Top 30 Places for Local Food on Maui

Nalu’s has both indoor and outdoor seating. They also feature events throughout the week, including music nights with a handful of Maui’s most talented folks. They’re open seven days a week, so any meal can be enjoyed on any day at this Maui local food spot.

The menu at Nalu’s is a fusion of local fare and healthy favorites. They serve their Loco Moco and Chicken & Waffles all day long, and they’re both incredible! The breakfast menu offers traditional brekkie options like eggs and omelets, plus more tasty items like Island Pancakes (with a citrus-rum syrup), Acai Bowls, and Ahi Benedicts.

The Lunch/Dinner menu is full of delicious plates no matter your dietary preferences. We love their Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, the Kalbi Chicken Wrap, all the burgers, and the fresh fish plates. Everything is ono here.

Two more reasons we love Nalu’s are because they have a kid’s menu, and they source the majority of their menu ingredients from local Maui and Hawaii farms and vendors. Supporting local and serving aloha on a plate deserves five stars!

Try the Dry Mein at Sam Sato’s. It’s one of the most popular items on their menu. In case you don’t already know, Dry Mein is like Chow Mein: dry noodles with char siu pork, bean sprouts, green onions, dash, and shoyu. Completed with Sam Sato’s famous seasoning, it’s mouth-wateringly good. Must-order items at Sam Sato’s are the Dry Mein, Chow Fun, Teriyaki Beef Sticks, Plate Lunches, Kimchi, and the Sweet Lima Manju for dessert.

Here’s a historically famous eatery to enjoy local food on Maui!

Arrive early—doors close when the bakery sells out. All-time favorites and must-order items at the Komoda Bakery are the Glazed Stick Donuts, Strawberry Doughnuts, the Chocolate & Vanilla Cream Doughnut, Cream Puffs, and the Guava Malasadas.

This place is an Upcountry Maui institution! Believe us, a visit to Komoda Bakery is an epic vacation opportunity for your taste buds and for learning more about Maui’s history.

Other tempting menu items include a Shrimp Pupu plate, Jumbo Hot Dog Plate, Shrimp Bowls, and more. If someone in your group doesn’t eat seafood, no worries, there are still a few items for them. If you’re having a beach party or looking for larger plates, reach out to the Geste crew ahead of time and order the Party Platter. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a pot-luck or enjoy with your family with 60 pieces of shrimp (any style) served over cabbage.

Geste Shrimp truck in Kahului is one of the tastiest options when exploring island flavors. They’re open 7 days a week and close when they sell out, so make sure to arrive on the earlier side!

Huihui offers a dynamic menu. Experience a modern twist on Hawaiian cooking, local ingredients, and a creative blend of flavors that will both surprise and delight the palate.

Some of our top choices here are the Lobster Dumplings, Short Rib Bao and the Molokai Venison Poke. For dinner, we suggest the Fish Lāwalu, Pasta in Peanut Sauce, or the Kōʻala Lamb Chops. If you are a fan of seafood, make sure you try the Seafood Huihui. It is an amazing dish with stewed fresh island fish, scallops, shrimp, and seasonal vegetables. You will want to save room for dessert with choices like Chocolate Mousse, Pineapple Upside Down Bread Pudding and their Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich.

Huihui’s menu pays homage to the long-standing tradition of Hawaiian wayfinding. The name Huihui means “star constellation” or “to join, intermingle, mix,” and as such they offer up a top-notch blend of local flavors and Hawaiian-inspired cooking methods.This is a great spot to add to your Hawaii restaurants list!

The family still grows and processes the same pesticide-free, organic Arabica coffee strains originally cultivated by their great-grandparents on Maui. Whether you’re just hanging out in Keokea or driving to or from the back road to Hana, definitely try to make a stop at Grandma’s Coffee House. Fill your belly, enjoy some caffeine, and revel in the gorgeous upcountry view from their terrace.

