The Hawaiian Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Maui, in particular, is home to a wide variety of local restaurants that offer visitors the chance to experience authentic Hawaiian dishes. Let’s explore TOP 20 best local restaurants in Maui!
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What is Hawaiian local food?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the cuisine of Hawaii is incredibly diverse. However, some common local foods in Hawaii include:
- Haupia: It is a type of coconut pudding that is made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. The pudding is typically served cold and can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Haupia is often served at luaus and other special occasions.
- Kalua pork: a Hawaiian dish made from pork shoulder that has been slow cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The pork is seasoned with sea salt, ginger, and Hawaiian Red Alaea salt, which gives the dish its characteristic pink color. Kalua pork is usually served with cabbage and rice.
- Kalua pig: a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made by cooking pork in an underground oven called an imu. The pork is seasoned with salt, ginger, and ti leaves before it is cooked. Kalua pig is usually served with rice and macaroni salad.
- Lau Lau: a popular dish in Hawaii that is made with pork and fish. The pork is wrapped in taro leaves and steamed, and the fish is typically a type of marlin. Lau Lau is served with rice and macaroni salad, and it is a favorite dish among locals.
- Lomi salmon: Hawaiian local food that is made from raw salmon that has been cut into small pieces and mixed with salt, tomatoes, and onions. It is usually served as an appetizer or side dish.
- Spam musubi: It’s made from spam, rice, and seaweed. The spam is usually grilled, and the musubi is then wrapped in seaweed.
Each of these dishes is unique to the islands and has been influenced by the various cultures that have settled there over the years
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Best local restaurants in Maui
Komoda Store and Bakery
- Address: 3674 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, Hoa Kỳ
- Phone: +1 808-572-7261
- Open: Monday to Saturday 7:00 AM – 13:00 PM
- Must-order: Stick donuts, Cream puffs
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Features: Takeout, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards
Komoda Store and Bakery Hawaii is a local business that has been in operation for over 60 years.
Sticks donuts are made fresh in-store and are a must-try for any visitor or resident of Hawaii. The combination of the sweet dough and the sugar coating makes these donuts irresistible. Komoda also has a variety of other baked goods, including malasadas, which is a Portuguese pastry that is deep-fried and coated in sugar. Komoda’s malasadas are so popular that they have even been featured on the Food Network.
Additionally, the store also sells other pastries, cakes, and cookies, as well as coffee and tea.
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Sugar Beach Bake Shop
- Address: 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, Hoa Kỳ
- Phone: +1 808-757-8285
- Open: MON to SAT – 6:00 AM – 14:00 PM
- Must-order: Banana Bread, Key Lime Pie, Freshly-Brewed Coffee
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Sugar Beach Bake Shop Hawaii is a bakery in Maui that specializes in pies, pastries, and other baked goods. Especially Banana Bread which is a type of sweet bread that is made from mashed bananas. It can be made with or without additional ingredients, such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and milk. Banana bread is often served as a snack or dessert.
They have a wide variety of flavors to choose from such as Key Lime Pie, and all of their food is made from scratch. The bakery is popular with both locals and tourists, and it’s a great place to stop for a snack or a full meal.
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Mama’s Ribs & Rotisserie
- Address: Napili Plaza, 5095 Napilihau St, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-665-6262
- Open: All days except holiday – 11:00 AM – 20:00 PM
- Must-order: fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, rotisserie chicken, Portuguese bean soup
- Meals: Lunch, night meal
One of the most popular restaurants in Hawaii is Mama’s Ribs & Rotisserie. Mama’s is best known for its ribs and rotisserie chicken, which are both cooked to perfection.
Fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs are so special. The ribs are slow-cooked in the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce, which gives them a delicious, smoky flavor. They’re also tender and juicy, so they fall off the bone.
The chicken is cooked slowly on a rotisserie spit and is incredibly moist and flavorful – this is a must-try food if you have a chance to visit here.
Plus, the restaurant also has a wide variety of sides and desserts, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Mama’s Ribs & Rotisserie Hawaii is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii.
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Kihei Caffe
- Address: 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-879-2230
- Open: All days 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Must-order: Loco Moco
- Meals: Breakfast, Luch
Kihei Caffé Hawai’i is one of the most popular spots on Maui for coffee and pastries. The heavier plates, such as the loco moco, pork chop, and eggs, chicken-fried steak, and fish and eggs are enormous.
The gravy is delicious, the potatoes are cooked well and seasoned perfectly, and the biscuits are warm, moist, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth.
If you want a light snack instead, try the popular Papaya Delight (half papaya filled with yogurt, granola, and raisins), a real fruit smoothie, or a yogurt parfait.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there are a few lunch alternatives, such as burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, but it’s clear that breakfast is the main meal here.
