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Across the centuries, Maui’s native Hawaiian culture has been infused with a variety of other rich Polynesian cultures. The island’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean made it a hotspot for both early explorers and tradesmen from distant lands. In more recent years, the area's culture has been infused by elements introduced by visitors and immigrants, especially from Asia. Today, Maui’s rich culture is on full display through the wide range of amazing restaurants available to you in the area.
The best restaurants in Wailea feature delicious menu options that incorporate locally sourced foods and flavors into culinary delights from around the world. These hotspots combine the best Hawaiian flavors and sophisticated atmospheres creating memorable dining experiences.
If you want to treat yourself to an incredible meal in South Maui, here are 5 of my personal favorite restaurants in Wailea to visit. Of course, there are several other great restaurants such as Tommy Bahama's, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, and Morimoto's, but the list would just be too long!
Lineage is one of the newer restaurants in Wailea, but it has already received a great deal of recognition. In fact, it was recognized as a 2020 Diners’ Choice restaurant and as a 2020 Travelers’ Choice restaurant by TripAdvisor. This one-of-a-kind eatery is located conveniently in The Shops at Wailea. It features a contemporary yet relaxed dining room that is largely adorned with bamboo panels and modern furnishings.
The restaurant uses local cooking styles and ingredients with present-day interpretations, and the results are amazing. Your experience at Lineage may start with one of its many inventive cocktails. Buddha Belly is concocted with Kohana Kea rum, Choya Yuza liqueur, sour pineapple liqueur, and Maui cane syrup. Gimme Da Chicken Skin is another popular drink. It features vodka, Broker’s gin, false lime and ‘awa, Carpano Bianco, and more. Uniquely, this drink is served with crispy chicken skins.
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The Korean Fried Chicken is perhaps the most popular item on the menu, and it is served with homemade pickles. However, you cannot go wrong with any item on the menu. Other delightful options to consider include Garlic Szechuan Noodles, Honey Garlic Shrimp, and the Wagyu Kalbi Short Rib plate.
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Humble Market 'Kitchin', yes that's how they spell it, is located in the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott next to the Wailea Beach Villas. It boasts a beautiful dining room designed with confident lines and fine materials. Whether you dine indoors or on the patio, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
The restaurant is open for both breakfast and dinner, and it is closed for lunch. Notably, this popular restaurant is owned and managed by Roy Yamaguchi, who runs five other well-known and acclaimed restaurants throughout Hawaii. If you've been to a Roy's, it will feel familiar, yet distinct.
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The menu items at Humble Market Kitchin stem from Roy’s childhood memories, and they are brought to life with a modern flair. On the breakfast menu, try the Makahiki Omelet. It features mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, tomatoes, white cheddar cheese, Yuzu hollandaise, and more. For dinner, consider treats like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Portuguese Sausage Country Gravy or the Misoyaki Butterfish. Save room for Humble Market Kitchen’s most famous dessert, Roy’s Chocolate Souffle.
A list of the best restaurants in Wailea would not be complete without mentioning Nick's Fishmarket at the opulent Fairmont Kea Lani next to Polo Beach Club and Wailea Point. This beautiful restaurant boasts white-tablecloth dining. It has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with whitewashed walls. While you dine on the patio underneath a vine-covered trellis, you can enjoy brilliant views. This restaurant has received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for 10 consecutive years. It has also been recognized by Maui No Ka’ Oi Magazine and the Star-Advertiser.
Nick's Fishmarket is open for dinner only. On the dinner menu, you will find treats like Moroccan Spiced Salmon and Pan-Seared Ahi Hamakua. For dessert, try Nick’s Crème Brulee or Strawberries Panzini. While this is an elegant restaurant that delivers a fine dining experience, it welcomes children. The kids’ menu has pasta, fish, chicken, and barbecue beef options. Notably, the restaurant also has an extensive wine list with options from around the world.
Ko Restaurant is also located on the grounds of the Fairmont Kea Lani. The beautiful dining area features an open-air patio, and it draws its style from the area’s sugarcane plantations. Notably, it boasts wood floors, wall sconces, and a circular bar. This restaurant is a winner of the 2020 Diners’ Choice Award.
Its long list of awards also includes honors from Maui No Ka’oi, Maui Time, Wine Spectator Magazine, Trip Advisor, Open Table, and others.
Open for lunch and dinner, Ko Restaurant’s menus feature exciting options that fuse flavors from the island’s melting pot of ethnicities. Most ingredients are locally sourced through sustainable means. On the lunch menu, you will find options like the Paniolo Burger and Wok Fry Udon Noodle.
For dinner, try the Lobster Tempura or the Barbecue Pork Chop. Creative cocktails are also on the menu. Some of the more inventive options are Paniolo Punch, Banana Bread Old-Fashioned, and the Liliko’i Margarita.
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Ka'ana Kitchen provides a farm-to-table dining experience that draws together the island’s diverse heritage. The family-friendly restaurant is located at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, and it is open for both breakfast and dinner. The dining room has an airy feel with natural wood furnishings, wood paneling, and ample natural lighting.
At Ka'ana Kitchen, you will find menu items that include flavors from Italy, Polynesia, Portugal, Japan, and other areas. The innovative dishes are served family-style so that guests can share with friends and family. The breakfast buffet is legendary, but if you look at the breakfast menu, you will find delicious possibilities like Kalua Pork Benedict with Ponzu Hollandaise Sauce.
If you visit the restaurant for dinner, try options like Tender Wagyu Beef Cheeks or Abalone Risotto. Pair your dinner with your choice of exciting cocktails from the drink menu.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or you are expanding your horizons, dining out in Wailea can be a true treat. The best restaurants in Wailea each bring their own unique flavors to the table. With spectacular ambiances and exceptional service, dining at these top restaurants is an experience that you will undoubtedly savor. Because of their popularity, many of these restaurants highly recommend that you call in advance to make a reservation. Start planning your next amazing meal in Wailea by booking a reservation today.
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