Lobster

Question

Best place for lobster in Maui?

Answer

If you’re looking for the best lobster on Maui, here are some top picks based on local favorites, fine-dining restaurants, and standout dishes — along with what makes each one special.

Top Places to Try Lobster on Maui

Mama’s Fish House (Paia / North Shore) — This is probably the most iconic spot for lobster. Their menu includes Tristan Island lobster tails, and they also do a Hawaiian Kanpachi with lobster and crab in a macadamia nut crust.
- The Tristan Island lobster is prized for its flavor and is considered a very special item.
- They also offer a lobster-and-crab–stuffed mahi-mahi, baked in macadamia nut crust.
- Polynesian Lobster Soup is another option: creamy, with coconut and spinach.
Merriman’s Kapalua — Known among locals for serving Keahole lobster (Big Island-farmed “Maine-style” lobster).
- One reviewer said they ordered a “1.5 lb Kaehole lobster” but received a smaller portion, so portions and expectations may vary.
Hula Grill / Hula Grill Kāʻanapali — On the dinner menu, they offer Tristan lobster tails with lime-miso butter, plus a coconut seafood chowder that includes lobster.
Tropicals at Leilani’s (Lahaina area) — They have Tristan lobster tails, roasted and served with drawn butter and local vegetables.

Newer / More Casual Option

Maui Lobster King (Kīhei) — A newer restaurant (opened recently) offering Cajun-style seafood boils. Their “seafood boiling combo” includes lobster (plus shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, potatoes) for a very communal, hands-on experience.
- They also have a “Salt & Pepper Lobster” dish — crispy fried lobster in seasoning, with tender meat inside.

Things to Know / Tips When Ordering Lobster on Maui

Selection varies — According to locals, “Maui is not really a lobster kind of place,” and the native spiny lobster (or “Maui spiney lobster”) isn’t commonly on restaurant menus.
Imported / farmed lobster — Much of the lobster you’ll find (like at Merriman’s) is Keahole lobster, not local wild-caught.
Fine dining + reservations — For places like Mama’s Fish House, reservations are often required well in advance.
Cost is high — Lobster dishes at these restaurants tend to be on the expensive side, especially for premium items like Tristan Island lobster.

My Recommendation
If you want a *special, memorable lobster dinner*, go for Mama’s Fish House — their Tristan Island lobster is top-tier, and the restaurant itself is a classic Maui experience. If you’re looking for something more relaxed and fun (especially for group dining), Maui Lobster King is a great pick — the boil is very “hands-on” and satisfying.