Top Ten Casual Places to Eat in West Maui

On the lookout for great places to dine or grab food to go on your Maui vacation? If you'll be staying here in West Maui, look no further. Considering we operate our Maui ocean tours from Lahaina, we know the area well, and have come up with a solid top ten list of places to get food based on a combination of our experiences and customer reviews. Conveniently, all of them feature moderate or even cheap prices, despite serving some of the best food on the island. They include those little gems off the beaten path, like food trucks and casual eateries.

1. The Fish Market Maui

Not far from Honokowai Beach Park at what is basically a strip mall, you'll find this casual restaurant, which happens to be one of the most celebrated eateries on the island. Its success might have something to do with the fact that the restaurant is supplied with fresh caught fish brought in by local fishermen every day. The fishermen really know what they're doing, and so do the cooks! You can think of it as a community effort to provide the freshest, cleanest, tastiest seafood that you can find anywhere. You'll find sandwiches, sushi, tacos, fish burgers, lobster, chowder, poke, you name it! If you've spent the morning enjoying fun and sun at the beach, this place is the perfect place to sate your appetite, and all the menu items are under $20.

2. Teppanyaki 2 Go By 808 Afternoons

Just a couple of minutes away from The Fish Market Maui in Honokowai, you'll find another casual gem. This eatery features just a handful of affordable menu options including meat, seafood and vegetarian fare. As you can probably imagine from such a small menu, their emphasis is on perfection. They've succeeded. We'd link you to their website, but they don't have one, so we've opted for their Yelp listing instead. As you can see, these guys like to keep things simple, with an emphasis on quality. Unlike most of the other places on the list, you don't actually dine here. You call in your order, pick it up, and head back to your accommodations, or perhaps maybe take your to-go order to the beach to watch the sunset in the evening.

3. Shark Pit Social

Many locals and visitors alike consider this the best food truck anywhere. That is if you enjoy Asian fusion and Hawaiian food. Conveniently, it's located just off Front Street in historic Lahaina Town, on Papalaua Street. That means you can easily get there on foot after joining us aboard one of our Maui ocean excursions, or after exploring the charms of Lahaina Town. When you arrive, you'll find a small area with a food truck, a tent, and some benches. It has become so popular, there is often a wait at peak mealtimes, so you might want to avoid those. The experience is worth it!

4. Leilani’s

Not sure what kind of food you're in the mood for? This restaurant features a combination of Hawaiian, seafood, and new American fare, so you've got options. This is the place to go when you're exploring the lively Ka'anapali Beach area. Leilani's is located in Whaler's Village, a fun place to shop just steps from the sand. It's a popular resort location, so expect an upbeat, buzzing atmosphere. This is a casual but attractive sit-down place with outdoor seating that gives you some nice ocean views. What sets this place apart from the ones above is the desserts. Try the Hula Pie!

5. Star Noodle

You'll find this delightful restaurant in Lahaina, tucked away on Kupuohi Street, just a minute or two from the Lahaina Cannery Mall. This is the place for your noodle cravings, which can easily be sated with their amazing ramen and Asian fusion dishes. Although its surrounding area is rather barren, the restaurant's interior is attractive, which makes it feel like quite an oasis. Despite its hidden location, it does get crowded there, so you may want to make a reservation or stop by outside peak meal times. As you'll discover if you visit their website, the menu is fairly broad for a noodle place. They'll even work with you on vegetarian options.

6. Lahaina Luna Cafe

Although this delightful place is known for Hawaiian and Asian Fusion food, you'll definitely find some American menu options in the mix. Its location on Front Street couldn't get more convenient if you're exploring Lahaina Town, or joining us on a Maui ocean cruise. In fact, you'll find it just a short walk from the scenic Lahaina Harbor where we operate our excursions. Consider it the perfect opportunity to explore some Hawaiian dishes mixed with options for familiar favorites like burgers and fries. The versatility of the menu makes it great for families with kids.

7. Hula Grill Kaanapali

Consider this place a nice alternative to Leilani's. Both of these fantastic restaurants are located in Whaler's Village in Ka'anapali, perched beside a world renowned mile-long stretch of beach. That means you can bounce back and forth between shopping, swimming, sunbathing and dining, or just grabbing a drink to refresh yourself. Also like Leilani's, the menu features new American, Hawaiian, and seafood fare. Although both restaurants have a lot in common, you may want to explore each menu before you choose between them. If you find yourself standing between them, it might just come down to which restaurant has a shorter wait time. Either way, you're sure to enjoy a tasty meal.

