Ekahi Village 50F

So many favorite: SOUTH SIDE MAUI RESTAURANTS Kihei Isana | North Kihei - This fisherman-owned sushi bar on the beach in North Kihei is a local favorite and a must for sushi lovers. We completely lucked out on our last visit and scored a spot at the sushi bar at Isana on Mother’s Day last year. I frequently get anxious taking Fern to small restaurants but the staff was so patient and sweet to us trying to make sure Fern had something she wanted to eat. Definitely make a reservation if you want to sit down or you can order takeout! Havens | North Kihei - Major props to my family in Maui for introducing this North Kihei spot to us. Havens is an amazing restaurant way off the beaten path attached to a gas station in North Kihei. Known for their smash burgers and ramen, we tried it all! We typically ordered one burger to split and their sushi hand roll deal more times than we’d like to admit because it was quick, delicious, and easy after a long day in the sun. Fern loved the smoked ahi mac salad. Akamai Coffee | Kihei - 100% Maui-grown coffee. I've been cruising Akamai’s IG since my cousin Lucy started working there. The shop in Kihei is too cute and a cozy spot to have breakfast in the morning before exploring the island. They have a location in Wailea and a drive-through coffee stand in Kahului. I’m usually a black coffee girl but I tried the La Perouse latte with vanilla, maple, and black salt and it was a game changer. Sansei Seafood | Kihei (another location in Kapalua on the west side) - Sansei has some of the best sushi on the island. Friday night is karaoke night starting at 10 pm with insane deals on sushi and drinks. Kihei Caffe | Kihei - One of my fav breakfasts ever. From banana macadamia nut pancakes to Loco Moco (hamburger patty over rice topped with fried egg and gravy), Kihei Caffe has something for everyone. Counter service only and there’s ALWAYS a line. It is worth it though I swear, and it won’t break the bank. Da Kitchen | Kihei - Delicious and casual Hawaiian food that is easy on the wallet. If you’re not sure what to order at Da Kitchen, try the Plate Lunch. It’s a true Hawaiian staple, once popular for pineapple plantation workers. It reminds me of Meat & Three from the American South, starting with a protein like Chicken Katsu or Kalua Pork and flanked by white rice and macaroni salad. Maui Brewing Co. | Kihei - Y’all know I love beer and Maui Brewing Co’s Coconut Porter was one of the early craft beers I fell hard for. Their Kihei location is amazing because it is huge and almost the entire place is open air. The vibe is casual and the food is great. and they have an eclectic booze menu thanks to their house made seltzers and spirits. They are always pouring their flagships like the Big Swell IPA and Coconut Porter but you’ll find experimental beers on tap here as well. In addition to beer, you’ll find house made hard seltzers, and cocktails featuring their line of spirits. We usually get pork sliders or pork nachos but they have great burgers, salads, and more. Monkeypod Kitchen | Wailea - We ate here so often on our most recent trip for two reasons; the food and drinks are delicious and no reservations are allowed. Wailea is so much busier these days and to get a table in most restaurants you need a reservation. We like to do a few nice dinners but reservations can be limiting when it comes to your time exploring the island or leisurely beach days. Monkeypod is awesome because you just walk up to the host, put your name down, and receive a call when you’re table is ready. Don’t go too far if you have a small party because sometimes you’ll get seated early. If you need a snack or have hangry kids, grab something at Island Gourmet Market underneath Monkeypod. We usually would order a bunch of appetizers to share or a few pizzas with salad. It’s all good! If it’s your first time, you must try the mai tai with lilikoi foam. Matteo’s Osteria | Wailea - In case you get sick of eating fish, go to Matteo’s in Wailea for authentic Italian food. This open-air restaurant overlooking the Wailea golf course is perfect for families or a late romantic dinner. We usually ordered pizza and salads, but their homemade pasta is also excellent. Don’t forget an affogato for dessert. Make reservations if you’re dining in. Maui has gotten notably busier post lockdown and it’s hard to get a table if you walk in. You can order takeout from here too! Pita Paradise | Wailea - This spot has some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had. Pita Paradise serves the classics like hummus and Greek Salad but the star is the owner caught fresh fish they feature. My go-to order was the fresh catch pita sandwich topped with Mediterranean slaw, roasted peppers and dill scallionaise wrapped in house-made pita bread. OMG. They’re open for lunch and dinner. UPCOUNTRY MAUI RESTAURANTS Restaurant Marlow - Neopolitan-style sourdough pizza topped with local ingredients? Yes, please. Marlow was another recommendation from cousin Lucy and it was a winner. We stay on the south side of the island so this was a great lunch spot before exploring upcountry. We tried just about everything and loved it all! Kula Lodge | Kula - This was a favorite pit stop for drinks and appetizers on the way up or down from Haleakala National Park. The highlight is the Kula Lodge patio is built into the side of the mountain and features a wood-burning pizza oven and wide-open views of Maui’s west side. Hali'imaile General Store | Hali’imaile - This one is actually en route to Upcountry Maui but close enough. Located in the middle of the island is a 19th-century pineapple plantation building, Hali'imaile is an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, way before the popular trend. There’s not much to the tiny town of Hali'imaile but their coconut seafood curry is worth the trip. Oh, and don’t miss their Mai Tai. It’s frozen and blended with fresh lime and lilikoi - out of this world!