With more than 45 distinct dining options along the Ka’anapali Beach Resorts. This three-mile stretch of soft sand beach has been touted as one of the best beaches on Maui for travelers seeking culinary adventures.
The 15th annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is coming up on October 24 through October 26. It's Hawaii’s largest food and wine event, bringing together 150+ global tastemakers— including Michelin-starred chefs, celebrated winemakers and master mixologists to showcase the best of Hawaii’s local ingredients.
Two beachfront resorts for guests to stay at during this three-day festival are the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows and nearby The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Both are offering Eat, Drink & Stay The Night Specials.
Locals and visitors to Ka’anapali Beach can participate in one or all of culinary events showcasing memorable beverage pairing dinners, VIP events, enlightening talks and tastings.
Those staying at the historic Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows will be able to experience a one-of-a-kind Southern Seafood Sunday hosted by Aarón Sánchez. Starting on Sunday October 26, Celebrity Chef Aarón Sanchez and a team of six talented culinary powerhouses will prepare traditional Southern seafood dishes with their own unique twists.
This famous Executive Chef is a Mexican-American restaurateur, cookbook author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and television personality. He is the Executive Chef and part-owner of the New Orleans Mexican restaurant – Johnny Sanchez.
While attending this multi-sensory brunch, menu items include lowcountry boils, Cajun spices and Creole flavors, enhancing Hawaii’s fresh grown, raised and locally caught seafood with flavorful punches from traditional Southern flavors.
The newly refreshed resort recently opened an oceanfront spa sanctuary for guests seeking relaxation and wellness. Other enhancements include the two swimming pools, newly decorated garden bungalows and tower rooms. Guests have the opportunity to attend an onsite luau, listen to live music, take long beach walks, play tennis and a round of golf.
Special rates to stay at the resort for this culinary event start at $235 for a Tower Standard room. Travel between October 23-28, 2025 and book by October 12, 2025, subject to availability. Throughout the year Royal Lahaina Resort & Spa offers different 'Book Direct & Save' rates.
Another not to be missed culinary event is on Saturday, October 25 at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. It's an evening of World of Wagyu, Wine, and Whiskey with a savory tasting menu showcasing the incredible versatility and preparation of Wagyu.
This special 10-course tasting dinner showcases renowned chefs, pitmasters, and beverage experts. Varieties include A5 Japanese beef and premium American and New Zealand wagyu paired with world-class wines and expertly crafted whiskey-forward cocktails. They will be cooking and pouring as the sun sets and when the stars illuminate the sky. Each member of this event's team will share their inspiration of pairing wagyu with wine and whiskey. The night ends with a showstopping aerial drone show to light up the Hawaiian night sky.
While staying at one of the Ka’anapali Beach Resorts, be sure to visit The Cliff Dive Bar at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. It's a must-visit spot for its unique location nestled against the iconic Puu Kekaa (Black Rock). Enjoy Hawaiian bites with festive drinks, while watching the resort's famous cliff diving ceremony and learning about Maui's rich history.
Other dining venues along Ka’anapali Beach include:
Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui for high-end dining with a stunning view. Japengo prepares Pacific Rim cuisine with specialty sushi and seafood dishes in a contemporary atmosphere and beautiful setting.
Ulu Kitchen by Merriman located at The Westin Ka'anapali and is led by the classically trained and award-winning Chef Peter Merriman. This beloved chef is considered a pioneer in Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Chef Merriman is celebrated for his commitment to using local Hawaiian ingredients, which is the foundation of the restaurant's menu. Enjoy old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality with carefully crafted food and beverages while taking in the outstanding views.
Hula Grill Ka'anapali in Whalers Village, offers an open-air, beachfront dining experience. Guests seeking island-style cuisine and fresh seafood during both lunch and dinner will appreciate this casual, fun dining venue right on the sand.
Leilani's on the Beach: Situated right next to Hula Grill, Leilani's is another popular beachfront restaurant in Whalers Village. It's known for its fresh fish, steaks, and tropical cocktails, and it has a more casual, relaxed vibe. Guests can put their toes-in-the-sand while taking in sunset and ocean views.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is a local and tourist favorite for their 'lilikoi' passionfruit foam topped Mai Tais. The inventive cuisine on the menu, lively atmosphere, live music and famously fun cocktails make this a popular dining venue.
Maui Brewing Company was founded in 2005 by Garrett Marrero and his wife. They wanted to create authentic Hawaiian craft beers, and soon their dream of opening a small brewpub, soon became Hawaii's largest independent brewery and the 26th largest in the U.S. Foodies and beer lovers can visit the Maui Brewing Company restaurant at OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort, to sip one of their award-winning locally crafted beers paired with island-inspired cuisine.
After the 15th annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival ends, all of the above venues serve food, wine and beverages throughout the year.
