Ask the expert: Where do the locals eat in Maui?

Every time I visit Hawaii, I ask myself, “Where do the locals eat in Maui?” That’s because I visit Maui every year and have become obsessed with finding the best local eats on the island.

I’ve tried all the touristy spots (cough Mama’s Fish House cough) and am often not impressed. The real soul of Hawaiian cooking is in the small mom and pop places that the locals visit everyday.

So if you’re interesting in eating like you live on the island, consider this you definitive guide to where the locals eat in Maui!

Maui experienced catastrophic fires August 9, 2023. This article still includes affected restaurants in hopes that they’ll re-open. Please consider donating to help locals recover from devastating loss, or you can donate to each restaurant below.

Where do the locals eat in Maui?

I’ve created this list answering “where do the locals eat in Maui” over many years of obsessively researching and talking to locals. I continuously adding to it. So save this to Pinterest for later!

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Tin Roof

Tin Roof is one of my go-to places locals eat in Maui. It’s near the airport so it’s usually our first stop when we get off the plane.

It’s owned by former Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon. You’d think that may mean it’s fancy, but it’s actually a super casual spot in a strip mall with no seats minus a few benches outside.

Pretty much all the food I’ve had here is excellent, but my go-to order is the mochicko chicken and poke. The mochicko chicken is fried sort of like General Tso’s chicken, with a really flavorful drizzle of miso sauce, gochujang aioli, and furikake.

Their poke is one of the best on island and outshines literally all of the best poke in Seattle. The fish changes regularly based on what’s fresh. It has a sweeter sauce than I’m accustomed to getting at other poke places and I love it. Plus there’s always a little spicy aioli so as not to be one note.

If I’m feeling extra hungry, I’ll also get their saimin. It has a deeply flavorful broth and is soul satisfying. Basically, you can’t go wrong with anything here!

Pro tip: They also have a sister restaurant nearby called Tiffany’s. I love their saimin and honey walnut shrimp. It’s served in the biggest portions I’ve ever seen!

plate of poke from a local Maui restaurant

Da Kitchen

Da Kitchen closed during the pandemic and I was literally heartbroken. Luckily they reopened a few years later and, while the menu is smaller, they still serve my go-to dish: loco moco.

Their loco moco is another level. It’s comically big and served with the most flavorful hamburger patty. What makes it over the top, though, is the gravy. It’s mixed with mushroom and onion to make a super deep, complex flavor many loco mocos lack (trust me, I’ve tried hunting for better!).

loco moco from where do the locals eat in Maui

They used to have a lot of loco moco options at their old restaurant, but the best one had katsu in addition to the beef patty. I’m thankful this option is still available despite the condensed menu. The pork katsu is perfectly crispy and takes this loco moco over the top.

Da Kitchen also has a robust menu of other classic Hawaiian grindz. Locals love the kalbi ribs and they have excellent garlic shrimp. You’ll also find classics like spam musubi, lau lau, and kalua pork.

Pro tip: They’re next door to Tanpopo, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant. While I’ve had some hit or miss dishes, I’m obsessed with their chicken katsu curry. If you’re extra hungry, get it after you visit Da Kitchen!

breaded chicken katsu curry at one of the restaurants loved by locals in Maui — *Chicken katsu curry at Tanpopo, a Japanese restaurant next to Da Kitchen*

Sugar Beach Bake Shop

All the guide books will tell you the best pie is at Leoda’s, and you may think they’re right when you see the line to get in. But I promise you, everyone who says that is wrong.

mini key lime pie - where do the locals eat in Maui

The best pies can actually be found at Sugar Beach Bake Shop. They make both mini and regular-sized pies filled with all types of creams and curds. The must get is the key lime and lilikoi (passionfruit) flavor. It’s both sweet and tangy with the perfect curd consistency that will make it hard to share.