Kihei Caffé Hawaii is not only a place with beautiful views of Maui, but it also has an excellent breakfast and lunch menu. For example, you can order the popular breakfast burrito or vegan black bean burger.
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Kohola Brewery
- Address: 910 HI-30 #55, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-446-3007
- Open: All days 12:00 AM – 21:00 PM
- Must-order: Pineapple Blonde, Lokahi Pilsner
- Meals: Lunch, Night meals
Hawaii’s Kohola Brewery is a small, independently-owned, and operated brewery located in Lahaina on the Northwest side of the Island.
Kohola Brewery is dedicated to making high-quality, handcrafted beers using only the finest ingredients. It is known for its clean, well-balanced, and very drinkable beers: Pineapple Blonde, Lokahi Pilsner, and Talk Story Pale .
Their core lineup includes a pale ale, an IPA, a stout, and a wheat beer, all of which are available on tap at local bars and restaurants throughout the Big Island.
In addition to their core beers, Kohola Brewery also offers a variety of seasonal and specialty beers that rotate on and off their menu depending on what’s fresh and available.
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Geste Shrimp Truck
- Address: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI 96732
- Phone: +1 808-298-7109
- Open: All days 10:30 AM – 19:30 PM
- Must-order: shrimp plate
- Meals: Lunch
Geste Shrimp Truck was chosen “Best Food Truck on Maui” by local people. It’s a Los Angeles-based food truck that specializes in serving fresh, delicious shrimp dishes.
Geste Shrimp Truck has all of your seafood needs covered, with items like shrimp tacos, shrimp skewers, and shrimp salad made from only the best ingredients. Whether you want a light snack or something more filling, Geste is the place for you.
You can order their classic shrimp plate which comes with 12 pieces of your choice of flavored shrimp, rice, and crab macaroni salad for only $15. Some unique flavors include Hawaiian scampi, hot & spicy, pineapple, and lemon pepper.
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Tasty Crust Restaurant
- Address: 1770 Mill St, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Phone: +1 808-244-0845
- Open: TUE to SUN 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Must-order: Pancakes, French Dip, Breakfast Loco Moco
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, night meals
For classic diner dishes in a tropical paradise, there’s no place better than Tasty Crust Restaurant. They’ve been serving up delicious food for over 80 years.
Although their fluffy pancakes are still the focus of attention, all of their breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes are well worth a try. They offer all of the classics, such as Omelets, Loco Moco, Saimin, and Philly Cheesesteaks, as well as many other things.
The delicious food served at this establishment is definitely enough to keep customers coming back, but it’s the expertly provided service that makes patrons cherish this restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, allowing you to relax and feel right at home as soon as you walk in the door.
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Tin Roof Maui
- Address: 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732
- Phone: +1 808-868-0753
- Open: TUE to SAT 10:00 AM – 20:00 PM
- Must-order: Mochiko Chicken, Pork Belly, Chocolate Birthday Bibingka
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Night meals
Tin Roof Maui is a restaurant located in Kihei, Hawaii. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists, alike, thanks to its amazing food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Plus, Tin Roof Maui is known for its island-inspired cuisine, which includes dishes like the poke bowl, Lau Lau, and kalua pork. Especially Mochiko Chicken, Pork Belly, Chocolate Birthday Bibingka
- Mochiko Chicken: The chicken is lightly battered and fried, then served with a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for a casual meal or special occasion.
- Pork belly: is a popular dish in Hawaii, and Tin Roof Maui has some of the best pork bellies in the state. The restaurant serves up a delicious pork belly plate with two sides, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Maui.
The restaurant also has a wide selection of cocktails and beers, as well as an extensive wine list. If you’re looking for a great meal or cocktail in a beautiful setting, Tin Roof Maui is worth checking out!
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Donut Dynamite
- Address: 1246 Lower Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Phone: +1 808-280-6442
- Open: SAT 7:00 AM – 13:00 PM
- Must-order: The honey goat cheese walnut donut, The coffee cake donut,…
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Donut Dynamite Hawaii is a new business in the heart of Waikiki that is quickly gaining popularity. This shop offers delicious, fresh donuts made from the finest ingredients and toppings.
The honey goat cheese walnut donut is a best-seller. The donut is made with a honey goat cheese filling and topped with walnuts. The combination of flavors is fantastic and makes for a delicious and unique donut.
Plus, The coffee cake donut is also worth trying. It’s a delicious pastry that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. The doughnut is light and fluffy, and it’s coated with a sweet glaze and cinnamon sugar. It’s topped with a generous amount of coffee cake batter, which makes it taste like you’re eating a piece of cake for breakfast.
Whether you are looking for a classic donut or something more adventurous, Donut Dynamite Hawaii has got you covered. Stop by today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!
