Seafood Restaurants in Maui: Fresh Island Fish & an Elevated Dining Experience

As the sun dips below the horizon in Wailea, the air turns gold, the conch shell sounds in the distance, and the scent of sautéed Mahi Mahi drifts on the salt breeze. This isn’t just dinner—it’s the Maui experience travelers dream of.

For those seeking an elevated experience in Wailea, Nick’s Fishmarket Maui consistently stands out as one of the best seafood restaurants in Maui.

What Makes a Great Seafood Restaurant in Maui?

With so many dining options across the island, here is what truly sets the best apart.

1. Fresh, Local Hawaiian Fish

The finest seafood restaurants prioritize island sourced fish whenever possible. From ahi and mahi mahi to Kona lobster and Pacific abalone, freshness is everything.

Guests frequently note the quality:

“The selection of fish is amazing and fresh. Each time we visit we are left very satisfied.”

At Nick’s, seafood is prepared with precision and respect for the ingredient, whether it is seared rare ahi, Moroccan spiced salmon, or a beautifully prepared island catch piccata.

2. Variety Beyond Seafood

While seafood is the star, the best Maui restaurants also cater to every guest at the table.

One diner shared:

“Excellent seafood and even the Filet Mignon was great. The steak had great flavor and was very tender.”

From filet mignon and rib eye steak to rack of lamb and roasted chicken, the menu ensures that both seafood lovers and non seafood guests leave impressed.

3. A Setting That Matches the Food

In Wailea, dining is about the full sensory experience.

Located at the iconic Fairmont Kea Lani, Nick’s Fishmarket is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and koi ponds.  

Guests often recommend arriving at sunset:

“I recommend coming around sunset, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the view.”

As evening approaches, torch lighting and the traditional sunset conch shell blowing ceremony create a uniquely Maui atmosphere.

Signature Seafood Dishes That Define Maui Dining

A standout seafood restaurant delivers memorable dishes that guests talk about long after vacation ends.

Highlights include:

The Seafood Tower

Live Kona lobster, oysters Nick’s style, jumbo shrimp, ahi poke, and house sauces. Perfect for sharing and ideal for special occasions.

“The seafood tower was perfect to share.” Yelp Review

Ginger Soy Marinated Ahi

Served with baby bok choy and wasabi whipped potatoes, balancing island flavors with refined technique.

Potato Scaled Mahi Mahi

Featuring beurre rouge, asparagus, and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes.

Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell

Served with lilikoi mignonette and white truffle oil for a vibrant island twist.

An Award Winning Wine Program

Exceptional seafood deserves exceptional wine.

One of the most distinctive features of Nick’s Fishmarket is its glass enclosed, temperature controlled, 2,000 bottle wine display. The restaurant is a six time winner of Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence, offering global selections that pair beautifully with both seafood and steak.

Guests consistently praise the pairing experience and knowledgeable staff.

A Romantic and Celebration Worthy Atmosphere

Seafood restaurants in Maui often double as celebration destinations. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and family gatherings all feel elevated here.

One OpenTable guest wrote:

“Lovely setting, attentive service, excellent seafood!” Janet, OpenTable Review

Another shared:

“We were 6 adults and one baby, and all of us loved our orders and didn’t leave a scrap of food on the table. The wait staff is ‘out of this world’ kind, helpful, and accommodating.” Karin, OpenTable Review

Private booths create intimacy indoors, while outdoor dining under overhead lights brings Mediterranean romance to the tropical setting.

Beyond Dinner: Cocktails and Desserts Worth Savoring

The experience does not end with seafood.

The Nick’s Sunset cocktail, a tropical fruit juice and rum blend, is a guest favorite. The full service bar offers fine wines by the glass, premium spirits, and creative island cocktails.

For dessert:

• Coconut panna cotta with fresh berries

   

• Chocolate macadamia nut brownie

   

• Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée

   

• Strawberries flambéed tableside for two

   

“Even the decaf coffee was superb, as were the desserts.”

Why Wailea Is a Premier Destination for Seafood Dining

Wailea is known for luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and elevated dining. A seafood restaurant here must match the setting.

Guests frequently mention:

• Sunset views

   

• Elegant yet welcoming decor

   

• Attentive, professional service

   

• Memorable special occasion experiences

   

One reviewer summed it up:

“10/10 great service and food. A little bit pricey but totally worth the cost. Lots of great fresh seafood.”

Experience One of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Maui

When searching for seafood restaurants in Maui, visitors are ultimately looking for an experience, not just a meal.

Fresh island fish. Creative preparation. Award winning wine. Impeccable service.

Located at:

The Fairmont Kea Lani
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, Maui, HI 96753
808.879.7224

Nick’s Fishmarket Maui blends Mediterranean romance with the tropical glow of Maui, creating a dining experience that guests return to year after year.

For sunset reservations, special occasions, or simply an unforgettable seafood dinner in Wailea, Nick’s Fishmarket remains one of Maui’s most celebrated destinations.