For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on Best Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Spots in Maui.
When the Maui sun kisses the horizon, there's a special kind of hunger that kicks in, a craving for flavors as vibrant as the island itself. And if you're staying on the south side, finding the best breakfast in Maui Kihei isn't just about fuel; it's about kicking off your day with an authentic taste of paradise. From grab-and-go malasadas to sit-down feasts with ocean breezes, Kihei’s breakfast scene is a delightful microcosm of Maui’s culinary spirit, offering something for every palate and pace.
This guide dives deep into Kihei’s morning offerings, ensuring you navigate the options like a seasoned local, whether you're seeking a quick bite before an adventure or a leisurely meal to savor.
At a Glance: Your Kihei Breakfast Blueprint
- Diverse Choices: Discover Kihei's wide range, from budget-friendly local diners to upscale resort buffets nearby.
- Must-Try Local Flavors: Learn where to find authentic malasadas, Loco Moco, Portuguese sausage, and more.
- Convenience & Vibe: Identify spots perfect for a quick pre-beach bite or a relaxed, scenic morning meal.
- Insider Tips: Get advice on beating crowds, finding parking, and optimizing your experience.
- Beyond Kihei's Core: Explore luxurious options just a short drive away in Wailea for a special occasion.
Why Kihei Wakes Up to Wonderful Breakfasts
Kihei, with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches, is more than just a place to stay; it's a community that celebrates good food, especially in the morning. Unlike some of Maui's more resort-centric areas, Kihei offers a genuine mix of local haunts, casual cafes, and convenient bakeries. Here, you can truly experience the island's culinary heart, where traditional American breakfast dishes often come with a delightful Hawaiian twist, reflecting the diverse influences that make up Maui’s unique identity.
It’s a place where you can grab a hot coffee and a pastry before hitting the surf, or settle in for a hearty plate lunch that blurs the lines between breakfast and brunch. The vibe is decidedly unpretentious, making it easy to find a welcoming spot, no matter how you like to start your day.
Kihei's Breakfast Spectrum: From Casual Bites to Fancy Feasts
Kihei’s breakfast spots cater to all tastes and schedules. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a memorable dining experience, you’ll find a perfect match.
Casual & Comfort-Driven Morning Bites
These spots are where locals flock for their daily dose of comfort food, often at great value. They offer a relaxed setting and a true taste of island life.
Nalu's South Shore Grill: A vibrant, open-air gem in the Azeka Shopping Center, Nalu’s is a go-to for an all-around fantastic breakfast. It’s a local favorite, bustling with energy, and offers traditional American breakfast items infused with ingenious local twists. Think fluffy pancakes drizzled with citrus-rum syrup or omelets packed with savory Portuguese sausage. Their Loco Moco, a quintessential Hawaiian comfort food, is a standout, as is the unique Nalu’s breakfast salad for something lighter. If there’s a wait, snagging a seat at the bar is a pro move – just remember it's 21+ for those spots.
Home Maid Cafe: Tucked away across from Nalu's, Home Maid Cafe is a small, old-school diner that feels like stepping back in time. This mom-and-pop establishment is a budget-friendly haven specializing in local comfort food, serving breakfast all day. It’s famed for its fresh malasadas, fried to perfection and served hot in a paper bag (minimum order of three, trust us, you'll want more). Their French toast plate and breakfast moco are also incredibly popular, offering hearty portions that satisfy. Seating is limited, so arriving early or being prepared for a short wait is often part of the experience.
Island Gourmet Markets (Wailea): While technically in Wailea, this market is just a stone's throw from Kihei and offers an incredibly budget-friendly option for a hearty grab-and-go breakfast within the resort area. You can build your own omelettes, enjoy classic buttermilk pancakes, or dive into local flavors like ube, kim chee, or the ever-popular loco moco. The corned beef hash and their island breakfast (two eggs, meat, rice/potatoes) are particularly recommended. Grab your meal and find a market table, or even enjoy the ocean views from the Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort lobby just next door.
McDonald's (Kihei): Yes, even McDonald’s gets a nod for its unique local offerings. The Hawaii franchises are known for adding island-specific items to their menu. Beyond the usual McMuffin, you can find the Local Deluxe Platter, featuring scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, Spam, and rice – a true taste of local breakfast culture. Don't forget to try their haupia pie for a sweet, coconutty treat.
