The South Shore of Maui offers a diverse range of options for every meal, and lunch is no exception. Whether you are looking for a quick and healthy bite, a picnic to take to the beach or on the road, or you want a more luxurious, seated dining experience, you’ll find what you’re looking for when you go out to lunch near and around Kihei and Wailea.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Feature Image: South Maui Fish Company
Try one of their chef inspired salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls, or build your own from a delicious variety of choices. The smoky papaya chicken sandwich is a favorite, and it can be made as a wrap if you’re looking for less dough. There are two locations on Maui, so if you’re ordering online, make sure you’ve got the right one.
This market is the perfect place to grab a quick bite for a low price. Island Gourmet Markets carries a variety of lunch options, so all lunch cravings can be satisfied here. Customers love the New York steak, prime rib, poke bowls and sandwiches. Open daily 6am to 10pm.
34 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei
This truly is a paradise for pita lovers. Salads arrive with fresh pita, or you can go for a pita sandwich stuffed with your choice of meats or falafel. The tzatziki is the perfect cooling topper for whatever you decide to have. Patio and air-conditioned options are available.
If you’ve had a full day on the water and need a late lunch, this is the spot. All the gastro pub menu basics are covered and then some. The pork adobo moco, lobster mac and cheese and garlic parmesan fries are worth the food coma that will lead to your late afternoon nap. Open Wednesday through Monday 12pm to 12am with happy hour from 12pm to 5pm.
Interested in daily caught fresh fish for a lower price? Make a stop for this food truck! Their fish tacos and poke bowls are fan favorites. This little truck serves only fresh caught fish and they do sell out. Open Monday through Saturday 11:30am to 2:30pm and Friday and Saturday 5pm to 8pm, but they recommend calling to check there’s still fish in stock as they sell out each day! Closed Sunday.
Run by Hilo born turned top chef contestant Chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife Janice and built around the soothing, calm and comforting feelings evoked by rain falling on a tin roof. The mochiko chicken kau kau tin is a perennial favorite, and you can’t go wrong with the chef special. Order online and you can walk in and grab your paper bag off the counter. There is very limited in-house seating.
This relatively new addition to the Maui food scene was born from a shared love of good food and welcoming hospitality. They offer a robust breakfast and lunch menu (you’ll want to try the Tree Hugger for breakfast and You Can Count Banh Mi for lunch), and either a sunset dinner or prix fixe menu based on the night of the week. The Prix Fixe menu is the star of the show, offering delicacy items that you won’t see on most menus (I’m looking at you opakapaka with mango and starfruit starter.)
A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the original brewery burned to the ground in the Lahaina Fires in August, 2023. By partnering with Kona Brewing Hawaii they were able to continue producing their beer within the state. In their flagship taproom and eatery, you’ll find live music and on weekdays, a “hoppy hour” from 2-5 pm and 8-10 pm. Their menu has deliciously local flair with enough variety to keep everyone in your group happy.
30 Alahele Pl, Kihei
If you’re not sure what you want to eat or are part of a group with a far-ranging palate, this tucked-away paradise offers a tropical ambiance and 14 different food trucks to explore. You’ll find an eclectic and international assortment of dishes that may inspire you to sample more than one regional cuisine. Be sure to leave room for Chinese Shaved Ice or a freshly baked cookie! Each food truck has slightly different options, but if you visit between 8 am and 8 pm, you’ll find something to indulge in.
91 East Lipoa St, Kihei
You’ll want to call ahead to find out what time the fresh poke is ready at this well known Maui Style version of a wine and liquor super store. The variety of poke will delight your taste buds, and you’re sure to find a beverage you’ll love to pair with it.
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
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