The coffee and the espresso drinks are good and strong, and the baked goods and desserts are sinfully delicious. Lunch is always a good choice at Grandma’s Maui Coffee Shop with daily specials like spinach lasagna, paniolo pork chops, meatloaf, fresh fish plates, and more. They also have a perfect selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads. This Maui local spot provides both indoor and outdoor seating.

Grandma’s is always a good idea whether you’re just stopping by or staying for a meal.

At Saigon Cafe, you can expect friendly service with a touch of aloha and an abundance of flavor-filled dishes. Many tasty menu options include various phởs and soups, rice and noodle dishes, clay pots, cold salads, fresh seafood, and meat dishes.

Favorite items at Saigon Cafe in Wailuku are the Garden Delight Rolls, Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp, Whole Steamed Opakapaka, Chicken Curry Stew, Mahi Mahi in a Clay Pot, Saigon Egg Noodle Soup, and the Vietnamese Steak. No matter what you choose at this Central Maui restaurant, you will be pleased.

Plan on pulling over for lunch at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill while on your way to the Ulupalakua Maui Winery. Frequented mainly by locals, this Upcountry ranch store has extra special menu items, sparsely found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Popular menu items are the famous Ulupalakua Elk Burger, Maui Cattle Company Beef Burger, the Hot Roasted Kalua Pig served on a fresh torta roll, and Uncle Mike’s Steak Chili & Rice Bowl. The plate lunches are to die for, our favorite being the Hamburger Steak served with Kona Coffee Gravy and Roasted Garlic Aioli, with your choice of beef, elk, or lamb.

At the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill, guests can put their minds at ease knowing that all meats served are 100% all-natural island grazed, with no growth hormones or artificial ingredients.

There are so many favorite menu items at Tasty Crust. Fan favorites include the Chopped Steak, Loco Moco, Korean Pork Ribs, Extra Crispy Chicken, Saimin, Won Ton Min, Chow Fun, Chinese Chicken Salad, and a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The menu goes on and on!

Inspired by his upbringing in Hilo on the Big Island, Sheldon has created and polished his recipes to perfection. Sheldon’s vision is to offer families affordable comfort food made with aloha from high quality, locally sourced ingredients.

You must try the Mochiko Chicken Bowl. It’s easily the most delicious dish in the house, made from chicken thighs that are marinated overnight in ginger sake shoyu, breaded with sweet mochiko batter, then deep-fried not once but twice. This makes the chicken crispy on the outside and extra juicy inside. It’s served with your choice of white or brown rice, kale, or Chef Sheldon’s famous garlic noodles. Add a one-minute egg to the top to push this dish right over the top.

All dishes except poke include a side of salted cabbage. Other mouth-watering dishes to try here are the garlic shrimp, chopped steak, and the fresh poke bowl that varies daily. Most menu items are available with a gluten-free option when requested.

It’s a good idea to get here early before the crowd hits for lunch. This is not just to beat the long line, but because they tend to sell out of popular items early.

Hawaiian fish featured throughout the menu include Opakapaka (Crimson Snapper), Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish), and Ono (Wahoo). Not only is the food super good here, but guests will also love that this family-friendly Maui restaurant is fun, with a relaxed beachy interior and a friendly staff.

Favorite items on the Coconut’s Fish Cafe menu are any of their famous Fish Tacos, including the Taco Mountain, Coconut Shrimp, any of the Fishburgers, the Seafood Caesar Salad, and the Local Style Fish served with brown rice. Boom!

Maui Azeka Plaza

Maui Kamaole Plaza

Kahului Food Truck

Not only does Chef Wong have a track record for culinary aptitude, but she also has a superb reputation for her fusion of locally sourced foods in a menu that highlights a notched-up island fare.

So, when at Papa’aina, what should you order? First of all, you cannot go wrong at this Maui local food spot. We suggest that you plan a brunch with your family and/or friends and share everything.

