Top 10 Ocean View Restaurants on Maui

One of the most romantic and breathtaking locations to eat dinner is at Merriman’s, located at the point, on Kapalua Bay. Merriman`s was recently named one of the "Top 10 Travelers Choice Restaurants" in the United States by Tripadvisor.

Merriman’s award winning restaurant has a farm-to-table concept, with over 90% of what you see on your plate being locally sourced.

Sunday brunch is served from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and live music starts at 10 am. Merriman’s opens for dinner at 5 pm. You can also enjoy a hand crafted cocktail and “pupus” by the fire-pit on the point. There is no finer view on Maui! Look out over Kapalua Bay and enjoy what rarely fails to be a stunning sunset.

Do not forget to finish the night with their signature dessert, the Waialua Chocolate Purse!

Duke’s Beach House is named after famous Hawaii waterman, surfer and Olympic swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku. Duke’s is located in the Honua Kai Resort and Spa, and is just steps from the white sandy beach. This open air eatery is a favorite for those wishing to truly experience the tropical paradise we call Maui.

Whether you are coming for a weekend brunch, breakfast lunch, dinner, or just cocktails, you will be treated to some of the most gorgeous ocean views imaginable, together with award winning service. Live music is offered daily so be sure to check their website for an updated schedule.

We love Duke’s Lava Flows (with or without alcohol), Crab Wontons, burgers and of course their famous Hula Pie for dessert.

The Sea House Restaurant is located on Napili Beach, just a short walk from The Ridge Villas. Here, you will find one of the last “old Hawaiian” restaurants. The Sea House sits on the beach of Napili Bay, and provides an ambiance that can not be found anywhere else on the island.

This charming and exotic open-air restaurant, features one of the best Happy Hours on the island, from 2 to 5 pm.

Spend the day at Kapalua or Napili Bay, then head to the Sea House for some tropical drinks, pupus and live Hawaiian music. The Sea House is one of the best kept secrets on Maui.

Honu Seafood and Pizza is located as close to the water as you can get! Sitting on the rocky seashore of Lahaina, Honu serves some of the best seafood and pizza on the island. Given that you are located just next to the crashing waves of the Pacific, you will also be visited by the turtles (honus) feeding along the rocks.

Honu is a casual restaurant, created by famed Maui restaurateurs Mark and Judy Ellman. They are open for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 9:30 pm.

Enjoy a starter of Ahi Bruschetta or Butternut Squash Coconut Soup, and their Ali’i Hamakua Mushroom pizza or Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese. Finish off with a Raspberry Lilikoi Tart and a fresh cup of Ka’anapali Coffee.

Frida’s is one of our all-time favorite oceanfront restaurants and with Mark Ellman as the owner, it is no surprise why. Mark is a legend in the food world on Maui, owning the 5-star restaurants of Honu, Mala, Maui Tacos and Penne Pasta, just to name a few. 

Frida’s is located just adjacent to the ocean, offering guests unobstructed ocean and island views. During whale season you’ll be treated to some of the best seats to watch the whales at play while you sip on your cocktails.

Frida’s serves up affordable and traditional Mexican dishes, with an emphasis on seafood. Every item on the menu is out of this world and will keep you coming back for more. We highly recommend starting your meal with one of their famous margaritas, followed by their Mala Burrito or enchiladas.

Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as Frida’s is a favorite with tourist and locals alike.

Mala’s Ocean Tavern is one of our favorite restaurants on Maui. The ambiance and location can’t be topped. There may not be another restaurant on the island that is as close to the ocean as Mala’s. Mala’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, but it is the outdoor seating that is truly breathtaking. With seating right off the water, you are treated to spectacular ocean views! Take in a fabulous sunset, or watch the turtles at play just feet from your table.

Mala’s features Pacific Rim and Mediterranean dishes, and prides themselves in serving farm fresh, local ingredients. We recommend their Ahi Bruschetta, Fresh Island Fish and their Carmel Miranda dessert.

They are also open for a wonderful brunch of both Saturday and Sunday.

Monday- Friday: 11 AM- 9:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday: 9 AM- 9:00 PM

While The Gazebo has its fair share of tourists, locals seem to know the secret to dining at this oceanfront restaurant-get there early! The line can get pretty long, so we suggest getting there as early as you can.

Located on the point of Napili Bay, The Gazebo is in walking distance from the villas. Open from 7:30 am to 2 pm, this nostalgic restaurant is famous for their pancakes. Try their Mac Nut Pancakes, White Chocolate Mac Nut and Banana Mac Combo.

Pancakes are not the only thing they do right; everything at the Gazebo is comforting, filling and absolutely delicious!

This an open-air restaurant, and there is nothing more tropical than the sensation of soft trade winds caressing your skin during your meal. With views of world famous Napili Bay and neighboring islands, the Gazebo is well worth the wait.

Kimo’s might be one of the most famous restaurants on Front Street in Lahaina. Since 1977 this oceanfront eatery has been serving fabulous food, tropical drinks, and, incredible ocean views. It doesn’t get more “Maui” than Kimo’s.

Kimo’s is a great place to visit after a day of site seeing and shopping on Front Street. The restaurants sits directly on the water’s edge, so you get some of the very best ocean views in all Maui. Sunsets experienced here are truly magical!

We highly recommend obtaining reservations in advance; it can get pretty crowded during Maui’s busy season. We recommend their Fish and Chips, Fish Tacos and their famous Hula Pie. The Hula Pie is legendary on Maui and we’re pretty sure you won’t make it to the exit without trying this show stopping dessert. Be warned, you need at least two people to make a dent into this sky-high ice-cream pie.

Fleetwood’s on Front Street is owned and operated by legendary musician, Mick Fleetwood. Not only is Fleetwood’s famous for their award winning food, but also for their sought-after ocean views and rocking live music!

Their rooftop bar offers guests unobstructed ocean views, and a happy hour that does not disappoint. Every “Aloha Friday” happy hour starts at 11am and goes to 4 pm. There is nothing like experiencing a sunset on this famous rooftop, or an evening under the stars looking out over historic Lahaina Town.

When dining at Fleetwood’s, you cannot go wrong with their Fleetwood Gem Oysters or Beef Wellington Surf and Turf.

Mama’s Fish House is one the best restaurants on Maui, if not the best. Mama’s was rated the second most popular restaurant in the United States, by Open Table, and a “Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurant in the World” by Trip Advisor.

This family owned restaurant has been in business since 1973, and features some of the freshest fish on the island. The reason they have the freshest fish is that they use their own fishermen, who are out daily.  On the menu you will actually see menu you will actually see the name of the fisherman who caught your fish.

Mama’s ambiance and décor is that which you would expect of old Hawaii or Polynesia. This open-air restaurant sits on a secluded beach in Paia, looking out onto the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy such dishes as the Kauai Shrimp Won Ton with Macadamia nut dipping sauce, or, the Ahi and Mahimahi sautéed in Panang Curry and Coconut Milks. No matter the order, the presentation is a show stopper and it is always a meal to remember.