Merriman's Kapalua

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

The Pioneer Behind the Plate

Long before farm-to-table became a dining trend, Chef Peter Merriman was driving up to farms, walking the docks, and telling local producers, "If you grow it or catch it, I'll buy it, and we all succeed." Dubbed the "Pied Piper of Hawaii Regional Cuisine" by The Los Angeles Times, Merriman arrived in Hawaii in 1983 with one suitcase and $75 in his pocket — and ended up reshaping how an entire state eats. Merriman's Kapalua, set on the grounds of the scenic resort on Maui's West Side, opened in 2008 as a natural extension of that decades-long commitment to the islands.

Rooted in Hawaii Regional Cuisine

The kitchen at Kapalua draws on the same philosophy that launched Merriman's original Big Island restaurant back in 1988: showcase island-grown and harvested foods through honest preparations that honor Hawaii's multicultural flavors. Over 90% of ingredients are sourced locally, from the farms and ranches of Maui's upcountry to the boats of local fishermen. The result is seafood-forward fine dining where the provenance of every ingredient is as considered as the cooking itself.

Signature dishes across the Merriman's group point to what the kitchen does best — the Wok-Charred Ahi, which San Francisco Magazine once declared "to die for," and the Macadamia Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch, finished with a Chardonnay mushroom sauce and local green beans, are emblematic of the style: clean technique, island ingredients, no unnecessary flourish.

A Wine List Worth Noting

The wine program has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects the seriousness with which the team approaches the cellar — pairing thoughtfully with a menu that moves with the seasons and the catch.

The Aloha Spirit, in Practice

Merriman's guiding principle — "Do the Right Thing" — runs through every layer of the operation. Staff are taught to respect the ʻāina (land) that feeds them and the people who produce the food, and many team members have been part of the Merriman's ʻohana for years. Outdoor seating, a full bar, and the ability to accommodate private parties make Kapalua as suited to a celebration as to a quiet dinner watching Maui's West Side sky darken over the water.