What is "Local Food" or "Hawaiian Food"?
"Local Food," or Hawaiian cooking, is best described as a hearty, East-Meets-West cuisine. The photo above is a classic plate lunch. The plate usually includes a scoop of macaroni salad, rice and a savory item. The flavors of the cooked items tend to have a distinct Asian influence, with such items soy sauce or "shoyu" chicken, and grilled kalbi beef ribs.
There are a few classic Hawaiian dishes that are not to be missed, including pork lau lau, which is pork steamed in wrapped taro and tea leaves. There is also lomi lomi salmom, which is a vinegared chopped raw salmon dish that looks like salsa and, truthfully, might be a little fishy for some palates. Then there are takes on traditional items like chicken-noodle soup, known as chicken long rice (rice noodles) here.
Hawaiian food is delicious and typically affordable. Be sure to explore the classics at least once while you are in the Islands.
Plate Lunch & Beyond
If this is your first visit to Maui, you’re in for a real treat as we’ve outlined some of the best spots to find tasty local eats and drinks on the island.
Whether you’re here to simply relax or explore this beautiful island, use this little guide to make you make the most out of your Maui culinary experience.
Favorite local restaurants on Maui that are frequented by the locals and tourists alike are the perfect combination of price, quality, and atmosphere. Take a look below at some of the top spots for Maui best eats.
Maui Grab-And-Go Musts
Tin Roof
360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732
Born and raised in Hilo on the Big Island, Chef Sheldon Simeon decided he wanted to share a piece of his home with other communities and one great way to share his love was through food. Chef Sheldon built his definition of ‘home’ in his garage, under the calming and gentle Hilo rain.
To provide honest and fresh farm-to-table local cuisines, Chef Sheldon continues to help other communities by working closely with local farmers, fisherman, ranchers, and artisans. This small casual lunch spot is centrally located in Kahului and offers ono island cuisines from Mochiko Chicken, Saimin aka Ramen, Pork Belly, Poke Bowl and so much more.
This delicious lunch spot is recommended for on-the-go dining. If this is your first visit, you may either order your plates and dine in the nearby Costco food court or head to the nearest beach park for a nice picnic with the family.
Zippy’s
15 Ho'okele St, Kahului, HI 96732
Craving a late-night snack or craving a quick bite before you head to the airport? Well known for its chili, stews, Korean chicken, and other Hawaiian comfort dishes -- Zippy’s in Kahului is another great Hawaiian restaurant you won’t want to miss!
“Islander Tip: Try anything and everything, it’s island comfort food you’ll love! Can’t stay to eat? Try their bento boxes, they’re great for taking on-the-go.”
The Higa brothers opened their first restaurant in Honolulu and through their hard work and vision, Zippy’s has now become an iconic Hawaiian restaurant throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Maui Restaurants
Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Aloha Mixed Plate is back open on Front Street on Maui. Aloha Mixed Plate offers a beautiful oceanfront dining location next to the Old Lahaina Luau, which has also re-opened, and classic Hawaiian plate lunch staples like shoyu chicken, kalbi beef, Kalua pig.
Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front St., Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Another favorite local spot in Lahaina has reopened to the delight of residents and visitors alike. Mala Ocean Tavern sits right on the ocean and offers a relaxed upscale dining experience. The entrees are delicious and we highly recommend the oyster shooters!
These favorite Lahaina dining spots are a sign of the beginning of the rebirth of Lahaina .
Eskimo Candy, Kihei
2665 Wai Wai Pl, Kihei, HI 9675
This laid back restaurant used to just be a seafood market, but later on extended its services to include a sit-down restaurant area. Eskimo Candy is very well known for its delightful dishes that include super fresh seafood. Prices for an entree here will cost around $15 dollars and will typically include two sides along with a good-sized portion of seafood.
Paia Fish Market - Paia, Kihei
100 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779
1913 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Located on the North and South sides of Maui, you will find another great seafood and fish spot that offers reasonably priced fresh seafood dishes. This seafood spot however, comes with a slight twist.
Many of the dishes served at Paia Fish Market have a Hawaiian and Mexican-style cuisine mixture. Fish tacos are a local favorite here, as well as their fish burgers and seafood pasta. Spacious outside seating is also available here for anyone that loves to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine while enjoying their meal.
Maui Brewing Companies
Hawaii has some truly tasty beer options that originate in Hawaii. They include lagers, amber ales, and IPA's , offering something for everyone. The top spots to get some of Maui's best brews are the local breweries themselves!
Maui Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
For a location that has some of the best brews on island, it is worth heading to the Maui Brewing Company to try a wide range of Hawaiian beers from Bikini Blonde Lager to the Big Swell IPA. The beers here will cost in the $6 to $8 range. They also offer fun brewery tours and are located in Kihei, Maui.