6 Unique, Fun Restaurants – Haleakala National Park

You’re looking for unique, fun restaurants at Haleakala National Park, am I right? Well, I have good news and bad news.

Bad news – there are no restaurants in Haleakala National Park.

Good news – there are dozens of great places to eat on Maui, within driving distance of Haleakala!

Below is a list of, along with descriptions of six of our favorite dining experiences on Maui.

Published August 22, 2024…Updated January 9, 2025

Haleakala National Park is located in the center/south of the island of Maui. While the area immediately around the park lacks restaurants, the western shoreline of Maui is covered by high-rise resorts, shopping, and dining options.

Our first three suggested restaurants are all located in Whaler’s Village, an upscale shopping area just north of Lahaina.

Leilani’s on the Beach

We like EVERYTHING about Leilani’s. It sits right on the beach. The dining room is open-air, looking out at sailboats skimming through the waves at sunset. It’s just spectacular!

The service at Leilani’s is also spectacular. Our server was very friendly. We spent several minutes talking with her about the island and her personal life. She was attentive to our needs and very helpful.

And the food! Delicious! Mary Ellen had coconut shrimp, and I had prime rib, and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. To top it off, check out the photo below. Hula Pie! WooHoo!

Pro Tip

• Make reservations early – at least one week early – two weeks would be better!
• Parking – There is a parking garage just past Whalers Village on Kaanapali Parkway. Use it. Leialani’s will validate your parking ticket.

The Deets:

• Vibe – Fine dining in a casual atmosphere
• Location – Whaler’s Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
• Hours –
  • Beach Bar – Monday – Sunday | 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
  • Dining Room – Monday – Sunday | 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Google Rating – 4.5 stars
• Website – www.lealanis.com
• Cost – $30-$50 per person

Monkeypod Kitchen

There are two Monkeypod Kitchens in Maui—one in Whalers Village and the other in Wailea. There are also two Monkeypod Kitchens on Oahu. Since we were lodging in Wailea, we ate dinner at this one.

I thought “Monkeypod” was an odd name for a restaurant until I learned about the Monkeypod tree (pictured below), which thrives on the islands. Now it all makes sense!

The Monkeypod Kitchen qualifies as both unique and fun. There was already a line when we arrived a bit after 5:00 pm. Fortunately, we had reservations.

The space is large, with a patio outside and an open dining room inside, complete with a long bar at the back of the room. It’s a loud space, even before the live music began. There’s a lot of energy in the room!

Our food was excellent. I devoured fish tacos while Mary Ellen tried the Veggie Gnocchi. Both were scrumptious! We topped it off with Coconut Cream Pie and Chocolate Cream Pie.

Pro Tips

• For the Kaanapali location, follow the same tips mentioned above for Leilani’s. The Monkeypod located in Wailea is in a shopping center with a large parking lot, so no issues.
• Again, like Leilani’s, make reservations early – these restaurants are crowded!

The Deets:

• Vibe – Busy; Loud; Upbeat; Fun
• Location – Two locations on Maui; Whalers Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI; 10 Wailea Gateway Center, Kihei, HI
• Hours – 11:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
• Google Rating – 4.5 stars
• Website – www.monkeypodkitchen.com
• Cost – $30-$50 per person (plus tax & tip)

Hula Grill

Sometimes, you just want a burger, right? Try the Hula Grill! You can sit inside or dine outside under the palm umbrellas right on the beach. This was the most relaxing, laid-back meal we ate our entire time in Maui.

Our server was a friendly sort, and we spent some time chatting with him. While waiting for our food, we enjoyed live music by a singer with just his acoustic guitar, performing classic 70s soft-rock hits from James Taylor and Cat Stevens. It took me back to my high school years!

Hula Grill also has wonderful views of the beach and ocean just beyond the edge of the dining area. This is the perfect spot for “people watching”!

Of course, our burgers were perfectly prepared and delicious. This wasn’t surprising—Hula Grill and Leilani’s are owned and operated by the same people.

Not feeling it for a burger? No worries! Hula Grill also serves pizza, fresh seafood, steaks, and the same Hula Pie you can get at Leilani’s. They have a kid’s menu, too.

The Deets:

• Vibe – Beachside dining to live music; Laid back
• Location – Whaler’s Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
• Hours –
  • Restaurant Hours – 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
  • Brunch – Saturday & Sunday – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Lunch – Monday-Sunday – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Barefoot Bar – Monday-Sunday – 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Dinner – Monday-Sunday – 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Live Music Daily – 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
    • Accompanied by Hula Show – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Google Rating – 4.4 stars
• Website – www.hulagrillkaanapali.com
• Cost – $20-$50 per person (plus tax & tip)

Pro Tip

• On your drive to Whalers Village, you will most likely pass through Lahaina. You may remember that Lahaina was devastated by fire on August 8, 2023. Over 2,000 homes, businesses, and other commercial properties were completely destroyed.
• It is heartbreaking to see what was once a thriving community and shopping area for tourists. City block after block was leveled by the fire. But work continues to restore the landmark.
• As you drive by Lahaina, notice the artwork hanging on the fences you pass. It was created by schoolchildren who wanted to share a word of encouragement and love with the community. #lahainastrong

Baked on Maui

Baked on Maui was the most interesting, fun, and unique restaurant experience we had on Maui. Everything about this place made me laugh!

