Where to Find the Best Lunch Near and Around Kihei and Wailea

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Clean Plate Club

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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. 

If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.

Feature Image: South Maui Fish Company

A vibrant lunch in Wailea features a salad with mixed greens, watermelon chunks, cherry tomatoes, nuts, raisins, and feta cheese. Beside a bowl of herb-garnished tomato soup with strips of bread is a glass of pink beverage with strawberry slices.
Photo Courtesy of Fork and Salad

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. 

A plated lunch feature in Wailea includes a grilled steak with two pats of herb butter on top. Beside the steak are portions of white rice and mixed vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and mushrooms. A glass and bottle of red wine from Kihei are visible in the background.

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. 

A kitchen scene with plates of vibrant dishes. In the foreground, a goblet filled with colorful salad garnished with crackers is placed on a plate. Surrounding it, there are two taco salads and a small serving of wrapped pastries for lunch in Wailea, with a chef in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Pita Paradise

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.

A wooden table in Wailea or Kihei features assorted dishes. At the center is a rectangular plate with a steak salad topped with radish slices and sesame seeds. Surrounding it are plates with tacos, a sandwich, fries, and another sandwich accompanied by a small cup of sauce—a perfect lunch spread.
Photo: Pita and Cork

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. 

A bowl of poke, featuring diced raw fish, possibly tuna, on a bed of rice, topped with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sauce. Perfect for lunch in Wailea or Kihei, the bowl also includes shredded cabbage coleslaw and thinly sliced pickled ginger, all set on a wooden surface.
Photo: South Maui Fish Company

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. 

An assortment of sushi rolls arranged on a round platter. The sushi, perfect for a lunch in Wailea or Kihei, includes various fillings and toppings such as spicy seasoning, sesame seeds, seaweed, and sauces. The platter features a variety of rolls with different textures and colors, creating an appealing display.
Photo Courtesy of Miso Phat Sushi

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.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? 
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.

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