Our favorite brekkie items on the Papa’aina menu include the Mini Benny, Biscuits and Gravy, and the Macadamia Nut Ricotta Pancakes. The Oysters, Hawaiian Fish Curry, Ramen, sandwiches, and salads are all delicious lunch items. Another notable mention—definitely check out the signature sauce options on the Papa’aina menu. They’re creative and full of flavor!

The braised beef ribs are a must-have. They are so tender that they literally melt in your mouth and they’re served with a creamy mac salad and a scoop of rice. The coconut shrimp is also impressive, served with a delicious sweet and sour aioli, and the pork adobo fried rice will keep you coming back for more.

Breakfast is also excellent here! The light and fluffy banana macadamia nut pancakes are perfectly prepared and served up with warm coconut syrup. You’ll want to ask for extra syrup because it is so tasty! The perfect pairing to this is the short rib hash served over rice with gravy and eggs cooked your way.

Joey’s kitchen is a great spot to pick up some tasty, local style comfort food for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Ka’anapali
Whaler’s Village (Lower Level)

Napili
Napili Plaza

Perfect for a casual date night or a group celebration, every guest always enjoys eating at Sansei on Maui. Award-winning menu items include the Panko Crusted Ahi Sashimi Sushi Roll, Mango Crab Salad Roll, and the Dungeness Crab Ramen with Asian Truffle Broth. We also love Sansei’s Shrimp Dynamite—a crispy tempura shrimp tossed with creamy garlic Masago aioli and drizzled with an unagi glaze.

With a lively atmosphere, a delicious menu, and a staff full of aloha, Sansei on Maui should not be missed!

Sansei Kihei
(Kukui Mall)

Sansei Kapalua
(Kapalua Resort)

Guests can order take-out for a family beach picnic, eat inside, or dine outside under the covered lanai. Some of the most popular Hawaiian fish used throughout the menu include Ono, Ahi, and Marlin.

Our favorite menu items are the super yummy Fish Burgers served with tomatoes, shoyu caramelized onions, and shredded lettuce on an onion roll. We also love the Fish Burritos, the Crab Cake Sandwich, Oyster Shooters, Ceviche, and the Seafood Chowder or Lobster Bisque served in a bread bowl.

Fish Market also offers sushi rolls throughout the week using fresh-caught Ono, Walu, Scallops, Swordfish, Opakapaka, Onaga, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Uku, Lobster, and more.

All of the sandwiches at Ba-Le are served on their famous French bread rolls. Our absolute favorite sammie is the Chicken Lemongrass Sandwich. If you go to Ba-Le, you MUST order this sandwich. As the locals would say, this sando is broke da mouth, and they aren’t kidding!

Other popular items are the Fried Egg Rolls, Pad-Nam Noodles with Chicken, Char Siu Saimin, Fried Rice with Shrimp & Spam, and the Beef Teriyaki. Ba-Le Sandwich Shops on Maui also offer catering. Do not forget to grab some freshly baked bread and a Taro or Mango Tapioca Pearl Drink on your way out…shoots!

Kahului Location

Kihei Location

Wailuku Location

Whichever one you choose, you will be thinking about it for the rest of the day and wondering about the others you left untasted. Although all the pies are delicious, the banana cream and chocolate haupia are at the top of our list for must-order items.

They also serve some decent salads, burgers, and sandwiches but let’s get back to the pies. Don’t forget to try one of the savory pies. We love the delicious little handheld pies stuffed with sweet Kula corn, Cotija cheese, chives, and a little lime zest. Of course, they offer the classic turkey pot pie with tons of turkey and delicious gravy with carrots, onion, and potatoes. They also have a twist on the chicken pot pie with tender chicken breast, peas, carrots, and kale.

Heed our warning and beware: once you stop here, you may find yourself back for a pie before you depart from Maui. Lucky for you, they are open seven days a week.

The most popular Breakfast items are the Southern Style Sausage Gravy and Biscuits (homemade biscuits), Pork Fried Rice and Scrambled Eggs, and Pancakes with a choice of buttermilk, banana macadamia nut, pineapple coconut, blueberry, or chocolate chip. They also serve lunch with a selection of sandwiches, salads, and tasty burgers with all the trimmings (including a slice of fresh Maui pineapple).

