Maui, Hawaii is where you and your family can enjoy playing on sunny beaches and hiking past volcanoes all in the same day. When it’s time for a delicious treat, pick up a scoop of sweet shave ice from a stall near your Maui vacation rental, then grab a bite from one of many oceanfront restaurants, food trucks, or hole-in-the-wall cafes. Maui may be famous for its beach bars and classy dining establishments, but it also offers up a slew of kid-friendly eateries with fresh fish and other island favorites. Here are 12 of the best family restaurants to visit during your Maui vacation.
1. The Fish Market Maui
Enjoy a taste of the Pacific at this fresh fish restaurant whose walls hold an array of local sea life. Little ones can choose from a kids’ menu designed with picky eaters in mind, including chicken fingers, cheese quesadillas, and hot dogs. Be sure to sample the coconut shrimp or the famous seared ahi sandwich.
2. Roy’s Kaanapali
If you’re looking to treat your family to a nice, festive dinner, you can’t go wrong with Roy’s, an island-themed eatery that welcomes tourists of all ages. Get a table overlooking the golf course, and choose from a diverse regular and kids’ menu. Before heading back to your Maui vacation home for the evening, order the chocolate souffle or the upside-down pineapple cake for a special treat.
3. Auntie Sandy’s
Situated in a tiny shack along secluded Keanae Peninsula in east Maui, this restaurant and snack stand serves up what is arguably the best banana bread on the island. You can also order a round of pork sandwiches and chili dogs before enjoying a scoop of shaved ice on one of the picnic tables.
4. Cool Cat Cafe
Visitors of all ages love this down-to-earth cafe where they can feast on burgers and onion rings while enjoying views of the Laihana banyan tree. The milkshakes and chili cheese fries are always a hit with the kids, and the video game area provides some extra entertainment.
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5. Kimo’s Maui
Sit back beside your ocean-deck table to enjoy the sounds of the waves rolling in while dining at this island-themed seafood restaurant. The pork ribs and coconut-crusted marlin are always popular, but little ones may be happy with a cheeseburger and fries. If you save room for dessert, the hula pie is a popular choice.
6. Hula Grill Kaanapali
The colorful island-style chairs and tables in the outdoor patio area instantly draw visitors who seek a family restaurant with a laid-back Hawaiian atmosphere. Put on some Hawaiian-print button-up shirts and island dresses at your vacation rental before stopping by for fish tacos, kids’ burgers, and a slice of pineapple upside-down cake.
7. Lahaina Luna Cafe
A fantastic blend of island favorites and Korean barbecue await at this Asian fusion cafe nestled in the Laihana Marketplace with something for everyone. Adults can feast on a Korean beef plate or mahi-mahi tacos while tiny tots chow down on grilled cheese or a quesadilla.
8. Baya Bowls
When the rising sun hits your tropical vacation home, step out to this food truck in the heart of Laihana for a few acai bowls topped with toasted coconut, fresh fruit, and raw honey. You can also sample a refreshing salad while your kids enjoy a PB and J smoothie. Sit down at one of the outdoor tables, or have your breakfast on-the-go to get on with your Maui adventures.
9. 808 Grindz Cafe
You can’t visit Laihana without stopping by this sunny brunch staple serving up coconut and macadamia pancakes alongside the cafe’s signature mac-nilla sauce. Visitors also love 808 Grindz for its wide selection of savory breakfast dishes such as eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, and the fried rice loco moco. Plus, the affordable prices make this cafe the perfect place for a daily breakfast during your Maui vacation rental stay.
10. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
Treat your family to a slice of banana cream pie at this eclectic, welcoming cafe known for its extensive list of vegetarian dishes. You can also choose from lime pie, chocolate macadamia nut pie, or blueberry cheese pie. If you’re looking for a meal, you can’t go wrong with an ahi tuna sandwich or a vegetable pot pie with a side of baked macaroni and cheese for the kids. Top off your meal with a jar of cold-brew coffee or an Island root beer.
11. Coconut’s Fish Cafe
The surfboard tables and seats of this cozy island cafe create a unique first impression, but families are most impressed by this Kihei restaurant’s fish tacos loaded with fresh veggies and mango. Older kids can enjoy a plate of fish and chips while little ones under 10 can choose from the Keiki menu, which includes favorites such as macaroni and cheese as well as grilled mahi-mahi.
12. Paia Fish Market Laihana
Enjoy a casual lunch in downtown Laihana at this fresh fish restaurant with breezy outdoor seating and serving sizes that leave you satisfied all day. Cajun rice, sauteed ono and the fish quesadilla are a few favorites among the adult crowd. For kids, Paia Fish Market offers up butter noodles, quesadillas, and more.
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