1. Romantic Dining in Maui
If you come to Maui on your honeymoon or for a special vacation, you’ll want to have at least one meal in a romantic restaurant. Think Hawaiian dining means only a luau of pork, pineapple, and poi? Think again. Maui offers plenty of first-rate restaurants. Some are located in the fun-if-touristy seaside town of Lahaina, while others are in neighboring towns or at resorts. Here’s a sampling of romantic Maui restaurants that also boast spectacular sunsets.
2. Lahaina Grill
Address: 127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Phone: +1 808-667-5117
Lahaina Grill is widely regarded as Maui’s top restaurant. Its New American cuisine features local produce along with ingredients from around the globe, focusing on creative preparation and fabulous flavors. Signature dishes include a Kona lobster crab cake, tequila shrimp with firecracker rice, and a Kona coffee roasted rack of lamb. The scrumptious triple berry pie combines raspberries, blueberries, and black currants.
Located in downtown Lahaina, the restaurant boasts a slightly urban ambiance despite its plantation décor, complete with an ornate tin ceiling and slowly turning overhead fans.
3. Mama’s Fish House
Address: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779, USA
Phone: +1 808-579-8488
For the freshest fish, it’s Mama’s Fish House, beautifully situated on a palm-lined beach near Paia. Daily deliveries ensure the freshest catch, and each fisherman’s name is notably featured on the menu. Founded in the 1970s, this establishment melds Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
The romantic sunsets enhance the already inviting atmosphere, but the food is the real draw. Notable dishes include ahi, ono, and mahi mahi sautéed in Panang curry and coconut milk, or the Markea shrimp with macadamia nut crusted tenderloin accompanied by poha berry sauce.
4. Mala
Address: 1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761-1725, USA
Phone: +1 808-667-9394
Casual yet elegant, Mala is another highly rated romantic dining option in Maui. This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and Pacific Rim cuisine, featuring vegetarian and vegan selections alongside fish and meat dishes. Popular starters include the seared ahi bruschetta, while standout entrees consist of hoisin-glazed baby back ribs and sake-marinated beef short ribs.
For dessert, the crème brûlée trio consisting of passion fruit, mango, and dragon fruit is a must. Enjoy your meal outdoors on the terrace, where the gentle ocean breezes and stunning Maui sunsets create an unforgettable dining experience.
5. Banyan Tree
Address: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Phone: +1 808-665-7089
The Banyan Tree features a hut-like structure overlooking the Pacific at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Here, guests can relish stunning views of the neighboring island of Molokai while enjoying Pacific Rim cuisine crafted with Maui-grown ingredients. Signature dishes include locally made goat cheese with lavender-strawberries and macadamia nut tuille, as well as a variety of vegan options.
The pupu menu invites diners to choose three small plates, allowing for a satisfying meal complemented by desserts such as pineapple caramel cake served with coconut-lavender sorbet.
6. Pacific Whale Foundation’s Sunset Dinner Cruise
Address: 612 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Phone: +1 808-249-8811
It’s hard to imagine anything more romantic than watching a Maui sunset from a boat. While several tour companies offer sunset dinner cruises, an excellent choice is the Pacific Whale Foundation’s cruise, which supports the organization’s ecological mission. The evening commences with sailing out of Lahaina Harbor, accompanied by soft Hawaiian guitar music. As the sun sets, guests enjoy dishes such as taro bread, Maui Cattle Company steaks, teriyaki chicken, and cheesecake with lilikoi sauce while sipping on Mai-tais, piña coladas, wine, and beer.