Now, Maui residents and visitors can also enjoy Kihei Caffe in West Maui. Both locations are open seven days a week.

Kihei

Lahaina

We have a ton of favorite items on the Southshore Grindz menu. Tasty appetizers include the Ceviche, Poke Bowl, and the fan-favorite Fried Spam Musubi. The Asian Chicken Salad is classic and fresh, and we adore their take on a Banh Mi sandwich with Teriyaki beef. Sandwiches and burgers come with fries or Macaroni salad, but we suggest the Truffle Fries upgrade. So ‘ono!

More tasty plates include the Mochiko Chicken, Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi, Local Saimin, and the Garlic Crab Noodles. If you’re craving a big dish with various flavors, go for the Sumo Plate with Chicken Katsu and Roast Pork.

Another notable mention is that Southshore Grindz invites guests to BYOB. When guests visit their establishment, Southshore Grindz aims to provide a comfortable environment with tasty food and positive vibes so that diners can chill out and stay for a while. The good news is that BYOB planning is easy with Aloha Discount Liquor located just next door.

‘Ohana owned, and ‘Ohana managed, Kalei’s is the real deal. It’s owned and operated by Chef Aaron Heath, previously of Cafe 808 in Kula. If you ever wondered what happened to that OG spot, wonder no longer because they came back with a bang! The Kalei’s Lunch Box menus are similar but not 100% the same. That’s why you must dine at all three locations to get the total foodie vibes. In our opinion, breakfast and plate lunches are where it’s at when eating at Kalei’s. Yummy breakfast items include Loco Moco, an all-day breakfast sandwich, omelets, waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and more. If you still haven’t tried Spam or Portuguese sausage, definitely order a side here. All of the Plate Lunches are mouth-watering, and we love the Asian Crusted Mahi, Chicken Katsu, and Smoke Meat Plate. The Kalbi Ribs are amazing with a special housemade sauce that has you lingering for more. If you love a Philly cheesecake, make sure to order either the Classic Cheesesteak sandwich or the Surf & Turf Cheesesteak at Kalei’s. Their cheesesteaks will have you booking your next flight to Maui for dessert.

Maui Food Truck

Maui Lani Restaurant

Pukalani Restaurant

If you’re headed out on the Road to Hana, Kuau Store is located before Mama’s Fish House and just a quick 2-minute drive to Ho’okipa Beach Park.

The store has a counter for indoor seating and a picnic table outside. They have a small but well-curated selection of groceries and a deli with freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, pasta, and ahi poke. For vegans and vegetarians, Kuau Store also sells a variety of plant-based foods and cold-pressed juices.

Kuau Store is also a great place to find Maui souvenirs. They have t-shirts, hats, greeting cards, water bottles, and many locally produced goods. Visitors can easily find Maui-made products like local honey, coconut water, coffee, and reef-safe sunscreen.

Kuau Store is a great local spot to visit on Maui’s North Shore. The staff is friendly, and the food is delicious. It’s an ideal spot to grab to-go items when beach hopping and adventuring through Maui.

Plates are served with generous portions, and we have a lot of favorites. All the Loco Moco’s are good, but the Shredded Pork Moco stands out! You won’t find this on any other menu on Maui. Vegetarians aren’t lost here with a Vegetarian Deelite egg-white omelet, and diners with a big appetite will love starting the day with the Kawabanga Breakfast. It’s served with three eggs in any style, Spam, Vienna sausage, Bacon, Portuguese sausage, your choice of a side, and toast. Daily Specials are always varied and worth looking at before you order.

If you’re planning a party or a meal for a large group, 808 Grindz also does catering. Enjoy this Maui local spot!

When headed out on the town in Lahaina, make sure to stop by Down the Hatch for a meal, an adult shave ice, and entertainment.

