Looking for affordable oceanfront dining in Maui that’s perfect for families? Here are five standout restaurants where you can enjoy great food, stunning views, and kid-friendly amenities – all while keeping your budget in check. These spots offer affordable menus, dedicated kids’ options, and relaxing beachfront settings:
- Duke’s Beach House Maui: Extensive kids’ menu, live music, and breathtaking sunset views.
- Hula Grill – Kaanapali: Casual Barefoot Bar with sand play areas for kids and live Hawaiian music.
- Leilani’s on the Beach: Flexible dining options with a casual grill and a more formal dining room.
- Mala Ocean Tavern: Budget-friendly meals, oceanfront seating, and the chance to spot sea turtles.
- Longhi’s Kaanapali: Relaxed beachfront patio with affordable brunch and dinner options.
Quick Tip: Check the Maui Oceanfront Dining Directory 2026 for the latest updates on hours, pricing, and amenities. Reservations are highly recommended for prime seating during busy times.
1. Duke’s Beach House Maui
Perched on North Kaʻanapali Beach at the Honua Kai Resort, Duke’s Beach House Maui is a favorite for families seeking oceanfront dining without breaking the bank. With a stellar 4.7/5 rating from over 11,150 reviews on OpenTable, it’s a go-to spot for multigenerational meals. The combination of breathtaking views, a family-friendly vibe, and budget-conscious options makes it stand out.
The dedicated Keiki menu, designed for kids 10 and under, is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prices range from $6.00 for breakfast cereal to $17.00 for fresh fish and chips. Popular choices like mac and cheese ($11.00), cheeseburgers ($13.00), and fried chicken strips ($14.00) come with sides like jasmine rice, french fries, or fresh fruit. Adults aren’t left out, with breakfast highlights such as Banana & Macnut Pancakes ($19.50) and Loco Moco ($21.00), all priced under $30.
Just steps from the sand, diners are treated to sweeping views of Molokai and Lanai. Live Hawaiian music enhances the experience, playing three times daily: during lunch (12:00 PM–2:30 PM), happy hour (3:00 PM–5:00 PM), and dinner (5:30 PM–8:00 PM). As the sun sets, tiki torches are lit, creating a picture-perfect moment for family photos.
Planning a sunset meal? Book early – 235 reservations were made in a single day in February 2026. For the best ocean views, request a patio table. Plus, the resort offers complimentary self-parking and valet services for added convenience.
As one OpenTable reviewer, Sharon, shared: "Perfect spot on the beach! Great food and service!".
With its mix of affordability, stunning scenery, and family-friendly touches, Duke’s Beach House is the perfect starting point for your Maui dining adventures.
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2. Hula Grill – Kaanapali
Nestled in Whaler’s Village on Kaanapali Beach, Hula Grill has been a go-to spot for families since 1994. It offers two distinct dining vibes: the relaxed Barefoot Bar and the more formal Dining Room, both showcasing stunning Maui oceanfront dining views. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a refined sunset dinner, this place has you covered.
The Barefoot Bar is a hit with families, especially since kids can play in the sand while waiting for their meals. The Keiki menu, available daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM at the Barefoot Bar and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Dining Room, makes it easy to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.
"The Hula Grill is perfect for young and old visitors in west Maui, with multiple indoor and outdoor classic dining areas along with a more casual outdoor toes-in-the-sand dining area with great views of the ocean", says Dining Maui.
To elevate the experience, live Hawaiian music fills the air from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Hula show adding to the charm from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For those aiming to catch the sunset, it’s a smart move to reserve a Dining Room table at least an hour beforehand to lock in those prime oceanfront seats. Prefer a more spontaneous outing? The Barefoot Bar welcomes walk-ins and features Aloha Hour from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering $5 local drafts and $7 house cocktails.
The restaurant is ADA-compliant, dog-friendly, and perfectly positioned along the Kaanapali Beach boardwalk. After your meal, you’re just steps away from the sand, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll or some beach fun. It’s the ideal mix of great food, affordability, and a family-friendly vibe.
