Finding the best local food on Maui can be a challenge, especially when tourist traps and overpriced menus stand in the way of an authentic experience. If you’re craving the flavors locals love and the dishes visitors can’t stop talking about, you’re not alone.

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The problem is knowing where to go. With Maui’s rich culinary culture—think fresh-caught fish, garlic shrimp, and Hawaiian plate lunches—it’s easy to miss out on the real gems hidden behind the hype.
This guide simplifies your search. We’ve conferred with locals and circled the island ourselves to round up Maui’s top local food spots, from hole-in-the-wall treasures to iconic eateries, so you can savor the island’s best flavors. Keep reading to discover your next unforgettable meal.
Maui’s hidden gems and local favorites
Discover the lesser-known spots where Maui’s locals gather for incredible food and authentic island vibes.
Tasty Crust (Wailuku, Central Maui)
Don’t be put off by this Wailuku staple’s old school diner aesthetic. Tasty Crust is lauded for its famous dry mein noodles and breakfast pancakes (try the banana ones), making it the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or casual lunch. It’s a local favorite for pork belly and mac salad, too.
Sam Sato’s (Wailuku, Central Maui)
Another legendary Wailuku joint, Sam Sato’s serves up delicious noodle bowls, including their signature dry mein and plate lunches. Bean sprouts, soy sauce, and white rice come together in this beloved eatery.
Da Kitchen (South Maui)
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Known for their generous portions of loco moco and kalua pork, Da Kitchen is a favorite for those seeking the quintessential Hawaii meal — the plate lunch. This meat dish is traditionally served with a side of steamed rice and mac salad.
Kula Lodge Restaurant (Kula, Upcountry)
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This rustic Upcountry spot is the perfect place for a meal either on the way to or returning from a visit to Haleakalā National Park. Kula Lodge offers breathtaking views of the water from both the dining room and outdoor garden. We particularly enjoyed the upside-down pineapple cake. And don’t forget to stop at the gift shop next door.
Best local spots for seafood lovers
Maui’s seafood scene is a feast of freshly caught fish and ocean-inspired dishes that highlight the island’s bounty. Whether it’s a plate of buttery garlic shrimp or perfectly seared ahi, these spots deliver the best flavors from sea to table.

Mama’s Fish House (Paia, North Shore)
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If you’re looking for a top-notch place to celebrate a special occasion or impress with a romantic dinner, look no further than Mama’s Fish House. This North Shore go-to is known around the Hawaiian islands and beyond for having the freshest seafood (the menu typically names the local fisherman and location of the catch). Whether you have a hankering for mahi mahi or ahi tuna, Mama’s Fish House should be at the top of your list.
Paia Fish Market (Paia, North Shore | Kihei, South Maui)
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With two popular Maui locations, this casual spot offers some of the best fish tacos on the island. Ideal for a casual dining experience, Paia Fish Market is a great pit stop to make after exploring historic Paia or enjoying a beach day in Kihei.
Coconut’s Fish Cafe (Kihei, South Maui)
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A local casual favorite for fresh, high-quality fish dishes, particularly their famous fish tacos. With two locations (both on South Kihei Road!), Coconut’s is a great spot if you’re looking for a more casual dining experience on the island’s south shore.
Geste Shrimp Truck (Kahului, Central Maui)
Few food stops make my mouth water like the garlic shrimp served at this venerable food truck. Its stone’s throw location near Lahaina’s OGG Airport makes it a must-visit for those craving a quick, tasty seafood fix. In my opinion, it’s the best Maui food truck experience for those in the know.
Locals’ choice for Hawaii regional cuisine and fusion
Maui’s dining scene blends traditional Hawaiian flavors with global influences, creating a unique fusion of tastes. Local favorites like loco moco and Kalua pork share the menu with creative takes on Asian and Polynesian dishes. These restaurants are where locals go for food that’s both rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative.

