7 Maui Restaurants for Catching the Sunset

Maui sunset. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Glenn G.

Maui is known for its gorgeous, vibrant sunsets. It’s almost as if the sky is showing off for locals who are lucky enough to live here and visitors who don’t want to leave. While there are plenty of great places around the island to catch the colorful sunset, here are seven ideas if you’d like to take in the sky’s show with a cocktail in hand.

1. Fleetwood’s on Front Street

Sunset ceremony at Fleetwood’s on Front Street in Lahaina. Photo courtesy of Fleetwood’s.

Every evening at sunset, guests at Fleetwood’s are treated to a spectacular sunset ceremony on the rooftop patio that includes music, history, torch lighting, singing and a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The Mai Tai and margarita tend to be consistent crowd favorites at this Lāhainā restaurant, owned by musician Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. You’ll want to make reservations for the rooftop, and come early for happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., when Fleetwood offers $1 oysters and 2 for 1 drink specials.

2. Sea House Restaurant

Outdoor dining at the Sea House Restaurant in Napili. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Andym5855.

Also on the West side, the Sea House Restaurant is a great option for beachfront dining, overlooking serene Napili Bay. With a relaxed beach vibe, this open-air restaurant welcomes you to take in the sunset as you sip a Napili Sunset, a signature cocktail blending orange vodka, mango purée, Passion Orange Guava (POG) and cranberry juice. The poke nachos are also a food favorite here. Be sure to go early in the evening to snag seats on the balcony.

3. Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a Restaurant

Sunset from Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a Restaurant at Grand Wailea Resort. Photo courtesy of Rocky A.

Fronting Wailea Beach on the southwest shore of Maui, the Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a Restaurant, named after Hawai‘i’s state fish, at the Grand Wailea Resort, delivers on its promise of stunning sunset views. Guests feel the cool ocean breeze while enjoying dinner and drinks in this open-air setting, under a Polynesian thatch roof and floating above a lagoon filled with tropical fish. This is known as a memorable spot for celebrating special occasions with a beautiful backdrop.

4. Monkeypod Kitchen

Dining at Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea. Photo by Tyfferz Y.

Monkeypod in Kīhei is a popular option that offers value in a vibrant atmosphere. Bringing the local food movement to the table, Monkeypod features locally-sourced ingredients in all its dishes, along with 36 craft brews on tap. If beer is not your thing, you might prefer the Monkeypod Mai Tai, which boasts a burst of flavor with its topping of honey-liliko‘i foam.  There’s also live music every day and happy hour twice a day from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.

5. Mulligans on the Blue

Mulligans on the Blue dining in Wailea. Photo courtesy of Mulligans on the Blue.

Head to Mulligans on the Blue to enjoy Maui’s only Irish pub, featuring great sunset views in Wailea, well-priced beers, and live music in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant’s events calendar has details on upcoming shows.

6. Koa’s Seaside Grill

Dining overlooking the water at Koa’s Seaside Grill in Lahaina. Photo courtesy of Koa’s Seaside Grill.

For a casual vibe with good appetizers and drinks, head to the rooftop at Koa’s Seaside Grill in Lāhaina. Grab a fruity cocktail and settle in for a spectacular sunset and views of Molokaʻi and Lāna‘i.

7. Leilani’s Beachside Grill

Tropical drinks at Leilani’s restaurant at Whaler’s Village in Kā‘anapali. Photo courtesy of Leilani’s.

Leilani’s is a longtime Maui favorite for good reason. Located right on Kā‘anapali Beach in Whaler’s Village, Leilani’s has a reasonably-priced menu and a variety of popular drink options. Try the Ahi poke bowl, a popular option, or a sip a big Mai Tai while you take in the evening sky show.

For more island advice and local travel tips, visit http://islandtravelhawaii.com.