Coffee, Pastries & Quick Morning Fuel
Sometimes, all you need is a really good coffee and a quick, delicious bite to kickstart your day. Kihei has several excellent options for this.
Java Cafe: A relaxed and Instagrammable spot, Java Cafe is perfect for coffee aficionados and those seeking a healthy start. They specialize in high-quality coffee and boast an extensive menu of cold-pressed juices. You can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to linger or grab a quick bite. Their breakfast special sandwich, where you customize your bread and filling, is a fantastic deal, especially with the option to add coffee for just $1 more.
Akamai Coffee (South Kihei Road): For those who prioritize locally grown and roasted gourmet coffee, Akamai Coffee is a must-visit. The South Kihei Road location, specifically, offers a more limited savory breakfast menu, primarily focusing on bagels and croissant sandwiches. Their toasted ham and cheddar croissant sandwich paired with a robust coffee is a simple yet satisfying choice. For a scenic experience, grab your coffee and a bite and head one block over to Lipoa Street Beach to enjoy breakfast with an ocean view. (Note: their Wailea location has more extensive food options like Belgian waffles and egg toast, but for Kihei, stick to the classics here).
Cinnamon Roll Place: A popular grab-and-go spot, especially for early risers, Cinnamon Roll Place is a short walk from Kamaole Beach Park II. Their fame rests on their freshly baked, gooey cinnamon rolls, drenched in syrup and customizable with toppings like cream cheese, walnuts, or mac nuts (for an extra charge). They also offer breakfast bagels and sandwiches for those who prefer something savory with their sweet treat.
Maui Ono Donuts: If you’re a donut enthusiast, track down Maui Ono Donuts, a food truck located in the Kukui Mall parking lot. They were even Yelp-named a top donut shop in 2022. Their donuts are made to order and served piping hot, specializing in vegan old-fashioned cake donuts with a delightful array of customizable frostings and toppings. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free donuts are available by advance order, ensuring everyone can enjoy their delicious creations.
Sugar Beach Bake Shop: Nestled right on Sugar Beach, this bake shop is renowned for crafting baked goods using fresh, local ingredients. They are particularly famous for their hot malasadas, especially the cream-filled versions with island-inspired flavors like lilikoi and coconut. These popular treats tend to sell out quickly, so your best bet is to arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure you snag some while they’re still warm from the fryer.
Maui Bread: For something truly unique, Maui Bread offers artisan baked goods with intriguing Hawaiian, Asian, and German influences. Located at 2395 S Kihei Rd, their menu features both sweet and savory options, along with some gluten-free choices. Don’t miss their pretzel croissant, a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Other recommended items include the ham and pineapple twist and the k’dog, which is a breakfast hot dog encased in a soft bread roll – a playful and delicious start to your day.
Beyond Kihei's Immediate Border: Wailea's Elevated Options
For those seeking a more luxurious or celebratory breakfast experience, Wailea, just a short drive south of Kihei, offers some truly exceptional choices with stunning views. While not in Kihei proper, their proximity makes them viable for a special morning outing. For a broader exploration of Maui’s morning dining landscape, including more gems across the island, you can Discover Maui's best dining.
DUO at the Four Seasons Resort Wailea: If you're ready to indulge, DUO offers a high-end breakfast buffet with breathtaking ocean views. The spread is vast, ranging from cereals and bagels to unique offerings like breakfast ramen, Portuguese sausage, and custom omelets made to order at their skillet window. Fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and a wide array of pastries complete this lavish feast, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable splurge.
Ka'ana Kitchen at the Andaz Resort (Wailea): Another exquisite option in Wailea, Ka’ana Kitchen provides an elegant general breakfast buffet within an interactive "commercial kitchen" layout. The focus here is on farm-fresh Maui ingredients, presented with exquisite pastries and an abundance of fresh fruit. Beyond the buffet, their à la carte menu features standout dishes like the Kalua Pork Benedict, Breakfast Bruschetta, Poached Eggs, Sweet Potato Cake, and Waffles adorned with caramelized bananas, coconut creme, and Nutella. For the best experience, request outdoor seating to enjoy the serene ocean views.
Navigating Your Kihei Breakfast Adventure: Practical Tips & Tricks
Making the most of your Kihei breakfast experience often comes down to a few savvy decisions.
