12 Family Friendly Restaurants in Kaanapali

Planning a family vacation to Maui is about more than finding the right beach or the perfect condo. It is also about discovering places where everyone, from kids to grandparents, can sit down together and enjoy a delicious meal. Hands down, Kaanapali is one of Maui's most family-friendly destinations, with golden sand, calm ocean conditions, and plenty of restaurants that keep both kids and adults happy. When you are traveling with little ones, knowing where to eat in Kaanapali with kids makes all the difference.

At Maui Resort Rentals, we have spent years helping families create unforgettable vacations. As a locally owned, family-run company, our entire team, from ownership to housekeeping, calls Hawaii home. We take pride in sharing our insider knowledge, whether that means pointing you toward the best kid-friendly places to eat in Kaanapali or helping you find the perfect beachfront rental.

Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kaanapali 

All of these restaurants in Kaanapali are amazing in their own way, and they're not listed in any particular order. Your kids will love each spot for different reasons, and at the end of the day, what matters most are the happy, full bellies and the good times shared together.

Monkeypod Kitchen- Kaanapali

Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village has become a go-to spot for families who want fresh island flavors in a lively and welcoming setting. The restaurant is known for using locally sourced ingredients, so parents can feel good about what they are ordering while kids still find plenty to love. Families often start with the famous hand-tossed pizzas, which come straight from the kiawe wood oven, or the fish tacos topped with house-made sauces. Monkeypod also offers a thoughtful kids' menu that goes beyond the basics, featuring fresh takes on classics like the Keiki Chicken dinner, which includes naturally raised chicken, steamed broccoli, and house-cut fries. With live music most evenings and an open-air design overlooking the ocean, it's a place where the whole family can settle in and enjoy the sweet West Maui vibes.

Leilani's on the Beach

Leilani's on the Beach is one of those Kaanapali restaurants where families instantly feel at ease. Located right on the sand at Whalers Village, it offers two different dining experiences. Upstairs, you'll find a more traditional restaurant with a menu full of fresh island fish, steaks, and hearty entrées. Downstairs at the beach bar, the vibe is casual with fish tacos, burgers, and salads that are easy to share. Kids will love the dedicated keiki menu, and parents can enjoy a sunset cocktail while listening to live Hawaiian music. The combination of ocean views, friendly service, and approachable food makes Leilani's a favorite for family dining in Kaanapali. We highly recommend making reservations ahead of time for Leilani's.

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company in Kaanapali blends local flavor with a laid-back atmosphere that works super well for families. Parents can sample the craft beers brewed right here on Maui, while kids dive into pizzas, burgers, and shareable appetizers. The menu features plenty of fresh island ingredients, so there is something for everyone at the table. Live music adds to the fun in the evenings, creating an upbeat yet still family-friendly vibe. The open-air design also gives diners ocean views that make every meal feel special. It is a spot where families can enjoy good food, local culture, and the relaxed rhythm of Kaanapali all in one place.

JJs Tacos

JJs Tacos is a colorful food truck parked right at Whalers Village, making it a quick choice for families exploring Kaanapali. The menu is full of Mexican-inspired favorites like street tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and loaded burritos that always hit the spot. Kids love the simple options while parents appreciate the fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Since it's a food truck, service is quick and casual, perfect for grabbing lunch between beach time or enjoying a laid-back dinner before sunset. With its convenient location and crowd-pleasing menu, JJs Tacos is a tasty stop the whole family can enjoy.

Hula Grill

Hula Grill sits right on the sand at Whalers Village and has been a longtime favorite for Kaanapali family dining. The restaurant offers two settings, an open-air barefoot bar for casual meals and a dining room with a more traditional atmosphere. Families can enjoy fresh island fish, prime rib, and farm-to-table sides while kids pick from a keiki menu filled with simple favorites like fish and chips and teriyaki chicken. The Barefoot Bar often features live music, and little ones love the relaxed setting where they can dip their toes in the sand between bites. With its blend of classic Hawaiian flavors and family-friendly energy, Hula Grill is an easy choice for a yummy meal out together.

Cool Cat Express

Cool Cat Express is a favorite for families looking for easy American comfort food in Kaanapali. Known for its award-winning burgers, the menu also features chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and fresh salads, along with shakes and root beer floats that your kids will go crazy for. Their original Lahaina restaurant was lost in the 2023 wildfires, but you can still enjoy the flavors at Whalers Village or visit their new location in Kihei. Families love stopping here after a day at the beach because the food is quick, filling, and always crowd-pleasing. With plenty of kid-friendly favorites, Cool Cat Express makes for an easy and fun meal on your Maui vacation.

