Where to Find the Best Mai Tai in Maui

During our two-week honeymoon in Maui, we had one goal: to find the best Mai Tai on the island! We were on a mission to try Mai Tais everywhere we went, and while some were fantastic, others… not so much. Spoiler alert: not all Mai Tais are created equal! Here’s the rundown from our least to most loved.

Let’s Start with the Ones We’d Skip Next Time

Marriott Pool Bar

This Mai Tai was, unfortunately, our least favorite. It tasted watered-down, lacked that fresh tropical punch, and felt like a bit of a letdown to kick off our hunt. If you’re at the Marriott, we’d suggest sticking to something else on their cocktail menu.

The “So-So” Mai Tais (2.5-3/5)

Mala Tavern – 2.5

Mala Tavern has a great vibe and view, but the Mai Tai was just okay. It wasn’t as bold or fruity as we hoped, and it just didn’t have that Maui wow factor.

Monkeypod, Hula Grill, Kimo’s, Mama’s Fish House, and Ko – 3

These Mai Tais were solid but didn’t blow us away. Monkeypod’s is hyped, but the foam topping isn’t everyone’s thing. Hula Grill, Kimo’s, Mama’s Fish House, and Ko also serve up good versions, but they were pretty standard – nothing that really set them apart. If you’re looking for a reliable Mai Tai, these will do the job.

Moving Up the List – The Good Ones (3.5-4.5/5)

Waicoco – 4

Waicoco’s Mai Tai had a nice tropical flavor, balanced sweetness, and a solid kick. It wasn’t overly strong but was refreshing and enjoyable, making it a solid choice for an afternoon drink.

Kimo’s (OG) – 4

This is the original Kimo’s Mai Tai, and it’s a classic for a reason. It has that great, balanced blend of rum and fruit flavors, and you can’t go wrong with it if you’re at Kimo’s.

Merriman’s (OG and Regular) – 4

Both versions of Merriman’s Mai Tai are worth trying! The OG has that strong, smooth rum flavor that gives it an edge, while the regular version is a lighter, more refreshing option.

Lineage – 4.5

If you like your Mai Tais on the boozy side, Lineage’s version is the way to go. It’s strong, flavorful, and definitely packs a punch. Perfect for Mai Tai fans who like a drink with a kick!

The Best Mai Tai on the Island – Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (4.5/5)

The best of the best, hands down, was at Humuhumu. This Mai Tai is everything you want in a tropical drink – strong, fruity, and perfectly balanced with that delicious rum flavor. This was the highlight of our Mai Tai tour, and if you’re looking for the best Mai Tai in Maui, we’d highly recommend heading to Humuhumu!