9 Must-Try Kihei, Maui Breakfast Spots

Let’s put it this way – we were confident we could make a list of 5 of our favorite places for breakfast in our hometown of Kihei, Maui. But, the more we tried to narrow it down, the more we realized there were just some places that we HAD to include!

From some of our families’ go-to dishes to knock-you-slippers-off cinnamon rolls and locally grown and roasted coffee, this list is packed with not only a wide variety of menu options, but also many different experiences to start your day. Full-service oceanfront? Got it. Casual and relaxed? Of course! (it is Maui after all!) On-the-go? It’s all here. Dig in and enjoy!

CASUAL & RELAXED

Akamai Coffee Co.

This sweet coffee shop serves all locally grown and locally roasted coffee, along with a selection of treats to accompany your morning (or heck, afternoon cup!)! Akamai conveniently offers a drive-through option for those people in a rush, but for those who can, we totally recommend going inside. They have the perfect spot to hang and an adorable “Magnolia meets Maui” decor vibe that you’re going to want to enjoy!

Extra Notes: Eat in or take on-the-go | order at counter or at drive-through
1325 South Kihei Road | akamaicoffee.com

Kihei Caffe

No list of Kihei breakfast restaurants would be complete without the inclusion of this neighborhood landmark! Breakfast is served all day at this popular spot. Order inside and choose from a huge selection of breakfast offerings including breakfast classics and house specials such as Blackened Fish & Eggs (served with home fries and a biscuit) and the Surfer Dude Sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese. All seating is outside along the street. Please note, Kihei Caffe is cash only but they do have an ATM onsite.

Extra Notes: Order at the counter | food is served to you at your table | outdoor seating only
1945 South Kihei Road | kiheicaffe.net

Nalu’s South Shore Grill

Brandon’s sister, Ashley, visits this spot almost every day when she visits us from Washington for their Corn Flake Crusted French Toast stuffed with lilikoi (passion fruit) marmalade cream. Yeah, it’s THAT good! We’re also huge fans of the Black & Blue ‘Ahi Benedict with fresh island tuna, wild mushrooms and cajun hollandaise. In addition to great food, Nalu’s casual, open-air location, is a quick drive from our THERE Maui House in North Kihei and is the perfect spot to kick off a day in South Maui.

Extra Notes: Order at the counter | food is served to you at your table | indoor/outdoor seating available | entire restaurant is open air
1280 South Kihei Road | nalusmaui.com

Three’s Bar & Grill

Three’s has quickly become one of our brunch go-to’s for its cute, outdoor patio and live music. Plus, the breakfast menu has lots of great choices. Brandon tends to regularly opt for the Deluxe Hawaiian Loco Moco, a fun take on a classic dish that features beef patty, two eggs, crispy Maui onion rings and sticky rice smothered with wild mushrooms and apple smoked bacon ragout. I’m a big fan of the eggs benny (I’m just a huge eggs benny fan in general!) but theirs is extra good – lots of choices – and, you can get a half order! There are also some delicious options for the sweets lovers!

Extra Notes: full-service breakfast restaurant | indoor/outdoor seating available
1945 South Kihei Road | threesbarandgrill.com

Java Cafe

A short drive from our THERE Maui House, Java Cafe is one of our favorite places for a slow morning coffee and bite to eat. It’s adorable with great coffee and food and offers the type of low-key environment where you could swing by on your way to do something else, or stay and talk story till you need that second cup! They also feature some breakfast meal options that Brandon has acknowledged for being a great value. From smoothies and juices to breakfast sandwiches to peanut butter toast with bananas and honey (my personal fave!), we highly recommend checking it out.

Extra Notes: order at the counter | food is served to you at your table or can be taken to go
1279 South Kihei Road

FULL-SERVICE OCEANFRONT

Sarento’s on the Beach

Breakfast as close to the beach as you can get without being in the sand sounds like a great way to wake up! Sarento’s is well-known in Kihei for its upscale Mediterranean-style cuisine and dinner experience, but they also serve brunch daily until 2pm. Some of our favorites on the menu include Blackened ‘Ahi Eggs Benny, Croissant French Toast and Huevos Rancheros. 

Extra Notes: 2980 South Kihei Road | sarentosonthebeach.com

5 Palms

Looking for breakfast with a side of ocean views? Look no further than 5 Palms! This prime oceanfront location is worth the splurge. Breakfast, or shall we say brunch, is served until 2:30pm and the menu is overflowing with a good mix of classics, as well as signature items. I’m a fan of the Crab and Avocado Omelette, but in addition to that, you’ll find Biscuits + Gravy, Paniolo (Hawaiian for “cowboy”) Omelette, and specialty pancakes with carmelized bananas and coconut butter, among many other things.

Extra Notes: 2960 South Kihei Road | 5palmsrestaurant.com

ON-THE-GO

Cinnamon Roll Place

What a treat! Brandon and I recently tried this well-established Kihei breakfast spot and let’s just say… it was well worth the sugar rush! Order your cinnamon roll at the bar and add toppings to taste for an additional charge. Topping options include cream cheese frosting, pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds and/or raisins. If you can’t wait to dig in, there are a few tables outside, but this could also be a great choice to bring back to your home/condo/hotel room or to the beach across the street for a fun breakfast picnic!

Extra Notes: 2463 South Kihei Road

Sugar Beach Bake Shop

We’re suckers for great bakeries (read: we love homemade delicious baked goods that come without a mess in our kitchen ;))! Sugar Beach Bake Shop is right down the road from our THERE Maui House and this cute, little bakery offers many delicious options, including hot, made-to-order malasadas (Portuguese donuts that are a Hawaii breakfast staple). They also have muffins, sticky buns and mango bread, among other yummy things. We recommend swinging by and grabbing these treats to go!

Extra Notes: 61 South Kihei Road | sugarbeachbakeshop.com

Hungry for more? Check out our favorite Kihei dessert places!