Though eating options on North Shore and East Side of Maui are few and far between, the ones that exist are worth a visit. 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, here’s where to stop for lunch near and around Paia and Hana.
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: Tin Roof
591 Haleakala Hwy., Kahului
(808) 757-8402
This little food truck is usually parked just past the Costco. There are outdoor picnic tables with shade, so it’s a great place to stop and enjoy some poke. Plates come with rice and greens, and there’s also katsu: fish rolled in panko, deep-fried and served with a special sauce.
359 N. Market St., Wailuku
(808) 244-3404
Serving the community since 1946, this little market is best known for mini bentos, Hawaiian food and poke. There are specials every day. We love the sesame tako (octopus) poke but if you like an extra kick, go for the kim chee tako poke.
199 Dairy Rd., Kahului
(808) 873-8000
This grocery chain has many locations throughout the islands. It’s a popular stop to grab a few staples, as well as cigars and booze, since their alcohol selection is one of the best around. But most people come to Tamuras for the poke, because it’s really that good.
Chef Sheldon Simeon and wife Janice are the “mom and pop” behind this humble little eatery that serves a mean bowl of poke. Tucked back from the street, you’ll almost miss if you don’t look for it. While they are not a poke shop per se (they only have one poke bowl on their menu, the fish varies daily), they have earned their mention. Everything here is good — mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp, saimin, kale salad and more. With close proximity to the Kahului airport, it’s a great stop to grab some food after landing or before you take off.
4320 Hana Hwy., Haiku
808.419.6887
If you’re on your way to or back from Hana, this little store is a great place to stop. It’s got grocery staples, but the food here is the real secret. There’s a little outdoor seating, the service is friendly, and the poke is delicious.
Fresh poke, shave ice, and acai bowls, what else do you need for a yummy snack? Located in the quaint surfer town of Paia, Tobi’s is a great place to get poke. The price is right, the fish is fresh, and the portions are large.
This little shop is a great place to stock up on the go if you’re about to take a long drive or you’re getting ready for a day at the beach. Kombucha is on tap, the healthy snacks are abundant, the grab-and-go deli is well stocked, and the poke is made fresh daily.
900 Haliimaile Rd, Haliimaile
Hawaii Regional Cuisine co-founder Bev Gannon kept the name of the former plantation store in which she opened this upcountry restaurant in 1988, as Maui’s once-massive pineapple industry was fading fast. Her hearty, farm-to-table menu still continues to draw steady stream while a new partnership with Maui Gold allows diners to tour its nearby pineapple farm, sample fresh fruit and then have lunch at the restaurant, with a choice of entrees such as mojo roasted chicken, coconut curry, mauka Korean barbecue braised short ribs or macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi.
Recently under new management by the owners of the 5 Palms restaurant in Wailea, this quintessential Upcountry restaurant has taken on new life. The expansive and dramatic views from every table enhance the experience of a wide and varied menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