- Beat the Rush, Especially on Weekends: Popular spots like Nalu's and Home Maid Cafe can develop lines quickly, especially after 8:00 AM and on weekends. Arriving right at opening (or shortly after) or aiming for slightly later, around 10:00 AM, can help you avoid the peak crowds. For Cinnamon Roll Place and Sugar Beach Bake Shop, going early is key to getting hot, fresh items before they sell out.
- Parking Prowess: Most Kihei breakfast spots are located within shopping centers (Azeka, Kukui Mall) or small strip malls, meaning ample parking is generally available. However, during busy times, you might need to circle a bit to find a prime spot. Always look for designated parking areas.
- Budget Savvy Without Sacrificing Flavor: Kihei offers fantastic options for all budgets. For a truly affordable and authentic meal, Home Maid Cafe, McDonald's local specials, or the grab-and-go options at Island Gourmet Markets are excellent choices. You can easily enjoy a delicious, filling breakfast for under $15 per person at many of these places.
- Don't Shy Away from Local Flavors: This is your chance to try something new! Malasadas (Portuguese-style donuts), Loco Moco (rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, gravy), and Portuguese sausage are island staples. Even seemingly simple dishes often have local twists, like Akamai Coffee’s local roasts or Nalu’s citrus-rum syrup.
- Consider the Vibe You're After: Are you craving a quiet, contemplative morning with a view? Head to Wailea's resorts. Do you want to soak in local hustle and bustle? Nalu's or Home Maid Cafe are perfect. For a quick fuel-up before a beach day, any of the bakeries or coffee shops will serve you well.
- Dietary Needs Are Often Accommodated: Many places are becoming more aware of dietary restrictions. Maui Ono Donuts offers vegan and gluten-free options (by order), and many cafes can customize dishes. Don't hesitate to ask your server about gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan choices.
Quick Answers to Your Kihei Breakfast Questions
Q: What's the best local breakfast in Kihei if I want an authentic Hawaiian experience?
A: For a truly local flavor, Home Maid Cafe is a classic mom-and-pop spot renowned for its malasadas and breakfast moco. Nalu's South Shore Grill also offers traditional American dishes with local twists like Portuguese sausage in omelets and their excellent Loco Moco. And don't forget McDonald's for their unique local deluxe platter.
Q: Where can I get good coffee with breakfast in Kihei?
A: Akamai Coffee is celebrated for its locally grown and roasted gourmet coffee. Java Cafe is another great choice, known for its specialty coffees and extensive cold-pressed juice menu, perfect for pairing with their breakfast special sandwich.
Q: Are there budget-friendly breakfast options in Kihei?
A: Absolutely! Home Maid Cafe is very wallet-friendly. Island Gourmet Markets (a short drive in Wailea) offers hearty, affordable grab-and-go plates. Even McDonald's provides good value, especially with their unique local menu items.
Q: Where can I find unique Hawaiian breakfast items like malasadas or Loco Moco?
A: For hot malasadas, Sugar Beach Bake Shop and Home Maid Cafe are the top contenders in Kihei. For an excellent Loco Moco, Nalu's South Shore Grill and Home Maid Cafe are highly recommended.
Q: What about a fancy breakfast experience near Kihei?
A: While in Kihei, the options lean more casual. However, a very short drive to Wailea opens up luxurious choices like DUO at the Four Seasons Resort and Ka'ana Kitchen at the Andaz Resort, both offering lavish buffets and stunning ocean views perfect for a special occasion.
Crafting Your Perfect Kihei Morning Meal
The beauty of breakfast in Kihei lies in its incredible versatility. You can tailor your morning to exactly what you need, whether that's a quick grab-and-go to maximize beach time, a leisurely brunch with a view, or a deep dive into local comfort food.
Start by considering your group's preferences: Are you early risers or late starters? Do you prioritize speed, budget, or atmosphere? From there, pick your spot. Craving something sweet and comforting? Head to Sugar Beach Bake Shop or Cinnamon Roll Place. Looking for a hearty, savory plate? Nalu's or Home Maid Cafe will hit the spot. And if a truly indulgent, expansive meal is on your agenda, the resorts in nearby Wailea await. No matter your choice, beginning your day with a delicious breakfast in Kihei is sure to be a highlight of your Maui adventure.