Locals also know that Sugar Beach makes some of the best malasadas on Maui. These fried, stuffed doughnuts are everywhere on the island, but you’ll be hard pressed to find many that are better than the ones you’ll find at Sugar Beach. They’re fluffy with the perfect ratio of well-balanced filling. If you’re at the bakery before 10 AM, make sure to get them!

Maui Pie

Maui Pie is another pie shop loved by locals. All they serve is pie, which means there are a ton of different sweet and savory flavors. You’ll find staples that are always on the menu with a few seasonal rotators.

My favorite pie is their mango lilikoi pie. It’s a curd very much like Sugar Beach Bake Shop, but they do a pastry crust instead of a graham cracker one. While I’ll always prefer a graham cracker crust, there’s no denying that Maui Pie is gifted in making pastry. They serve mini pies, so you can try a few flavors and put them to the test!

Prefer fruit pie? Get the mango cherry. The mango is subtle, but cuts into the tartness of the cherry.

Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquor

website | Lahaina – temporarily closed (get directions), Kihei (get directions), Wailuku (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: poke

This is another spot where the locals eat in Maui that I’d never have found if a local didn’t share it with me. It’s a liquor store that also randomly has a poke and seafood counter.

There are usually a bunch of poke flavors to choose from and you can get them in pints to take home or as a rice bowl. I always make sure to get tuna because it’s so tender, cut big, and heaping since they don’t skimp on the fish.

Pro tip: Their Wailuku location is called Tamura’s Market and is actually a full grocery store. It’s a great place to pick up Hawaiian snacks for your hotel room or souvenirs.

person picking up poke with chopstick from where do the locals eat in Maui

South Maui Fish Company

South Maui Fish Company is actually owned by a bunch of Washingtonians who made their way to Maui to open a food truck. They’re fishermen who catch their own seafood and transform it into yummy and fresh Hawaiian classics.

The must get here is the poke. I remember one year it sold out right in front of us before 1 PM, so get here early. While they make great fish tacos and other seafood classics, the poke is some of the best on the island. And I love how their slaw is made with coconut cream, poppy seeds, and pineapple. It’s a wonderfully tropical take on a classic side!

plate of Hawaiian food from where do the locals eat in Maui

Baya Bowls

Baya Bowls is a cart that used to be in a mini food truck pod near the hotel we always used to stay at in Lahaina. However, after the fires they moved to D.T. Fleming Park north of Lahaina.

I typically eat a smoothie every morning for breakfast at home, but I’m so picky and never get them when I travel. However, I get Baya Bowls’ smoothies. They’re always the perfect texture and interesting, but not super whacky and diet-culture-esque with all those protein powders and tinctures.

They also make an excellent acai bowl if you’d prefer to eat your smoothie with a spoon and some other mix ins for texture.

colorfully painted food cart pod in Maui — *This is their old cart before the fires*

Kusina Ni Jayboy

Kusina Ni Jayboy used to be in the same food cart pod as Baya Bowls. Luckily they were able to pivot quicker than other food carts affected by the Lahaina fires and reopen in a new truck, this time parked in Kahului.

The specialty here is Filipino comfort food and it’s really good. Don’t just take my word that it’s where the locals eat in Maui…you’ll see a ton of them grabbing takeout and greeting the owners familiarly. They have a breakfast menu full of barbecued meats and eggs and a lunch/dinner menu with classic dishes like sinigang.

Definitely get the fish sinigang, barbecued pork skewer, and pork belly loco moco. This lets you sample their excellent preparation of meats, all of which are perfectly cooked and deeply flavored. If you haven’t had sinigang before, it’s a sour soup that may be alarming at first, but it gets more comforting the more you eat of it.

takeout containers of Filipino food from where the locals eat in Maui

Las Islitas Tacos y Mariscos

website | Lahaina – at Island Grocery Depot (get directions), Kahului (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican | reservations accepted? no, but you can order ahead | known for: birria tacos

This is another food cart that used to be alongside Baya Bowls and Kusina Ni Jayboy. They reopened since the fire with two locations, one a bit north in Lahaina and the other near the airport.

