Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are part of Maui County, but they don't eat like Maui. There are no resort food courts in Kaunakakai, and Lānaʻi City has one town square. The food is small family counters, a few sit-down spots, and a lot of people who know each other. Plan around short hours and you'll eat well.
Molokaʻi: Kaunakakai
Almost everything on Molokaʻi is on or near the main street of Kaunakakai. Molokai Burger is the burger stop. Aunty Ruby's Café and Molokai Service Drive Inn cover local plates. Paddlers Inn is the sit-down restaurant and bar. Hula Shores eats by the water. Molokai Pizza Café is where families go for pizza night.
Molokaʻi: Beyond Town
Out on the east end, Manaʻe Goods & Grindz is the store and food counter on the long drive toward Hālawa. It's often the only food for miles, so stop on the way out. Upcountry, Kualapuʻu Cookhouse is a local favorite. Coffees of Hawaii's espresso bar sits by the coffee fields, and the airport café handles your flight.
Lānaʻi: Lānaʻi City
Lānaʻi City is a small grid of streets around Dole Park, and the restaurants sit around the square. Lānaʻi City Grille is the dinner spot. For local food, Canoes Lānaʻi and Pili Aloha do plates and breakfast. Pele's Other Garden is the deli and pizza spot, and Café 565 is quick lunch. For poke, go to Lānaʻi Ohana Poke Market.
Tips for Both Islands
- Hours are short and change. Many spots close early, and some close a day or two a week. Check the listing, then call.
- Eat when you can. If you're driving to the far end of either island, bring food and water.
- Sunday is quiet. Plan Sunday meals ahead.
- Cash helps. Most places take cards, but not all.
- Be a good guest. These are small communities, and locals come first.
These islands change slowly, but they do change. If a spot has closed or a new one has opened, let us know.