They have theme nights at their bar, like Flip Coin, and live music throughout the week. Check out their local Maui artist showcases, and make sure to order some of their delicious signature cocktails. They also have one of the best Happy Hours in West Maui.

The menu at Tiffany’s is almost like a bible. It boasts page after page of Asian-infused local cuisine, leaving you salivating for your order and already wanting more. If you want a chicken plate, have it your way at Tiffany’s with lots of tasty options like Korean Chicken, Katsu Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Spicy Chicken Wings, Mochiko Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, and more. They also have many yummy seafood dishes with a Spicy Squid Stir Fry, Shrimp Tempura, and Misoyaki Butterfish being our favorites.

Tiffany’s is open seven days a week with a late-night menu. If you enjoy classic old-school mom-and-pop-style restaurants, this place will steal your heart. Enjoy!

All poke bowls come with a generous portion of Ahi, your choice of brown or white rice on top of a crispy bed of romaine. Then, the bowls are topped with wonton strips and a sprinkle of furikake (dried seaweed with spices and sesame seeds). So ono!

The only downfall to this awesome North Shore Maui local food spot is that these poke bowls are super popular and sell out quickly. It’s a good idea to stop by for an early lunch. They also have a lime-cooked Ahi ceviche with coconut milk that’s to die for, a perfect acai bowl, and some delicious plate lunch specials.

At Tobi’s you’ll also find that the Shoyu Chicken is flavorful, moist, and juicy! There’s no dry chicken at this local food joint!

Don’t forget to try the shaved ice with all the fixings, like a mochi ball in the center and a sweet condensed cream drizzle on top.

Located in the heart of Paia Town, this is a great spot to order some local grinds and sit outside while enjoying ono food and great people-watching.

Items like the Teishoku Trays and a variety of bento are super popular here. The Salmon Teriyaki is another favorite. The Chicken Katsu has a different feel and texture than most versions of this classic Hawaiian dish, so you definitely should try it! The quality is quite impressive, and they have very reasonable prices for a traditional Japanese mom-and-pop-style restaurant.

If you want to try Japanese food done Hawaiian-style, definitely check out Tokyo Tei. It’s fabulous!

This West Maui gem has received rave reviews for just about everything on its menu. Guests love their pupus (appetizers), burgers, sandwiches, and plate lunches. Popular items include the Lemon Caper Mahi Mahi, Teriyaki Beef, Korean BBQ Chicken, and the Mahi Mahi and Ono Sandwiches.

The Okazuya Deli has a kid’s menu and rotating lunch and dinner specials. If you’re with a large group or looking for catering in West Maui, Honokowai Okazuya & Deli is a solid choice.

So, what should you order at L&L Hawaiian BBQ?

Obviously, the BBQ Chicken and the BBQ Beef are great choices. Served with a heaping scoop of white rice and another heaping scoop of Mac salad, you’ll be in local food bliss in no time. Other notable items on the L&L menu are the burgers served with crinkle fries, Garlic Shrimp plates, Loco Moco, and the Kalua Pork with Cabbage. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is SPAM® so popular in Hawaii?,” order the SPAM® Musubi or the SPAM® Saimin and you’ll be converted in no time.

On Maui, you’ll find five L&L Hawaiian BBQ locations. Two locations in Kahului, one in Kihei, and two in West Maui. No matter where you are in Hawaii, you can trust that you’ll find an L&L BBQ nearby.

Queen Kaahumanu Center

Kahului

Kihei

Lahaina Shopping Center

Honokowai

Mama’s is an excellent alternative to Maui’s high-priced restaurants and fast food spots for locals and island visitors. Mama’s is a no-frills Maui soul food kind of eatery. Everything is tasty, authentic, and freshly made; you won’t find manufactured flavors here.

Go to Mama’s to recharge after a beach session, or call for dinner takeout on your way home for the night. It’s low-key and quaint with a couple of picnic tables for quietly enjoying your meal.

Napili Plaza