Las Islitas is serving the best Mexican food in Maui, which is obvious given that they regularly sell out of their tacos. The must get here is the queso tacos. They’re hard shelled with melted cheese and various meat fillings. The most popular is the juicy birria beef, followed by the shrimp. If they’re sold out any meat will do because all of their food is that good.

person squeezing lime over tacos from a Mexican food cart in Maui

Foodland Farms Lahaina

Yes, this is a food store. And yes, they have some of the best poke on the island.

I would have never guessed it either, but again a local led me in the right direction. The poke flavors change with what’s fresh, but the result is always the same: super fresh, flavorful, and affordable. I like grabbing a few pints and bringing it to the beach!

Pro tip: There is a Foodland in Kihei. This sister brand sells solid poke, but I prefer Foodland Farms.

Sam Sato’s

Sam Sato’s is a local institution that’s been around since 1933. It’s right in the heart of Maui’s business area, so you’ll often find regulars on their lunch break. In fact, they’re only open until 2 PM to serve the working crowd, so most tourists never make it there. In fact, it took me more than 4 visits to Maui to make it, as something always happened and they’d be closed when I arrived.

This no-frills spot is known for saimin, a soft noodle made with wheat and egg (many other noodles are only made with wheat). You’ll often find them in either soups or without broth.

The brothless version is called “dry mein”, and you should definitely get it here because Chinese cooks working at Sam Sato’s actually invented it. The noodles are tossed with a sauce and topped with things like char siu pork, bean sprouts, and green onions.You’ll also get a small bowl of chicken broth on the side for customizing the brothiness of your meal.

Another item you should add to your order is the Lima Manju. It’s a dessert similar to mochi, but made with flour and lima beans instead. You’ll be hard pressed to find them on many other menus!

person pulling noodles from a takeout soup container

Kihei Caffe

website | Kihei – original location (get directions), Kihei – inside Maui Coast Hotel (get directions), Lahaina (get directions) | cuisine: breakfast | reservations accepted? no | known for: hearty breakfasts

Kihei Caffe is probably the most touristy restaurant on this list. But you know how there are popular restaurants in Pike Place Market that are so good we’ll turn a blind eye to the crowds? That’s what Kihei Caffe is to locals in Maui.

This casual all day breakfast restaurant is an order-at-the-counter spot. Don’t miss the kalua pork loco moco, crab cake Benedict, and my beloved pancakes. They’re HUGE so you can order just a 2 stack and it’ll be enough. Get it topped with banana and macadamia nuts. You won’t regret it!

Pro tip: Kihei Caffe serves the best coffee I’ve had at a restaurant in Maui, so make sure to get some.

Waikapu on 30

Waikapu on 30 is a hidden gem that’s frequented by locals. They’re only open on weekdays and are on one of the island’s main highways in an unassuming building easy to drive right past. But stopping here is a must for some of the best traditional Hawaiian grindz you’ll find on the island. You’ll also eat like the locals: in a takeout container on picnic benches overlooking the valley.

convenience store where the locals eat in Maui

There are different specials each day, but one of the mainstays on the menu is the lau lau plate. This dish features pork shoulder wrapped in taro leaves and served over rice and sweet potatoes. It also comes with mac salad and lomi lomi salmon.

If you haven’t had taro leaves before, they’re kinda like stinging nettles in that they add this deep earthy greenness to a dish. Waikapu’s version of lau lau is extremely flavorful thanks to the fatty pork seeping its juices through the leaves and and encasing them in umami notes. The meat is tender and you get a hint of sweet from the sweet potatoes. All-in-all, this place is one of my favorite spots where the locals eat in Maui!

Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe

Stillwell’s is an unassuming bakery in the business district area of Maui, which means a lot of locals come here. You’ll find a large menu of baked goods, salads, and sandwiches, but insiders know the must get here is the noodles.

