Breakfast in Kihei: 10 Absolute Best Spots You Must Try

Waking up in Maui is a dream come true, and there’s no better way to fuel up for a day of adventure than with a delicious breakfast.
If you’re wondering what the best place to get breakfast in Kihei is, you’ve come to the right place! We love a good breakfast or brunch, and on my family trip to Maui, we were able to explore many of these breakfast places in Maui.
Check out the top 10 absolute best spots to get a fantastic meal. There’s something on this list for any appetite. From swanky breakfast buffets to casual open-air restaurants, Kihei has it all.
➡ Check out my top recommendations for Kihei:
- Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei – most popular winter activity!
- Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei – best snorkeling tour from Kihei
- Semi-Private Surf Lesson at Kalama Park in Kihei – private for your group, great for families or couples
- Te Au Moana Luau – best luau in South Maui
10 Best Kihei Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants
Any of these top 10 breakfast spots in Kihei will fuel you up for a day heading to the beach, exploring waterfalls, or hiking the mountain ridges. Let’s get into it!
1. Kihei Caffe
Kihei Caffe is an iconic breakfast spot right across from Kalama Beach Park.
With simple, laid-back vibes, Kihei Caffe has delicious, local-style breakfasts. Their motto is to eat, talk, share, and then eat more!
The doors for Kihei Caffe open at 6 AM, perfect for anyone wanting to have a hearty breakfast before going on an epic adventure, like exploring the Road to Hana Drive and the epic Pipiwai trail hike.
It’s such a popular spot that if you go between 8–10 AM, there will be a line.
However, the service is fast and efficient; you probably won’t wait longer than 15 minutes.
The outdoor seating area is right next to South Kihei, and an indoor seating area is located two doors over.
The Kalua Pork Loco Moco is absolutely fantastic. This traditional Hawaiian breakfast has two eggs on shredded Kalua pork nestled in a rice bowl and topped with brown gravy.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
After breakfast, head over to Kalama Park for some of the best surfing in Maui. You can take a surfing lesson here if you are just starting out. Surfing is one of the top things to do in Kihei.
2. Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is one of my favorite breakfasts in Kihei. This open-air restaurant is a casual counter-service restaurant. There’s a covered outdoor seating area as well.
Nalu’s serves seasonal, locally sourced Hawaiian food. They’ve got options for various diets, including gluten-free and vegan.
You’ll order at the front counter, then walk inside and choose a spot. With quick service and friendly servers, the vibes are always fantastic. The breakfasts are also excellent.
Order a giant mimosa to celebrate the start of your vacation, fried chicken and waffles, or scrumptious eggs Benedict.
Local breakfasts like loco moco (rice, beef, and eggs covered in gravy) and acai bowls.
The chill atmosphere and consistently delicious food make this an easy place to come back to time and time again.
3. Akamai Coffee at Wailea village
Akamai Coffee at Wailea Village is a locally owned coffee shop that serves Maui beans that pair perfectly with their delicious breakfasts.
It’s trendy, it’s cute, and the baristas are incredibly friendly. The cafe is bright and decorated with tropical plants and coffee paraphernalia. You’re sure to experience the aloha spirit here.
While the breakfast menu could be more extensive, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried.
Enjoy a croissant breakfast sandwich, avocado toast, yogurt, and granola, or (my personal favorite) their take on the huevos rancheros.
The specialty coffee shop is also a great spot to get a delicious cup of coffee. While they offer everything from drip coffee to Frappuccinos, the Hawaiian Honeybee is their classic.
This lightly sweetened latte comes flavored with honey, coconut, and vanilla syrups and can be made hot, iced, or blended.
Don’t get confused; there are two other locations of Akamai Coffee, but only the Wailea Village location has a kitchen.
4. Wow Wow Lemonade Maui
Wow Wow Lemonade is a gourmet lemonade stand in Kihei.
While that’s probably not a place you would automatically think of for breakfast, they have delicious acai bowls, smoothies, and even cold brew coffee.
This is an excellent option if you want a fresh and light breakfast. The acai bowls at Wow Wow are, well, wow-worthy! They have a massive selection of fruit, granola, and custard toppings.
They also offer toast and flatbread sandwiches if you want something heartier.
Wow, Wow, Lemonade also cares deeply about the environment. If you buy one of their lemonades in a reusable jar, you get a discount whenever you return. Talk about a win!
5. Cafe @ La Plage
Cafe @ La Plage is the best breakfast spot in Kihei if you’re craving a delicious breakfast sandwich or bagel.
The French name of this cafe means “cafe at the beach,” and it could not be more accurate. Located in Dolphin Plaza, Kamaole Beach Park I is just a few steps away.
This spot has indoor and outdoor seating, and the cafe has an eclectic charm. The artwork on the walls will highly entertain you; there’s something to see and admire in every corner.
Plus, in keeping with their name, most of the sandwiches are named after a South Maui beach.
They’re genuinely delicious.
I loved the Kalama sandwich on an onion bagel. It’s got eggs, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, all tied together with their delicious house sauce. It was a great meal to pack and take for our trip to the Haleakala summit to experience the sunset at Haleakala.
