Hungry for an epic breakfast spot in Kihei? Waking up to your dream Maui vacation can quickly turn nightmarish if you don’t fuel up first. No one needs a grumbling stomach to keep them from enjoying paradise.
If you aren’t sure where to stop for a morning bite, we have your back. Keep reading for our list of our top breakfast choices in Kihei (and Wailea, which is technically still Kihei) — from quick plates for on-the-go travelers to luxurious resort buffets for leisurely mornings.
Editorial note: We left one popular Kihei breakfast spot off this list — a tourist favorite. While we won’t name names, we’ve tried their food three separate times on three separate trips. Let’s just say we weren’t impressed. So if you’re wondering why one popular Kihei restaurant didn’t make the list (there’s always a line outside), that’s why.
Looking for more than just breakfast? Check out our Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Maui Restaurants.
Map of where to grab breakfast in Kihei, Maui
Cafe style restaurants
When you aren’t in a rush to get going, try one of these sit-down restaurants for breakfast. Both earn high marks from both residents and tourists.
1. Nalu’s South Shore Grill
website | 1280 S Kihei Rd Ste 132, Kihei | best: all-around breakfast menu
Tucked away in the corner of Kihei’s Azeka Shopping Center, you’ll find local favorite Nalu’s — which also happens to be our go-to breakfast joint. This spot is a casual open air restaurant that both locals and visitors frequent. We’ve always received friendly service and a solid meal to get us started with our day.
Their menu should appease even the pickiest eater. Nalu’s offers traditional American breakfast dishes, such as pancakes and omelettes, but with a local twist. Think citrus-rum syrup, pineapple, and mac nuts on your pancakes. Or Portuguese sausage and kim chee fried rice in your omelette. Their side of fried potatoes comes garnished with furikake seasoning.
What to order: Try a local dish — the classic loco moco will keep you fueled well into lunchtime. If you’re looking for lighter fare, the Nalu’s breakfast salad hits all the right notes. But to be honest, I’ve never had a bad meal here.
Pro tip: If there’s a line, try snagging a seat at the bar (if you don’t have any minors in your party.)
2. Home Maid Cafe
website | 1280 S Kihei Rd #106, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: local spot
Just across the parking lot from Nalu’s, Home Maid Cafe maintains its own loyal following for all-day breakfast in Kihei. This no-nonsense mom-and-pop cafe (“mom” handles the front of the house taking orders and serving food while “dad” manages the grill) is a budget friendly sit-down option for local comfort food.
It’s a small old-school diner with limited seating, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line. The food isn’t fancy, so don’t expect gourmet.
What to order: They’re best known for their fresh malasadas (minimum order of 3), which they serve with sugar in a brown paper bag — easy for on-the-go enjoyment. The French toast plate and breakfast moco are also popular choices.
Budget friendly breakfast spots
It’s no secret that eating out in Hawaii isn’t cheap. When your priority is getting more bang for your buck, consider these Kihei breakfast eateries.
3. Island Gourmet Markets
website | 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753 | best: hearty breakfast plates
The Wailea resort area is known more for splurging, not saving, which makes Island Gourmet a gem. Make a beeline to the back of the shop for a hearty grab-and-go meal that won’t break the bank.
Build your own omelette from their menu or opt for buttermilk pancakes. More adventurous eaters looking for local flavor may lean toward the ube and kim chee menu flavors — or the popular loco moco breakfast plate.
What to order: I’m partial to the corned beef hash, but the loco moco and island breakfast (two eggs, breakfast meat, and side of rice or potatoes) are also solid choices.
Pro tip: With your breakfast in hand, snag a table in front of the market and dig in. Or if you’re feeling fancy, walk over to the nearby Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort open air lobby for a seat with an ocean view.
4. McDonald’s
website | 1214 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: unique, local take on a familiar menu
Okay, hear me out here. I know you’re not flying across the Pacific Ocean to eat at the golden arches— especially when you could probably drive a few miles from your home for the same short stack.
But this is no run-of-the-mill McDonald’s. Hawaii franchises feature menu items that you won’t find at McDonald’s in other states. The local deluxe platter, for example, heaps scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, and spam on top of rice. For those who’d rather stick with a familiar McD’s breakfast, the restaurant offers traditional menu items, as well.
What to order: Split a local deluxe platter with a travel companion — or pare it down to just egg with either Portuguese sausage or spam. Try the haupia pie while you’re there, too.
Best for caffeine addicts
Can’t start your morning without a decent cup of joe? Try these Kihei coffee shops to get your day going on the right note.
5. Java Cafe
website | 1279 S Kihei Rd #301, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: breakfast sandwich and coffee combo
If you’re looking for a relaxed Instagrammable space that isn’t over-the-top trendy — inside you’ll find lofty wood-beam ceilings, steel farmhouse chairs, and a macrame hanging plant collection — Java Cafe is your spot. As the name suggests, they specialize in coffee. But they have an extensive cold pressed juice menu, too.
They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t be surprised if you see a few unofficial mascots (wild chickens) patrolling the outdoor area for a few crumbs.