You can choose between thinner dry mein noodles or thicker chow fun ones. I prefer the chow fun with ham. It’s seemingly simple, but there’s so much pepper on it that it has a cacio e pepe quality to it. I literally can’t stop eating this whenever I get it!

chow fun noodles in a takeout container from where the locals eat in Maui

Kalei’s Lunchbox

website | Wailuku (get directions), Pukalani (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no, but you can order ahead | known for: breaded teriyaki

Kalei’s Lunchbox has two locations serving different areas of the island. They’re known for making classic Hawaiian grindz in huge portions. I’ve read that they make excellent mochiko chicken, but they’re unanimously known for their breaded beef teriyaki.

I’d never had breaded teri (as the locals call it), but now I’m hooked. Teriyaki isn’t my favorite because I find it too sweet, but the breading cuts the sweetness and adds the most delightful texture. I can’t understand how Kalei’s is able to keep the meat so moist and tender while also having crunch. I’m forever changed by this dish and plan to get it on every trip moving forward.

breaded teriyaki chicken from one of the places where locals eat on Maui

Grandma’s Coffeehouse

Grandma’s is the perfect stop on your way to the Road to Hana if you’re driving it counter clockwise (which I recommend). It’s a small coffeeshop and cafe perfect for fueling up before a day of hiking and sightseeing.

You’ll find a bunch of sweet and savory options on the menu. While I usually go savory at other restaurants, I always get the coconut-crusted French toast at Grandma’s. It’s crunchy, sweet, and really flavorful.

What makes Grandma’s special is that they grow and roast their own coffee. Their beans are grown on the slopes of Haleakala, so you’re getting a true Maui-grown coffee experience when you visit.

person pouring maple syrup over french toast at one of the best breakfasts in Maui

Julia’s Best Banana Bread

It took me many years to try Julia’s. That’s because it’s a farm stand along the northwest short of Maui that doesn’t have the most reliable hours.

However, a trek out here is worth the effort. It’s hands down the best banana bread on the island, and you’ll find other treats like juices and jams. If available, get the pineapple mango juice and guava jam. We bought squeeze bottles at the drug store to bring the jam home in our carry on and I didn’t regret it at all!

Pro tip: On the Road to Hana? Definitely get Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread.

sliced banana bread and jam - Julia's Best Banana Bread

Havens

website | Kihei (get directions), Wailuku (get directions), Kahului (get directions) | cuisine: American, Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: burgers

Havens is another place where locals eat in Maui that most tourists never visit. That’s because it’s in unassuming places around the island. For example, their Kihei location is inside a gas station on a busy road, their Kahului location is inside Plate Lunch Marketplace, and their Wailuku spot is a food cart in a pod.

They’re making excellent smash burgers worth stopping for. I love how there is a ton of cheese oozing out and the patties have a great char. It’s a great option for cheap eats in Maui!

person holding cheeseburger from where Maui locals eat

Like Poke?

Wondering where do the locals eat in Maui for lunch? Like Poke? is one of their go-tos.

It’s in the same food cart pod as Havens. You’ll find excellent poke plates heaping with super fresh fish. I like getting the poke bowl combo so I can try two of their poke specials that day.

Pro tip: Like Poke? often also makes excellent fresh squeezed juices. It’s super satisfying on a hot day!

takeout container of poke and fresh juice from a spot where locals eat in Maui

Bamboo Grille

Chances are you’d never discover Bamboo Grille on your own. It’s in an unassuming area of Maui’s industrial-business district on the second floor of a small shopping center. You can’t even see the place from the street because it’s tucked in back of the building.

It’s not fancy, but Bamboo Grille is full of locals looking to get their grindz fix. You’ll find classics like loco moco, chicken katsu curry, breaded teriyaki, and more.

The waitstaff told me they’re best known for their pancakes and oxtail soup. While I haven’t tried those yet, Bamboo Grille makes a mean loco moco. In fact, they have a whole section of wild loco moco creations. All are doused in their exceptional gravy and served in huge portions just like the locals like.

loco moco, one of the foods loved by locals in Maui

NyloS

NyloS is the place that locals come to celebrate a special occasion. Not Mama’s, Merriman’s, Lahaina Grill, or Fleetwood’s. NyloS.

