With emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table produce, bold flavors and tropical inspiration, its no wonder Hawaiian food has taken the country by storm. While we absolutely recommend a local plate lunch (or ten) during your next visit to Maui, we also suggest these Upcountry restaurants, known for their amazing range of cuisine, located from the north shore of Maui to the scenic slopes of Haleakala Volcano.

We look forward to sharing our local knowledge of Upcountry Maui with you, either by bike or van, and hope you enjoy our dining suggestions to make the most of your trip!

Maui’s Best Upcountry Restaurants

 

Restaurant Marlow

The newest addition to eating Upcountry is at a new center across from the Long’s in Pukalani.  Restaurant Marlow is owned and operated by Chef Jeff Scheer and a hard-working crew of pizza-loving chefs. They’re quickly becoming the “GO TO” for Upcountry lunch on Maui.

Definitely try the meatballs and get a salad.  They don’t take reservations, but takeout is very popular.  Call (808) 868-3366 to order a wood-fired sourdough pizza with sides.  The Mahalo Aleworks also just opened up next door!

 

 

Grandma’s Coffee House

Located on a scenic piece of land along Kula Highway, Grandma’s is a staple in the local restaurant business. With a cozy interior and low-key outdoor lanai, order a cup of Grandma’s organic, house-roasted coffee, a specialty of the property since roasting began in 1918.

Open daily at 7am, this is a popular breakfast stop after witnessing a beautiful sunrise at the summit of Haleakala, evidenced by the line of people that frequently reaches the door. Favorite dishes include the cornbread waffle benedict (weekends only) and bullseye, and don’t miss the pineapple banana dream cake for dessert!

 

La Provence

If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, simply journey to Kula’s own French gem, La Provence. Enjoy outdoor dining with a view of Maui’s central valley, and head here for a spectacular Sunday brunch or memorable lunch or dinner.

Originally from France and a Maui resident for more than 20 years, Chef Michelier brings the best of both worlds to the La Provence menu, including popular items like the veggie and goat cheese crepe, salade de canard confit, poulet au brie, and amazing assortment of homemade pastries!

 

Havens Pukalani

Another new spot for ono grinds is opening up in Pukalani.  After the enormous popularity of the Havens Maui North Kihei location, Havens chef Zach Sato is opening up a commercial kitchen in Pukalani with a foodtruck along with another foodtruck in Kahului.  

Smash burgers, noodles, and sushi make this the perfect spot for locals and visitors to grab lunch or dinner.  Fresh and fast, Chef only sources locally, which is obvious when enjoying their ribs or saimin.  YUM! Make your online order or call (808) 868-2600.

 

O’o Farm

For a more immersive, hands-on kind of dining experience on Maui, we highly recommend a visit to O’o Farm, located on the slopes of Haleakala at 3,500 feet in the forest of Waipoli. The tour begins with a guided walk through the farm grounds, where you’ll learn about the most popular crops grown in the area, before actually helping pick ingredients for your own salad.

A professional chef then prepares your three-course gourmet meal while you finish touring the property. The food is fresh, inventive and delicious, and the outdoor seating area is gorgeous and refreshing. Bonus: Bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal!

 

Cafe des Amis

Located conveniently in the heart of Paia Town, Cafe des Amis offers a wide array of Mediterranean and Indian dishes in a charming indoor and outdoor setting. Most popular for breakfast and happy hour, expect a fun, relaxed restaurant with funky tunes and yummy dishes.

Choose from sweet and savory food options like the lentil and pesto crepe, banana and toffee sauce crepe, or chicken curry wrap, and be sure to visit between 4 and 6pm to enjoy $5 lilikoi margaritas and live music entertainment!

 

Hali’imaile General Store

Created by award-winning Chef Bev Gannon, Hali’imaile General Store is a great dining option for lunch or dinner. With a menu that highlights both American and Asian cuisine, you can expect gorgeous dishes and mouthwatering flavors at this upscale Maui dining option.

Start with the sashimi napoleon with wasabi vinaigrette before moving onto popular entrees like the horseradish crusted fresh fish with apple-brandy beurre blanc and crispy roast half-duck. The award-winning Hali’imaile pineapple upside down cake is the perfect way to end an amazing meal!

 

Nuka

Open daily for dinner and Monday through Friday for budget-friendly lunch options, Nuka is located conveniently in Haiku (right across from Bike Maui!) Known predominantly for its delicious sushi and seafood menu in a small yet sleek setting, Nuka is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of Maui adventuring.

An order of the furikake crusted ahi is the perfect way to start the meal, while dishes like the hamachi carpaccio, lollipop roll, nuka roll and dynamite baked scallops will satisfy your seafood craving. The black sesame ice cream is also recommended for a unique dessert option. 

 

Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill

Located just across from Maui’s only winery, Ulupalakua Ranch Store is the ideal stop for hungry travelers visiting Upcountry or on the back road journey from the Road to Hana. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, a visit here is a far cry from what most people think of when picturing Maui, with spectacularly lush greenery, open ranch land, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) flare, and cool breezes.

With a menu that features Maui-grown produce, they’re perhaps best known for their elk burgers, our personal favorite menu item, though the taro burger and brisket burrito are close seconds. Executive Chef Will Munder will be happy to talk story with you (as long as the line isn’t too long), so ask him about his current favorite menu items and try them all!

 

 

Mahalo for reading, and we hope you enjoyed our list of Maui’s Favorite Upcountry Restaurants! Which of your favorites did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.