| “Where do the Maui locals go to eat?” | | | | bunch of food to go and enjoy a better meal at |
| It’s a question every Maui vacationer loves to | | | | home than you’d get at any restaurant for |
| ask and it’s an important question. After | | | | about a fifth the price. |
| lounging at the beach, dinner is often the most | | | | Kahuna Kabobs |
| memorable part of your vacation. | | | | 126 Lahainaluna Rd |
| Over the past seven years I’ve observed | | | | Lahaina, HI 96761 |
| vacationers (tourist is a dirty word to me) and I | | | | (808) 661-9999 |
| can’t help but feel sorry for you guys, you | | | | Kahuna’s is a cool, casual outdoor eatery in |
| have no idea what is good! There’s nothing | | | | the middle of lahania town; you’d probably |
| better than a delicious, well served, well priced | | | | walk right by it without even knowing it’s |
| dinner. On the flipside there is nothing worse than | | | | there. Here you’ll find great kabobs, salads |
| a sub-par, overpriced, poor serviced meal. | | | | and wraps. Everything is super fresh, tasty and |
| The unfortunate truth is that Maui has much | | | | healthy. All the locals that work in Lahaina love to |
| more of the latter. “Tourist traps”. | | | | eat here (we’re all sick of the food at our |
| Theses places survive because of the lack of | | | | own restaurants). |
| knowledge new visitors have. They pay big bucks | | | | Locating kabobs can be a bit tricky. It’s |
| to advertise, even bribe concierge, anything to | | | | located in the alley just north of the Maui Built |
| get you in the door. Then they skimp on quality | | | | store. It’s a great place to eat if you’re |
| (both of wait staff and meals). I could write you a | | | | shopping in lahaina and don’t want to spend |
| long list of names, but I was taught if you have | | | | the cash or deal with a restaurant (you’ll |
| nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at | | | | probably get better food anyways!) |
| all. So instead lets focus on the great places, | | | | Fine Dining $35 - $50 per plate |
| places you may have never heard of, but are | | | | If you’re going to spend big bucks on dinner, |
| crowded with locals (the people who really know) | | | | you should expect an incredible experience. |
| It’s important to note that I do not work at | | | | That’s exactly what these restaurants will |
| any of these establishments; this is truly an | | | | deliver. These are the spots Maui locals go for |
| unbiased opinion. Make sure you google the | | | | birthdays, hot dates and when family is in town. |
| directions as a lot of these places are off the | | | | Lahaina Grill |
| beaten path and are a bit hard to find. | | | | 127 Lahainaluna Rd |
| Local Grinds $8 - $15 per plate | | | | Lahaina, HI 96761 |
| These are the real gems, great healthy food at | | | | (808) 667-5117 |
| great prices staffed by friendly people. | | | | Originally named David Paul’s (Maui locals still |
| Aloha Mixed Plate | | | | call it that), this restaurant is consistently the best. |
| 1285 Front Street | | | | It’s actually won “best restaurant on |
| Lahaina, HI 96761 | | | | Maui” fourteen years in a row! Why? You'll get |
| (808)661-3322 | | | | great food and great service every single time. |
| A bit off the beaten path yet one of the better | | | | The restaurant is just off front street (on the left |
| known on this list. Aloha Mixed Plate serves up | | | | as you walk away from the ocean). I definitely |
| local favorites right next to the beach at Mala. | | | | recommend you make a reservation, as they are |
| The atmosphere is very casual, there’s lots | | | | always busy. |
| of seating for the whole family, beautiful | | | | Mala |
| torchlight, Maui sunsets and you don’t need | | | | 1307 Front St. Lahaina |
| reservations. | | | | Lahaina, HI 96761 |
| Everything on the menu is good but I always get | | | | 667-9394 |
| the BBQ mixed plate and haupia (a coconut | | | | Mala is definitely an “under the radar, off the |
| dessert). | | | | map spot”. Yet when you open the door |
| The Fish Market | | | | you’ll be shocked to see how busy it is inside. |
| 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #H1 | | | | Friendly staff, killer atmosphere and great food |
| Lahaina, HI 96761 | | | | (half the menu is specials that change nightly) |
| (808) 665-9895 | | | | keep everyone coming back again and again. |
| What would west Maui do without the fish | | | | I would definitely recommend a reservation here |
| market? Despite what every place claims, this is | | | | as well. Though they don’t save specific |
| where you will REALLY find the freshest fish. | | | | tables, tell the hostess you’re willing to wait |
| They’ve got all kinds food on the menu and | | | | for an outside table, then belly up to the bar for |
| great pupu’s (appetizers) – cerviche, | | | | some great special drinks. |
| shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, poke and oysters. All | | | | Conclusion |
| fresh. You can even buy some ahi (tuna) steaks | | | | There you have it. Five great places to go eat on |
| or live lobsters to take home and grill. | | | | Maui. But don’t just take my word for it go |
| The market makes great food and you can | | | | try them for yourself. I’m sure you’ll |
| either eat it outside or in, but there’s very | | | | realize what a “tourist trap” is after |
| limited seating so what I recommend you do is | | | | experiencing these locals favorites. |
| buy a bottle of wine or champagne, order a | | | | |