Exciting Restaurant Openings in Lahaina

Lahaina has always been known for its restaurants and food choices, from yummy acai bowls to 5-star restaurants.  The loss of the beautiful town in the devastating Lahaina wildfires in August 2023 took with it some iconic establishments that will never be forgotten. Fleetwoods on Front Street, Cool Cats Cafe, Lahaina Grill, Kimo’s, Penne Pasta Cafe, and Sale Pepe were just a few cherished eating establishments lost to the fire.

A delicious happy hour…wine and oyster shooters.

The New Restaurant Row

The first to reopen was Mala Ocean Tavern on the north end of Front Street in Lahaina. The first of what is becoming known as Lahaina’s new “restaurant row,” Mala infused joy and hope in the hurting community. Reopening on February 1, 2024, Mala survived the wildfires, however the owners lost some other beloved restaurants, like Down the Hatch further south on Front Street.

Mala’s beautiful oceanfront setting is serving all of its favorites, like Ahi Bruschetta and an assortment of seafood dishes. The restaurant group owns Pizza Paradiso in Honokowai, where they are doing karaoke and trivia night to add some fun to West Maui.

Just a few doors down, Aloha Mixed Plate reopened in its original location on Front Street.  Closed during Covid-19 in 2020, this space had been taken over by as sister restaurant, Star Noodle. Now back where she belongs, Aloha Mixed Plate is serving all of your favorite local food, like shoyu chicken and a loco moco!

Reunited and It Feels So Good

Another Lahaina favorite reopening on October 3, 2024, is Honu Oceanside, right next to Mala Ocean Tavern. This gorgeous oceanfront location is bringing back some other Lahaina icons along with it. Honu’s new Executive Chef is Chef Arnie Gonzalez.  Chef Arnie was the Executive Chef at the beloved (and lost) Lahaina Grill for 27 years.  Annabehl Sinclair-Delaney also comes from Lahaina Grill as Honu’s Mixologist.  Offering local seafood, steaks, locally sourced produce and craft cocktails, Honu is a must for locals and visitors.

Just next door, another Lahaina favorite is back, in a new oceanfront location. Star Noodle, previously home to Frida’s, has revamped this gorgeous location but offering the same delicious menu from before.

New Kid in Town

Located right across the street from Mala Ocean Tavern, comes the new kid on the block, Coco Deck Lahaina. This new spot offers a combination of Mexican, local, American and seafood cuisine.  The poke donut is a must-try!

Coco Deck is also a great place to watch a game with its huge screen and great drink menu. Be sure to check out the wall of Lahaina photos, displaying some iconic Lahaina spots, like the Shark Pit trash can. If you know, you know.  #iykyk

Don’t Forget Some Favorites

Some other Lahaina favorites have found new homes across the island. Penne Pasta Cafe is now a food truck located in Napili. Be sure to go say hello to everyone’s favorite Dodger fan, Chef Juan!

Cool Cat’s Cafe has reopened in Kihei. Offering the island’s best hamburger, they have been able to re-create the same 50s vibe we loved in Lahaina. Although everyone is happy they found a new Maui home, we are keeping out fingers crossed they find another location in Lahaina soon (hint hint).

Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina is getting ready to re-open it’s doors in a new location in the Lahaina industrial area. The whole community and visitors from all over the world are counting down the seconds for Chef Michele’s fresh pasta and pizza favorites. Truffle pasta (my name for it), rigatoni con Speck, funghi e zafferano, lasagna, arancini, the list goes on and on.

A beloved family memory at the original Sale Pepe location on Front Street.

Support Local

Lahaina will be recovering from the devastating wildfire for years to come. However, Maui is welcoming visitors to come with compassion and aloha. Please consider visiting all of these establishments on your next trip. They all need the support. Every time an original Lahaina restaurant reopens a little piece of Lahaina’s heart is healed. Come hungry, come with aloha and tip well!