Where do the Maui locals go to eat?
Its a question every Maui vacationer loves to ask and it’s an important question. After lounging at the beach, dinner is often the most memorable part of your vacation.
Over the past seven years I’ve observed vacationers (tourist is a dirty word to me) and I can’t help but feel sorry for you guys, you have no idea what is good! There’s nothing better than a delicious, well served, well priced dinner. On the flipside there is nothing worse than a sub-par, overpriced, poor serviced meal.
The unfortunate truth is that Maui has much more of the latter. “Tourist traps”. Theses places survive because of the lack of knowledge new visitors have. They pay big bucks to advertise, even bribe concierge, anything to get you in the door. Then they skimp on quality (both of wait staff and meals). I could write you a long list of names, but I was taught if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all. So instead lets focus on the great places, places you may have never heard of, but are crowded with locals (the people who really know)
It’s important to note that I do not work at any of these establishments; this is truly an unbiased opinion. Make sure you google the directions as a lot of these places are off the beaten path and are a bit hard to find.
Local Grinds $8 - $15 per plate
These are the real gems, great healthy food at great prices staffed by friendly people.
Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808)661-3322
A bit off the beaten path yet one of the better known on this list. Aloha Mixed Plate serves up local favorites right next to the beach at Mala. The atmosphere is very casual, there’s lots of seating for the whole family, beautiful torchlight, Maui sunsets and you don’t need reservations.
Everything on the menu is good but I always get the BBQ mixed plate and haupia (a coconut dessert).
The Fish Market
3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #H1
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 665-9895
What would west Maui do without the fish market? Despite what every place claims, this is where you will REALLY find the freshest fish. They’ve got all kinds food on the menu and great pupu’s (appetizers) – cerviche, shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, poke and oysters. All fresh. You can even buy some ahi (tuna) steaks or live lobsters to take home and grill.
The market makes great food and you can either eat it outside or in, but there’s very limited seating so what I recommend you do is buy a bottle of wine or champagne, order a bunch of food to go and enjoy a better meal at home than you’d get at any restaurant for about a fifth the price.
Fine Dining $35 - $50 per plate
If you’re going to spend big bucks on dinner, you should expect an incredible experience. That’s exactly what these restaurants will deliver. These are the spots Maui locals go for birthdays, hot dates and when family is in town.
Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Rd
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 667-5117
Originally named David Paul’s (Maui locals still call it that), this restaurant is consistently the best. It’s actually won “best restaurant on Maui” fourteen years in a row! Why? You'll get great food and great service every single time.
The restaurant is just off front street (on the left as you walk away from the ocean). I definitely recommend you make a reservation, as they are always busy.
Mala
1307 Front St. Lahaina
Lahaina, HI 96761
667-9394
Mala is definitely an “under the radar, off the map spot”. Yet when you open the door you’ll be shocked to see how busy it is inside. Friendly staff, killer atmosphere and great food (half the menu is specials that change nightly) keep everyone coming back again and again.
I would definitely recommend a reservation here as well. Though they don’t save specific tables, tell the hostess you’re willing to wait for an outside table, then belly up to the bar for some great special drinks.
Conclusion
There you have it. Five great places to go eat on Maui. But don’t just take my word for it go try them for yourself. I’m sure you’ll realize what a “tourist trap” is after experiencing the locals favorites.