8. Okazuya & Deli Honokowai

This fantastic casual restaurant is at the same location as The Fish Market Maui, the first restaurant on our list. Both are equally casual, but while the Fish Market is all about seafood, Okazuya features a larger menu full of Hawaiian and Japanese traditional favorites, including fantastic breakfast options. Also, it's a perfect choice if you want to experience a classic Hawaiian plate lunch on your way to or from the beach.

9. Ono Tacos

Conveniently located in Lahaina, right off Honoapiilani Highway, you'll find a terrific Mexican food truck that serves tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more. The flavors are outstanding, the prices are cheap, and the location couldn't possibly be easier to get to if you're cruising around Lahaina. The fish tacos are amazing, and so is the friendly service. If you have a craving for good old fashioned Mexican food, this is the ideal spot to sate your craving while you're on the go.

10. Ono Kau Kau

"Ono" means good and "Kau Kau" means food in Hawaiian, which applies to this local favorite. Yet another amazing place to eat in Honokowai, this one is as casual as they come, and they do have a few tables, so you can sit and eat there or take your food to go. The menu features classic Hawaiian and Chinese fare. Despite how small the restaurant is, their menu is surprisingly big, so you might even want to figure out what you want before you get there. One of the perks of this place is that they serve breakfast all day!

When you're on vacation, amazing food is the best fuel to keep you going on your adventures. Here on Maui, there are too many things to do and see in the space of one vacation. The same can easily be said about the places to eat, but hopefully this is enough to get you started. If you miss some of these places on your first trip, you may want to keep them in mind for your next one! We hope you enjoy these places as much as we do! Mahalo!

The Health Benefits of Snorkeling

Whether you're looking forward to trying it for the first time, or you're already hooked on Maui snorkeling excursions, knowing the associated health benefits can enhance your enjoyment of this wonderful experience. Not only that, but you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by all the good things that snorkeling does for both the body and mind. How often do we find an activity that's gentle on the body while helping to keep us fit and soothing our stress? Yes, snorkeling can do all this for us and more. Here's how.

Breathing: When you're snorkeling, breathing tends to be more deliberate, and requires some extra effort from your lungs because you're breathing through a tube. Think of it as a mild breathing exercise as you explore the underwater world from the safety of the surface. It helps increase the strength of your lungs, and therefor, your maximal oxygen uptake. This is an important part of your aerobic fitness.

Joint Mobility: While there's no end to the land-based exercises that can put stress on your joints, snorkeling opens a whole new world of opportunity for gentle exercise. It's a particularly wonderful option if your mobility is limited because you suffer from joint pain, obesity or stiffness. In the water, your buoyancy prevents the pressure of your weight on your joints. In fact, snorkeling has been recommended by health care experts for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and conditions that cause inflammation, including neck problems. The snorkel and mask prevents the need for movements that can cause neck pain. As you get more comfortable with snorkeling, you can also increase the duration and intensity of your sessions over time as your fitness improves. Speaking of fitness...

Fitness: Snorkeling strengthens a number of important muscles throughout the body, such as your calves, ankles, quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors, among others. Because it's a full-body exercise, you not only work the bigger muscles, but the many smaller ones that play a vital role in stabilizing your body and preventing injuries. Snorkeling helps enhance your strength and endurance, burning an estimated 300 calories an hour. How do you know whether your session was adequately challenging? Well, falling asleep the minute your face hits the pillow is a good sign.

Mental Health: Not only does the aforementioned exercise enhance the good feelings that endorphins create, but the steady breathing we talked about earlier helps play a role in soothing stress. Some compare it to the effects of meditation, which is also enhanced by the receptive state that you're in when you're exploring a fascinating new underwater world. Observing the natural behaviors of vibrant marine life has been shown to positively influence those with ADHD and anxiety disorders. The steady breathing, gentle exercise and delightful sights come together for a relaxing experience that can ease the mind, and also put the world into a new perspective.

