If you’re planning a visit to Maui, the island has more than enough choices for dining. The economy traveler has the option of sticking with the grocery store for sandwiches and chips. If you’re not worried about price, then you can choose from many different fine dining places like Spago at the Four Seasons, Gerard’s in Lahaina, or the new Mala Wailea at the Wailea Beach Marriot. But if you’re looking for something with amazing scenery, decent food, and great prices, then you might want to consider dusting off your putter and heading for the golf course.

Actually, you don’t even have to golf to eat at a course’s restaurant. Most course restaurants are open to the public, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a great meal while taking advantage of natural beauty that golfers pay a pretty penny to enjoy. For some reason, though, this option isn’t on most visitors’ radars. And that makes it even more of a reason to consider it. But why are golf course restaurants so inexpensive? My guess is that the management of most of the courses use it as a bonus treat for the golfers. You have to figure that a golfer pays a couple hundred dollars or more for one round of golf, so giving them a break on food is no big deal. But not all golf restaurants are on the cheap side, so below I’ve compiled a list of restaurants that have the perfect combination of awesome scenic beauty, good food, and unbeatable prices. And keep in mind that the recommendations are for lunch only (many golf restaurants aren’t open for dinner service).

1. Kahili Restaurant at Kahili Golf Course, Central Maui: This is at the top of the list for good reason. It is located on the lower bluffs of the West Maui Mountains overlooking Maui’s central isthmus, giving it amazing bi-coastal views and an awesome look at the Haleakala Volcano straight ahead. The main seating area is a balcony overlooking the golf course. The menu consists of nicely priced burgers, sandwiches, and salads. When you’re eating there, you get the feeling you’re dining at a 5-star location with 2-star prices. Overall, this is my #1 choice.
2. Clubhouse Restaurant at Makena Golf Courses, South Maui: This location would be #1 if it weren’t for Kahili’s bi-coastal views. But it isn’t far behind in scenery. It’s located at the 10th hole of Makena’s South Course, and its terrace looks straight towards the Makena lava cone and the Pacific Ocean. It’s hard to describe how beautiful the surrounding are. And the food is pretty good as well. I had a big juicy burger for lunch. But they have a pretty extensive menu of sandwiches, meats, and local plate lunches. If you’re in South Maui around lunchtime, this is a must-stop.
3. Honolua Store at Kapalua Bay Course, Northwest Maui: This isn’t a restaurant as much as an old-school convenience store. But there is a lunch counter towards the back where many locals grab a nice, big plate lunch. There’s also a grocery section with other food options. The food is great, but the payoff is being surrounded by Kapalua’s Cook Pines, which makes you feel like you’re in a tiny village in the Rockies. But the downside is that you lose the service that comes with a restaurant. There are tables on the store’s wrap-around balcony for seating, though. And for those who are passing by Kapalua with rumbling stomachs, this is a good place to stop for an inexpensive on-the-go meal as well.
4. Mulligan’s on the Blue at Wailea Blue Course, South Maui: This is one of the few course restaurants that is open for lunch and dinner. It’s a great Irish Pub nestled on Wailea’s very first golf course, the “Old Blue”. The food is a little more expensive, especially if you’re eating dinner there. But it’s still well within the reasonable range. If you are planning a dinner at Mulligan’s, the sunsets are great. And there’s usually a live band belting out great Irish music. You’re surrounded by lots of woods, but not as much golf course since the restaurant actually faces the parking lot (a little bit of a negative in my opinion). But it’s still a fun place for good pub food with some fancier choices, a nice beer selection, and great live music at night.
5. Kaanapali Restaurant at Kaanapali Golf Courses, West Maui: If resort golf courses are your thing, you’ll love the restaurant at the Kaanapali Golf Courses. The location overlooks a well-grooomed golf course with fairways, fountains, bunkers, and blue skys. If you’re looking for natural beauty, this isn’t the place. There are lots of high-rise resorts lining Kaanapali Beach in the distance, so you’re right in the thick of the bustling tourist action. But some people actually prefer that to the rustic natural settings. And the food is not bad for the price.
6. Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Bay Course, Northwest Maui: While the Pineapple Grill is about 3 minutes away from the Honolua Store, it’s a world away as far as scenery goes. You’re overlooking the Kapalua Bay golf course, and you’re completely surrounded by a near forest of Cook Pines with million-dollar homes scattered above on the gentle bluffs. You’ll find the menu to be on the more expensive side when compared to other places on this list, but if you’re willing to pay a bit more for amazing scenery, the Pineapple Grill is worth it.

If you’re looking for a different kind of dining experience, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with any of these places. All of them offer something rare in Hawaii… inexpensive food with some of the best views on Maui.