That’s because this is the only place on Maui where you can get a progressive tasting menu. Co-owner and chef Jeremy Solyn is a certified sommelier and chef who has worked in award-winning kitchens around the world. He uses that experience to create a stunning 5-6 course meal in an intimate kitchen at the edge of downtown Paia. It’s pricey at $230-$300 per person, but NyloS’ 5 star rating on Yelp speaks for itself.

Every dish is over the top and creative. You know how on cooking shows like Top Chef they always tell the contestants to edit their recipes? Upon first look you’d say the same thing at NyloS, but everything chef Solyn does is magic.

For example, our meal consisted of a plate with carbonated grapes to make it taste like flavored fizzy water. There was also caviar with real silver on it…and later our dessert had gold leaf. There was a plate with local lobster, filet mignon, black garlic confit, a stuffed mushroom, and a bunch of other things that seemed like too much. Yet everything just worked.

So if you’re looking for a special occasion meal on Maui, make sure to reserve a spot at NyloS for a memorable experience.

molten cake beautifully plated at a fine dining restaurant on Maui

Cinnamon Roll Place

If you love super soft gooey cinnamon rolls, you must try the Cinnamon Roll Place. It’s a tiny spot in a Kihei strip mall, but you’ll be able to spot it by the line out the door. Skip the line by ordering ahead.

I always recommend getting the classic cinnamon roll with icing. I love how their version is more spiced than other cinnamon rolls I’ve had. The cinnamon is more pronounced, almost like that kick you get from cinnamon gum. It’s addictive and goes perfectly with the sweet icing.

person pouring icing on a gooey cinnamon roll

Kaohu Store

If you see any tourists in Kaohu Store, you know they did their research. It’s on a random street in Maui’s business district, inside a convenience store in a sorta run-down building. We got a ton of stares when we walked in because you can tell this is where the locals eat in Maui and they likely know all their customers.

What I love about this place is they offer little dixie-sized cups of poke so you can try a bunch of flavors. You’ll also find a daily menu of rotating hot plates that I haven’t been able to try yet because they sell out early, so plan accordingly.

Nuka

Nuka is a place loved by locals because it has the benefit of being in Haiku, an area of Maui past Paia that many tourists never visit. I tend to stay away from sushi spots on Maui because most aren’t aren’t as good as the best sushi in Seattle, but Nuka is an exception to the rule.

There is often a 2-hour wait to get a table on the weekends, so I recommend coming for lunch on a weekday. Nuka gets some of the best quality fish I’ve had at sushi restaurants with a similar price point, and tuna local from Hawaii is where they really shine.

Don’t miss the Hawaiian roll with tuna and macadamia nuts. It’s simple enough so the tuna shines, but interesting with the crunch from the nuts. I also like to get their sashimi samplers to see what interesting lime art and toppings the chef decided to add that day.

person picking up sushi roll with chopsticks

Maui Cones

Real foodies will want to make it to the Upcountry Farmers Market to experience Maui like a local. It’s only open 7 AM – 11 AM, so many tourists don’t make it here since it’s far away from the beaches and hotels.

One stand worth seeking out is Maui Cones. They make hand rolls with fish, chicken, and tofu that are extremely good. The fish is fresh and the saltiness of the seaweed wrap really amps up the flavor. Plus it’s easy to eat while walking, making it the perfect farmers market food.

Pro tip: The farmers market is near a shopping complex where you’ll find a food cart pod and Mahalo Aleworks. Make sure to stop there for some beer.

Pukalani Superette

This is probably the most locals-only restaurant on this list of where do the locals eat in Maui. It’s a convenience store in the quiet area of the Upcountry, off the main road so you’re unlikely to pass it on your way to visit farms or Haleakala.

