Maui for Foodies: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Ideas

A Maui meal. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Bob B. Brown.

Locals and visitors alike can appreciate Maui’s amazing cuisine, whether you’re dining out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three!  Here are some spots to remember as you eat your way across the island:

Komoda Bakery, Makawao

Komoda Bakery in Makawao. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Mark Favielli.

The family-owned-and-operated bakery in Makawao has been a local favorite since it opened in 1916. Specialties include guava-filled doughnuts, legendary cream puffs, chocolate Chantilly cake, and stick doughnuts. Lines often form by 7 a.m. and the goods can sell out by 10, so go early to sample these legendary treats!

Stillwell’s Bakery, Kahului

Stilwell’s Bakery in Kahului. Courtesy photo.

Stillwell’s is an award-winning option near the airport. It has your usual pancake and egg options, along with treats like cream horns and creme brulée for a memorable sweet breakfast.

Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop, Olowalu

Baked goods from Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jennifer Cachola.

If you want both sweet and savory options, Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu is a good bet. Try something classic with a twist, like the seared Ahi eggs benedict, or go for a pie highlighting local flavors, like Olowalu Lime. You can eat in the dining room, or take it to go.

Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina

Meal and drink at Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Michael Saechang.

An ode to Hawaii’s multicultural past, when plantation workers often shared Japanese, Filipino, Korean and traditional Hawaiian cuisine with one another, the mixed plate has endured to become one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite lunch meals. Located on the waterfront in Lahaina, Aloha Mixed Plate has been described as “paper plate meets million dollar view” by The New York Times.  The Ali’i Plate (with kalua pig, laulau, poi and more) is one of many favorites.

Sam Sato’s, Wailuku

Soup at Sam Sato’s in Wailuku. Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr/Bionicgrrrl.

A longtime, local favorite located in Wailuku, Sam Sato’s has a great selection of plate lunches and noodle dishes. Teriyaki beef sticks and dry mein are top sellers. Sam Sato’s is only open for breakfast and lunch, so make it there before closing time at 2 pm.

Geste Shrimp Truck, Kahului

Shrimp meal from Geste Shrimp Truck. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jennifer Cachola.

Landing ‘Aipono Awards for Best Food Truck on Maui in 2013 and 2014, Geste is parked on Kahului Beach Road by the harbor. With lunches like the shrimp plate with crab salad and rice, you can choose your flavor of shrimp, from spicy pineapple to Hawaiian scampi. Get there early before they sell out!

Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe, Kihei

Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe in Kihei. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Ryan Harvey.

Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe in Kihei is a local favorite for fish and plate lunch specials. Try the local plate lunch with battered fish, the crab cakes, or the Poke bowl. You can also buy your seafood here to cook at home.

Hawai’i Tasting Tours, Maui

Group dining with Hawaiʻi Tasting Tours. Courtesy photo.

Mixing history, culture and great food into an evening event, Hawaiʻi Tasting Tours is one way to shake up your restaurant routine and feed your five senses with something new. Guided walking tours allow you to experience great cuisine at local favorite restaurants around Maui.

Coconut’s Fish Cafe, Kihei

Food from Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei. Courtesy photo.

Honored by both CNN and Travel & Leisure as a top spot to “Eat Like a Local” in the U.S., Coconut’s Fish Cafe has great seafood at reasonable prices. Try the fish tacos or a fish burger featuring some of the best local fish, like Mahi Mahi, Ahi or Opakapaka. This family-owned spot is located in Kihei.

Da Kitchen, Kahului

Fried Musubi from Da Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Tobze.

An innovative restaurant on Maui, Da Kitchen in Kahului has been featured on the Food Network and has cooked for the first lūʻau at the White House. Serving big portions of traditional Hawaiian food, favorites include the Fried Spam Musubi and the Chicken Katsu Plate.

Old Lahaina Lūʻau, Lahaina

Old Lahaina Lu’au. Courtesy photo.

Old Lahaina prides itself on the authentic experience of dancing and feasting. A plentiful buffet lets you sample traditional Hawaiian foods, and outdoor seating lets you take in the lūʻau show along with the sunset.

Ululani’s Shave Ice, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina

Ululani’s Shave Ice. Courtesy of Flickr/Michael Saechang.

If you’ve still got room for dessert, head to Ululani’s Shave Ice for a local treat. Ululani’s is known for its range of quality flavors and gigantic portions that are perfect for sharing. You’ll find the stands in town, and on the South and West sides.

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