how to eat your way through maui
There are countless reasons to visit Maui. We’ll start with the obvious: it’s a drop-dead-gorgeous island that’s pretty much the definition of paradise. There’s no shortage of amazing things to do and see. Beautiful valley and coastal trails to hike, an endless amount of sparkling, perfect-temperature ocean to snorkel in, lush, majestic views to gawk at, extremely kind and pleasant to people to meet, a rich history to uncover.
I could keep going, but let’s go ahead and skip to my absolute favorite reason to visit Maui: (you guessed it) t h e f o o d.
This place is just brimming with fish that gives a new meaning to “fresh”, sweets that give a new meaning to “scrumptious”, and local dishes that give a new meaning to “delicious” — all of it unlike anything you can find anywhere else in the country.
So if you’re planning a trip to Maui soon, here’s how to eat your way through it.
b r e a k f a s t
808 grindz cafe
Pick up some breakfast to go from 808 Grindz Cafe in Lahaina and enjoy it on the beach. You’ll most likely have to wait, but it’ll be well worth it.
Make sure you get something savory and something sweet — the perfect pairing to guarantee a completely satisfying start to your morning.
Mark my words: Hawaiian kalua pork is absolutely unmatched and there is nothing like Hawaiian sweet bread. If you can get them both in the same meal, you’ve already won the day.
Pictured: Kalua-Pork Hash + Rainbow French Toast from 808 Grindz Cafe
kihei caffe
There’s that kalua pork again, this time in the Loco Moco — a must-have local specialty — at Kihei Caffe.
What exactly is kalua pork and why is it so damn delicious? It’s essentially smoked pig, traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu and often wrapped in banana leaves. The result: earthy-flavored and as tender as can be.
(Note: the Loco Moco usually comes smothered in a brown gravy which I’m sure is delicious but I passed on. You’re totally allowed to judge me for that).
Pictured: Kalua Pork Loco Moco from Kihei Caffe
l u n c h
the fish market
Poke makes for a wonderfully light and flavorful lunch to follow that hearty breakfast.
This one’s the ahi poke from The Fish Market in Lahaina, which serves up fresh, daily-caught fish pretty much any way you want it prepared. But there’s plenty of fresh poke to be found throughout Maui, and 100% of the time it’ll taste better than what you can get in the states.
Pictured: Ahi Poke from The Fish Market
leilani’s on the beach
There’s really no wrong way to order a fish taco in Maui. Ono, mahi mahi, snapper, opah. Grilled or fried, spice-rubbed or beer-battered, corn or flour tortilla, smoky salsa or tangy slaw.
These tacos hail from Leilani’s On The Beach, cajun-rubbed and nestled on top of a roasted tomatillo aioli, cheddar + jack cheese, and shaved cabbage. But chances are that pretty much anywhere on the island your fish tacos will be freshly caught and delightfully constructed — so go get you some.
Pictured: Fresh Fish Tacos from Leilani’s On The Beach
d i n n e r
mama’s fish house
I cannot say enough good things about the iconic Mama’s Fish House in Paia. It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Plan your trip around getting a reservation here (I’m serious).
The menu changes daily based on what’s caught that morning. Anything you order will blow your mind. So unbelievably fresh, the most delicate flavors, beautiful presentation, and an atmosphere that will make you want to stay at Mama’s forever.
Pictured: Lobster + Crab Stuffed Kanpachi from Mama’s Fish House
merriman’s
Merriman’s in Kapalua is a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant on the water, perfect for enjoying the sunset and a fancy prex fixe dinner.
Take your pick of first course, entree, and dessert from a plethora of menu options that change seasonally.
Not a cheap meal, but worth every penny for the quality food, choice location, and classy, loungey vibes.
Pictured: Harissa Spiced Diver Scallops + Wild Shrimp from Merriman’s Maui
s n a c k s + s w e e t s
manuela malasadas
These freshly-handmade balls of goodness come from a tiny, colorful truck-slash-hut that sits in a gas station parking lot in Lahaina.
The hot malasadas — basically Hawaiian donuts — are made to order, injected with your choice of filling and rolled in your choice of sugary topping. Peanut butter, nutella, lilikoi (passionfruit), guava, bavarian creme, ube…go wild and create whatever your heart desires.
Pictured: Hot Malasadas from Manuela Malasada
leoda’s pie shop
Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on an adorably delicious cream pie from Leoda’s Kitchen + Pie Shop in Lahaina.
In addition to farm fresh cafe food, the quaint little shop offers a plethora of sweet + savory pies, from chicken pot pies to banana cream to chocolate mac nut pie.
The pies are perfectly sized, generously filled, and made with a buttery, toasty crust that I still dream about.
Pictured: Coconut Cream Pie from Leoda’s Kitchen + Pie Shop
spam masubi
Another Hawaiian specialty: grilled spam stacked on top of a block of sticky rice, wrapped in nori. I know what you’re thinking, but I promise — it’s so, so good.
What’s not to love, really? It’s salty, delicious, filling, easy to find, and usually won’t cost you more than $2. An ideal afternoon snack, if you ask me.
Get it at a grocery store, a lunch market, a gas station — it doesn’t matter. There’s not much margin for error here and you won’t be disappointed.
Pictured: Spam Masubi from Island Gourmet Markets in Wailea
ono gelato
Lastly, you can’t leave Maui without some good-old-fashioned ice cream (or in this case, gelato).
Head to Ono Gelato at Whaler’s Village and take your pick of their many flavors for a super creamy, refreshing treat. But I’m going to go ahead and push the coconut on you — because when in Hawaii, my general rule is to seek out as much coconut as possible.
Pictured: Coconut Gelato from Ono Gelato
