Salt Air & Fine Fare: The Art of Dining in Kapalua
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Real Estate
1 day ago
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There is something magical about Kapalua. Maybe it is the way the ocean trades places with the mountains as you round each bend. Maybe it is the quiet hum of palms in the breeze, or that west-side golden hour that makes everything feel like a postcard. Whatever it is, Kapalua is not just a destination. It is a mood. A slowed-down, barefoot-elegant, glass-of-wine-at-sunset kind of mood.

And if you love food, you are in the right place.

Kapalua's dining scene balances oceanfront classics, award-winning resort restaurants, and relaxed neighborhood spots, all wrapped in views that make every meal feel like a celebration. From fresh-caught fish and hand-rolled pasta to elevated island plates and perfect cocktails, this corner of Maui serves up flavors as rich as its scenery.

Below, we dive into some of Kapalua's most beloved dining experiences and what to order when you get there.

Banyan Tree, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Elegant, romantic, and rooted in the flavors of land and sea. If you are dreaming of a dinner that feels like a cinematic scene, Banyan Tree delivers. Think living green walls, ocean horizon glowing gold, and soft torchlight. The Spanish Josper charcoal oven brings beautiful smoky depth to every dish, and the setting feels like the definition of island romance.

Menu highlights

  • Fresh Mahi Mahi

  • Ahi Tuna Poke

  • Seafood Tower for two (or four)

  • Banana Cream Pie

  • Banyan Tree Mai Tai or the floral-forward Pulelehua

Craftsmanship meets romance, coastal steakhouse energy with island soul. Perfect for date nights and special occasions.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, KapaluaDinner Wed–Sun | 5–9 PM | Complimentary valet

Cane & Canoe, Montage Kapalua Bay

A modern ode to Hawaiian cuisine with front-row ocean views. Cane & Canoe feels like stepping into a modern take on old Hawai‘i. Warm wood textures, ocean breezes, and a menu that honors local fishermen and farmers. Chef Justin Purpura crafts dishes that lean into Maui flavors and global technique.

Menu favorites

  • Kona Kanpachi with jasmine rice and coconut curry

  • Kahuku Sweet Corn Agnolotti with truffle

  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with ube ice cream

  • Chef Purpura's three-course tasting menu

Farm and ocean-to-table storytelling, open-air design, and live music make every night feel special.

Montage Kapalua BayBreakfast and dinner daily

Merriman’s Kapalua

The original Hawaii farm-to-table pioneer. If Maui had a dining hall of fame, Merriman’s would be front and center. Chef Peter Merriman has championed local agriculture for decades, and every bite shows it. Add in oceanfront seating and unforgettable sunsets and you have one of Maui’s most iconic meals.

Do not miss

  • Tableside Ahi Poke

  • Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fish

  • The Merriman’s Mai Tai with mac nut foam

  • Warm malasadas at The Point bar

  • Lilikoi Mille-Feuille for dessert

Pure Maui magic: incredible flavors, oceanside dining, live music, and views that never get old.

Kapalua BayDinner daily | Bar and Point open at 4 PM

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Vibrant, local-favorite sushi since 1996. Sansei is bold, fun, and always buzzing with energy. The sushi is fresh, the flavors are playful, and the vibe is relaxed and joyful.

Menu favorites

  • Panko-Crusted Ahi Sashimi

  • Sashimi Trio

  • Grilled Hawaiian Ahi and shrimp cake

  • Mom's Chocolate Brownie Sundae

Reliable, delicious, and always lively. Perfect for sushi cravings and casual nights out.

Kapalua ResortDinner nightly | Early bird special Sun and Mon

Taverna, Kapalua Golf Course

Rustic Italian comfort with mountain views. Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails that hit after a day on the beach or the golf course. Taverna is warm, casual, and built for sharing plates with friends.

Menu highlights

  • Ahi Katsu

  • Truffle Mushroom pizza

  • Taverna Lasagna

  • Tiramisu or Flourless Chocolate Torte

  • Old Fashioned with their private-barrel rye

Upscale ingredients in a casual, breezy setting. A perfect mix of Italian flavor and Maui charm.

Kapalua Golf CourseLunch, happy hour, and dinner daily

The Plantation House Restaurant

Classic island dining with panoramic views. Set above the iconic Plantation Golf Course, this restaurant blends relaxed island hospitality with elevated plates and breezy lanai dining.

Menu favorites

  • Macadamia Nut-Crusted Mahi Mahi

  • Brown Sugar Togarashi Seared Ahi

  • Panko Calamari

  • Lilikoi Cheesecake

  • Mimosa flights

Exceptional views, a welcoming atmosphere, and timeless Maui flavors.

Plantation Course KapaluaBrunch, lunch, and dinner daily

The Pour House Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Intimate Italian flavors in a cozy, romantic setting. The Pour House feels like your favorite neighborhood trattoria, only surrounded by palm trees and ocean breezes. Expect handmade pasta, perfect wine pairings, and desserts worth celebrating.

Try this

  • Handmade burrata with pears and honey

  • Spinach and Parmesan ravioli

  • Pasta with prawns and vodka cream sauce

  • Tiramisu and espresso to finish

Slow dinner, great wine, warm lighting, and heartfelt hospitality. Ideal for date night or a special moment.

Kapalua ResortDinner nightly | Live music select evenings

Oceanfront tables. Chef-driven menus. Local ingredients. Salt air. Sunset glow. Whether you are celebrating, reconnecting, or simply hungry after a beach day, Kapalua’s restaurants remind you why dining here feels like a privilege. Ready to plan your next meal in Kapalua?