However, I’m so happy I stopped in. Pukalani Superette is a family-owned business doling out some of the cheapest eats on the island. When you walk in, go past the cashier and you’ll see a hot food bar with takeout containers. There are also cold takeaway items in the fridge cases behind the hot bar, but I usually stick to the warm dishes.

The must get here is the chili chicken and chow fun. They’re often served together on the same plate, so keep an eye out. For around $8, you’ll get a huge portion of flavorful, juicy chicken and thick-cut noodles topped with sweet sausage bits. It definitely hits the spot after a day of sightseeing!

takeout container of Hawaiian food from where the locals eat on Maui

A’A Roots

A’A Roots is the perfect stop for vegans and those looking for a lighter lunch after hitting up the beaches in Kā’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua. A lot of tourists won’t go here because it’s in an unassuming strip mall, but they make excellent smoothies and bowls.

If available, try the curry bowl. I love how it’s filled with vegetables like sweet potatoes and tastes earthy from the brown rice.

Moku Roots

website | area: Kula | cuisine: vegan | reservations accepted? yes | known for: healthy eats

Moku Roots is another vegan spot that would rival the best vegan restaurants in Seattle. All of their veggies are grown right on Maui, so each dish gives you a taste of place you won’t find at touristy restaurants.

They used to be located in a Lahaina strip mall where people would flock for their famous “tempeh” bacon. However, since the fires they moved to the Upcountry and pivoted to offer farm brunches and dinners on weekends by appointment. They’re planning to also offer farm tours soon, so chances are they’ll find a groove for a more regular restaurant operation again on their new property.

person diving fork into stack of pancakes covered with fruit and cream

Saltwater Deli

Saltwater Deli is an unassuming spot in a strip mall right across from the beach. It’s location makes it a prime spot for breakfast or lunch after spending some time on the sand. I always see locals in here, so you know it’s a spot worth adding to your itinerary when you need a quick and casual meal.

I haven’t had breakfast here yet, but the Deli Grinder Italian sandwich served cold brings me back to my Italian-American roots. The addition of pesto gives it nice depth without the oily mess you often see on these classic subs.

Saltwater also often has soup. I had a life changing chicken dumpling soup here once, so if it happens to be available when you visit, get it!

sandwich from a deli that's frequented by Maui locals

Hawaiian Moon Natural Foods

If you ask anyone where do the locals eat in Maui, they’ll likely tell you about Hawaiian Moon. This small grocery store seems like a place you’d just pick up some provisions for your hotel room, but they have a bustling deli open for breakfast and lunch where you’ll find smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, and coffee.

I’m a smoothie girl through and through, but I prefer Hawaiian Moon’s acai bowls. They use the freshest Maui-grown fruit and drizzle it with local honey so it has just a hint of sweetness.

acai bowl and smoothie from a Maui grocery store

Colleen’s At the Cannery

If you’re wondering where do the locals eat in Maui, Colleen’s At the Cannery is the place. This truly locals-only spot is in a shopping center in the quiet town of Haiku, so many tourists never see it.

The restaurant gets quite busy on the weekends, so write your name on the list because a host may not greet you. You’ll find an eclectic array of crowdpleasers like salads, sandwiches, entrees, and pizzas. I typically turn my nose up at places that don’t have a focused menu, but Colleen’s pulls through on execution.

Food wise, if it’s on the menu don’t miss the garlic shrimp and warm spinach bacon salad. The latter has crispy potatoes, blue cheese, and a white truffle vinaigrette so it’s like a cross between a potato skin and a cobb salad. I never thought the potatoes would stay crispy, but they truly do!

Colleen’s is also known for having a creative cocktail menu. For example, last time I was there they had a carrot poblano margarita and a bunch of drinks with interesting ingredients like lilikoi, cucumber, shiso, and more. So make sure to get a drink, even if it’s a mocktail!

garlic shrimp over fries, a Hawaiian food classic

Baked on Maui

There aren’t a ton of awesome food options in Paia, a town you’ll undoubtedly find yourself in if you do the Road to Hana. However, a bit off the beaten path is Baked on Maui, a bakery and cafe in a warehouse that shares space with a bunch of small businesses making items by hand.