Cardiovascular Health: Because snorkeling combines steady exercise and breathing, along with cooling temperatures, it can greatly enhance your circulation. It increases the heart rate enough to strengthen your heart muscles, decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and other related conditions. As it increases your lung capacity, oxygenation of the bloodstream can also improve, which helps to fuel the health of your entire body.

With all of these benefits in mind, we hope you'll take the time to do some snorkeling on your Maui vacation, whether you try it at a beach, or join us aboard a Hawaii snorkeling excursion. Mahalo!

5 Uniquely Hawaiian Fish Species Found in Maui Coral Reefs

Thinking about joining us for a Maui snorkeling tour? Ours can take you to the lovely little crescent island of Molokini, or to the scenic shores of neighboring Lanai island. No doubt you're most excited about the fascinating types of marine life that you'll discover, and aside from the turtles and dolphins that we frequently see on our tours, there are some truly special fish that you may see as you explore these vibrant underwater ecosystems. What makes them special? About 20 percent of the reef fish that live in Hawaii are found nowhere else on Earth. Some are sighted frequently, others on rare occasion. We can't list them all in one blog, so here are five of the most beautiful, recognizable, and uniquely Hawaiian fish that you might spot on our snorkeling tours.

Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)

Hawaiian Name: None

Sighting Frequency: Rare

Physical Description: Disc-shaped fish that grows to about 5 inches in length. Coloration is vivid orange marbled with turquoise. Rich royal blue tail color with nearly black marbling extends through the middle of the body to the base of the head.

This is the only common angelfish found in Hawaii's reefs, and also one of the most stunning of all fish you might encounter here. Sightings are rare because it prefers branching corals and ledges deeper than 20 feet. Active during the day, it remains close to the shelter of the coral while feeding on algae and detritus typically found on dead coral surfaces.

Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

Hawaiian Name: hīnālea lauwili

Sighting Frequency: Common

Physical Description: A long-bodied fish reaches up to 11 inches in length. The body is predominantly dusky green. The head typically features a deep royal blue hue, followed by a bold orange vertical stripe, which is also followed by a soft white stripe in males.

This fish is one of the most common, recognizable sightings that you can find in the reefs around the main Hawaiian islands, including Molokini and Lanai, where we operate our tours. This opportunistic feeder can be found gliding around the reefs, pecking at invertebrates, fish eggs, and algae. They can sometimes be seen spawning in groups in spring and summer afternoons during new moon phases in low tide. The behavior involves the group darting upward and releasing clouds of sperm and eggs before descending back to the reef.

Bandit Angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus)

Hawaiian Name: None

Sighting Frequency: Rare

Physical Description: Disc-shaped fish that grows to about seven inches. Easily distinguished by the thick black bar running from its eyes to the end of its body just above the tail. The body is cream colored above the bar and pure white below the bar. Another thick black streak runs along the end of its tail and down to the anal fin.

One of the most vivid of Hawaii's reef fish because its bold white and black coloration, this fish is hard to miss when you're in its habitat. You will not often spot one of these while snorkeling, but if SCUBA diving, you may find it feeding on sponges at 70+ feet in depth. Interestingly enough, this fascinating fish is found in depths as shallow as 25 feet around the cooler Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiian Sergeant (Abudefduf abdominalis)

Hawaiian Name: mamo

Sighting Frequency: Common

Physical Description: Disc-shaped, and growing up to 9 inches in length. A silvery blue fish with vertical black stripes and a splash of yellow at the center of the body for adults (top of the body for juveniles).

The Hawaiian Sergeant is one of the more common attractive species that you can find in many shallow reef environments while snorkeling. The sergeant tends to be found in aggregations just above the reef outcrops and ledges. In these areas, they feed on zooplankton carried by the current.

Fantailed Filefish (Pervagor spilosoma)

Hawaiian Name: 'ō'ili 'uwi 'uwi

Sighting Frequency: Rare

Physical Description: Football shaped fish growing up to about 7 inches in length. The body is predominantly yellow, mottled throughout by small black spots. The head comes to a sharp point at the mouth, which is white at the tip. The tail is bright orange and shaped like a fan, with a black stripe and a yellow stripe at the end. A pronounced dorsal spine is located at the top of the head, directly above the eye.

This versatile species can be found between 30 and 60 feet, but have also been found in both deeper and shallower waters among the coral reefs. An opportunistic feeder, this species will dine on everything from algae to invertebrates. Sightings tend to be rare because you never know when or where this flashy fish will pop up, and their population cycles could be described as boom-or-bust. Let's hope you're out snorkeling with us during one of their booms.

