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Food & Nutrition

My Guide to Maui – Fraiche Living

January 25, 2025

Our trip to Maui was a dream come true—beach days that turned into golden sunsets, Mai Tai’s on repeat, and a mix of adventure and relaxation that left us completely recharged. Here’s my personal guide to the best of Maui, complete with restaurants, activities, and where I love to stay.

Where We Stayed: Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

When it comes to family-friendly luxury, the Fairmont Kea Lani is in a league of its own. Nestled in beautiful Wailea, this all-suite and villa resort offered the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence for our family.

Why We Love Fairmont Kea Lani

Pools for Everyone: The resort has multiple pools, including a family pool with the coolest waterslide (a huge hit with the kids) and an adults-only pool for some quiet time.
Beachfront: The resort opens up to a stunning beach, perfect for playing in the sand or soaking in the breathtaking sunsets.
Incredible Dining: From breakfast buffets to poolside snacks at Ama and fine dining, the on-site restaurants have something for everyone. Don’t skip Kō, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The whole menu is unbelievable: my favourites include the Fresh Catch with Coconut Lemongrass Broth, the seared Ahi on the Rock, and the Lavender Honey Crispy Shrimp. If an after dinner beverage overlooking the sunset with live music is your jam, head to Pilina. The sushi is also out of this world.
The staff: The staff here is so amazing! They make you feel like family.
Free laundry: Heading home with a suitcase full of clean laundry? Yes please!

Like seriously, look at this view?

Where to Eat in Maui

If you’re a foodie like me, Maui will not disappoint. From fresh seafood to food trucks that’ll blow your mind, here’s where we dined (and loved every bite) along with all the places we were recommended.

Mamma’s Fish House

This iconic spot is worth the splurge. Nestled beachfront in Paia, the menu highlights locally caught seafood with a tropical twist. Reservations are a must!

Monkeypod Kitchen

Mai Tai connoisseurs, this is your must-visit. Seriously, they are the best in the world according to Charles! The lilikoi foam on top? Chef’s kiss.

Paia Fish Market

This bustling spot in Paia is great for laid-back seafood dishes. The blackened mahi-mahi burger is perfection.

Morimoto

A modern Japanese beach house inspired the design concept for Morimoto Maui. The views are stellar, and don’t skip the Popcorn Shrimp Tempura.

Pilina

Maui’s newest bar and lounge with views of the ocean, incredible sushi, and live music. An impressive drink menu: just ask Charles who tried one of everything one night lol.

Matteo’s

If Italian is what you’re after, this is a great choice with authentic, hand-made pasta. I was stuck at a waterfall when our crew dined here but they all gave it rave reviews.

Ferraro’s

This place will always hold a special place in my heart: it is where Charles proposed to me. Located in the Four Season’s hotel, it’s a bit pricy but the views, food (high-end Italian), and service were exceptional.

Flatbread Company

For exceptional pizza, head to Paia. Happiest cooks I ever saw and the food was incredible. Get the Paia Salad that comes with a pineapple vinaigrette (so good), and my favourite pizza was the Coevolution with sausage added to it.

Kō

Kō brings to life the exotic blend of multicultural influences — China, Japan, Philippines, Korea and Portugal – that is the quintessential cuisine of Hawaiʻi.

Leoda’s Pie Shop

You’re not leaving Maui without pie, and Leoda’s is the place. Banana cream pie? Yes, please.

Maui Brewing Co.

Craft beer lovers, this one’s for you! Their tasting flights pair perfectly with a slice of their wood-fired pizza.

808 Deli

A great spot for a quick, delicious sandwich or salad to take to the beach.

Star Noodle

Fresh, flavourful Asian-inspired dishes in a modern setting. Apparently you can’t skip the garlic noodles or steamed pork buns.

Coconuts Fish Cafe

For amazing fish tacos served with aloha. Bonus: it’s super family-friendly!

Fred’s Mexican Café

Taco Tuesday, anyone? Grab a margarita and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Kihei Café

Start your day here with macadamia nut pancakes or a loco moco. It’s a breakfast institution in Maui.

What to Do in Maui

Maui is where adventure meets relaxation. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or snorkelling with turtles, there’s no shortage of things to do. While I did not do everything on this list, I added lots of things to do recommended to me on Instagram!

First things first…I highly recommend booking a photoshoot with Flytographer! It’s something I do on every family trip, and it’s such a treat to have memories beautifully captured with EVERYONE in the photo (no one stuck behind the camera!). Use the discount code FRAICHE50 to save $50 on your very own photoshoot and make those moments last forever.

1. Road to Hana

This legendary drive is an all-day affair with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and jaw-dropping views. The waterfall I cliff jumped off of was at mile 10, but it’s not an easy (or safe) trek as there are VERY limited spots to pull off that wild road. There are companies that can take you in to jump off waterfalls that would be much safer and easier to access.

2. Kapalua Coastal Trail

A stunning coastal hike that’s easy for all fitness levels. You’ll pass beautiful beaches and lava rock formations.

3. Bamboo Forest

Part of the Pipiwai Trail, this magical hike takes you through a towering bamboo forest. It’s like stepping into another world.

4. Snorkeling at Black Rock Beach

A great spot for beginners to snorkel with colourful fish and maybe even a turtle or two.

5. Big Beach

True to its name, this stretch of sand is BIG and stunning. The surf can be intense, so take care if swimming.

6. Wailea Shops

For a bit of retail therapy, these upscale shops are the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or treat yourself.

8. Kamaole Beach Park 2

A family-friendly beach with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling or just soaking up the sun.

9. Molokini

Book a boat tour to snorkel at this crescent-shaped crater. The crystal-clear water is unbelievable.

10. South Maui Gardens

A hidden gem with beautiful gardens and a café serving fresh, healthy bites.

11. Hoʻokipa Beach

Located near Lower Pāʻia, this beach is a good place to watch professional surfers. They make it look so easy!

12. Day Trip to Pāʻia and Makawao

Makawao is a soulful little eclectic town, with as much diversity in shops as in people. I love browsing through the shops and grabbing an ice cream. Pā’ia is similar, but if you only have a chance to go to one, I would choose Makawao personally.

13. Hike Haleakala Crater

Catch a spectacular sunrise if you’re an early bird or a sunset for the night owl’s. A prior reservation is required to be admitted to the park for sunrise.