And for some reason, the bright, well-lit eatery always seems overshadowed by its neighbor Wow Wow Lemonade Stand. While both have their strengths, I’m more of a coffee person — which means I prefer breakfast at Java Cafe if given the choice between the two.
What to order: I’m a fan of their breakfast special sandwich. You can customize your choice of bread (croissant, bagel, or english muffin) and filling to go with the included cheese and eggs (turkey, ham, bacon, or avocado and tomato). Grab a coffee for just a dollar more.
6. Akamai Coffee
website | 1325 S Kihei Rd #100, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: locally grown and roasted gourmet coffee
For those who see coffee as the star of the show at breakfast, a visit to Akamai is a must do. Savory breakfast offerings at their South Kihei Road location may be limited — bagels and a few croissant sandwiches. But you could try their Wailea location for a few more offerings, such a Belgian waffle and egg toast. Just be sure to check ahead for the open kitchen hours. They don’t serve savory dishes all day.
What to order: Try the toasted ham and cheddar croissant sandwich with a cup of coffee for an easy, filling breakfast.
Pro tip: Akamai Coffee on South Kihei Road is only a block away from Lipoa Street Beach. Grab breakfast and enjoy it on the oceanfront.
Sweet on sweet
Forget the diet for a while. You’re on vacation, after all.
7. Cinnamon Roll Place
website | 2463 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: gooey cinnamon rolls
For an early morning treat, head to this popular Kihei grab-and-go breakfast spot. If you’re there early, you may spy employees stretching and rolling lengthy pieces of dough into the classic cinnamon roll shape.
Just a short jaunt from Kamaole Beach Park II, you can either snag one of the few cafe tables out front or enjoy your morning fare at the beach. Either way, don’t miss their freshly baked gooey cinnamon rolls, which come drenched in a sticky syrup, similar to a sticky bun.
For those who’d rather start their day with something savory, Cinnamon Roll Place also offers breakfast bagels and sandwiches.
What to order: You can’t leave without trying one of their cinnamon rolls. Keep in mind that all toppings have an additional charge (including the cream cheese frosting). My favorites are cream cheese and walnuts or cream cheese and mac nuts.
8. Maui Ono Donuts
website | 1819 S Kihei Rd Building E, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: on-demand donuts
Tucked away in the Kukui Mall parking lot, look for the food truck that houses Maui Ono Donuts. Yelp named them one of the top donut shops of 2022, and we happen to agree. You won’t find a bakery case with stacked donuts here. Instead, your donuts are made when you order them — meaning they’re piping hot when they hand them to you. And while the donuts themselves aren’t huge — I’d estimate palm sized — they’re more than worth it when you consider the quality and taste.
What to order: They specialize in vegan old fashioned cake donuts. Simply customize your frosting (maple, chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla) and pick a topping. My favorites are plain maple and chocolate with crushed Oreos.
Pro tip: They can make gluten-free donuts, too. You just have to order them in advance.
9. Sugar Beach Bake Shop
website | 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: malasadas
Sugar Beach Bake Shop prides itself on crafting baked goods using the freshest ingredients and local flavors. They’re best known for their hot malasadas, along with cream-filled malasadas bursting with island flavors such as lilikoi and coconut.
Pro tip: Get there early if you want hot malasadas. They tend to sell out before 10 a.m.
10. Maui Bread
website | 2395 S Kihei Rd #117, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: artisan bread
Maui Bread specializes in unique artisan baked goods with hints of Hawaiian, Asian, and German influences. Their extensive selection includes both sweet and savory concoctions, along with gluten free choices.
What to get: Maui Bread favorites include the pretzel croissant, ham and pineapple twist, and the k’dog (a breakfast hot dog in a bread roll).
Swanky
Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to a high-end breakfast buffet, complete with ocean view.
11. DUO at the Four Seasons Resort Wailea
website | 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753 | best: skillet dishes
In the morning hours, Four Seasons steakhouse features just about every breakfast option you could want. Cereal? Check. Bagels? Check. Breakfast ramen? Check and check. I think the only thing I found lacking was sliced avocado, but I have a feeling I could have asked the wait staff for some.
What to get: At the buffet, order either a custom omelette or blueberry pancakes from the skillet window. Then peek at the chafing dishes that house everything from Portuguese sausage to rice to breakfast noodles. At the other end of the buffet, load up on fresh fruit and smoked salmon before circling back to grab your skillet order.
12. Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz
website | 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753 | best: general breakfast buffet
Ka’ana Kitchen never disappoints at breakfast. Expect attentive and friendly staff at this Andaz venue, regardless of whether you’re staying at the resort or not. As the name suggests, their breakfast buffet is laid out as if you’re walking into a commercial kitchen. Chefs fry, sautee, and steam behind grills near the center, while staff deliver hot dishes to surrounding countertop islands topped with warming lamps. Walk farther back to discover a dizzying array of baked goods, sliced produce, and continental breakfast fare such as bagels, lox, and cheese.
What to get: Ka’ana Kitchen serves some of the tastiest breakfast pastries and freshest fruit you’ll find at a breakfast buffet. And while the waffles and pancakes aren’t made to order, they’re worth a taste.
Pro tip: Request outdoor seating for an ocean view.
