Suggestions for 16th Birthday Dinner.

16th Birthday Dinner Recommendations Please. We will be in Maui on my son's 16th birthday. We are splitting our trip between Sheraton on Kaanapali for first half, and then on his actual birthday we will be moving to the Nepali Kai Beach Resort for the second half of our trip. I would love suggestions on where to have a birthday dinner. He does not love seafood. We would love somewhere with a fun ambiance and that may do something special for birthdays. We will have a car. Thanks!

Celebrating a 16th birthday in Maui can be a really fun experience, especially since you have a car and can explore restaurants beyond your resort areas. Since your son isn’t a fan of seafood, it’s best to look at restaurants that offer diverse menus with steaks, burgers, pasta, or international cuisine. Here are some suggestions based on ambiance, quality, and birthday-friendly experiences:

Near Kaanapali / Lahaina Area:

  • Leilani’s on the Beach: Located in Whalers Village, this restaurant has ocean views, casual yet festive ambiance, and a varied menu including steak, chicken, and pasta. They are known for being accommodating with birthday celebrations.
  • Duke’s Beach House: Great beachfront location with fun Hawaiian vibe, live music some evenings, and a menu with non-seafood options like burgers, ribs, and steaks. They often provide a small birthday gesture if requested in advance.
  • Hula Grill Lahaina: Offers a casual island atmosphere, a wide selection of dishes beyond seafood, and can add a special touch for birthdays with advance notice.

Near Napili / Kapalua (close to Napili Kai Beach Resort):

  • Sea House Restaurant: Overlooks Napili Bay with beautiful sunset views. They have a diverse menu including beef, chicken, and vegetarian options. Staff can make birthdays special if you let them know ahead of time.
  • Gazebo Restaurant: Famous for breakfast and brunch, but their dinner menu is limited. If your son enjoys pancakes or casual meals with a fun vibe, consider a late breakfast or brunch birthday celebration.
  • Planet Restaurant: In nearby Lahaina, offers international cuisine with a casual, fun setting. They have options like pasta, pizza, and steak, suitable for a teenager.

Additional Tips:

  • Call ahead to make a reservation and mention it’s a 16th birthday. Many Maui restaurants will offer a complimentary dessert, birthday greeting, or fun touch like a sparkler.
  • Consider timing the dinner for sunset for extra ambiance—it’s a memorable experience without needing elaborate planning.
  • Check if the restaurant has space for a small group celebration if you are traveling with family, so the birthday feels special.

Overall, Leilani’s, Duke’s, and Sea House are solid choices for combining fun ambiance, varied menus for non-seafood eaters, and birthday-friendly service. With a car, you can easily travel between resorts to find the perfect spot for your son’s celebration.


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