Going back to Maui in about a week. Will be staying in south maui. We enjoy finding out of the way restaurants,or where the locals dine. We don't like all the tourist traps, or high end dining. We found a few great places, that were only frequented by locals, and the food was great. Any suggestion?

I just had lunch at the Sports Page Grill and Bar in Kihei. DH loves their giant burgers. Other places in Kihei:
Da Kitchen for local style food. Horhitos Mexican Food. Philmart, up behind the Tesoro station for Filipino food. Isana for sushi and Korean food. Sunset Mixed Plate for Korean take out. Aroma d'Italia for Italian.

Some of the bext food though is found in Wailuku or upcountry. I adore Tiffany's Bar & Grill in Wailuku. and Colleen's in Ha`iku. Hana Hou in Ha`iku, Maui's Best Tamales in Pukalani, and Casanova in Makawao is still the best Italian on the island.

Hanafuda's is one of Kihei's few restaurants that cater to locals and prices are very affordable. Mostly local patrons. It is located next to Peggy Sue's. In Wailuku, Sam Sato's (dry mein, manju & turnover pies are their specialty). They are so popular with locals that even neighbor islanders make it a "must visit" on Maui. There is usually wait ine. The Millyard Snack Shop is a block away (hamburger steak or fried rice).

Da Kitchen is outstanding!!!

You might want to check out a book called "50 Thrifty Maui Restaurants". It's available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

While not all are local places, being more reasonably priced you're more likely to find locals there.

We stayed in Kihei last summer and discovered Da Kitchen Express and Pita Paradise (check out the Baklava Ice Cream Cake!)

Kim

What about any similar spots in the Wailea area? And what is the place that cooks for u on the beach at sunset, supposed to be very romantic.

There are VERY few, if any, similar spots in Wailea. But if you're staying in Wailea, Kihei is only about 5 min. away.

Tableside Chefs on the beach--they are very expensive.

Try these sites. I'm sure you'll find some restaurants that you'll like:

www.mauihawaii.com Nice site, has a good dining section.

http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/hawaiimaps.html
It has driving and dining guides for all the islands.

Hi,
Just got back from Maui yesterday. We really liked Maui Tacos for cheap, yet tasty food. They are a little star struck there (pictures of celebs on the wall, we were not impressed, though) We got take out and had spectular dining on our beach front pavillion at the Wailea Ekahi condo resort. Have fun!
Kirsten

Hailemaile General Store Restaurant.

Try Alexander's in South Kihei. Excellent seafood lunch and very low prices.

Jaws taco truck in Makena!

Lots of yummy choices in Paia - the Fish Market, Fresh Mint (vegetarian Vietnemse).

Another vote for Hana Hou in Haiku...

We found the Haliemaile General store overated.

This OP is almost a year old...

Aloha mixed plate in north Lahaina. Can't beat the view, great inexpensive food and drinks. If you go around the time of the Old Lahaina Luau next door you can enjoy their music as well.