Want to enjoy Maui oceanfront dining happy hours? Here’s what you need to know:
- Best Time: Most venues run happy hour from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early for prime seating, especially near sunset.
- Top Spots: Mala Ocean Tavern (2:00–4:00 PM), Merriman’s Kapalua (4:00–5:00 PM), and Maui Brewing Co. (3:00–5:00 PM) are popular picks.
- Reservations: Some places require them, but bar and lounge areas often operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Menu Highlights: Expect discounted drinks like $14 mai tais and shareable bites like calamari and ahi bruschetta.
- Parking: Lahaina and Ka’anapali can be tricky. Use lots like Safeway or opt for ride-sharing services.
Plan ahead, dress for the tropical vibe, and check for live music schedules to make the most of your experience.
Maui Oceanfront Happy Hour Guide: Times, Reservations & Top Venues
Happy Hour Cheap Eats in Maui: Best Bites & Drinks Wi
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When Do Oceanfront Happy Hours Happen?
In Maui, oceanfront happy hours usually kick off in the late afternoon, starting anywhere from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and wrapping up between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The most common timeframe is from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM – perfect for soaking in the golden hour with a discounted drink in hand.
That said, happy hour schedules can vary widely depending on the venue. For example, Kahale’s in Kihei offers an extended happy hour lasting 7.5 hours daily (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM), while Kō Restaurant keeps it short and sweet with just a one-hour window from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Some places even double up, like Pailolo Bar & Grill, which runs a morning session from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM and another in the afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Common Happy Hour Times
While the typical happy hour window is 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, some venues mix things up. For instance:
- Hula Grill Ka’anapali offers its “Aloha Hour” daily from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Barefoot Bar, featuring $13 cocktails and $7 draft beers.
- Monkeypod Kitchen runs from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Merriman’s Kapalua starts later, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at The Point.
Some restaurants stretch their hours even further. Start times can range from as early as 7:30 AM to as late as 9:00 PM for venues offering late-night sessions.
If catching the sunset is your goal, plan to arrive right at the start of happy hour. Many deals end just before or during sunset, so getting there early not only secures prime seating but also ensures those stunning ocean views. It’s always a good idea to call ahead, as schedules often change.
Which Days Offer the Best Deals?
Here’s the good news: most oceanfront happy hours in Maui are available every day of the week. Unlike many mainland establishments that limit specials to weekdays, Maui’s beachfront spots embrace the island’s “pau hana” (after work) tradition with daily deals.
Restaurants like Mala Ocean Tavern, Sea House Restaurant, and Three’s Bar & Grill offer happy hour pricing seven days a week. For example, you’ll pay the same $14 for a Mai Tai at Merriman’s whether it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday.
Some venues add extra perks to their weekday offerings. For instance, Moose McGillycuddy’s in Kihei pairs its daily 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM happy hour (with $6–$7 drink specials) with fun events like Monday night Bingo and Wednesday night Trivia. To avoid surprises, check directly with the restaurant for the latest schedules and specials before heading out.
Do You Need Reservations?
To make the most of your oceanfront happy hour, it’s important to understand each venue’s reservation policy. Some places require reservations in advance, while others stick to a first-come, first-served system – even during the busiest tourist seasons.
Many restaurants separate their dining areas from their bar or lounge spaces. Typically, reservations are needed for the main dining room, but lounges – where happy hour specials are often served – are open to walk-ins. For instance, Merriman’s Kapalua suggests reservations for its dining room, but its Point Lounge operates on a walk-in basis only. Similarly, Pilina (Fairmont) does not take reservations for its 4:30–5:30 PM happy hour, offering open seating instead.
During peak seasons, popular spots can book up weeks or even months in advance. Merriman’s Kapalua, for example, allows reservations up to 60 days ahead, while Mala Ocean Tavern recommends booking as early as possible.
Reservation Guidelines at Popular Spots
Mala Ocean Tavern strongly encourages reservations for its 2:00–4:00 PM happy hour, though walk-ins are still welcome. Even with a reservation, waterside or window seating isn’t guaranteed, as those prime spots often go to the earliest bookers. The restaurant also has a 24-hour cancellation policy. If the dining room is full, bar seating can be a solid backup option.
Leilani’s on the Beach offers reservations through OpenTable, making it easy to check availability in real time. Maui Brewing Co. in Ka’anapali suggests reservations for sunset, but walk-ins often find success during its 3:00–5:00 PM happy hour. Guests give their happy hour an impressive 4.3 out of 5 rating based on 495 OpenTable reviews.
| Restaurant | Happy Hour Times | Reservation Policy | Seating Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mala Ocean Tavern | 2:00–4:00 PM | Highly encouraged | Walk-ins welcome; bar seating available |
| Merriman’s Kapalua | 4:00–5:00 PM | Recommended (Dining Room) | Point Lounge and bar first-come, first-served |
| Maui Brewing Co. | 3:00–5:00 PM | Recommended for sunset | Walk-ins often succeed during happy hour |
| Pilina (Fairmont) | 4:30–5:30 PM | Not accepted | Strictly first-come, first-served |
| Leilani’s on the Beach | Varies | Recommended | Reservations via OpenTable |
When It’s Busy: Walk-In Tips
If you can’t secure a reservation, don’t worry – there are ways to improve your chances as a walk-in. Sunset is the busiest time for any oceanfront spot, so arriving right when happy hour starts is your best bet. For example, if the happy hour runs from 3:00–5:00 PM, showing up at 3:00 PM increases your odds of snagging a table before the sunset crowd arrives.
Mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to have lighter crowds compared to weekends. If you’re walking in, ask about bar or counter seating, which is often easier to get than a dining room table. Keep in mind that venues with live music – like Mala Ocean Tavern or Maui Brewing Co.’s evening performances – tend to draw larger crowds.
Here’s another tip: even if your first-choice restaurant is fully booked for dinner, check if they have a walk-in lounge for happy hour. For example, Merriman’s Kapalua notes:
“Our Point Lounge offers first-come, first-served outdoor seating, weather permitting”.
What’s on the Happy Hour Menu?
Maui’s oceanfront happy hours are all about sipping on discounted drinks and savoring shareable local bites, perfectly blending the island’s laid-back vibe with affordable dining.
Drink Specials
Many oceanfront spots serve up craft beers, wines, and tropical cocktails at wallet-friendly prices. For example, Lahaina Brewing Company in Wailea Village offers $2 off all Koholā Flagship beers and $4 off wine by the glass during their weekday happy hour from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Over at Māla Ocean Tavern, their daily happy hour from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM includes selected beers for $8, wines for $9, well drinks for $12, and cocktails for $14. To sweeten the deal, many venues pair these specials with live performances by local musicians.
Food Options
Happy hour menus in Maui often feature fresh seafood and shareable plates with a Hawaiian twist. At Māla Ocean Tavern, you’ll find tempting options like Hood Canal Oyster Shooters for $5, Coconut Shrimp for $17, Crispy Calamari for $16, Seared Ahi Bruschetta for $19, and three types of flatbreads priced at $14 each. Other highlights include Wagyu Burgers ($23), Fresh Island Fish Sandwiches ($20), Ube Hot Bread with honey butter ($14.50), and Poisson Cru ($16).
Russell Snyder of Maui Happy Hours calls the $3 Oyster Shooters a standout choice.
With these delicious offerings, Maui’s happy hour scene promises an unforgettable oceanfront dining experience.
Tips for Your Oceanfront Happy Hour Visit
What to Wear
Go for a relaxed yet stylish look that fits the island vibe. Think lightweight sundresses, linen shirts, or shorts paired with sandals – perfect for that breezy beachfront atmosphere. Make sure your footwear is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor spaces, keeping comfort in mind as you enjoy the coastal surroundings. Planning your outfit with your plans in mind can make the whole experience smoother.
Parking and Getting Around
When visiting Lahaina, parking can be a bit tricky, but there are convenient options. Look for designated lots like those at Safeway or The Cannery Mall. Some sister restaurants even share parking spaces – for instance, if you’re dining at Mala Ocean Tavern, you can park at Coco Deck and vice versa. Avoid parking on Front Street to dodge towing risks. Arriving 15–30 minutes early (around 2:00 PM) is a smart move to snag a spot and grab a coveted first-come, first-served seat at the bar.
If you’re planning to enjoy a few cocktails, using a ride-sharing service or taxi is a great idea. It saves you from parking headaches and ensures you’re safe on those scenic coastal roads. For those with accessibility needs, many venues offer open-air decks and ramps, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm specific accommodations.
Where to Find Oceanfront Happy Hours in Maui
Ka’anapali Oceanfront Options
Ka’anapali is a hotspot for oceanfront happy hours, offering a variety of venues with stunning views. Leilani’s on the Beach, located in Whalers Village, hosts happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Monday and Thursday through Sunday) at its lower-level beach bar. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific, framed by the islands of Lanai and Molokai. With a 3.9/5 rating on Yelp from over 3,700 reviews, popular menu items include the $13 Kimo’s Grog cocktail and tempura-battered prawns for $15.
At the Maui Brewing Co, located in the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort, happy hour runs daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This spot is known for its handcrafted beers and inventive frozen cocktails, plus the bonus of two hours of free validated parking. For a more unique experience, Cliff Dive Grill at the Sheraton Maui offers a short but memorable happy hour from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, perfectly timed to coincide with the nightly cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock. Meanwhile, Hula Grill Ka’anapali’s Barefoot Bar provides beachfront seating, live music, and hula performances from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, head north to Napili for a quieter beachfront experience.
Napili’s Beachfront Scene
Nestled along Napili Bay, Sea House Restaurant is a standout choice for happy hour, running daily from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM. This award-winning venue, recognized by Maui Magazine’s Aipono Awards for “Best Happy Hour” and “Most Maui-est Restaurant”, offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for both romantic evenings and family outings. Their menu, crafted by Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw (voted “Best Chef on Maui”), features crowd-pleasers like poke nachos, crispy crab-crusted monchong, and lamb chops.