3. Leilani’s on the Beach – Dining Room
Leilani’s on the Beach, nestled in Whaler’s Village on Ka’anapali Beach, brings families two distinct dining options under one roof. Upstairs, the Main Dining Room offers a more formal dinner experience from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Meanwhile, the downstairs Beachside Grill provides a laid-back, budget-conscious alternative that’s perfect for families looking for a casual vibe.
The restaurant goes the extra mile for families with its daily Keiki Menu, featuring affordable meals for kids, and fun mocktails to make even the youngest diners feel special. Local residents can enjoy a 10% Kama’aina discount by presenting a valid local ID, adding even more value for those who live nearby.
"Leilani’s on the beach is a tradition for our family. We will always consider it one of our top favorites." – Steve Kimery
The upstairs Dining Room stands out for its stunning ocean views, lava rock walls, and rustic wood beams, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and welcoming. Live music enhances the experience, while the restaurant’s location along three miles of historic white sand adds a layer of charm and connection to the area’s local heritage.
For those looking to stretch their budget further, the Beach Bar’s Aloha Hour is a must. Running Monday and Thursday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, it features great deals alongside themed specials like Taco Tuesday and Burger & Beer Wednesday (available from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM). With operating hours from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, Leilani’s offers plenty of flexibility for beachgoers to drop in for a meal or snack. These thoughtful touches and varied options make it a standout choice for family-friendly oceanfront dining.
4. Mala Ocean Tavern
Mala Ocean Tavern is a laid-back spot along Maui’s Lahaina shoreline, offering stunning oceanfront views and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families. With a 4.8/5 rating on OpenTable from nearly 10,000 reviews, it’s no surprise this restaurant was named one of Maui’s best oceanfront dining spots in 2025.
For families, Mala Ocean Tavern has plenty to offer. The dedicated Keiki menu features kid-friendly favorites like eggs and French toast, and the staff provides high chairs and attentive service to make dining with little ones hassle-free.
If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, there are plenty of affordable options. Highlights include the $17 Build Your Own Flatbread, Mala Caesar Salad, and the $29 signature cheeseburger. There’s also a Daily Happy Hour from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, where you can enjoy discounted pupus and live music. Other wallet-friendly choices include Fresh Squeezed Juice for $8 and Fried Tofu for $12.
What really sets Mala Ocean Tavern apart are the breathtaking views. Diners often spot sea turtles gliding by, and during the winter, you might even catch a glimpse of whales offshore. These unforgettable sights make it worth reserving an oceanside table to soak in the scenery while you dine.
Practical details make this spot even more appealing. Parking is available in a small on-site lot or at the nearby Cannery Mall, which is especially helpful for families juggling strollers and beach gear. The restaurant serves brunch from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner is available until 9:00 PM. While many menu items are under $30, some dinner seafood entrees can range from $42 to $61. For a budget-friendly experience, brunch or lighter options like flatbreads and starters are great choices.
With its mix of scenic views, family-friendly amenities, and affordable menu options, Mala Ocean Tavern offers a memorable dining experience along Maui’s shoreline.
5. Longhi’s Kaanapali
Longhi’s Kaanapali brings a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere to the Kaanapali Beach Walk, offering open-air dining with stunning ocean views. It’s a great spot for families, thanks to its dedicated "Keiki Menu" available at both brunch and dinner, making it easy to cater to younger diners’ tastes. The restaurant has a 3.6/5 rating on OpenTable, with its ambience scoring higher at 4.2/5, largely due to the breathtaking sunset views. Plus, it offers plenty of budget-friendly meal options.
While the typical price range per person falls between $31–$50, families can stick closer to $30 by opting for lighter dishes or items from the Keiki Menu. For example, appetizers like Zucchini Fritta ($15.00) or fresh salads ($14.00–$16.00) make it possible to enjoy a meal while keeping costs manageable.
The beachfront location is a standout feature. Situated directly on the beach walk at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, the restaurant offers patio seating where kids can watch the waves roll in while parents soak in the view.
Joan, a verified diner, shared, "The patio seating is perfect for people watching and the sunsets are amazing."
Families often highlight the pasta and other kid-friendly dishes as crowd-pleasers for little ones.