You’ll find baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and soups on the menu. I think they make really great bread, so I always get the sandwiches. The chipotle chicken and BLT are great if they’re on the menu.

person holding stack of sandwich halves from Maui restaurant

Maui Fish’n Chips

Maui Fish’n Chips is a hidden gem tucked in the back of a strip mall. It’s small, but you’ll see people swarming the courtyard picnic benches near its front door. The crowds don’t lie: this place is serving seafood that would rival some of the best fish and chips in Seattle.

Expect airy batter and well-seasoned fish (that’s right, they don’t just season the batter here). The menu has more fish on it than you typically see at a fish and chip shop, such as local ono and mahi. Don’t miss the ono and calamari, both of which go beautifully with Maui Fish’n Chips’ batter.

Star Noodle

Star Noodle is closed due to the Lahaina fire. Please consider donating to their GoFundMe and follow them on Instagram for updates.

Star Noodle can get really crowded, but it’s worth it for their excellent food. While the menu is pretty extensive, the must get here is noodles.

I really enjoy their garlic noodles, but the pad Thai is also excellent. I also recommend trying their pork bao buns if available. It’s some of the most flavorful and tender bao I’ve had!

Pro tip: They’re owned by the same people as Leoda’s Pie Shop, which has reopened since the fires. As I mentioned above, I prefer Sugar Beach Bake Shop and Maui Pie, but Leoda’s make a mean tuna sandwich. And try their pies to decide for yourself!

Where the locals get coffee

Hawaii is know for growing coffee beans, but most of the farms are in Kona on the big island. However, there are still some farms and roasters on Maui worth seeking out.

In addition to Grandma’s Coffee House mentioned above, here are my favorite spots worthy of being on this list of where do the locals eat in Maui. Don’t forget to buy bags to take home!

Akamai Coffee

website | Kahului (get directions), Kihei (get directions), or Wailea (get directions) | food available? only at the Kihei and Wailea locations

Akamai might be my favorite coffee on the island right now. Yes, their Kihei and Wailea shops are Instagrammable, which helps, but their beans are top notch. They roast coffee only with beans grown on Maui so you’re getting a true taste of place. Note, their Kahului location is only a drive through cart.

colorful pea flower cocktail at a Maui restaurant

Paia Bay Coffee Bar

website | get directions | area: Paia | food available? yes

I first discovered Paia Bay Coffee when it was tucked behind the clothing store, Rip Curl, in downtown Paia. The town is always crawling with tourists, but this little hidden gem was a sanctuary from the madness. It had an adorable courtyard that felt like a tropical oasis with a ton of plants, an outdoor coffee bar, tables, and sometimes live music.

They’ve since moved locations down the street to have their own space. It’s a great spot for a pick me up between visiting shops and they have a hearty food and cocktail menu. Don’t miss the calamari salad if it’s available!

Mauigrown Coffee Co.

website | get directions | area: Lahaina | food available? no

Maui Grown Coffee is closed due to the Lahaina fire. Please consider donating to their GoFundMe and joining their newsletter for updates.

This is my OG coffee roaster that I always get bags from to take home. They have a huge estate where they actually grow the beans and turn it into award-winning coffee that makes an excellent souvenir.

woman eating poke where the locals eat in Maui

Map of Maui local eats

To help you get a sense of space, here’s my map of Maui that I continuously update. It plots all of the restaurants on this list of where do the locals eat in Maui, as well as others I have yet to try or tried and didn’t love (check the notes in each pin). You’ll also find my list of other things to do in the area.

More to do in Hawaii

Hey, you’re going to have to do more than just eat when you’re in Maui (though I salute you for the effort!). After you make it through this list or where do the locals eat in Maui, check out my other guides to the island.