Forget drive-thru breakfast burritos and protein bars eaten at your desk: Maui breakfasts are meant to be savored.

Whether you’re fueling up for a day of fun or indulging after some Molokini snorkeling, know that Maui offers a range of first-rate spots to satisfy your morning hunger.  You can also see more Maui restaurant reviews.

Here are ten of our top picks—and what makes them local favorites:

 

1. Ka’ana Kitchen, Wailea: Sheer Elegance

Located at the posh and ultra-pretty Andaz in Wailea, Ka’ana Kitchen has been accruing one award after another since its opening in 2014.

And it’s no wonder: Set on one of the most majestic slices of coastline on the Valley Isle, Ka’ana blends seasonal ingredients with an innovative mindset, culminating in items like cinnamon roll pancakes with coconut crème and macadamia nuts and poached eggs paired with Molokai sweet potatoes and a watercress salad. Post-dining, head south on the Wailea Coastal Walk: It’s the perfect place to catch sight of a whale’s tail during Humpback season.

 

2. Five Palms, Wailea: Quintessential Paradise

Set on what is arguably one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island, Five Palms Wailea displays everything you’ve ever dreamed of about Hawaii: Pristine white sand, towering palms, and an impossibly blue and blissful ocean. 

Outdoor seating and fantastic landscaping enhance the this-is-what-a-vacation-feels-like vibe. Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast is topped off with white chocolate, bananas, and candied ginger, while the Hawaiian Style Omelet blends Portuguese sausage with shitake mushrooms and cheddar. Bring a towel and stay for a spell—this beach really is spectacular.

 

3. Tasty Crust, Wailuku: Old School Charm

Happen to have a penchant for killer spots just off the beaten path? Head to Central Maui for some retro delights and the island’s (seriously) best pancakes.

Tasty Crust has been in business long before OGG became an international airport and has retained its kick-back, divey diner vibe ever since. What the café might lack in fancy is made up for in flavor (and tons of homegrown aloha spirit).

Chow down on their “Local Favorite”—fried rice with an egg—or dive into a Spam and cheese omelet. Looking for fare on the lighter side? Half papayas are offered, as well as good old fashioned oatmeal. But whatever you choose, make sure it’s accompanied by their beloved banana hot cakes—for which the kama’aina hotspot claims it’s world famous (and we would second that opinion).

 

4. Paia Bay Coffee, Paia: Laidback Beauty

Looking to unwind on one of your Maui breakfasts? Search no further than Paia Bay Coffee, a divine, outdoor cafe in the bustling town of Paia.

The coffee here is nothing short of fantastic—from house blends to creamy macchiatos—and their breakfast offerings are sure to please every person in your posse. Several melt-in-your-mouth croissants are the real stars of the show, with fillings that range from Nutella and strawberries to bacon and brie with avo. Vegetarians need not fret: Try a toasted bagel topped off with roasted red peppers, tomato, and pesto, or go for a bowl of Greek yogurt with lilikoi coulis. Then sit back and relax—between the palm-studded patio and chill mood, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a slower, kinder time zone.

 

5. Makawao: Freshness

Fresh ingredients get a boost with European flair and a tranquil atmosphere at Makawao’s Market Fresh Bistro.

Tucked into the center of the island’s artsiest outpost, Market Fresh Bistro has an array of selections from which to choose, including an Eggs Benny with blackened fish, waffles with Kula strawberries, and omelets bursting with goat cheese pesto and mushrooms. Dine in the courtyard to enjoy the sound of birds and understand why upcountry serves as a haven for islanders.

 

6. Three’s Bar and Grill, Kihei: Best Place to Watch the Game

Nearby Kihei Caffe might get all the love when the sun first comes up, but Three’s Bar and Grill is an often overlooked choice for excellent morning grub.

Started by three chefs who share an appreciation for fun and fusion, Three’s sits just down the way from Kihei’s iconic Cove Park and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Wasabi Bloody Marys are served alongside passion guava mimosas, and the simple but robust menu supplies both basics like pancakes and eggs and more adventurous stylings (think: a chimichurri breakfast sandwich with smoked Kalua pork, pepper jack, and fresh Kula greens). But the real boons here are their carafes of French pressed coffee and slices of French toast brimming with lilikoi cream cheese and fresh strawberries.

Bonus tip: Happen to be a football fan? This is one of the top South Side spots to catch an early morning game. The lounge features huge TVs, a full bar, and sofas meant for halftime.

 

7. The Plantation House Restaurant, Kapalua: Stellar Views

One of the greatest beauties of Maui is its views of the outlying islands—and there are few places where this is better felt than at The Plantation House Restaurant in Kapalua.

Situated on the 19^th hole of the world-renowned Kapalua Golf Course—home to the annual PGA Hyundai Tournament and boasting some of the most dramatic vistas on the island—this sheik venue is elegance at its finest. Molokai shimmers just outside the restaurant’s windows while the west side’s stunning pines stretch towards the sky.

Here at The Plantation House, Jojo Vasquez—an Iron Chef alum and Chicago native—showcases Maui bounty with breakfast dishes that range from seared ahi Benedict with wasabi hollandaise to bowls of fresh, island-grown fruit. Quiet and refined, this is the place to breathe deep—and relish feeling spoiled.

 

8. Koa’s Seaside Grill, Lahaina: Sea Breezes

Lahaina’s wildly famous Front Street is certainly not at a loss for prime eateries, but Koa’s Seaside Grill pairs awesome views with equally awesome service.

Its greatest lure is found in its oceanside location, where sea breezes help diners cool off from the Lahaina heat while boats bob beautifully in the distance. Score a table in the sunlight and idle away the hours—this is a terrific place for savoring glimpses of those splendid outlying islands.

As for eats: Their veggie benedict showcases local produce like spinach and Kamuela tomatoes, and their pineapple pancakes are bright and tasty. Feeling daring? Have a slice of their scrumptious Koa pie for breakfast: The graham cracker treat couples banana ice cream with caramel and chocolate.

 

9. La Provence, Kula: Country Charisma

French cuisine gets a tropical spin at one of the loveliest locations on Maui.

Set on the slopes of Haleakala in the upcountry town of Kula, La Provence calls to mind the patisseries of France while offering jaw dropping vistas of Maui’s incredible beauty. Fill your senses with the café’s rural charm and then fill your belly with their luscious crepes. With options that range from salmon and spinach to apricot and sugar, this homey, fragrant space—complete with al fresco seating—confirms that Maui might be known for its beaches but is just as winning for its country.

 

10. Slappy Cakes, Lahaina: Family Fun

Rally the kids and get their creative juices flowing at Slappy Cakes in Lahaina—a lively diner that takes eating to a whole new level of exuberance.

While the concept may have been born in Portland, Hawaiian keiki have taken to the chain, where patrons get a chance to put together their own pancakes at their table. With fixings that include everything from blueberries and bacon to chocolate and cheddar—to say nothing of their range of syrups—Slappy Cakes lets our inner chefs go wild.

Rather have someone flip for you—or, better yet, scramble you up some eggs? Not to worry: The full-service kitchen plates out dishes that highlight local, seasonal ingredients. And those looking to get the party started early will delight in their inventive concoctions, like a Muay Tai with aged rum, orgeat, kaffir lime, Thai tea, and dry curacao. Slaphappy might be more like it.

Have a favorite breakfast spot on the island? We’d love to hear about them!