Maui Musts: The Best of Everything Island-Wide

After five trips to Maui in 13 months, including spending nearly three weeks there this past holiday season, I've enjoyed scouring the island in search of the best eats, drinks, workouts, views, spa treatments, music, sunsets and sushi. I'm a tough critic and there are so many great options, but below are my personal favorites in each category from Kapalua to Paia:

Best Overall Restaurant Island-Wide: Mama's Fish House
Best Overall Restaurant in Wailea: Alan Wong's Amasia
Best Overall Restaurant in Lahaina: tie between Mala Ocean Tavern and Honu Seafood

Best New Restaurant: Morimoto's
Best Sushi (shown below): Kai Sushi at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Best Shave Ice: Ululani's in Lahaina (the original location)
Best spot for Fresh Fish (take out): The Fish Market Maui
Best French Fries: Mala Ocean Tavern
Best Italian Restaurant: Puleho
Best 24/7 Gourmet Snack Shop: Mokapu Market at Andaz Wailea
Best Prime Rib: Kimo's
Best Coffee Shop: Maui Coffee Roasters
Best Grocery Store: Napili Market
Best Ice Cream Shop: Royal Scoop at the Royal Lahaina
Best Gluten-Free (and other) Pancakes: Slappy Cakes
Best Dessert: Tie between Hula Pie at Kimo's and Chocolate Kuau Pie at Mama's Fish House
Best Private Chef: Chef Kristen with Private Maui Chef
Best Date Night Spot: Japengo
Best Cocktails: Pineapple Grill

Best Happy Hour/Oceanview Bar: The Sea House
Best Live Music: Fleetwood's
Best Waiter: J.J. at Merriman's
Best Health Food Store/Juice Bar: Farmer's Market Maui
Best Lunch Spot: Paia Fish Market

Best Yoga Studio: Island Spirit Yoga

Best Serenity Pool: Four Seasons Wailea
Best Hotel Gym: Montage Kapalua Spa & Fitness Center
Best Masseuse: Renate at the Montage Kapalua Spa
Best Surf Lessons: Maui WaveRiders
Best Sailing Excursions: Trilogy
Best Family Beach Hotel: Napili Kai Beach Resort
Best Golf Course: The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort
Best Animal Shelter (where visitors can volunteer): Maui Humane Society
Best Hike: Village Walking Trails on the original Village Golf Course
Best Coastal Running/Walking Route: Kapalua Coastal Trail

Best Beaches: Kanaapali Beach, Napili Bay, Big Beach, Sugar Beach
Best Bathing Suit Store: Cruise Maui
Best Beachfront Villas: Andaz Wailea
Best Kids Club: Keiki Lani at the Fairmont Kea Lani and Ritz Kids at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Best Family Beach Resort: Napili Kai Beach Resort

Best Oceanview Club Level Suites: Four Seasons Wailea
Best Boutique Hotel: Hotel Wailea
Best Hotel Transformation in the Works: Montage Kapalua

To book your next Maui vacation and enjoy the absolute best the island has to offer, contact me via email at stacy@elitetravelinternational.com.