Eat Me: Shaka’s in South Kihei

By Kristin Hashimoto

Cheese Steak Supreme with cheese, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

The authentic cheese steak sandwich has yet to be reproduced faithfully in the islands. Still, Shaka’s in Kihei makes a valiant attempt at a cheese steak sandwich that satisfies those carnivorous cravings.

Oozing with cheese, lean steak is sliced thin. Not paper thin, but thin. On a flat grill the steak is quickly cooked with green bell peppers, grilled onions and mushrooms, if that is your desire. For $7.89, a 7-inch cheese steak supreme sandwich comes piping hot, wrapped in foil (if take-out), and travels well.

The Hawaiian Hot Chili Sauce is a nice add-on for those who want it spicy, but take note, the sauce is more medium hot, than hot. A bottle of this sauce is available for purchase at $5.95 per bottle.

A side order of krinkle cut fries is another $3.99. Seemingly, this is where the shop can get you in a money trap. The side orders cost a little more than one would expect them to.  The sandwiches are good, but $4.00 fries, and a $7.99 chicken Caesar Salad are add-ons that might leave you cold. Still, a sandwich without fries is like sacrilege, so pay the extra bucks and pair that cheese steak with some crisp krinkles.

If a cheese steak sandwich isn’t what you’re craving, the hoagies and pizzas available might make your mouth water. The pizzas are hand tossed, and a New York Style thin crust costs $17.99. There are around 17 toppings, which if individually selected, cost $2.29 per choice.

Shaka's order counter, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

The garlic bread was unimpressive and kind of hard. The bread seemed dried out, even with the dripping spread and lackluster cheese atop the little bread squares.

Overall, the cheese steak sandwich satisfies. Shaka’s is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 808-874-0331 for more information, or to place a take-out order.