Practical amenities like wheelchair access and free parking at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club’s Lahaina Parking Garage make dining with children more convenient. For a calmer experience, especially with younger kids, consider booking an earlier seating before the sunset crowd arrives. Brunch is served daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while dinner service runs until 8:30 PM. However, reviews from February 2026 mention occasional service delays during busy times, so an early reservation might save you some hassle. With its ocean views, kid-friendly menu, and easy accessibility, Longhi’s Kaanapali offers a great dining option for families.
Restaurant Comparison
Maui Family-Friendly Oceanfront Restaurants Under $30 Comparison Chart
Here’s a closer look at five budget-friendly, family-friendly oceanfront restaurants in Maui:
| Restaurant | Average Entrée Price | Kids’ Menu | Ocean View Quality | Family Amenities | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke’s Beach House Maui | $30–$45 | Extensive (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Gorgeous, especially at sunset | – | Northern Kaanapali |
| Hula Grill – Kaanapali | $30–$45 | Limited but high-quality options | Spectacular views | Customized kids’ options | Whaler’s Village, Kaanapali |
| Leilani’s on the Beach | $31–$50 | Dedicated menus in casual and dining areas | Fantastic ocean views | – | Whaler’s Village, Kaanapali |
| Mala Ocean Tavern | $15–$30 | Yes | Direct oceanfront views | – | Front Street, Lahaina |
| Longhi’s Kaanapali | $31–$50 | Family-Style Option | Beachfront patio seating | – | Whaler’s Village, Kaanapali |
Each of these restaurants provides a great mix of affordability and family-friendly features, making them ideal for dining with kids while enjoying Maui’s stunning ocean views.
- Duke’s Beach House Maui stands out for its extensive all-day Keiki menu, perfect for families looking for variety.
- Hula Grill – Kaanapali offers a high-quality, customizable kids’ menu alongside spectacular views, especially during sunset.
- Mala Ocean Tavern is a fantastic option for budget-conscious families, with most entrées priced under $30 and direct oceanfront seating.
- Leilani’s on the Beach provides flexibility with separate kids’ menus for its casual bar and more refined dining room settings.
- Longhi’s Kaanapali combines a family-style dining option with a relaxed beachfront patio atmosphere.
For the best experience, it’s wise to reserve early at Duke’s, Hula Grill, and Leilani’s, especially during peak hours, to secure the best seating. Whether you’re after affordability, stunning views, or kid-friendly menus, these options have you covered.
Conclusion
Enjoying oceanfront dining in Maui doesn’t have to break the bank. These five restaurants prove you can savor Maui’s breathtaking coastline while keeping your entrée cost under $30. With dedicated keiki menus, laid-back open-air settings, and natural perks like spotting sea turtles in the surf, they offer a perfect mix of family-friendly vibes and scenic beauty.
A little planning goes a long way. Many venues feature lower prices for brunch or lunch compared to dinner, making it easier to stick to your budget. Popular spots like Duke’s Beach House, Hula Grill, and Leilani’s often fill up quickly, so making reservations is a smart move for securing prime oceanfront seating during busy times.
Before heading out, check the Maui Oceanfront Dining Directory 2026 for the latest updates on restaurant hours, pricing, and special dining options like brunch or happy hour. The directory also offers additional suggestions for family-friendly dining.
Whether you’re drawn to Mala Ocean Tavern’s affordable dishes, Duke’s extensive all-day kid’s menu, or Hula Grill’s customizable options for children, each of these restaurants strikes a balance between budget-conscious dining, comfort, and stunning ocean views.
FAQs
Are meals at these restaurants really under $30?
Yes, plenty of these restaurants provide meals for under $30, particularly during lunch or happy hour. These budget-friendly choices are perfect for families wanting to experience oceanfront dining without breaking the bank.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and long waits?
To skip the crowds and cut down on waiting times, plan your visit during off-peak hours – early mornings or late evenings are ideal. Steer clear of busy meal times, like lunch and dinner, if you’re aiming for a calmer, more enjoyable outing.
What’s the best spot for kids to play on the sand?
Mama’s Beach stands out as a favorite destination for families with kids. With its welcoming atmosphere and ample sandy space, it’s the ideal place for children to play, explore, and have fun. Parents can relax knowing their little ones have room to enjoy themselves in a safe and family-friendly setting.
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