Aloha and welcome to the tropical paradise of Maui! While the island's stunning beaches and lush landscapes are often the main attractions, Maui's culinary scene is equally captivating. As honeymooners who recently explored this tropical paradise, we can personally attest to the island's diverse and delicious food offerings. From fresh seafood to tropical fruits and traditional Hawaiian dishes, Maui offers a mouthwatering array of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. In this guide, we'll take you on a mouthwatering journey through the top 10 must-try foods in Maui. Whether you're a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure or a first-time visitor eager to experience the local cuisine, this list will help you navigate the island's delicious offerings. Get ready to indulge in the flavors of aloha!
On our recent trip to Maui, we discovered a culinary paradise that left our taste buds dancing with joy. We're excited to share our firsthand experiences of the top 10 must-try foods that made our island adventure truly unforgettable. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to multicultural delights, we sampled a diverse array of flavors that captured the essence of Maui's rich culinary heritage.
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1. Poke
No trip to Maui is complete without savoring the island's famous poke. This traditional Hawaiian dish features cubes of raw fish (typically ahi tuna) marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and various seasonings. Maui's poke stands out for its incredibly fresh fish and creative variations.
Where to try it: Head to Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors or Foodland Farms for some of the best poke on the island. For a more upscale experience, try Mama's Fish House, where the poke is made with fish caught daily by local fishermen. We also enjoyed the Poke Bowls at Maui Fish'n Chips.
💡 Insider Tip: Look for poke bowls that incorporate local ingredients like macadamia nuts or limu (seaweed) for an authentic Maui twist. |
2. Kalua Pork
Kalua pork is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and a must-try dish in Maui. Traditionally, a whole pig is wrapped in ti leaves and slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The result is tender, smoky meat that practically melts in your mouth.
Where to try it: For an authentic experience, attend a luau like the Old Lahaina Luau or the Feast at Lele. If you're looking for a quick bite, try the kalua pork plate lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate or Da Kitchen Cafe.
🧑🍳 Fun fact: The word "kalua" actually refers to the cooking method, which means "to cook in an underground oven" in Hawaiian. |
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3. Maui Gold Pineapple
While not a prepared dish, Maui Gold pineapples are a local delicacy you can't miss. Known for their extra sweet flavor and low acidity, these pineapples are grown on the slopes of Haleakala and are perfect for eating fresh or incorporating into various dishes.
Where to try it: Visit the Maui Pineapple Tour to learn about the growing process and taste freshly picked pineapples. Many restaurants also feature Maui Gold pineapples in their dishes and cocktails.
🍍 Insider tip: Look for pineapple-infused dishes like pineapple fried rice at local restaurants or try a pineapple cocktail at one of Maui's beachside bars for a refreshing treat. |
4. Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish, is a popular fish in Hawaiian cuisine. Its firm, white flesh and mild flavor make it perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or serving in fish tacos. In Maui, you'll find Mahi Mahi prepared in various ways, often showcasing local ingredients and flavors.
Where to try it: Merriman's in Kapalua offers a delicious macadamia nut-crusted Mahi Mahi. For a more casual option, try the Mahi Mahi tacos at Coconut's Fish Cafe.
🐟 Chef's tip: Mahi Mahi pairs well with tropical fruit salsas, so look for dishes that combine the fish with mango, pineapple, or papaya for a true taste of Maui. |
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5. Shave Ice
No trip to Maui is complete without indulging in shave ice, a refreshing treat perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Unlike mainland snow cones, Hawaiian shave ice is known for its fluffy, snow-like texture and creative flavor combinations.
Where to try it: Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice is a local favorite, with multiple locations across the island. Try their Haleakala flavor, which combines coconut and leche topped with sweetened condensed milk.
🍨 Local's secret: Ask for a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom of your shave ice for an extra indulgent treat. |
6. Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a hearty Hawaiian comfort food that's perfect for fueling up before a day of island adventures. This dish typically consists of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered in rich brown gravy.
