Top 10 Best Breakfast Places in Maui in 2023

Situated slightly above the jam-packed Paia Town, (and with its own parking lot!), Island Fresh Cafe is a true Maui experience. They have smoothies galore with fresh-picked ingredients, Island Fresh Bowls full of fruit, and some more traditional items as well such as omelets or eggs benedict. The location is super cute and you can’t beat the fact they have plenty of parking.

If you are looking for great coffee and a quicker/lighter breakfast, Better Things Cafe has you covered. I find the choices very satisfying with options like Avocado Toast (you can add an egg!), pastries with many gluten-free and paleo options, and locally made kombucha. Plus, the environment is very beautiful and it always feels very clean and well-maintained. (Which can be rare on the North Shore!)

Outside of Paia, Rainbow Kitchen is a great place to stop on your way to Hana (or the way back). It’s a small unassuming vegan food truck with superfood ingredients and farm-to-table freshness. Lots of smoothies, breakfast burritos, mung bean noodles, BBQ jackfruit sliders, and mochi waffles with house-made mac nut whipped cream to name a few. Don’t forget to try some of their signature tonic herb drinks, organic coffee, and vegan ice cream. You can even grab some local produce for the road!

Our family loves Freshies because it’s got something for everyone. Need a coconut chia parfait? They’ve got you covered. Like eggs and potatoes? No problem! Want fluffy French Toast? Look no further. We also love the many organic and farm-to-table ingredients. If you and your family are heading upcountry and want to spend some time hanging out in the historic Makawao town, this is the place for you! And, if you stay for lunch, be sure to check out Pakamon Thai Food Truck. It’s amazing!

Baked on Maui is a Haiku’s hidden gem. Breakfast is served all day on the weekends and goes until 12 on weekdays. Lunch is also served all day, so if you aren’t a breakfast person per se, this is a great choice. It’s also a fun way to drive through Haiku and experience Maui’s more jungle-like environs. They have all the traditional breakfast foods — omelets, waffles, eggs benedict, pancakes — plus some very unique coffees imported from Peru or their signature CBD coffee for those who need some extra help relaxing into their vacation! Don’t be deceived by the dingy appearance — this is one of the most popular breakfast joints on Maui.

Kula Lodge is a great place to eat if you are heading down from an early morning at Haleakala National Park, or you’re just craving an incredible island view. The restaurant has 180-degree views of the ocean from 4,000 ft up. The first time I came here I was a bit taken aback by the fact that it reminds me of a 1940s hunting lodge (and smells a bit like one too!) I actually almost left, but I was enjoying the incredible views unobstructed views, so I decided to stay. I’m really glad I did because the food was quite yummy. I just hope they renovate sometime soon!

If you’re interested in a light breakfast (pastries/frittatas) paired with the best gourmet coffee on Maui, all within a super cute boutique cafe trolley — Crema Gourmet Food Trolley is your jam! Located in the Kulamalu Plaza, Crema’s thoughtfully designed cafe setup inside a completely transformed antique trolley is a remarkable experience that stands out on its own. Crema is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am until 1 pm serving up unique coffee combos like lavender lattes, killer expresso, and locally grown floral bouquets.

If you love crepes or are just craving a bit of France — with a Hawaiian twist — La Provence is the place for you. They have eggs Benedict served with roasted potato and kula greens with lilikoi balsamic dressing (Yum!), signature crepes, plus a selection of yummy pastries. Like most places on Maui, outside Lahaina or Wailea, it’s a locals’ joint. So, don’t be turned off that it’s across the street from a (luckily quiet) mechanic!

Papa’s is known for their fresh farm-to-table ingredients served up fast in traditional yummy breakfast fashion with a Hawaiian flare. Check out their unique “French toast” with cornflake-crusted sweetbread, coconut custard, bacon, and whipped cream. If that doesn’t spark your interest, try the Mac nut ricotta pancakes, or coconut chia seed pudding. Whatever you order, it will not disappoint.

Leoda’s is our family favorite. Although not a traditional breakfast joint, they start serving their signature pies as early as 10 am. If you’ve ever dreamed of Maui’s best lemon meringue for breakfast be sure to stop in! They also have yummy grass-fed burgers, salads, pot pies, and other great options if you are wanting something more hearty. Great for eating in or to go.

Health Choice Bar is for those of us who love kale with our breakfast. They offer a huge selection of vegan options —both sweet and savory — smoothies, açaí bowls, and cookies that will leave you nourished and satisfied. Be sure to check out the fridge where they keep their tonics and protein bars too. So good!

Although the food here isn’t over the moon amazing, the experience of the Gazebo Restaurant is epic – so I had to include it. Technically in Kapalua, the Gazebo is a Maui staple with one of the best breakfast views on the island. They have traditional eats like eggs, bacon, and pancakes. You won’t find any organic kale here — but you will find a long line, great views, and an experience your whole family will remember.