The FloQ

Travel Insights Blog

The FloQ

Travel Insights Blog

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Maui, Hawaii

Oct 15, 2023

Marley Mehring

Tips & Tricks

Read:

5 min

So you have a trip booked to Maui. Congrats, you’re about to be in one of the best spots for food in the US, and maybe even the world!

Unsplash / Hanxiao

From Asian inspired Hawaiian dishes, to the most quaint coffee shops you’ll ever see, this is your ultimate guide to where to eat and what to eat on your next Maui vacation.

Sam Satos

Located in the heart of Wailuku, Sam Satos has been a dearly beloved neighborhood staple since 1933. The perfect stop off for local Maui food after an afternoon hiking Iao Valley! Our expert recommendation for your first time at Sam Satos: the dry mein. These savory, homemade noodles are like a warm hug from your childhood, literally. Served with bean sports, pork and a dashi broth on the side for dipping, you will not regret a trip to this Maui classic!

Unsplash / Lindsay Moe

Honokowai Okazuya & Deli

If you’re spending an afternoon beach day in Honokowai, you absolutely must visit Okazuya. Their lemon caper mahi mahi is by far one of the freshest and best on the whole island! Fresh filets of mahi mahi are smothered in a savory blend of capers and lemon and topped with a healthy handful of mushrooms. Served with a side of glazed veggies, rice, or mac salad, you can’t find a more refreshing and rewarding meal after a day spent in the West Maui waters! Just don’t forget your cash, this spot is cash only!

Unsplash / Jennifer Burk

Foodland

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii before, you may be confused why we’ve put a grocery store chain on this list. Well, let us tell you, the back counter at any Foodland is by far one of the best places on the island for fresh, authentic Hawaiian poke. The biggest problem you’ll have is which poke to choose! Our recommendation is the classic shoyu ahi and the crispy garlic! Don’t be alarmed though, poke in Hawaii is served a bit differently than you may be used to on the mainland! Poke in Hawaii just means the fish, so if you’re hoping for rice, veggies, and other toppings, you’ll have to get those separately! Trust us, this is something you can’t miss.

Unsplash / Lucia Gherra

Espresso Mafia

Located in the heart of cowboy town Makawao, Espresso Mafia is the go-to for any upcountry local. Run by a couple with an absolute passion for coffee, you will not find better coffee on the island! With something for everyone, from shots of espresso to honey cinnamon lattes, this is the best pick-me-up after a morning sunrise session on Haleakala. If you are super lucky, you may arrive on a day that they’re selling homemade banana bread too (a must)!

Unsplash / Nathan Dumlao

Tin Roof Maui

Don’t let the small size and takeout nature of Tin Roof put you off, this place packs their food full of flavor! Serving what is known as Hawaiian comfort food, this is the best spot to stop to introduce you to the Maui food scene after hopping off a long flight, as it is located near to the airport! The star of any show is their Kau Kau Tins. With meat and veggies options, this is one of the most delicious bowls you’ll encounter during your time in Maui. In our opinion, the chop steak bowl is a non-negotiable item to get here. What are you waiting for?

Unsplash / Lily Banse

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