Tin Roof (Kahului, Central Maui)
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Owned by Top Chef alum Sheldon Simeon, this casual dining spot serves some of the island’s favorite comfort food. Favorites include Tin Roof’s mochiko chicken, pork belly, and poke bowl. Tin Roof is takeaway only, so grab some napkins (don’t forget the cutlery) and drive to the nearest beach for the ultimate dining experience in paradise.
Mala Ocean Tavern (Lahaina, West Maui)
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Nestled along the waterfront in Lahaina, Mala Ocean Tavern was one of the fortunate Lahaina businesses that wasn’t completely destroyed by the 2023 fire. The restaurant closed temporarily after the local disaster but has since re-opened. Personally, this is my favorite restaurant on the island. And not just because of its relaxed atmosphere and stunning ocean views. This local favorite is also known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Highlights include their ahi tuna bruschetta, coconut shrimp, and a stellar happy hour and brunch menus.
Star Noodle (Lahaina, West Maui)
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Noodle bowls, anyone? While this Lahaina favorite temporarily shuttered after the devastating fire of 2023, diners rejoiced when the West Maui spot re-opened in the summer of 2024 to a new location on Lahaina’s historic Front Street. The popular eatery serves fusion dishes inspired by Maui’s local and Asian influences. Whether you’re craving garlic noodles or pork belly, Star Noodle’s local fare is sure to entice.
Monkeypod Kitchen (Kaanapali, West Maui | Wailea, South Maui)
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A bustling local favorite in Wailea and Ka’anapali, this sit-down restaurant is best known for its farm-to-table approach — and its famous Mai Tais. Expect high quality food and a lively atmosphere of live music during happy hour. Check out Monkeypod Kitchen for Hawaiian food with a twist.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill (South Maui)
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My favorite all-around restaurant on the island, Nalu’s offers a casual island vibe with consistently tasty dishes. Don’t be turned off by the casual strip mall-type location. This place is a can’t miss. From fresh salads to loco moco to the best poke bowls, Nalu’s always delivers.
Tiffany’s Maui (Wailuku, Central Maui)
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Tiffany’s has been a cherished local spot for nearly two decades. In 2022, Top Chef alum Sheldon Simeon and his wife, Janice, took over the helm of this Maui mainstay. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of Asian fusion dishes, including favorites like honey walnut shrimp, sizzling steak bites, and Wailuku saimin with pork belly. With its blend of traditional flavors and modern twists, Tiffany’s continues to be a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Casual dining and quick bites for on-the-go travelers
For travelers who want great food without slowing down, Maui has plenty of casual dining spots and grab-and-go options. Think flavorful plate lunches, poke bowls, and food truck specialties that are as quick as they are delicious.

Kihei Food Oasis food trucks (Kihei, South Maui)
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Avoid negotiating where to eat with your group by opting for an array of options at the South Maui Gardens. Home to more than a dozen food trucks, everyone in your ohana is sure to find something they enjoy. From Hawaiian style poutine fries to authentic Thai dishes, this South Maui enclave is the answer to the inevitable question: “Where should we eat?”
My favorites: Kitoko’s, which elevates the food truck experience with its restaurant dishes. And Burger Boys, my favorite stop on the island for high-end Wagyu smash burgers.
Foodland (multiple locations)
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Foodland’s grab-and-go section is a must-stop for authentic local eats in Maui. Known for its fresh poke bowls and classic spam musubi, this local grocery spot offers quick, delicious, and affordable bites that capture the island’s flavors. Perfect for travelers on the move or anyone craving a true taste of Maui.
Sweet treats
No meal is complete without something sweet, and Maui has desserts worth savoring. From tropical shave ice to creamy macadamia nut pies, the island’s dessert scene is as diverse as its cuisine. Treat yourself to these indulgent local favorites and end your meal on a high note.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (multiple locations)
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Hands down the most iconic place for shave ice on Maui, Ululani’s is the ultimate sweet treat for a blistering day on the island. With multiple locations, it’s the go-to order for visitors looking for an authentic island experience.
Tasaka Guri Guri (Kahului, Central Maui)
A local favorite in Kahului, this sweet spot touts a secret family recipe for a dessert that’s part ice cream, part sorbet. An unmissable stop for dessert lovers looking for something beyond ice cream and shave ice. Cash only.
Artisan Ice Cream (North Shore, Paia)
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Cool down from the Maui heat with this family-owned business that offers small batch ice cream using primarily organic ingredients. This is a must-stop for anyone passing through Paia.