We hope to see you aboard one of our Maui snorkeling tours soon so you can enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's stunning coral reefs and the many beautiful species that make their home there. If you have any questions about the many creatures that you see, feel free to ask our knowledgeable crew about them. We're happy to answer any questions you might have. Mahalo!

Top 10 Beaches in West Maui

Trying to figure out which beaches are worth a visit on your Maui vacation? When it comes to the Valley Isle, you'll have access to more choices than any other Hawaiian island, with over 30 miles worth of beaches to enjoy. That means whatever your preferences, your favorite beach is out there somewhere. It's just a matter of finding the one that suits you best. This handy guide to the top 10 beaches in West Maui is a convenient way to narrow down your search, especially if you're staying at West Maui accommodations. Most of the following beaches are good for swimming and soaking up the sun, so along with describing their character, we'll highlight whether they're especially good for snorkeling, surfing and families with kids. To keep things simple, we'll start at the southernmost beach at Olowalu and work our way north to end at Kapalua.

Olowalu Shoreline

Good For: Snorkeling

Olowalu Shoreline includes numerous little beaches that are the first you'll see as you drive from Central Maui to West Maui. Take your pick! These beaches are easy to spot because they're so close to the main road, Honoapi'ilani Highway. Yes, you'll have the sound of cars going by while you're on the beach, but once you've donned your snorkeling gear and begun exploring the incredible coral reefs at this location, you'll forget all about the road. Between the fish, shrimp, urchins, crabs, octopus and other reef dwellers that live amongst these corals, you never know what exciting new sighting to expect. The reefs in this area are shallow, and come very close to the surface, but there are sandy channels you can follow to and from the beach. For the best results, pick your spot bright and early on one of those sparkling clear mornings when the water is barely rippling. Just be careful of the thorns dropped by the kiawe trees.

Kamehameha Iki Beach Park

Good For: Surfing

Just before you reach historic Lahaina Town with its many charming shops and restaurants, you'll find this convenient little beach. From this stretch of sand, you can easily see the scenic Lahaina Harbor not far from its northern end. Also known as Armory Park, Kamehameha Iki is known best for its historic significance, and its two shore breaks. As such, you'll often see surf classes being held here. The south break is best suited to the advanced surfer who is already familiar with it, while the north break provides consistent, small waves suited to beginners. If you'd rather go for a swim, opt for the middle of the beach on calm, clear mornings. If you like watching the surfers, go in the late afternoon, nestle into your beach chair or towel, and enjoy the show!

Kaanapali Beach

Good For: Snorkeling

This mile-long stretch of gorgeous white sand is a lovely place to swim, lay out on the sand, and watch the people go by. At its north end, you'll find Black Rock, which anchors plenty of reef for snorkelers to explore. The rock is also used by some adventurous folk for cliff jumping. Kaanapali Beach is home to no less than seven resorts, as well as Whaler's Village, which offers a high-end shopping experience, and several dining options. This beach is best if you want convenient access to food and shopping, and if you enjoy the active buzz of the crowd while still having plenty of space to pick out your own spot on the sand. If you prefer the tranquility of an uncrowded beach, you'll want to skip this one.

Kahekili Beach Park

Good For: Families, Snorkeling

Just north of Kaanapali Beach, you'll find this quieter, less commercial stretch of beautiful sand. Although the beach is soft, you'll find shallow reef as soon as you enter the water. This makes it an excellent place for beginning snorkelers, including young ones. The reefs protect the beach from waves, helping to block currents and keep conditions calm. It's not so ideal for swimming, unless you're snorkeling, but the beach itself is perfectly pleasant for lounging. You'll often see beginning diving classes held here because it's such a nice place to learn, and there isn't much depth to worry about. Green sea turtles frequent the area, and there are plenty of fish and other marine life to see when exploring the reef.

Honokowai Beach Park

Good for: Families, Snorkeling

This cozy little beach is scenic and calm. The reefs lie along the shoreline, forming a safe little pool that young children find delightful to play in. The lush canopy of trees along its edges provide nice spots where parents can sit in the shade chatting, admiring the views and watching the little ones. The beach itself is on the narrow side, but one of the pluses is the gradual slope out in the water. Because it's shallow for quite a long distance, waves don't tend to get very far. The reefs house a lovely array of marine life as well. Nearby, there are several great places to grab food that you can bring with you. To add to its family-friendly quality, this beach is alcohol-free.

