As a Hawaii travel planner and Maui mama of two, I know the importance of finding kid-friendly restaurants that satisfy both parents and little ones. Maui’s culinary scene offers plenty of local and fresh dining options, but you don’t want to waste your vacation on meals that are stressful or disappointing.
I’ve gathered our favorite family-friendly restaurants on Maui to help make your dining decisions easier. Whether you’re grabbing takeout or sitting down to enjoy a sunset meal, here’s where to eat on Maui with kids.
What Kind of Food is Hawaii Known For?
Hawaiian cuisine is a delicious blend of diverse cultures. While on Maui, you’ll find local favorites like loco moco, lau lau, poi, huli huli chicken, Maui Gold pineapple, and kalua pork. Keep an eye out for:
Hawaii Plate Lunch: Typically served with rice, macaroni salad, and a main dish. This is about as local as it gets.
Poke: Diced, marinated raw fish served over rice, similar to sushi but in a bowl and with a twist.
Malasadas, Butter Mochi, and Shave Ice: The ultimate sweet treats. Grab them at a local market or bakery.
Spam Musubi: A savory snack of rice, seaweed, and Spam. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. Perfect for a beach day.
Food is a big part of your Maui experience, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Best Food Truck Parks on Maui
If you’re looking for an easier (and more affordable) way to eat your way through Maui’s eclectic restaurant scene with kids, Maui’s food truck parks are the perfect solution. These outdoor spots allow everyone to pick what they like, and the quality is often just as good. Some of our favorite family-friendly food truck parks include:
Plate Lunch Marketplace (across from Costco in Kahului) – 591 Haleakala Highway, Kahului
South Maui Gardens (a true oasis!) – 35 Auhana Road, Kihei
Kihei Food Truck Park – 1 Pi’ikea Avenue, Kihei
Hana Food Truck Park – 5124 Hana Highway, Hana
Tips for Dining with Kids on Maui
Watch for happy hours offering half-price pupus (appetizers) and drinks to save money. And remember, this is still America. Portions are often huge.
Hawaii is very family-oriented. Most places have kid’s menus (look for the word “Keiki”).
Take advantage of picnics. If you’re excited to explore Maui’s foodie scene but don’t have the patience to sit at a restaurant with your kids, grab it to go and head to a beach park for a stress-free meal with a view.
Keep backpacks full of your kids’ favorite things in your rental car so they’re easy to bring into restaurants. Choosing a place with live music or hula dancing can also help keep them entertained.
Find out: Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?
The Best Family-Friendly Restaurants on Maui
Our family’s favorite spots have been organized by region, so you can easily plan your next meal on Maui.
South Maui
Kihei Caffe
People have been lining up at Kihei Caffe for years to indulge in their big breakfasts and unpretentious, cozy vibe. The portions are big, and the line moves fast. My kids are obsessed with the whale pancake!
Tip: Kalama Park across the street has a big playground, skate park, coastal walking path, and the best beginner surf spot on the island!
1945 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 (Across from Kalama Park)
2259 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 (Maui Coast Hotel)
305 Keawe St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Coconuts Fish Cafe (Kihei)
Coconuts Fish Cafe is a casual spot known for its famous fish tacos and local flavors. The surfboard-shaped tables make it fun for kids, and a kid’s menu keeps everyone happy. (I love the “taco fish mountain:” Mahi Mahi, brown rice, coconut slaw, and mango. Don’t forget the hot sauce!) Perfect for a quick bite after visiting one of Maui’s best kid-friendly beaches in Kihei.
1279 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 (Azeka Shopping Center)
2463 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 (Kamole Shopping Center)
Fork & Salad (Kihei & Kahului)
For fresh, hearty salads and sandwiches, Fork & Salad is a great order-at-the-counter option. The kid’s menu always includes fresh fruit and enough leftovers for later. This is a great stop for a casual, healthy lunch to keep you fueled on a hot day.
