10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Maui in 2024


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best Seafood restaurants in Maui Hawaii

Aloha! | E Komo Mai

Maui has the most beautiful coastline and clearest waters, it’s a seafood lover’s heaven. From fine dining to beachfront casual, you’ll find many places where the day’s catch is celebrated at some of the best seafood restaurants in Maui.

If you love fresh fish, succulent shellfish, and ocean flavors then you’ll love the best seafood restaurants on Maui.

Here’s a guide to finding those secret gems and iconic beachfront restaurants. They offer everything from casual to fancy, so you can try all the best seafood in Maui.

How to Find the Top Seafood Restaurants on Maui

You can find these seafood restaurants in many ways, from word of mouth to online reviews, so get ready to eat your way through the best seafood restaurants on Maui. Let’s dive in.

Local Recommendations and Reviews

Ask Maui locals, talk to your concierge or hotel staff, and read local publications and magazines that feature the best dining experiences.

Maui’s local newspapers and food blogs are a great resource for reviews and opinions from food critics and foodies. They can point you to restaurants with a good reputation.

Online Food Guides and Review Sites

Websites like Yelp and Tripadvisor have many reviews and ratings from fellow diners who have eaten at the restaurants. You can filter your search to find seafood restaurants with high ratings, filter by location, and cuisine, and even see photos uploaded by users.

That being said, these platforms don’t always feature hidden gems known by locals, so make sure to read this guide until the end to know our recommendations.

Maui’s Farm-to-Table and Local Fish Markets

Maui’s farm-to-table scene not only means fresh ingredients but also supports local farmers and fishermen. Many restaurants on the island use local produce so look for menus that say “fresh catch” or “locally sourced” seafood.

Visit one of Maui’s fish markets like Maui Fish Market in Kihei or Lahaina Harbor Fish Market and you’ll have the opportunity to see a vast array of local catches. That’s the beauty of local food in Maui.

10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Maui

Now that you know where and how to find some of the best seafood restaurants on Maui, let’s get to the actual list of places to eat seafood.

From well-known spots to more hidden gems that offer some of the best seafood you’ve ever had, you’re in for a treat. Plus, many of these seafood places have vegan options, which is great if you’re after a vegan restaurant in Maui.

Mama’s Fish House

In Paia on the North Shore, Mama’s Fish House is a Maui institution famous for its beachfront location and fresh seafood.

The Polynesian decor matches the ocean views. Mahi-mahi stuffed with lobster and crab and opakapaka caught by local fishermen are signature dishes.

Each fish is served with special accompaniments that highlight the sea’s flavors – In addition, the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh.

Lastly, the extensive wine list and great desserts too, and that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Talking about romantic dinner, if you’re up for an experience you won’t soon forget, then the dinner aboard Calypso in Maui is easily the best alternative, and you’ll remember the night for years to come.

Hula Grill Kaanapali

Hula Grill Kaanapali on Kaanapali Beach offers a Maui classic experience with its beachfront location and lively atmosphere. The menu features fresh local seafood including macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, ahi poke tacos, and seared ahi.

Live Hawaiian music and hula on the open-air lanai. The Barefoot Bar is great for casual dining with tropical cocktails and small plates.

Hula Grill sources locally and sustainably so you get a taste of Maui’s best, and it’s simply one of the seafood restaurants in Maui you can’t skip.

Paia Fish Market

In the heart of Paia, Paia Fish Market is a casual, no-fuss spot for fresh seafood and big portions.

On the menu, you’ll find fish tacos, grilled fish burgers, and fish platters. Ahi burgers, fish and chips, and seafood pasta are popular.

No frills and communal seating make it perfect for a quick, tasty meal after a day at the beach. All in all, Paia Fish Market serves high-quality, locally sourced fish at reasonable prices so that everyone can enjoy it. 

If you want a nice idea for the rest of the idea, we highly recommend checking out the snorkel tours from Maalaea Harbor, which are really fun, and it’s an amazing way to see the marine life in Hawaii!

Merriman's Kapalua

On the cliffs of Kapalua, Merriman’s offers a luxurious experience with ocean views.

Farm-to-table cuisine features fresh local seafood and produce. Macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, ahi poke, and daily catch with local flavors are signature dishes.

There’s an open-air dining room and lanai for sunset dining, and while it’s expensive, you’re guaranteed a fabulous meal.

An extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails make it perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

The Fish Market Maui

The Fish Market Maui in Lahaina is a local favorite for fresh seafood and poke bowls. It’s a casual eatery and fish market with a wide variety of local fish including ahi, mahi-mahi, and ono.

Fish tacos, grilled fish sandwiches, and poke bowls with fresh marinated fish are popular, and that’s only one reason why it’s one of the best seafood restaurants in Maui.

Lastly, the aid back and friendly service make it a great place for a quick bite, and we recommend stopping by for a meal!

The Fish Market Maui also sells fish by the pound if you want to cook at home.

The Plantation House

In the hills of Kapalua with views over the golf course, The Plantation House has views and a menu of local fish and fresh ingredients.

The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere is perfect for the seafood tower, miso-glazed mahi-mahi, and daily catch.

The open-air dining room has views over the Pacific Ocean too. In short, Plantation House is famous for its warm aloha and great service, and they’ll make your trip to Maui even more unique.

Ohana Seafood Bar & Grill

In the heart of Kihei, Ohana Seafood Bar & Grill has a warm, family environment with fresh local seafood.

Among the most popular items on the menu, you’ll find seafood pasta, fish tacos, and grilled fish platters.

Ahi poke, coconut shrimp, and daily catch are other great dishes you can try. Ohana Seafood Bar & Grill also has live music and a full bar for a lively experience.

Maui Fish'n Chips

Maui Fish’n Chips in Kihei is a local favorite for fast and delicious seafood. Famous for their crispy fish and chips, they also have shrimp, calamari, and fish tacos.

Casual counter service makes it easy to grab and go or sit and stay in the laid-back dining area.

Fresh local fish and generous portions make Maui Fish’n Chips a local and tourist favorite, and that’s a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner after a day at the beach.

Coconut's Fish Cafe

Coconut’s Fish Cafe has locations in Kihei and Kahului and is famous for its fresh and flavorful seafood and warm atmosphere.

The menu has both seafood classics and more unique dishes, including poke, mahi mahi, and their famous fish tacos with fresh fish, coleslaw, and mango salsa.

Grilled fish, seafood chowder, and coconut shrimp are also popular. In addition, you’ll have a casual beachy vibe and friendly service, and that’s exactly what you need at the seafood restaurants in Maui.

Leilani's on the Beach

On Kaanapali Beach, Leilani’s on the Beach has great food and views, and you’ll have an amazing meal.

On the menu, there’s fresh local seafood including macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, ahi poke, and seafood pasta. The beachfront location has indoor and outdoor seating, and that’s a good option if you want a scenic meal.

Leilani’s is famous for its friendly service, tropical cocktails, and live Hawaiian music. Perfect for a romantic dinner or night out with friends. The sunsets are just the icing on the cake.

Conclusion:

Finding the best seafood restaurants in Maui is an adventure. Get out there and enjoy the ride by talking to locals, researching online food guides, and checking out all the restaurants we listed above.

Take your dining to the next level by thinking about ambiance and setting. Look for places that focus on farm-to-table and wine or cocktail pairing.

These tips will help you find Maui’s best seafood restaurants and level up your dining on this amazing island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Seafood Is Maui Famous For?

Maui is famous for its fresh-caught local seafood, mahi-mahi, ono (wahoo), ahi (yellowfin tuna), and opakapaka (pink snapper).

These are the fish of Maui, and you’ll see them on menus all over the island. The waters around Maui are teeming with these species so the seafood is fresh and delicious.

Whether grilled, seared, or in poke bowls, Maui’s seafood is all about the island’s ocean and culinary skills.

What are the Best Seafood Plates in Maui?

Maui has many great seafood dishes that showcase the island’s fresh fish. Favorites are the macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, ahi poke bowls, and seafood risotto. Grilled ono and opakapaka with local herbs and spices is also a hit.

Seafood pasta and fish tacos with the day’s fresh catch are must-tries. These dishes often come with tropical toppings like mango salsa and coconut and you’ll definitely love them.

What is the Best Seafood Restaurant in Maui?

Picking the best seafood restaurant in Maui is hard because there are so many great ones.

Leilani’s on the Beach has ocean views and fresh seafood dishes like macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi.

The Fish Market Maui in Lahaina is another top choice, fresh fish and poke bowls. Each place is a different experience, with fresh local seafood, great service, and beautiful settings so you can’t go wrong with any of them.