Please note: Cafe @ La Plage is closed on Tuesdays.
6. Sugar Beach Bake Shop
Located in North Kihei, right across the street from a long stretch of sand known as Sugar Beach, the Sugar Beach Bake Shop is the place to go for fresh, handmade malasadas, pies, and muffins.
The bake shop often has a line in the morning, and the malasadas, a Portuguese-style donut famous in Hawaii, sell out quickly.
Traditional malasadas don’t have fillings, but the ones in Hawaii do! Try the lilikoi malasadas (passionfruit) or coconut for a real treat.
The shop itself is tiny. Step inside and order a coffee, malasada, or other fresh-baked breakfast item (like the strawberry coconut muffins).
Then, go to their outdoor seating area with colorful picnic tables or walk across the street for an idyllic morning beach stroll.
7. Ka’ana Kitchen
Ka’ana Kitchen is one of the four on-site restaurants at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. This family-style restaurant has a tasty breakfast buffet every day from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
It’s a classy restaurant, and all the food is farm-to-table. It’s the perfect spot for a fancy breakfast, with views of Mokapu beach and swaying palm trees.
You’ll try everything from pork belly to mochi waffles and fresh tropical fruits. It’s a delicious brunch in an upscale atmosphere.
You’ll need to plan ahead for this breakfast. Reservations are almost required since Ka’ana Kitchen fills up so fast.
The dress code is resort casual, so ensure you’re not just in a bikini or board shorts.
8. Maui Bread Company
Hands down, one of the best bakeries on Maui is the Maui Bread Company.
Maui Bread Co. has Hawaiian and German artisan bread in Dolphin Plaza (the same place as Cafe @ La Plage).
Different baked products are available depending on the season.
There’s everything from delicious pretzel bread (I’d recommend buying a loaf for a picnic lunch during your stay), croissants, muffins, and hot breakfast items.
Want something a little more substantial? Opt for the K-dog, a link of sausage and cheese wrapped in a fluffy dough.
There’s also a ham and cheese twist or bread filled with bacon, egg, and cheese.
Want something sweet? The almond croissant, a fluffy croissant with the most delicious almond filling, is my go-to.
9. Cinnamon Roll Place
The Cinnamon Roll Place is another iconic breakfast spot on Maui. Every time we drove past the road, the smell of freshly baked rolls would make my stomach grumble, and we had to stop to get some rolls for the road.
They’re made fresh every single morning, and you can even watch as the baker’s hand press and roll out the dough.
Cream cheese frosting is sold separately but worth adding to your cinnamon roll.
If you’re feeling like another sweet breakfast treat or a savory breakfast sandwich instead, the Cinnamon Roll Place has those available, too.
The line can be long in the mornings, so head there early! They open at 6:00 AM, the perfect start time for any jet-lagged traveler. Their banana bread was delicious too and rivaled the one we got as a parting gift at the Old Lahaina Luau.
There’s nowhere to sit when you come here, so be prepared to find somewhere else to eat. I’d recommend one of the nearby beach parks for a picture-perfect Maui morning.
10. Hand Maid Cafe
This small, locally-owned cafe is a great stop if you’re looking for something easy. It has affordable prices and various food options, so even a picky eater will find something to enjoy.
It’s conveniently located in the Azeka shopping plaza, right in the heart of Kihei. Whether you’re on your way to a fun adventure in the hot Kihei sun or on your way back from an early morning excursion, chances are you’ll be passing Home Maid Cafe.
The fresh-baked malasadas are raved about by reviewers. Try a cream-filled one for an extra delightful treat! If you want a bit more substance, you can find omelets, pancakes, and more.
While the cafe itself is small, there’s plenty of seating inside and outside the restaurant, and you can always get it to go for a beach side picnic.
Where to stay in Kihei
I absolutely love the local vibe in Kihei! Below are some of my top recommendations for places to stay in Kihei.
- Andaz Maui (luxury) – This exquisite resort, spread over 15 acres by the beach, offers farm-to-table dining experiences and direct access to the picturesque Mokapu Beach.
- Kohea Kai Maui (Mid-range) – Kohea Kai Maui, a charming mid-range hotel, offers easy access to the Pacific Ocean, an outdoor swimming pool, and 24-hour concierge service.
- Condos/Vacation rentals in Kihei (budget) – In Kihei, budget-friendly condos offer full kitchens, multiple rooms, and sometimes ocean views, making them ideal for families and those looking to save on meals.
Conclusion: Best places for Breakfast in Kihei
Most of the best places for breakfast in Kihei are casual, but that doesn’t stop the food from being a show-stopper.
While Ka’ana’s Kitchen is the only upscale restaurant on this list, you’ll find delicious quick bites, amazing cinnamon rolls, and macadamia nut pancakes that will live on in your dreams.
Don’t forget a great cup of coffee at Akamai Coffee or a refreshing lemonade from Wow Wow to help fuel all your Maui adventures!
Where are you going to eat first?
After fueling up at one of these top breakfast places in Maui, you will be ready to tackle your day in Maui, whether it’s embarking on a Maui whale watching excursion or taking one of these top helicopter tours in Maui.
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