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For a place the size of Maui, there’s a lot going on when it comes to the dining scene, from ethnic holes-in-the-wall to stunningly appointed hotel dining rooms, and from seafood trucks to oceanfront fish houses with panoramic views. Much of the food is excellent, but some of it is overpriced and touristy. If you’re coming from
For a place the size of Maui, there’s a lot going on when it comes to the dining scene, from ethnic holes-in-the-wall to stunningly appointed hotel dining rooms, and from seafood trucks to oceanfront fish houses with panoramic views. Much of the food is excellent, but s
For a place the size of Maui, there’s a lot going on when it comes to the dining scene, from ethnic holes-in-the-wall to
For a place the size of Maui, there’s a lot going on when it comes to the dining scene, from ethnic holes-in-the-wall to stunningly appointed hotel dining rooms, and from seafood trucks to oceanfront fish houses with panoramic views. Much of the food is excellent, but some of it is overpriced and touristy. If you’re coming from a "food destination" city, you may have to adjust your expectations.
Follow the locavore trend, and at casual and fine-dining restaurants choose menu items made with products that are abundant on the island, like local fish, beef, venison, onions, avocados, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, hydroponic tomatoes, myriad herbs, salad greens, kalo (taro), bananas, papaya, guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), coconut, mangoes, strawberries, and Maui pineapple. You can also look for treats grown on neighboring islands, such as mushrooms, purple sweet potatoes, and watermelon.
"Local food," a specific and official cuisine designated as such in the 1920s, is an amalgam of foods brought by the ethnic groups that have come here since the mid-1800s and also blended with the foods native Hawaiians have enjoyed for centuries. Dishes to try include lomilomi salmon, laulau,poi, Portuguese bean soup, kalbi ribs, chicken katsu, chow fun, hamburger steak, and macaroni salad. For a food adventure, take a drive into Central Maui and have lunch or dinner at one of the "local" spots recommended here. Or get even more adventurous and take a drive around Wailuku or Kahului and find your own hidden gem—there are plenty out there.
If you're okay with communal picnic tables, or taking your meal to a nearby beach, this place in funky Paia town serves, arguably, the best fresh fish for the best prices on this side of the island. Four preparations are offered and, on any given day, there are at least four to six fresh fishes from which to choose; there are burgers, chicken, and pasta options for the non-fish fans. There are also locations in Kihei and Lahaina.
This Maui institution is a must-visit for interesting shave ice flavors featuring natural, hand-made syrups and a variety of toppings including Roselani's ice cream. The menu is extensive but features some popular combos to make your choice easier. Be sure to look for specials before ordering from the big board—and don't be afraid to try a tropical flavor that might be new to you.
One of Paia’s newest dining establishments, VANA brings a hip, fresh menu to an eclectic dinner food scene. Plates are full of Japanese-inspired fare with Hawaiian flair, with a rotating array of hot dishes served alongside lovely sushi options with seating that includes a main dining area and a bar area where the restaurant’s mixologists serve up a variety of carefully crafted cocktails.
The menu at this budget-friendly café features French, Mediterranean, and Indian dishes, and the food is fresh and tasty. Expect flavors and preparations not easily obtainable at other island eateries, with a nice selection of sweet and savory crepes, curry wraps, and salads with cocktails, wine, and beer to complement.
Paia is one of Maui's most interesting food towns, and this colorful, airy, and brightly painted hangout is right in the thick of things. The menu features everything from burgers and fish to three different preparations of duck, and aside from the great food, the people-watching is fascinating.
A Maui institution since 1969, Charley's is known for satiating your cowboy-size breakfast appetite: omelets, pancakes, and sausage biscuits with country gravy lure customers in. Charley's also serves hearty portions for lunch and dinner, including handmade pizzas and awesome burgers.
This Vermont-based company marched right into Paia in 2007 and instantly became a popular restaurant and a valued addition to the community as it gives back to local nonprofits. The bustling restaurant uses organic, local, sustainable products, including 100% organically grown wheat for the made-fresh-daily dough, and it's a good spot to take the kids. There's a no-reservations policy (except for large groups), but there's "call-ahead seating," so you can put your name on the wait list before you arrive.
Set in an intimate location on the beach, Mama's has been the Maui destination for special occasions for almost four decades. A path of gecko-shape stones leads to an ever-changing fantasyland of Hawaiian kitsch, where savvy servers can explain the various fish types and preparations, and you'd be wise to heed their recommendation; the fish is so fresh that the daily menu lists who caught it that morning.
Fine dining is beginning to take a foothold in Paia, and the seasonal, handcrafted plates that are served at nyloS are certainly helping. The chef’s table concept makes for an intimate and memorable experience as there are only 14 seats in the restaurant and two seatings for the unique, prix fixe menu per night.
The start to a lovely day in Paia begins at this popular coffee spot tucked away just behind the main buildings on Hana Highway. Grab a coffee or tea along with avocado toast or banana bread for breakfast or lunch. It’s also a great place to wind down the day, with their daily happy hour with Island-fresh cocktails at good prices (2--5pm) followed by live music in the evening every day except Sunday.
Fresh gelato made with locally sourced ingredients is the big draw here. Try Surfing Goat Dairy's Lilikoi Quark flavor and thank us later. You'll also find jams, jellies, and dressings from Jeff Gomes, coffees from Maui Coffee Roasters, and picnic box lunches from Hana Lunch Co.
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