120 Ho’okele Street, Kahului, HI 96732 (Puunene Shopping Center, near Target)
1279 South Kihei Rd #204, Kihei, HI 96753 (Azeka Shopping Center)
Nalu’s South Shore Grill (Kihei)
This casual restaurant offers open-air seating, live music, and fresh, local food with a modern twist. It’s a great spot to relax with the family while enjoying a laid-back meal with island vibes. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s one of our family’s favorites!
1280 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Maui Brewing Company (Kihei & Ka’anapali)
Maui Brewing Co. is the best family-friendly brewery on the island. The spacious outdoor area lets kids run around while parents enjoy award-winning craft brews, fish tacos, and french fries. The Kihei location is the most family-friendly, but they also have spots in Lahaina and Ka’anapali.
605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei, HI 96753
4405 HI-30 Ste 217, Lahaina, HI 96761 (Original Brewpub)
2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 (Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort)
West Maui
Leoda’s Pie Shop (Olowalu)
Leoda’s describes itself as “glorified grandma comfort food,” and it hits that spot in all the right ways. Even the physical restaurant gives off the same warm fuzzies that I would experience at my grandparent’s house back in the day. The menu is fresh, the savory pies are delicious, and the small, sweet pies are next-level good. You’re on vacation!
820 Olowalu Village Road, Lahaina, HI 96761
Slappycakes (Lahaina)
At Slappycakes, kids can make their own pancakes right at the table! The built-in griddles and fun toppings make breakfast a memorable experience for the whole family. We love this place. They also have a full breakfast menu and fun cocktails. Try the Slappy Mai Tai!
3350 Lower Honoapiilani Road #707, Lahaina, HI 96761
Coco Deck (Lahaina)
Coco Deck is the latest addition to Maui’s Westside dining scene and offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. This oceanfront restaurant blends Local, Mexican, and American flavors in a laid-back setting. The prices here are incredibly reasonable (by Maui’s standards), and they have an impressive happy hour. Try the poke donut (just trust me)!
Tip: Sit in the front section of the restaurant near the couches so your kids can easily access the “Keiki Zone,” which includes a large Connect Four, some cute kid-sized couches, and a Pac-Man machine.
1312 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Aloha Mixed Plate (Lahaina)
Aloha Mixed Plate is another local gem in Lahaina. For almost twenty years, it has been serving authentic Hawaiian plate lunches with stunning oceanfront views. Miraculously spared by Maui’s devastating fires, the community was thrilled to see it reopen in the same beloved location on Front Street.
The casual, open-air setting makes it great for families, and you’ll have a hard time finding a better place to catch a Maui sunset. Due to popularity, you might have to wait, so make a reservation!
1285 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Duke’s Beach House (Ka’anapali)
Duke’s Beach House is a famous oceanfront restaurant on Ka’anapali Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and Aloha spirit. Named after the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, the restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with Hawaiian-inspired dishes like coconut shrimp and fish tacos.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the hula pie for dessert, and it is always best to make a reservation.
130 Kai Malina Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Hula Grill (Ka’anapali)
Another popular restaurant on Ka’anapali Beach, Hula Grill, features Hawaii-inspired dishes and ocean views. The vibe is laid-back, with live Hawaiian music and hula performances. Their menu features fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and a good kid’s menu. Its lively atmosphere and easy access to the beach make this a great stop if you’re staying at one of the many family-friendly resorts on Ka’anapali Beach.
Hula Grill is part of the Duke’s franchise, giving you another chance to try the Hula Pie!
2435 Ka’anapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Monkeypod Kitchen (Ka’anapali & Kihei)
Monkeypod is known for its award-winning lilikoi foam Mai Tai, which is a must-try! The atmosphere is fun and loud, making it an easy place to bring noisy children (if you can get them to sit in a seat). We love the poke tacos, flatbread pizzas, and lobster deviled eggs. Try one of the yummy cream pies for dessert. They stay busy, so call ahead of time!
