Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui? If you aren’t already then you probably should be. If you are, you will probably spend a little bit of time, if not most of it, in the town of Lahaina. Lahaina is where we stayed during our week on the island. We where we treated with spectacular weather welcoming locals, and delicious food. While you’re in Lahaina you will have a nearly endless supply of restaurants to try. Out of all the restaurants that we tried, the three below were by far my favourite.
Down the Hatch
This was the first restaurant we ate at on the very first morning after arriving on the island. We happened on this restaurant by chance when we were searching for a good breakfast joint while walking around the street. Once featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, the restaurant is tucked in the courtyard of a multistory shopping-centre on Front Street and offers counter service. Their menu is smaller but amazing. Four different items ordered and not a disappointing one in the bunch.
We enjoyed this restaurant so much we visited it TWO more times during our week-long trip. The second, for dinner, I tried the Lobster grilled cheese that was featured on their episode of DDD. This sandwich brings all my favourite things together, cheese and lobster. When we snuck in for one more breakfast before on the day that we left, we again, all ordered new items with zero disappointment. Of all the places we ate at during our trip this was the only one that we ate at more than once.
They also have a sister restaurant, The Breakwall Shave Ice Company, in the same spot. We, however, did not try it personally.
TRY: The Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the DTH Breakfast Sandwich
BONUS: During our stay in January 2018 we were able to get a 2 for 1 coupon from our hotel.
Prison Street Pizza
Like Down the Hatch we came across this pizza place while we were exploring the town of Lahaina. We found it while in search of breakfast, so we didn’t try it immediately but returned later that night and had it for dinner. We ordered the S-turns the Old World and the Garlic Bread for takeout. While we waited we sat down and enjoyed a beer from Maui Brewing Company. – Make sure you give their beer a try. –
The dining area is quite small, and family style so we shared a table with a man who owns a surf shop in town. – I am always happy to hear that the locals also enjoy a restaurant, it gives me a lot of confidence in the food. – We grabbed our food and headed back to our room to eat. The pizzas we large, the crust was perfect and the toppings were fresh and flavourful. The 4 of us ate the garlic bread quickly and the pizza didn’t last long; although there were a few pieces left for the next day. We tired another pizza place later in our stay and this one was our favourite.
TRY: The garlic bread! Large pieces, with strong while not overpowering, garlic flavour.
BONUS: By the crowd, it is obvious the locals frequent here.
Ululani Hawaiian Shave Ice
If you’re going to Hawaii, you’re probably going to try shave ice. If you’re going to Maui, you’re going to want to go to Ulalani. There is no doubt why this place has been rated the #1 restaurant on the entire island. We shamelessly enjoyed a shave ice nearly every day during our trip. The ice is soft and creamy(?) and the flavours are incredible. They seem to have endless combinations. The staff here is friendly and will not hesitate to strike up a conversation while they’re making your delicious treat, giving great suggestions from a local point of view.
TRY: The Lahaina, named after the town their original location, perfectly combines Pineapple, Coconut and Banana. Adding a scoop of Macadamia ice-cream to the bottom and a snowcap on top makes this delicious dessert even more incredible (if that’s even possible).
BONUS: The Lahainaluna Café next door to their Lahaina location proves to be just as good as their Garlic Fries are incredible, so take the extra steps and give them a try while you’re there.
Have you visited Lahaina, Maui? If you have what is your favourite restaurant that you tried while there.