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Maui Brewing Company
- Address: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-201-2337
- Open: All days 11:30 AM – 22:00 PM
- Must-order: Bikini Blonde Lager
- Meals: Lunch, Night meals
Maui Brewing Company is a craft brewery and brewpub on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It was founded in 2005 by Garrett Marrero and his wife – Maui Brewing Company is now the largest craft brewery and brewpub in Hawaii.
The brewery produces a wide range of beers, including its flagship beer, Bikini Blonde Lager. Other popular beers include Coconut Hiwa Porter, Pineapple Mana Wheat, and Double IPA. Maui Brewing Company also has several seasonal beers that are only available for a limited time.
The pub also offers a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and a selection of local dishes.
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AbiKi’s Caribbean Flavas
- Address: 1 Pi’ikea Avenue, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-500-2295
- Open: All days except WED 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Must-order: Jerk chicken
- Meals: Lunch, night meals
Caribbean Flavas is a unique restaurant that offers a variety of Caribbean dishes. The food is made with fresh, local ingredients and has a delicious, homemade taste.
Some of the items on the menu include jerk chicken, curried goat, and plantain chips. The restaurant also has a wide selection of drinks, including tropical fruit juices, beer, and rum punches.
Be sure to order the jerk chicken or pork; it’s delicious. The rice and peas are also a must-try; they’re cooked with coconut milk and spices, making them extra flavorful. And don’t forget to top it all off with a cold glass of rum punch!
Caribbean Flavas is a great place to enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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Drift Coffee
- Address: 180 Dickenson St #115, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-661-6216
- Open: All days 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Must-order: the Kona coffee.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
It’s no secret that Hawaii is known for its world-famous coffee. The Kona region on the Big Island is especially renowned, with many coffee plantations dotting the green landscape. Drift Coffee Hawaii is one such plantation, and its Kona coffee is some of the best.
The beans are grown in rich volcanic soil, and the coffee has a delicious, complex flavor that’s subtly sweet and slightly earthy. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee without any bitterness or acidity.
If you’re ever in the Kona area, be sure to stop by Drift Coffee Hawaii and try a cup of its delicious Kona coffee. You won’t be disappointed!
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Grandma’s Coffee House
- Address: 9232 Kula Hwy, Kula, HI 96790
- Phone: +1 808-878-2140
- Open: All days 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Must-order: Freshly baked goods ranging
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Grandma’s Coffee House is a true local hangout.
It serves a wide variety of freshly baked items, including banana bread, cinnamon bread, chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and just about everything else you can think of (plus some of the greatest Belgian waffles).
Grandma’s Coffee House Hawaii must order a lot of coffee to keep up with the demand of its customers. They have a wide variety of coffee, from Kona to Brazilian, that they serve.
They also have a variety of tea, pastries, and sandwiches to choose from. Grandma’s is the perfect place to go for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely lunch.
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Nalu’s South Shore Grill
- Address: 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-891-8650
- Open: All days 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Must-order: fish tacos, garlic shrimp
- Meals: Breakfast, Luch, Night meals
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a restaurant located in the town of Kihei on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and serves fresh local cuisine.
Some of the items on the menu include fish tacos, poke bowls, and Huli Huli chicken. The restaurant also has a full bar and offers cocktails, beer, and wine.
The highlight of the menu is the fish tacos. They are made with fresh, local fish and are delicious. Another must-order dish is the garlic shrimp. It is also made with fresh, local seafood and has a delicious garlic sauce.
The prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing meal. Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a great place to eat lunch or dinner while vacationing in Hawaii.
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Zippy’s Kahului
- Address: 15 Ho’okele St, Kahului, HI 96732
- Phone: +1 808-856-7599
- Open: All days 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Must-order: Chili cheese fries, The chicken katsu sandwich, Loco moco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Night meals
Zippy’s is a well-known local chain of restaurants in Kahului, Hawaii. The restaurant is known for its affordable prices and large portions.
The must-order items on the menu include the chili cheese fries, the chicken katsu sandwich, and the loco moco.
The chili cheese fries are a crowd favorite – they’re crispy, cheesy, and loaded with chili.
The chicken katsu sandwich is also popular – it’s made with tender chicken breast that’s been breaded and fried until crispy.
And finally, the loco moco is a Hawaiian classic – it’s made with a beef patty, gravy, and two eggs over easy.
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Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
- Address: 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-662-3600
- Open: All days 10:00 AM – 18:00 PM
- Must-order: banana cream pies, filling burgers and sandwiches
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is a charming little restaurant in the town of Paia on the island of Maui. It’s a locals’ favorite, and for good reason – the food is delicious!
The menu features all sorts of comfort food favorites, like macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie, and shepherd’s pie. But the real star of the show is the pie. There are over a dozen different flavors to choose from, including classic apple, pumpkin, chocolate cream, and especially banana cream pies or lilikoi pie. Additionally, filling burgers and sandwiches is one of the best-sellers because of its unique taste. Come and enjoy!
