




Hula Grill Kaanapali
About
Toes in the Sand Dining
At Hula Grill Kaanapali, the boundary between the dining room and the Pacific Ocean practically disappears. Located right on the shores of West Maui, this spot captures the quintessential Hawaiian beach vibe. You’ll find the sound of crashing waves competing with live slack-key guitar performances, creating a soundtrack that is far more authentic than any curated playlist. It is the kind of place where the salt air mingles with the scent of searing fresh fish, and guests trade formal shoes for flip-flops.
Farm-to-Table Island Flavors
Executive Chef Charlie Owen focuses heavily on what is grown and caught within the islands. The menu acts as a roadmap for local agriculture, featuring staples like the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi—a dish that has become a legend in Lahaina. If you’re coming for dinner, the Poke Tacos are a must-order, delivering a crunch that cuts through the buttery texture of the ahi. For dessert, there is no debate; the Hula Pie, piled high with macadamia nut ice cream and fudge, is mandatory sharing material.
A Local Perspective
The transition from the sun-drenched lunch crowd to the sunset cocktail hour is seamless, though be prepared for a bit of a scramble if you haven't secured a reservation near the railing before the sun dips below the horizon. The open-air architecture means you’ll feel the breeze on your neck, and the atmosphere leans heavily into a boisterous, joyous island energy. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or just seeking a reprieve from the heat of a Kaanapali afternoon, the service remains brisk and characteristically warm, even when the house is packed to capacity.
Photos








Amenities & Features
Location
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Bldg. P1, Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761-1980
More to Explore
More cuisines in Lahaina
▼
Reviews
Showing 10 of 7394 community reviewsmnaxwGoogle Maps
Recently
The food is highly rated, and while it’s a bit pricey, that’s honestly expected. Our waitress was very kind and understanding, especially with how hot and loud it was. The atmosphere wasn’t the most comfortable, but the service definitely helped make up for it. Overall, I’d mainly come back for the food, it was all really good. Portions are on the smaller side, but they’ll fill you up eventually. @meta.max
90s CraigGoogle Maps
Recently
We had a great meal at Hula Grill, but I do need to mention the behavior of some of the other patrons. To be fair, they were there before we arrived and seemed to consider the entire restaurant their personal property. They spent most of the evening wandering between tables, stepping on my feet, staring aggressively at our french fries, and generally acting like they owned the place. One particularly bold guest got way too comfortable with our table and appeared ready to help himself to dinner. Another decided the floor next to us was an appropriate restroom facility. Management didn't even ask him to leave. Fortunately, the food more than made up for it. The Hula Pie was incredible, the service was excellent, and despite the questionable behavior of some of the regulars, everyone seemed to tolerate them. In hindsight, I probably should have realized the dress code was a little different for patrons with feathers. 5 stars. 🥧🍟🐦
John RubischkoGoogle Maps
Recently
Omg...best overall place on Kanapali. Best Bartender. Ahi Tuna Steak was AMAZING. Lobster Shrimp Potstickers were perfect start. Add best atmosphere. We wanted to try Monkey Pod, but left after 1 drink to come back here after seeing their menu. A must place to eat.
Jen NobleGoogle Maps
Recently
Toes in the sand beachfront restaurant! Sunset views with live music. Limited menu but fun and memorable atmosphere. Another Hula pie restaurant that’s the same as Duke’s! Swordfish was substituted for the fresh fish of the evening instead of mahi mahi for the fish n chips. Fish was delicious as was the tartar sauce and tart Lilikoi dipping sauce. Slaw was old and soggy which was not good and neither were the cold fries. The swordfish was delicious though! My husband loved his salty n sweet mango bbq pork and pineapple flatbread. Stop in for dinner on the beach🍹!
CindyGoogle Maps
Recently
This was a great choice for our lunch. The live music was relaxing, the service was friendly and the food was delicious. We had the fish and chips, Hawaiian Fruit and Greens salad with grilled swordfish and the Kapulu Joe pork sandwich. All of the food was fresh and unique in the flavor.
NicoleGoogle Maps
Recently
We love coming here during our trips to the island. We stay close by and so coming here for lunch is nice. The food is good. It's not the best food ever but it's solid and yummy. The service is always nice and it's right next to the beach. They are fantastic with kids and always have a reservation when we book.
Ernest WilliamsGoogle Maps
Recently
We didn’t actually have a full meal at Hula Grill, but we still had a great experience. The location is beautiful and the staff was really friendly. Service was quick and welcoming. We stopped in mainly for dessert and drinks. The Hula Pie was amazing and the Plantation Lemonade was super refreshing. Both were really good and definitely worth trying. I can’t speak on the rest of the menu, but based on the service, atmosphere, and those two items alone, it was a great stop.
Adam RugglesGoogle Maps
Recently
Outstanding lunch at Hula Grill Kaanapali. The Chicken Thai Flatbread was absolutely delicious, packed with flavor, satisfying, and the kind of dish you keep going back to because every bite delivers. The Chinese Chicken Salad was fresh, crisp, flavorful, and generously portioned. Nothing skimpy, nothing tired, just really good food done right. We also had a large glass of Pinot Noir and a mai tai, and both hit the mark. The wine was served quickly and at room temperature, exactly as it should be, and the ice water came out immediately, which was especially appreciated in the Maui heat. There was also live music, which was a great touch. It was fun, relaxed, and had that authentic Hawaiian feel that really adds to the whole experience. Rick, our server, was excellent. He was clearly busy, but he stayed attentive, friendly, and on top of everything. He made sure we were taken care of quickly without ever feeling rushed, and that kind of service makes a big difference. Great food, generous portions, strong service, and a relaxed Kaanapali vibe. Five stars all day.
Linda SuskieGoogle Maps
Recently
This is a very nice upscale restaurant, at least at dinnertime. One of the best meals we had on Maui. I took the photos of our meals after we started eating (and swapped sides), so they don't do the meals justice. I'm knocking a star off Atmosphere because it was very noisy--we had a hard time having a conversation. At these prices I expect a somewhat quieter atmosphere where we can talk comfortably. Note that reservations for dinner are essential.
David KGoogle Maps
Recently
What a great night. The staff was fantastic and very friendly. We did the Chef’s Tasting Menu. We opted for the potsticker surf & turf and Kiawe roasted vegetables dip. For dinner my wife had the macadamia nut crusted fish and really liked it. I had the Hawaiian salt rub steak and it was cooked perfectly. We also had the original hula pie which is macadamia nut ice cream. This location offers great views and a decent sunset. If you’re thinking of eating here just do it, you’ll be glad you did.
Comments & Reviews
Please sign in to write a review.
No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hula Grill Kaanapali
Common questions from diners about Hula Grill Kaanapali in Lahaina.
Nearby Restaurants
$$