Napili Bay

Good For: Families

Relatively uncrowded, Napili Bay provides a charming, crescent shaped beach with a moderate slope and a sandy bottom. Although it can be a bit tricky to find parking, but the waters are frequently calm, making it convenient for families with children. As with every beach, conditions can get rough sometimes, usually as the day progresses, so just avoid the water if there are any waves. Sea turtle sightings are common, as there is some reef further out from shore. Being that it fronts a residential neighborhood with some condos, one of the perks is that you get to avoid the commercial elements and the hustle and bustle of the hotels. That being said, there are conveniences at this beach, including bathrooms, a general store and some nearby restaurants.

Oneloa Beach

Good For: snorkeling

In Hawaiian, Oneloa means "long sand," which is appropriate, given it's a quarter of a mile in length. For all its space and beauty, you'll find that it tends to be uncrowded. The eastern end of the beach is home to a shallow reef near the parking lot path, but the western end has a pleasantly sandy bottom. You can find nice snorkeling areas on both ends. Its finest feature is its peaceful atmosphere. Most people overlook it, although it can be conveniently accessed by the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which fronts the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort. If you're looking for a quiet, tranquil place to settle down on the sand and watch the sunset, or go for a peaceful morning swim, Oneloa Beach is a real gem.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

Good For: surfing

Although this beach can sometimes get crowded, there is plenty of space down its long, sandy expanse. The gradual slope is ideal for lounging and sunbathing. Conveniently, the ironwood trees offer shade, and there are shower and restroom facilities. It also features grills and picnic tables if you want to cook up your food or bring some with you. Although the beach is popular, it isn't nearly as touristy as Kaanapali Beach. The north swells bring good surf, and it's not only a preferred spot for surfers, but also for bodyboarders. Although conditions can kick up powerfully, there are lifeguards. As always, stick to clear, early mornings to enjoy lovely swimming conditions.

Honolua Bay

Good For: Surfing, Snorkeling

This is the one beach we're suggesting that's too rocky for good sunbathing or swimming. That being said, it's absolutely amazing for snorkeling when conditions are calm, and surfing when the swells are up. Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so taking anything is strictly prohibited, and that includes everything from fish to broken pieces of coral to rocks. When you go snorkeling here, you'll find out why it's such an important place for good stewardship. At this location, you'll discover a rainbow of gorgeous fish, and probably spot some turtles as well. As long as you opt for one of those calm, clear, early mornings, you're guaranteed to discover some truly amazing marine life. The visibility tends to be best away from the shoreline, even though it's rocky. Although this bay is relatively large, its whole expanse is just teeming with life, especially on the western side. In the winter, the swells bring amazing waves, which is why it's widely considered one of the best surf breaks in Maui waters, and even the world. Conveniently, it features an overlook on the east cliff where you can watch the surfers tackle the mesmerizing waves.

Slaughterhouse Beach

Good For: Surfing, Snorkeling

Before you start to worry, this beach didn't earn its name from its conditions, but from the Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse that was once located up on the cliff. Its Hawaiian name is Mokule’ia, which means “district of abundance.” People come to surf and to admire the wild, dramatic scenery from this pleasant stretch of sand. When the swells are up, the waves can get dangerously large in the winter, even for advanced surfers. The waves are much milder in the summer, and better suited to beginners. If you prefer uncrowded beaches, this one offers plenty of space for basking in the sun or sitting in the shade cast by the trees and cliffs above. If you'd like to go for a swim, opt for calm, clear, early mornings for the safest and most peaceful conditions. The same is true if you'd like to snorkel. Both ends of the beach feature an exciting collection of marine life. Just make sure to respect the ocean, and make your way back to the land as soon as conditions start to get rough. You'll find a small parking lot here, and a set of concrete stairs (with railing) to take you down the 100-foot-cliff to the beach.

When you're ready to take your Maui ocean adventures a step further, we hope you'll join us aboard one of our tours. We'll be happy to have you join us aboard our Maui sunset dinner cruise, and we can take you on a snorkeling tour to Lanai or Molokini. Mahalo!