Maui’s food and beverage scene has always been some of the best in Hawaii, but these days it’s getting even better thanks to growing demand for fresh local ingredients and eclectic menus.
Check out these 5 new and popular hotspots on Maui that go above and beyond your :
Le Bazaar
Le Bazaar in Kihei is a rare jewel in South Maui, offering Moroccan cuisine in the form of a six-course pre-fix menu that reflects the diverse flavors of North Africa.
The menu offers soup, salad, b’stella, your choice of main, couscous, and dessert. Vegan options are also available.
Le Bazaar is the work Chef Christopher, who was born, raised, and trained in Morocco, and has opened several restaurants in California and Hawaii over the past several decades.
Le Bazaar
Address: 1280 S Kihei Rd #107, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-268-0545
Website: https://www.lebazaarmaui.com/
Yelpers say: “What a lovely night at Le Bazaar! As someone from Morocco the food was very authentic and so delicious, and the decor was beautiful and inviting, reminded me so much of Morocco. So excited to come back thank you!”
Tikehau Cocktail Lounge
If craft cocktails and good times in upscale Wailea is your fancy, head over to Tikehau. Their menu features quintessential tropical drinks with a unique Hawaiian twist (for example, the Snoop PPOG: pineapple, passionfruit, orange, Gin, Aperol, lime).
The lounge is known for its Happy Hour, “pupus” (small snacks), occasional 5-course chef tasting menu, and themed nights like Ladies Night and Omakase Night.
Tikehau Cocktail Lounge
Address: 116 Wailea Ike Dr., Suite 2104, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: 808-214-6500
Website: https://tikehaulounge.com/
Yelpers say: “This is one of the only craft cocktail bars in the area. Ambiance is adorable and their drinks are even better. Servers aim to please. We have already gone twice on our trip and will be back again before we leave.”
Ekolu Kitchen 1279
Located in the Kihei Azeka Plaza, Ekolu Kitchen 1279 is a premiere spot for hearty, eclectic dishes made from fresh ingredients in an open air kitchen.
Signature dishes include The Raging Pig (brick oven roasted espresso dry rubbed baby back ribs with mocha BBQ sauce and truffle fries), Jerk Salmon (with grilled pineapple-avocado relish, Smida couscous, and fresh local mushroom mix), Lobster Roll, and Tofu Chocolate Coconut Mousse.
Of course, no restaurant of this caliber would be complete without nightly chef specials and a full bar and craft cocktails.
Ekolu Kitchen 1279
Address: 1279 S. Kihei Road, #201, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: (808) 793-3333
Website: https://ekolukitchen1279.com/
Yelpers say: “The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious. Our waiter, Vaughn, provided excellent service with great recommendations. Plus, we were treated to a beautiful violin performance by maestro William Wainwright. The food was so tasty and well-prepared, you have to try it yourself to believe it.”
Fuego Argentinean Steakhouse
Located at The Dunes at Maui Lani in Wailuku, Fuego is yet another dynamic restaurant bringing authentic international cuisine to Maui.
In this case, it’s Argentinean barbecue and the traditional asados (barbeque) cooking style that uses a parillas (wood-fired grill). Their menu features empanadas, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, fresh fish and chicken, and a huge selection of grilled meats — any of which can be paired with an Argentinean wine or spirit.
Fuego has also combines rustic Argentinean decor with gorgeous views of the West Maui Mountains.
Fuego Argentinean Steakhouse
Address: 133 Ma’a St, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 868-3177
Website: https://fuegosteakhousemaui.com/
Yelpers say: “Cute place with excellent food and nice ambiance. I have eaten there twice and every bite was delicious. It had a nice view of the West Maui mountains, the golf course and there is even a cute little wishing well.”
Oao Sushi Bar & Grill
Another Wailea gem! — this time it’s sushi. Oao (pronounced “wow”) prides itself on three pillars: outstanding food, amazing service, and outrageous quality.
The menu features fresh and local/regional ingredients, such as locally-caught fish and sushi vinegar from Japan. There’s also a Happy Hour with discounted menu prices.
Diner favorites include the surf ‘n turf roll, hamachi carpaccio, and matcha panna cotta.
Oao Sushi Bar & Grill
Address: 34 Wailea Gateway Pl Unit A-101, Kihei, HI 96753
Phone: (808) 318-1602
Website: https://www.oaowailea.com/
Yelpers say: “Relaxed island vibe atmosphere with a modern touch. Service was super friendly and attentive. The sushi was off the charts good and fresh!!”
Image credits: ekolukitchen1279.com, Tikehau Lounge Instagram, Fuego on Yelp, Oao on OpenTable, Le Bazaar Instagram,
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
