In wake of the horrific devastation that has impacted Lahaina and its residents, please donate if you can. Below are links to donate.

Ultimate Guide to Lahaina Front Street: Best Restaurants and Shops for 2023

When in Maui, visiting Lahaina Front Street is an absolute must. It’s the only area on the island with that true “downtown” vibe, housing countless restaurants, shops, art galleries, and everything in between. With so many storefronts to choose from, this guide will help you navigate the best spots so you can maximize time on your trip.

As someone who’s grown up traveling to Maui, I’ve been able to stroll this historic street up and down, down and back. In recent years I’ve spent ten weeks collectively in Maui, and have my list of favorites on Front Street. This guide features where I recommend going so you can find the best places to eat, shop, and relax.

What is the Famous Front Street in Maui?

But first, a brief history around Front Street. It dates back to 1820 when it was called Alanui Moi, (King’s Road) as it was home to Hawaiian royalty. It later became a major whaling outpost and missionary center. For decades, Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Today, Front Street pays tribute to the town’s rich engravings of history.

One of Maui’s most historic landmarks is on Front Street, which is the oldest Banyan Tree in the country. Head to Banyan Tree Court and marvel at the magnitude of this 60 ft.-tall tree that was planted in 1873.

How Long is Front Street Lahaina?

Front Street is about three miles long; however, the density of storefronts is compacted into a half-mile radius. This guide spans about 1.5 miles of Front Street, covering the top spots that will help you experience the very best.

Best Restaurants on Lahaina Front Street

With so many restaurants to choose from, I’ve listed my go-to places that are also highly rated. From relaxed cafes to finer dining with ocean views, below are the best restaurants on Lahaina Front Street.

1. Belle Surf Cafe

Belle Surf Cafe is my absolute favorite on Front Street, and one I look forward to with every visit. The cafe is aesthetically pleasing and serves fresh, healthy dishes, from savory crepes to smoothie bowls to matcha lattes.

2. Fleetwood’s on Front St.

My favorite spot for dinner is Fleetwood’s on Front St. It’s owned by rock and roll legend, Mick Fleetwood, who lives in Maui and makes restaurant appearances every so often. Make a reservation and go for sunset to enjoy live music on the rooftop, especially if it’s your birthday.

3. Paia Fish Market Front Street

Paia Fish Market is loved by many and serves some of the freshest fish in Maui. Go for lunch and enjoy delicious food while taking in views of the ocean and Banyan Tree Court across the street.

4. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store

For a laidback, island-style bar and eatery, head to the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store. Their menu offers elevated bar food like mahi-mahi and filet mignon tacos, along with tropical craft cocktails.

5. Star Noodle

Highly rated and always crowded is Star Noodle, which serves Asian-inspired dishes that are some of the best on the island. The restaurant also has a fantastic patio that’s right on the water.

6. Mala Tavern

Located practically next door to Star Noodle is Mala Tavern. With an oceanfront dining experience, Mala Tavern is an all-day restaurant that offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

7. Sunrise Cafe

Tucked behind Lahaina Ice Cream Parlour is Sunrise Cafe, open for breakfast and lunch. This quaint cafe with a great menu and patio garden gets busy, so go in the morning or near closing time at 3 p.m.

8. Cheeseburger in Paradise

While on island time, why not treat yourself to Cheeseburger in Paradise? This Hawaiian staple offers delicious burgers (with vegetarian options!), along with non-burger options like fish tacos and salads.

9. Keiki Bowls Cafe

I discovered Keiki Bowls Cafe on my most recent trip to Maui and was pleasantly surprised with their menu and cute surf vibes. They offer smoothie bowls, poke bowls, coffee, and other healthy dishes. Find it directly next to and in tandem with the Lahaina Surf Shack.

10. Duckine

New to the Lahaina Front Street food scene is Duckine, offering Chinese fusion cuisine and cocktails. Their executive chef is known as the “The Kitchen Assassin” and serves up dangerously delicious dishes and drinks.

Best Coffee Shops on Lahaina Front Street

Find your fuel for exploring Maui by checking out Front Street’s finest coffee shops. Below are my favorites for grabbing coffee or matcha.

1. Belle Surf Cafe

I have to list this cafe again because it can’t only be known for its food! The coffee here is delicious along with its matcha and kombucha. They also have WiFi, so I love to come and work from here during the weekdays.

2. Drift Coffee

Drift Coffee has become another favorite of mine with some of the best coffee on the island. It’s located just off of Front Street, within walking distance of the Sunrise Cafe. Try their homemade vanilla and lavender whipped creams with your coffee, because you’re on vacation after all.

