My husband and I recently returned from an incredibly restorative and inspiring couples-only vacation in Maui. We joined more than 350 other couples for the Love Song Couples Getaway and enjoyed Christian music from artists like Mercy Me, along with marriage counselor and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. It was truly the best of all worlds: meaningful programming, beautiful scenery, and quality time together.
(This post was written by Jill — a former member of the Eating Gluten and Dairy Free team)
Best of all, the trip turned into a surprisingly stress-free week for food, which is a rare treat when you eat gluten- and dairy-free. Maui exceeded expectations with a wide range of allergy-friendly options, so with a little planning you can relax and enjoy your meals.
My success started with research before we left. I spent time browsing ideas, emailing a few restaurants to confirm offerings, and using apps to identify gluten-free friendly spots. Arriving with a short list of grocery stores and restaurants saved time and reduced stress, and it allowed us to focus on enjoying the island.
When we landed in Kahului, our first stop was Whole Foods Market to pick up essentials for dinner and breakfast. The Maui store is smaller than many mainland locations but still stocked a solid selection of gluten- and dairy-free items. They responded promptly to an email inquiry I sent beforehand, which was helpful. If you rely on specific specialty products, contacting the store ahead of time is a smart move.
Prep Properly
- Do your research before you go.
- Email restaurants and grocery stores to confirm allergy-friendly options.
- Bring TSA-approved snacks for travel or unexpected delays.
- Plan your stops once you arrive—know how long it will take to reach a safe restaurant or store.
- Check what your hotel provides and how close it is to events and safe dining options.
We stayed on the west side of the island at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, about an hour from the airport. Within walking distance of our room was a convenient local market called Honolua, which offered a much more affordable alternative to hotel dining. They carried a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, including multiple grill stations. While my husband was comfortable grabbing food from the grill, I opted for fresh fruit and salads to avoid potential cross-contamination. The fruit was exceptionally fresh and tempting—next visit I want to explore a local farmers’ market.
Maui Food Highlights from the Week
Each morning I treated myself to rejuvenating gluten- and dairy-free smoothies from the hotel café. They became my go-to breakfast throughout the trip. Though a smoothie cost between $13–$15, the quality of the fruit made it worth the price. One new favorite was a pomegranate blend; I loved the flavor even if the tiny seeds made sipping a little tricky with paper straws.
Another memorable lunch was at Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei. It’s a popular spot and the patio seating was relaxed and pleasant, complete with live acoustic music. The restaurant offers a gluten-free menu and the server was knowledgeable about food allergies, which made ordering easy and worry-free. I tried their pineapple-topped hamburger after my husband raved about it from a prior visit and it was delicious—sweet, savory, and distinctly Maui.
Feast at Lele, Lahaina
We attended a luau called Feast at Lele in Lahaina and noted our gluten and dairy allergies on the reservation form. Reviewing the menu in advance helped a lot, as each course included several small dishes and it was useful to know which items would be safe. The luau was beautiful and well-produced, and booking early improves seating options and proximity to the stage. If dessert is a concern, consider bringing a personal treat or planning to enjoy something off-site afterward—some luau desserts may still include dairy.
Choice Health Bar Acai Bowl
One of my favorite meals was an acai bowl from Choice Health Bar in Lahaina. I chose the Ka’anapali Point bowl with gluten-free oats and even the small size was generously filling. It was the perfect cooling option on a hot, humid Maui day, and I also grabbed a cold-pressed juice to take along for the next day. If you love acai bowls, this is a must-try.
Dinner at Maui Brick Oven
On our final night we dined at Maui Brick Oven in Kihei. This restaurant was a dream for gluten-free diners, offering 100% gluten-free pizzas with dairy-free options available. We ordered a Hawaiian-style pie to celebrate being in Hawaii. The menu also included salads and starters that worked well for various dietary needs. (Note: dining options can change over time, so check before you go.)
Overall, Maui provided many choices for gluten- and dairy-free travelers. Fresh fruit accompanied several meals and elevated dishes across the island. With planning, it’s easy to find satisfying options without constant worry.
Traveling with Kids
If you visit Maui with children, pack snacks and some breakfast items for convenience and comfort. Two accessible and rewarding outdoor attractions near Lahaina and Kapalua are the expansive Banyan Tree and the Nakalele Blowhole with the heart-shaped rock nearby. The Banyan Tree’s size and presence are hard to capture in a single photo, and the short hike to the blowhole rewards visitors with dramatic scenery—wear sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops for the lava rock terrain.
If you haven’t been to Maui yet, add it to your bucket list. The island offers many allergen-friendly restaurants and beautiful views. I’d love to hear about your Maui experiences—especially gluten- and dairy-free recommendations—so please share your tips and favorite spots. My trip also inspired several recipes, including a gluten- and dairy-free Hawaiian BBQ chicken pizza and an upcoming Kalua pork recipe, both perfect ways to relive island flavors at home.