a picnic. I recommend the aloha açaí bowl and lentil soup.


KAI at the AC Hotel Wailea - is the ideal location for a sunset dinner. Enjoy a cocktail and delicious food while listening to live music and taking in the Hawaiian sunset.


Hawaiian Moons Natural Market Juice Bar - is my go-to pick-up lunch location. I enjoy their açaí bowls and immune booster juice. After getting your food, head to the beach across the street to enjoy your meal under the palm trees with a gorgeous view.


Mala - located on the water in Lahaina is a great spot for dinner. I recommend their beet salad which is presented with a fun display, perfect for your instragram story. When making a reservation, ask to have a waterfront table at sunset.


Moku Roots - is a phenomenal farm-to-table, zero waste vegan restaurant. I recommend their Loco Moku dish which is served in half a pineapple. To pair with your meal, I suggest the "If you like Vegan Coladas..." cocktail. Before I leave, I always pick up the frozen taro patties to cook on the grill.


Pita Paradise - located in Wailea, serves great Mediterranean food. I recommend their appetizer platter which includes olive tapenade, spicy falafel, hummus, bruschetta, tatziki, and grilled pita as well as the American Greek Salad.


Sea House Restaurant - located on the beach in Napili is my favorite happy hour spot. Sea House has great cocktails and tapas. I recommend their Rum Heaven Cocktail and the caeser salad and hurricane fries.


That's A Wrap - is a delicious healthy restaurant situated in Kihei right across the street from the beach. I recommend placing a to-go order of the Valerie wrap and a smoothie then heading to the beach to enjoy your meal.


Tommy Bahama in Wailea - is a beautifully decorated restaurant and bar that fully encompasses the tropics. The cheerful atmosphere and great food makes for an outstanding meal. I highly recommend the off menu veggie tacos.

Japengo - located at the Hyatt in Kaanapali has delicious Asian cuisine and sushi. I recommend making a reservation at sunset and requesting a table near the water. Japengo has a great lively ambience and view of the ocean.


Mama's Fish House - is my favorite restaurant in Maui from their stellar ambiance to the delicious cocktails, to the food and more. I highly recommend the Black Polynesian Pearl Dessert, pictured above. When you step onto the property at Mama's Fish House you are transported into a relaxing, peaceful environment with a fabulous view of the beach. Please note, make a reservation three to six months in advance.


Pacifico On The Beach - located right off of the beach in Lahaina has great drinks, large portion dinners, and outstanding desserts. All the food is fresh and farm-to-table. When making reservations, I recommend you request patio seating so you can fully enjoy the sunset views.


Ritz Carlton Kapalua - has two great restaurants: Alaloa Lounge and The Banyan Tree. I highly recommend the Alaloa Lounge which overlooks the stunning Ritz Carlton Pool. The lounge has out of this world sushi and each dish is made with the freshest ingredients. The Banyan Tree Restaurant is decorated to feel like you are sitting inside of a botanic garden with beautiful flowers and plants. I thoroughly enjoyed the fun drinks and the delicious appetizers and entree.


Waicoco - located at the Westin in Kaanapali is a fun place for dinner and it also has a great bar where you can enjoy a drink on a rainy evening. While the menu presents lots of wonderful options, one of my favorites is the Vegan Coconut Curry. I recommend requesting a table close to the ocean.

Kapalua Coastal Trail - Take an early morning hike to avoid the heat and see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, large waves, greenery, pine trees, mountains, beaches, and more! While walking the Coastal Trail you will pass The Montage Resort and The Ritz Carlton. Wear your sneakers and a hat, and bring water.


Ocean Vodka Distillery - is the perfect destination to enjoy a cocktail while overlooking the "mouth" of Maui. Learn all about the Distillery while enjoying a tasting or grabbing a bite to eat or just relax and enjoy the view for an afternoon outing or to watch the sunset. Remember to visit the gift shop.


Paddle Boarding - Head out early in the morning to avoid rough water. The morning is the calmest and most flat water of the day. Look down from your paddle board to see the fish and occasional turtle!


Sunsets - Take in the gorgeous colorful sunsets at the beach, or from your balcony, or dinner table. The beauty of each sunset is a wonderful light show.


Surfing - Grab your surf board to enjoy the Hawaii waves and hit the ocean! Surfs up!


Turtle Beach - See the sea turtles at Maluaka Beach.


Walks on the Beach - Stroll the walkways of Kaanapali beach and Kapalua Bay for gorgeous coastline views.

Artisan Ice Cream - My favorite ice cream of all time (which is always topped with a fresh waffle cone) is located in the heart of Paia. Delicious flavors with vegan options!


Maui Pineapple Store - located in downtown Lahaina, the store has delicious Pineapple Dole Whip inside a cutout pineapple.


Island Cream Co. - is the first place our family goes after landing in Maui. I love the Mint Chocolate Chip and Macadamia Nut ice cream.


Enjoy the list of things to do in Maui on your next vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. Safe Travels!


XOXO,

Katy

Katy Covey Morris: The Collection By KCM: www.thecollectionbykcm.com


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