3. VigiLatte Artisan Coffee

Nestled in a little courtyard on Front Street is VigiLatte Artisan Coffee. In addition to traditional coffee items, their menu also offers signature drinks that include coconut cream and tropical flavors.

4. Badass Coffee

Who doesn’t want to try some Badass Coffee? This quirky shop has a coffee bar inside but primarily focuses on selling bags of coffee from all over Hawaii. This is a great spot to buy souvenirs and gifts for your fellow coffee enthusiasts.

5. Cafe Cafe Maui

Cafe Cafe Maui is a local gem that’s tucked away on Front Street. They have an outdoor patio with WiFi, along with great coffee and light bites. They also have non-coffee drinks like matcha and turmeric lattes, as well as Lilikoi lemonade.

Best Sweet Treats on Lahaina Front Street

While on vacation, you must treat yourself to some ice cream. And being in Maui, you definitely need to have shave ice. Below are the best spots for satisfying your sweet tooth on Front Street.

1. Ululani’s Shave Ice

You can’t visit Lahaina Front Street without stopping at the award-winning Ululani’s Shave Ice. Arguably the best shave ice in Hawaii, Ululani’s offers decadent flavors that can be topped with ice cream, fresh mochi, or their must-have specialty, Snow Cap.

2. Lahaina Ice Cream Parlour

The Lahaina Ice Cream Parlour serves Hawaiian classics, like Lappert’s Ice Cream, shave ice, and Dole Soft Serve (pictured below). You really can’t go wrong with whichever you choose to order here.

3. Banyan Treats

This sweet shop serves up some of the best ice cream, cookies, and more in Lahaina. Banyan Treats carries Hawaiian-made Roselani ice cream, which is some of the creamiest and most delicious out there.

4. Honolulu Cookie Company

Honolulu Cookie Company is regularly busy, and for good reason. Go in to sample some of the island’s best cookies that feature Hawaii-inspired flavors like pineapple, coconut, and guava.

Best Shops and Stores on Lahaina Front Street

Front Street is best known for its fantastic shopping, and is lined with stores upon stores. Below are my favorite spots that offer everything you need such as souvenirs, gifts, or locally-sourced goods.

1. CocoNene

CocoNene is a super cute home goods store with Aloha-inspired home decor and gifts. I love popping in here when shopping for souvenirs to bring back for myself and friends.

2. Malibu Shirts Front Street

If you’re looking for vintage apparel and accessories, head to Malibu Shirts Front Street. We’ve bought a lot of awesome tees and tote bags here and always find something new and great when we go in.

3. Manakai Swimwear

This cute boutique features Hawaii’s first sustainable swimwear brand, Manakai Swimwear. With their only location on Front Street, you can shop beautiful swimwear as well as hats, bags, and more.

4. Aloha Love Lahaina

Aloha Love is a darling boutique that’s one of the newer storefronts on Front Street. Shop apparel and accessories and support local merchants.

5. KaiAloha Supply

KaiAloha is a Maui-based surf shop that sells apparel, hats, and accessories. They also have an awesome eco mission to protect the ocean through their Canvas Bag Project.

6. To the Moon and Back

If you’re looking for gorgeous jewelry, head to To the Moon and Back. All of their collections are inspired by the beauty of Maui and are made with Aloha.

7. Mick’s House of Fleetwood

Before or after you dine at Fleetwood’s on Front Street, check out their store on the bottom level. You can shop Fleetwood-inspired clothing, photography, and merchandise.

8. Sand People

Sand People is another great boutique I love stopping into. They’re a Hawaiian- based company that sells locally-made jewelry and curated gifts.

9. Honolua Hot Sauce Co.

If hot sauce is your thing then you must stop into Honolua Hot Sauce Co. The chili peppers used in their sauce are grown in the volcanic slopes of Haleakala. Their products are island-inspired and make for perfect gifts.

10. ABC Store

The ABC Store is one of the largest chains in Hawaii and you can find a store on every island. They’re fun to pop into and shop for touristy Hawaiian merchandise, but you can also buy essentials there like sunscreen and beach towels.

Top Tours Departing from Front Street & Wharf

Some of these links are affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book through these links.

Front Street is also where you can buy tickets to tours for activities like whale watching, snorkeling, and day trips to Lanai. Below are a few tours that are worth checking out. These all depart from Front Street or the wharf that runs parallel.

Wrap-up: Ultimate Guide to Lahaina Front Street

I hope that after reading this guide you know where you want to go while exploring Lahaina Front Street! There are so many great storefronts that are worth visiting while you’re exploring Maui.

Lahaina Front Street is also nearby some of the best beaches in West Maui, in case you feel like cooling off after you’ve shopped around. Enjoy your time on the island, I know you’ll very much love it there.