Where to try it: Da Kitchen Cafe in Kahului serves up a delicious traditional Loco Moco. For a gourmet twist, try the Loco Moco at Lineage in Wailea, which features a wagyu beef patty and mushroom gravy. We also enjoyed the Loco Moco at Kihei Caffe, a Hawaiian-style breakfast diner.
💡 Foodie fact: While the origins of Loco Moco are debated, it's believed to have been created in Hilo on the Big Island in the 1940s as a filling, affordable meal for hungry teenagers. |
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7. Saimin
Saimin is Hawaii's take on ramen, reflecting the islands' multicultural heritage. This comforting noodle soup typically features a dashi-based broth, wheat noodles, and toppings like char siu pork, kamaboko (fish cake), and green onions.
Where to try it: Sam Sato's in Wailuku is famous for its dry mein, a variation of saimin with the broth served on the side. For a more traditional saimin experience, try Star Noodle in Lahaina.
💡 Historical note: Saimin evolved during Hawaii's plantation era, combining elements from various Asian cuisines brought by immigrant workers. |
8. Banana Bread
Maui's banana bread is legendary, often made with locally grown apple bananas known for their sweet, tangy flavor. You'll find this treat at roadside stands and bakeries across the island, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack during your adventures.
Where to try it: The Halfway to Hana stand and Aunt Sandy's on the Road to Hana are famous for their banana bread. For a gourmet version, try the banana bread French toast at The Gazebo Restaurant in Napili.
🍌 Baking tip: The secret to great Maui banana bread is using overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. |
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9. Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a local favorite that showcases Hawaii's love for barbecue. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. "Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional cooking method of turning the chicken on a spit.
Where to try it: Look for roadside stands or food trucks selling Huli Huli Chicken, especially on weekends. Alternatively, try the Huli Huli Chicken at Tin Roof in Kahului, owned by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon.
🤫 Grilling secret: The key to great Huli Huli Chicken is basting it frequently with the marinade while grilling to build up layers of flavor. |
10. Malasadas
While originally from Portugal, malasadas have become a beloved treat in Hawaii. These deep-fried dough balls are typically coated in sugar and can be filled with various creams or custards. In Maui, you'll find both traditional and innovative flavors.
Where to try it: T. Komoda Store & Bakery in Makawao is famous for its cream puff malasadas. For a wider variety of flavors, check out Sugar Beach Bake Shop in Kihei.
💡 Insider Tip: Malasadas are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so look for places that fry them to order. |
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Additional Favorites
Other Maui restaurant favorites from our trip include:
Down the Hatch Maui (recommended by Guy Fieri in Diners Drive-ins & Dives and featured in Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2022)
Freshies Maui (favorites include their fish tacos, huevos rancheros, and French toast made with Hawaiian sweet bread).
The Maui Cookie Lady (women-owned business in Makawao)
Horhitos Mobile Taqueria (food truck serving delicious veggie and fish tacos at an affordable price)
Cinnamon Roll Place (giant cinnamon rolls and open early for sunrise chasers)
Flatbread Company (delicious wood-fired pizza & wood-fired brownies!)
📌 All of these recommended restaurants and more can be found in our curated Hawaii Google Maps! |
Maui's culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and bountiful natural resources. From traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork and poke to multicultural favorites like saimin and malasadas, the island offers a diverse array of flavors to explore. Whether you're dining at a high-end restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a food truck, you're sure to find something delicious that captures the essence of Maui.
As you plan your culinary adventure on the Valley Isle, remember that trying local foods is not just about satisfying your hunger – it's about experiencing the culture, history, and aloha spirit of Maui. So, venture beyond your comfort zone, chat with local vendors, and savor every bite. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll take home delicious memories that last long after your tan fades. Aloha and happy eating!
Have you tried any of these Maui specialties? Share your favorite food experiences in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more travel tips and culinary adventures from around the world.
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