10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI 96753
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761
NorthShore & Upcountry Maui
Choice Health Bar (Paia & Ka’anapali)
For something fresh and light, Choice Health Bar offers plant-based dishes and smoothies sourced from local farms. The acai bowls are a family favorite, and it’s a great stop after a morning of exploring the colorful surf town of Paia.
They also have a grab-and-go location at Whaler’s Village in Ka’anapali.
11 Baldwin Avenue, Paia, HI 96779
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Suite D-1, Lahaina, HI 96761 (Whaler’s Village)
Paia Fish Market (Paia & Kihei)
Finding fresh fish in a casual, family-friendly setting isn’t always easy, but Paia Fish Market gets it right. The food is so good, you might have to wait in line. They have a kid’s menu and plenty of options for picky eaters.
Tip: If you like a little spice in your life, order the secret menu item, “The Obama Burger,” and thank me later.
100 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779
1913 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Flatbread Pizza Company (Paia)
Flatbread Pizza is a casual, sit-down restaurant serving up great pizza and entrees. They get busy, so put your name on the list and wander around Paia Town while you wait. They don’t offer a kid’s menu, but it’s pizza! They once gave my kids some dough to play with at the table, so it can’t hurt to ask!
89 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779
Freshies (Makawao)
Freshies offers great farm-to-table dishes in the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) town of Makawao. This cute spot caters to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Sit at the cowboy counter or enjoy Makawao town by grabbing a seat outside.
They have a separate kid’s menu, but you have to ask for it.
3620 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Ocean Vodka (Kula)
Located in Upcountry Maui, Ocean Vodka offers farm-to-table dining with sweeping island views. The outdoor setting and delicious pizzas make it a kid-friendly spot, despite being a distillery.
4051 Omaopio Road, Kula, HI 96790
Central Maui
Tiffany’s Maui (Wailuku)
If you want to know where the locals eat, head to Tiffany’s Restaurant in Wailuku, owned by two-time Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeone. The eclectic mix of Asian fusion and local Hawaiian cuisine is best served family style. Honestly, just order one of everything. The casual setting makes it kid-friendly, and their creamy take on a Mai Tai is something to behold.
Heads Up: Sheldon also owns Tin-Roof, a take-out-only, casual lunch spot in Kahului (equally amazing).
The Parlay (Wailuku)
The Parlay is a hidden gem that recently opened in the heart of Wailuku Town. This retro-style restaurant and bar has a spacious front lawn for young kids and a few yard games to keep everyone occupied. Parlay features a small, curated menu, great drinks, and cool vibes.
Stop in on your way to the airport or when exploring Iao Valley State Park!
Cafe O’Lei at Maui Tropical Plantation (Wailuku)
If you’re looking for family-friendly upscale dining, make a reservation at Cafe O’Lei at the Plantation. The outdoor space is great for walking around with kids and taking in the views of the West Maui Mountains. If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with the fresh fish. They don’t have a kid’s menu, but they do have enough flatbread and pasta to keep everyone happy.
While you’re here, wander around the plantation: visit Kumu Farms, feed the ducks, or try this beginner-friendly zipline! It’s a pretty mellow course that allows kids as young as five to participate with a parent. They let kids 11 and up zip without one, which is uncommon. (Parents of middle schoolers: Think this one through. Cafe O’lei makes pretty mean Mai Tai. I’m just sayin.’)
Ready to plan some adventures? Check out Things to Do on Maui with Kids for fun-filled days between meals!
Final Bites
Maui’s family-friendly dining options are endless, and every meal can be a memorable part of your vacation. Whether you’re grabbing takeout or sitting down for a special sunset dinner, these restaurants will keep both kids and adults happy.
Because this is your vacation, too. Happy dining!
Don’t miss: Maui with Kids: The Ultimate Guide.
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aloha, I’M FLO
Hawaii travel blogger + itinerary planning extraordinaire
I’m an island-hopping Maui mama of two, here to bring your Hawaii vacation dreams to life.
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