Maui Poke

Maui Poke is the place to go in Kaanapali when your family is craving something fresh, healthy, and local. The menu centers on build-your-own poke bowls, offering choices like ahi, salmon, or shrimp, along with a variety of sauces and toppings. For kids who may not be ready for raw fish, there are options such as teriyaki chicken, tofu, or simple rice bowls with vegetables. Families love that it's quick, tasty, and light after a day in the sun. It's also the perfect spot to grab yummy, healthy food to take with you to the beach. Just remember to toss your to-go containers in the trash so Maui's beaches stay beautiful for everyone (including the marine life!)

Coral Reef

Located at the Sheraton Maui Resort, Coral Reef is a wonderful choice for families who want both convenience and variety. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it easy to fit into your vacation plans, whether you're starting the day or winding it down. Breakfast options include fresh tropical fruit plates, pancakes, and omelets, while dinner highlights range from garlic butter shrimp and grilled mahi mahi to hearty steaks and pastas. Kids can stick with familiar favorites like burgers or chicken tenders. The setting is relaxed but upscale enough to feel special, and because dinner here is popular, it's best to make reservations in advance. Coral Reef combines poolside oceanfront resort dining with a menu that has something for everyone in the family!

Duke's Beach House

Duke's Beach House on Maui is an epic oceanfront restaurant located at the Honua Kai Resort. While it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, mornings here are especially memorable. Families can enjoy banana and macadamia nut pancakes, omelets, or tropical fruit bowls while taking in sweeping ocean views. The avocado toast isn't just tasty, it's like a piece of art! After breakfast, it's easy to stroll straight onto the Kaanapali boardwalk for a walk by the beach. Later in the day, the menu expands to include fresh fish, burgers, and island-inspired entrées, along with a keiki menu that keeps kids happy. With its prime location, relaxed Hawaiian-style surfie atmosphere, and something for everyone, Duke's is a must for family dining in Kaanapali. Definitely make reservations here!

Honokowai Okazuya & Deli

Honokowai Okazuya & Deli is a legendary spot for local food just a short drive north of Kaanapali. This takeout-style deli has been serving generous plates for years and is beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Families can choose from options like chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, garlic ahi, and mahi mahi with lemon caper butter, all served with rice and mac salad. It is perfect for grabbing a hearty meal to bring back to your vacation rental or to enjoy at a nearby beach park. The prices are reasonable, the portions are filling, and the flavors are authentically Maui. For families who want an authentic taste of local comfort food, Honokowai Okazuya & Deli is a must-try. If you're feeling lazy, you can also order from them on DoorDash!

Slappy Cakes

Slappy Cakes is a breakfast experience that families visiting Kaanapali won't forget. Each table has its own griddle, allowing you to make pancakes together right at your seat. Kids love squeezing the batter onto the grill and adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or macadamia nuts to create their own combinations. Parents can join in the fun or choose from other breakfast favorites, such as omelets, sandwiches, or fresh tropical fruit. The hands-on setup makes every meal feel like an activity, and it is especially fun if a family member is celebrating a birthday while on the island. Slappy Cakes turns breakfast into a cherished vacation memory, making it one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Kaanapali.

Honoapiilani Food Truck Park

The Honoapiilani Food Truck Park is a great option for families who want variety and a casual atmosphere. With several trucks parked in one spot, everyone can find something they like, whether it's fresh fish tacos, garlic shrimp plates, burgers, or even sweet treats like shave ice. Kids love being able to pick their own meal, and parents enjoy the chance to sample different local flavors all in one place. Since most trucks open in the late afternoon, it's a perfect spot for an early dinner before heading to the beach for sunset. Families can grab a picnic table, enjoy the relaxed setting, and share a laid-back meal without the formality of a sit-down restaurant.

Dining out in Kaanapali with kids doesn't have to be stressful. From oceanfront spots like Duke's and Hula Grill to casual favorites such as Cool Cat Express and the Honoapiilani Food Truck Park, there are plenty of options where families can relax, enjoy good food, and make tasty vacation memories together. Whether your crew is craving pancakes flipped at the table, fresh poke to take to the beach, or a sit-down dinner with a sunset view, Kaanapali offers something for everyone.

At Maui Resort Rentals, we know that the best vacations are about more than where you stay. They're about the experiences that bring your family closer, and sharing meals is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to do that. As a locally owned, family-run company, we take pride in helping our guests discover the best of Maui, from family-friendly restaurants in Kaanapali to more hidden gems around the island.

When you're ready to plan your next trip, we'd love to help you find the perfect rental, whether it's a studio for two or a beachfront estate for the whole family. Contact Maui Resort Rentals today and let us help you create an unforgettable Maui vacation for you and your family. We're looking forward to meeting you!