“The Sea House boasts one of the few truly ‘beachfront’ dining locations on Maui. Guests dine literally at the water’s edge, enjoying breathtaking ocean views, award-winning cuisine, and spectacular sunsets.”
– Napili Kai Beach Resort
Reservations are recommended as happy hour ends promptly at 4:45 PM. Other nearby options include Kitchen 5315 Restaurant and Tiki Bar, Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant, and Miso Phat Sushi, which offers $5 draft beers during its happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
For those seeking a blend of laid-back vibes and upscale venues, Kihei offers a lively happy hour scene.
Kihei Beach Bars and Restaurants
Kihei’s happy hour options range from casual beach bars to refined oceanfront spots. Three’s Bar & Grill, a three-time winner of “Best Happy Hour on Maui”, serves happy hour from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring sushi rolls starting at $5.25 and coconut fish tacos for $6.50. South Shore Tiki Lounge takes it up a notch with an extensive happy hour running from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering $4 draft beers and $6 margaritas.
For a more upscale experience, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa provides a picturesque lagoon setting and tiki-inspired cocktails, earning a 4.5/5 rating on OpenTable from 1,390 reviews. Nearby in Wailea, Monkeypod Kitchen boasts a stellar 4.6/5 OpenTable rating from over 11,000 reviews and offers 50% off most appetizers (excluding seafood) during happy hour from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, Maui Brewing Co’s Kihei location runs happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring $14 pizzas and $2 off draft beers. On “Logo Wear Wednesdays”, guests sporting Maui Brewing Co gear receive an extra $2 off beers all day.
With so many options across Maui, there’s something for every mood and occasion. For a complete guide to these oceanfront venues by location, check out the Maui Oceanfront Dining Directory 2026, where you’ll find detailed information on hours, amenities, and accessibility to plan your ideal happy hour experience.
Plan Your Oceanfront Happy Hour Visit
If you’re planning to enjoy a happy hour by the ocean in Maui, aim for the typical 2:00–5:00 PM timeframe. For instance, Mala Ocean Tavern offers its happy hour from 2:00–4:00 PM. Arriving early is key to snagging the best seats, as many venues operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
For high-demand spots, making a reservation is highly recommended. While walk-ins are often allowed, keep in mind that waterside seating is not always guaranteed, even with a reservation. Some venues also charge no-show or late cancellation fees, which can be as much as $20 per person. Popular destinations like Merriman’s Kapalua open their reservation books 60 days in advance, so planning ahead is essential.
Parking and attire are just as crucial to consider. In busy areas like Ka’anapali and Lahaina, plan for an extra 15–20 minutes to find parking. Some restaurants provide complimentary valet services, while others rely on nearby lots, such as those at Safeway or Lahaina Cannery Mall. Be mindful to avoid parking on residential Front Street, as towing is strictly enforced. As for attire, most places suggest “Island Smart Casual”, though beach bars lean toward a more relaxed dress code.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information, check out the Maui Oceanfront Dining Directory 2026. This resource provides verified details on happy hour times, live music schedules, reservation policies, and parking options. It’s especially helpful since many downtown Lahaina restaurants remain closed following the August 2023 wildfires.
Lastly, don’t forget to check the daily schedules for live entertainment. Most local acts kick off around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Take your time – there’s no need to rush. With two full hours to enjoy live music, discounted drinks, and tasty bites, you can truly soak in the experience.
FAQs
How can I get the best oceanfront seating during happy hour in Maui?
To score the best oceanfront seats during happy hour in Maui, timing is everything. Those coveted waterside tables fill up quickly, so showing up before happy hour kicks off gives you a much better shot at snagging a prime spot. Many venues also suggest – or even require – reservations, especially during busier times. It’s worth calling ahead or booking online to secure your place.
Another tip? Plan around the happy hour schedule. For instance, if a restaurant’s happy hour is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, arriving a little before 2:00 PM can help you beat the rush. For spots featuring live music or special events, getting there even earlier means you’ll have a great view and a more relaxed vibe. Pairing an early arrival with a reservation, when available, is the ultimate way to enjoy Maui’s breathtaking oceanfront happy hours.
When is the best time to enjoy happy hour without the crowds?
For a laid-back happy hour vibe, weekdays – particularly in the afternoon – are ideal. Many oceanfront venues in Maui feature happy hour deals between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, offering a more peaceful atmosphere than the busier evenings or weekends.
Afternoons are perfect for enjoying discounted food and drinks, often accompanied by live music or breathtaking ocean views. Just make sure to check directly with the venue, as specific hours and specials can differ.
Should I make a reservation for oceanfront happy hour, or can I just walk in?
If you’re aiming for that ideal oceanfront table, it’s a smart move to make a reservation, especially during busy times. While walk-ins are often accepted, the best spots by the water might already be taken. Booking ahead gives you peace of mind and sets the stage for a more enjoyable outing.