Finding Places to Eat the Best Food on Maui

Published on:
June 10, 2022

From fine dining to take-out and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in paradise. Staying in the Hawaiian Islands' Maui opens the best restaurants for outdoor beach dining as well as limited capacity indoor seating for a romantic private dinner. Maui might be for lovers, but it’s definitely for foodies too! Read on for markets, food trucks, and iconic restaurants that will fuel your island adventures!

What Food is Famous on Maui?

Maui is renowned for its vibrant food scene, blending traditional Hawaiian dishes with modern culinary trends. Among the island's most famous foods, raw fish delicacies, including sushi and poke, stand out for their freshness and flavor, often featuring the day's catch from the surrounding Pacific waters. Hawaiian comfort food, such as plate lunches with Kālua pork cooked in an underground oven, offers a taste of the islands' culinary heritage.

Food trucks dotted along South Maui and near popular spots like North Shore provide generous portions of fish tacos, garlic shrimp, and other local favorites, making them a must-visit for a casual yet delicious meal. Additionally, Maui's agricultural bounty is showcased in dishes featuring macadamia nuts, coconut cream, and tropical fruits like apple bananas and passion fruit, ensuring a sweet finish or a fresh complement to every meal.

Best Places to Eat in Maui: Restaurants & Food Trucks

Mama's Fish House and Sam Sato's are iconic restaurants that epitomize the island's culinary excellence, offering everything from exquisite fresh fish dishes to Hawaiian comfort food staples like Dry Noodles. Sheldon Simeon's Tin Roof and the casual yet delectable offerings at food trucks such as Geste Shrimp Truck highlight the diverse and delicious food options available across Maui. For those with a sweet tooth, the island's bakeries and pie shops, including the famous Sugar Beach Bake Shop and Komoda Store and Bakery, serve up heavenly desserts like macadamia nut ice cream, cream puffs, and the legendary banana bread, making Maui not just at hotel resort destination for beach lovers but also a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Get Food To Go in Kihei

Some of our guests’ favorite cafes are right across the street! Once the birds start chirping it’s time to follow your nose to the Cinnamon Roll Place for the perfect pairing with your coffee. After a morning snorkel you’ll be ready for lunch, so hit up Coconut’s Fish Cafe and find a shady spot under the palms with a couple cold ones. And once you’ve worked up your appetite lounging around the pool, order up a hearty meal with easy curbside pickup at Cafe O’Lei. You’ll be back in time to watch the sun go down!

EXPLORE: HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK: SUNRISE VS SUNSET HIKE

Breakfast Coffee on Maui Photo courtesy @andreacarternotary
Fish tacos on Maui Photo courtesy @ekwasnik

Visit the Local Food Trucks on Maui

From Acai to Ahi, you’ll find it on a food truck! If you haven’t experienced the food truck culture, Maui is a great place to start. You’ll soon see why some visitors to the island head to their favorite trucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for sourcing fresh, local ingredients and running family style eateries, these open-air spots are a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Read up on 11 of the most popular food trucks, and if you really get hooked, check out the Ultimate Maui Food Truck Guide.

EXPLORE: A DAY AT OUR BEACH CONDO RESORT IN KIHEI MAUI

Vidad Food Truck on Maui Photo courtesy @vidadsmaui
Photo courtesy @vidadsmaui

Reserve Your Table at Maui's Famous Restaurants

With indoor seating available, you won’t miss out on experiencing classic island dining at one of Maui’s famous restaurants. Mama Fish House is a must if you’ve never been, but that’s just the start of a long list of excellent dining choices. Check out the 33 top restaurants and start making those reservations!

EXPLORE: MAUI SHOPPING TOURISM: SOUVENIRS TO SCULPTURES

Mama Fish House on Maui
Photo courtesy @mamasfishhouse

Dine In at The Hale Pau Hana

When people see pictures of our guests' delicious meals we often get the question, “Do you have room service?” Our HPH ‘ohana sure know how to cook, and with oceanside grills, fully equipped kitchens, and private dining on the lanai we know that many of them prefer to dine in during their stay. We can’t say we blame them — it’s hard to beat breakfast on the beach or dinner at sunset! Need supplies? Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods is right across the street, and you’ll find more fresh produce at these local food markets.

Whether you’re ready for a cozy night in or sharing a table with friends, you’ll find it all at The Hale Pau Hana.

Seeking hotels for your relaxing Hawaiian resort stay? The Hale Pau Hana Condo Resort in the scenic Kihei of South Maui, is a prime spot for early risers and evening adventurers. Our condo resort combines luxury, comfort, and authentic Hawaiian vibe, providing the perfect stay for families and kids to witness the natural scenery of Maui Island.

Book your Maui accommodation at The Hale Pau Hana to ensure your visit to the Hawaiian islands are filled with memorable moments and serene beauty.

Join our community on social media to share and discover hidden gems on Maui with other explorers. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theHalePauHana, and embark on the journey of planning your vacation at one of Maui's premier resorts for Hawaiian adventures. 🌺

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