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Coconut’s Fish Cafe
- Address: 1279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
- Phone: +1 808-875-9979
- Open: All days 11:00 AM – 21:00 PM
- Must-order: The Fish Tacos
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Night meals
If you’re looking for a great seafood restaurant in Hawaii, look no further than Coconut’s Fish Cafe. This restaurant is located right on the water, providing stunning views of the ocean while you dine.
The menu at Coconut’s Fish Cafe Hawaii features a variety of seafood dishes, including sushi, poke bowls, and sandwiches.
And a thing you need to know is The Fish Tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe is their best seller. They are made with fresh, local fish that is battered and fried until crispy. The tacos are then topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy cilantro sauce. They are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
The restaurant also offers a selection of non-seafood items, such as chicken teriyaki and burgers. In addition to the regular menu, Coconut’s Fish Cafe hawaii occasionally offers seasonal specials.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, perfect for a family dinner or a date night. Be sure to save room for dessert – the coconut cream pie is out of this world!
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A`A Roots
- Address: 5095 Napilihau St #103, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-298-2499
- Open: All days except WED 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Must-order: Chicken long rice
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
The A`A Roots lahaina is a restaurant in the heart of the historic district of Lahaina. It serves up traditional Hawaiian cuisine and is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.
The food menu at A`A Roots lahaina is filled with delicious local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Some of the items on the menu include kalua pork, Lau Lau, chicken long rice, and haupia. Each dish is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, so you can be sure that you’re getting a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and features an open-air dining room that overlooks Front Street. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal while taking in the sights and sounds of Lahaina.
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Moku Roots
- Address: 335 Keawe St #211, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Phone: +1 808-214-5106
- Open: All days 10:00 AM – 20:00 PM
- Must-order:
- Meals: Lunch, Night Meals
Moku Roots is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Maui that’s located in a shopping center inland from Lahaina. What makes Moku unique is that it doesn’t produce any waste, making it zero-waste!
We understand that it can be tough to pick only one dish from our menu, which features both vegetarian and vegan versions of Hawaiian dishes as well as traditional comfort food. Below is a list of some of our best-ordered items to help make your decision easier.
- Taro Burger is composed of a taro patty served on an oat-wheat bun and topped with macadamia nut aioli.
- The coconut noodle bowl, contains marinated young coconut noodles, mixed greens, cabbages, herbs, and avocado with a cilantro lemongrass crema on top.
- You may also get a sushi-rito to go, a vegan burrito wrapped in a ti leaf and topped with a fiery pink sauce.
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Hali’imaile General Store
- Address: 900 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768
- Phone: +1 808-572-2666
- Open: TUE to SAT 11:00 AM – 14:00 PM / 15:00PM – 20:30PM
- Must-order: crab pizza, scallops, burgers
- Meals: Lunch, Night meals
The Hali’imaile General Store is a fine dining establishment located in the small town of Hali’imaile on the island of Maui.
The restaurant is known for its fresh, local ingredients, and its award-winning cuisine. The menu features traditional Hawaiian dishes, as well as modern twists on classic favorites. Some of the highlights include crab pizza, scallops, and burgers
The crab pizza at Hali’imaile General Store is a must-try for seafood lovers. The pizza is topped with fresh Dungeness crab meat, sweet red onions, and mozzarella cheese. It’s drizzled with a delicious garlic butter sauce and then baked to perfection. The end result is a heavenly pizza that’s full of flavor and texture.
The scallops are sourced from the best local fishermen and are always fresh. The scallops are lightly breaded and fried to perfection. They are served with a delicious dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the scallops.
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FAQs
What is the most popular food in Maui?
Kalua pig, Lomi salmon, Haupia, Pork, Noodles, Poke, Loco Moco, Spam... is the most popular food in Hawaii
What are the most popular restaurants in Maui?
TOP 3 – The best restaurants in Maui include: Lahaina Grill, South Maui Fish Company, and Island Cream Co.
Lahaina Grill is a fine dining restaurant that offers an extensive menu of American and Hawaiian dishes. South Maui Fish Company is a seafood restaurant that specializes in fresh catches from the Pacific Ocean. Island Cream Co. is a local favorite for its ice cream made with fresh fruits and nuts from the islands.
Why is it called a loco moco?
The athletes named the dish Loco Moco after one of their members, Loco. They added the ‘Moco’ because it rhymed with his name. The fried egg was later added as an ingredient and is now necessary to make the meal complete.
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Conclusion
The best local restaurants in Maui are a delicious blend of flavors and cultures. From traditional Hawaiian food to Italian cuisine, these restaurants will tantalize your taste buds with the unique flavors of Maui. So if you’re looking for a truly local dining experience while on vacation in Maui, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these top 20 restaurants.
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