Look at the building in the photo. It looks like an old abandoned metal warehouse. Look at the address—it’s located in the community of “Haiku”. (That makes me feel a bit poetic.) There is a small space inside with a couple or three tables. A man was sitting at one with his dog, which invited everyone to rub its belly as they walked in.

Walking in is easy because the doors and windows are wide open—fresh air! They even serve CBD-infused coffee! Everything about the place screams, “I’m a hippie at heart!” This is truly a “hidden gem.”

The food and coffee are just outstanding. I ate two large cinnamon rolls before Mary Ellen made me leave. The server kindly made me a fresh pot of coffee, which I enjoyed immensely.

Besides the tables inside, there are several tables outside, covered by a pavilion.

Pro Tip

• Baked on Maui can get very busy, so parking can be a challenge. We had to drive up and down the road a couple of times until a parking spot opened up. If you have to do this, don’t worry – the experience is worth it.

The Deets:

• Vibe – Funky!
• Location – 375 W Kuiaha Road, Haiku, Hawaii 96708. This is a little country road that seems to lead nowhere. Baked on Maui is at the top of the hill.
• Google Rating – 4.6 stars
• Website – https://bakedonmaui.com
• Cost – $10-$20 per person (plus tax & tip)

Kula Bistro

Kula Bistro is a delightful spot and another “hidden gem.” The website describes it so well that I’ll just copy the description here…

“Located on the majestic slopes of Haleakala in beautiful Upcountry Maui, Kula Bistro offers fresh, flavorful cuisine in a casual, family-style setting. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the bistro specializes in homestyle food with an Italian flair. Menu items range from classic entrées and local favorites to authentic pastas and pizzas. A decadent selection of homemade desserts and pastries are crafted daily.”

“Kula Bistro opened in 2012 with a vision of offering finely crafted food in an affordable, comfortable venue. The restaurant’s charming atmosphere captures the ambiance of a traditional Italian trattoria. With a wide variety of choices created using only the highest quality, fresh local ingredients, Kula Bistro is an excellent dining experience the whole family will enjoy.” (Taken from www.kulabistro.com)

We found everything they said on the website to be true! Amazing food! (I recommend the Cajun Mahi Sandwich.) Wonderful, friendly service. Desserts to die for. Charming, fun atmosphere. It’s no wonder they are so highly rated!

Pro Tip

• Look for parking either on the street or on the side of the bistro.
• Alcohol is BYOB.
• Kula Bistro does not take reservations.
• Don’t skip dessert!

The Deets:

• Vibe – Traditional Italian trattoria; Very cool; Very hip (Do people still say “hip”?)
• Location – 4566 Lower Kula Road, Kula, Maui, Hawaii 96790
• Hours –
  • Monday – Wednesday
    • Open for Lunch and Dinner – 11 am – 8 pm
  • Thursday – Sunday 
    • Open for Breakfast 7:30 am – 10:15 am
    • Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 am – 8 pm
• Google Rating – 4.7 stars
• Website – https://kulabistro.com
• Cost – $20-$30 per person (plus tax & tip)

The Cinnamon Roll Place

C’mon…with a name like “The Cinnamon Roll Place”, you have to visit this spot!

If you love sweet cinnamon rolls covered in cream cheese icing, fruit scones, bread pudding, etc., this is your kind of place! (It is certainly my kind of place!)

It’s small. It’s not fancy. The seating is located at tables on the sidewalk in front of the shop, facing the parking lot, where chickens will approach you asking for a bite of your breakfast (really!) But those cinnamon rolls are BIG & BEAUTIFUL!

The Deets…

• Vibe – Busy strip mall storefront with seating at tables on the sidewalk!
• Location – 2463 South Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 9675-37285
• Hours – 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily; Closed every Tuesday
• Google Rating – 4.6 stars
• Website –www.cinnamonrollplacemaui.com
• Cost – $1-$10 per person (plus tax & tip)

I’m Gonna Need a Map…

Okay – here’s your map.

In in northwest corner of the map is Whaler’s Village Shopping Mall, where you can find the Hula Grill, Leilani’s on the Beach, and Monkeypod Kitchen.

To the southwest is The Cinnamon Roll Place and the Kikei location of the Monkeypod Kitchen.

And in the central part of the map are Baked on Maui and Kula Bistro, as well as Haleakala National Park.

(Click anywhere on this map to enlarge it.)

“I’ve Got Questions!”

• “Is it just me, or is eating out really expensive in Hawaii?” – It’s not just you. Everything does cost more in Hawaii.
• “Are these restaurants worth the drive time and the cost?” Absolutely! You could probably save time and money by finding a McDonald’s, but for many people, this is a “splurge-worthy, once-in-a-lifetime trip.”
• “Are all of these restaurants kid-friendly?” Yes! Four of them have a “Keiki Menu” (Kids Menu). While Baked on Maui and The Cinnamon Roll Place do not, they both offer several items that your kids are sure to enjoy.

The Verdict – Six Unique, Fun Restaurants – Haleakala National Park

We highly recommend each of these restaurants if you visit Haleakala National Park or anywhere in Maui. Each spot offers a different dining experience. But what they all have in common is excellent food, friendly service, and fond memories…

…and the potential of gaining three or more pounds in a single meal!

Bon Appetit!

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