Seahouse Restaurant in Napili

Question

Has anyone eaten here recently? Would appreciate any reviews. Dishes recommended?

Thank you!

Answer

I haven't personally eaten there, but based on recent reviews and local insights, here’s a detailed breakdown of what people say about Sea House Restaurant (also “Sea House”) in Napili, Maui — plus some highly recommended dishes.

Ambiance & Setting
Sea House is beloved for its *breathtaking oceanfront location*. It’s part of the Napili Kai Beach Resort, so diners often comment on the waves crashing, open-air dining, and amazing sunset views.

Service & Vibes
The service is described as friendly and warm, very much in the “aloha” spirit. Some reviews note that at times the restaurant can feel a little understaffed — especially during busier meal periods. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the casual-but-elevated feel: it's upscale in terms of cuisine, but laid-back in feel.

Menu & Food Quality
The cuisine is Pacific-Rim / Hawaiian-style, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local seafood as well as steaks and creative small plates. Their chef, Alex Stanislaw, is well-respected, and many feel his leadership brings a very polished, high-quality touch to the dishes.

Breakfast
Many people particularly love Sea House for breakfast: reviewers mention hearty scrambles, frittatas, paninis, and especially the “Crater Pancake” (aka Dutch Baby) which is crisp around the edges with a custardy center. The “Haleakala Pancake” is also a thing — topped with cinnamon, pineapple, banana, etc.

Happy Hour
There’s a daily *happy hour* (around 2 PM–5 PM per resort site) where pupus (appetizers) are discounted. Some long-time locals really enjoy this as a lower-key way to experience Sea House: good food, good drinks, and unbeatable views.

Dinner
For dinner, the menu is more refined. The restaurant offers appetizers like poke nachos and sashimi, as well as elevated entrées: seafood, steaks, pasta, and more. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Cocktails & Drinks
The cocktail menu is creative and tropical — think Mai Tais, mojitos, Hibiscus tea, and more distinctive drinks like a Li Hing Mui Paloma. Several guests mention enjoying sunset cocktails by the water.

Popular / Highly Recommended Dishes

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi — a favorite for its nutty, crisp crust.
Poke Nachos — appetizer with ahi, wonton chips, wasabi aioli, and soy.
Coconut Shrimp — crispy, sweet, served with fruit salsa / Thai chili dip on some menus.
Napili Kai Benedicts — breakfast standby, with options like classic, crab, vegetarian, etc.
Duck Confit Gnocchi — a more upscale entrée that shows off the chef’s technique.
Lilikoi Cheesecake — dessert lovers frequently call this a must; passion-fruit flavor is a standout.
Warm Coconut Bread Pudding — another dessert favorite, especially comforting after dinner.

Pros & Drawbacks (based on recent guest feedback)

Pros: Spectacular ocean-edge views, especially at sunset; high-quality food; great happy hour; strong breakfast selection.
Cons: Some feel the food (especially dinner) can be “inconsistent” — menu hits differ from one visit to the next.
Some guests say cocktails are hit-or-miss.
Because of the premium location, prices are on the higher side.

Insider Tips

Make reservations, especially for dinner — the restaurant is popular and tables with ocean views are in high demand.
If you're there around happy hour, go early (2–4:45 PM) to get the $-pupu deals and good drink specials.
Ask to sit by the open-air windows or on the terrace to maximize the view.
For a special occasion or romantic dinner, sunset is prime time. Reviewers love the ambiance during that hour.
If you're visiting for breakfast, try the Crater Pancake or one of the Benedicts — many people say breakfast is one of the strongest meals here.

Overall Impression
— Sea House is widely regarded as a *gem* for its location more than anything, and for many, it's one of those restaurants you go to for the view AND the food. For breakfast, it's often a strongly recommended stop; for dinner, it's more of a refined, romantic option — but not everyone agrees every plate lands perfectly. If you care about scenery, ambiance, and a high-quality but relaxed dining experience, it’s very well-liked. Just temper expectations a little: you're paying for more than just food.

Seahouse Restaurant in Napili

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