During your stay on this stunning island, we highly recommend sampling the sensory experience that comes with local food in Maui. True, Maui has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to start. You’ll want to make sure you are able to engage all of your senses in the authentic Maui experience.
Feel the sun on your face and toes in the sand. Smell the fresh and salty ocean air. Take in the beauty of the mountains, beaches, and volcanoes that surround you. Be awoken everyday by the sound of waves meeting the shore.
But most importantly, make sure your palate is properly pampered. Check out our insider tips to help you enjoy the most authentic local food in Maui.
How to Find Local Food in Maui
Finding local food in Maui is all about education. You need to know what’s native, what’s traditional, and where to find it. Follow these 5 steps to find the most authentic food this island has to offer.
1. Learn The Native Ingredients
Getting down to the building blocks of traditional Maui food is the best place to start. Seek out food that comes from the earth you are walking on and the sea that surrounds you. Seafood is of course a major staple in Hawaiian food culture, and Maui is no exception.
Local food in Maui includes:
- Ahi tuna
- Mahimahi
- Opah (Moonfish)
- Opakpaka (Crimson Snapper)
- Shutome (Swordfish)
These are just a few examples of commonly prepared local seafood. These fish are prepared in a variety of ways (we’ll get into that in a bit). Some are seasonal. Knowing what catches are fresh and abundant during your visit will help you know what to look for.
Aside from seafood, other classic local ingredients include fruits, such as breadfruit, lilikoi, kumquats, and java plum. Taro root, sweet potatoes, and Hawaiian salt are other staple ingredients that you will find a trustworthy, traditional Maui menu.
2. Get to Know the Local Cuisine
Maui has a host of unique, must-eat dishes to savor during your visit.
In a luau setting, expect to find chicken made with coconut milk and taro leaf, and Kalua Pig (made by putting hot rocks inside the pig, then placing the pig in an imu, or underground oven). You will also get a chance to savor Haupia, a silky coconut custard dessert that is rich and satisfying.
Other local food in Maui are:
- Manapua – Similar to a dumpling. It’s a bun filled with savory meats then baked or steamed.
- Pipi Kaula – A Hawaiian beef jerky that is a popular and energizing snack.
- Manju Cookies – Your sweet tooth can’t go wrong with these cookies’ unique sweet fillings!
- Kulolo – A deliciously dense Hawaiian pudding.
3. Eat Where The Locals Eat
When in doubt, trust the locals. Eating at restaurants that are frequented by those who call Maui home will lead you to the dishes that have earned the approval of true Hawaiian palates. Here are just a few of the many establishments that have proven to live up to that standard.
Merriman’s Maui
A pioneer of the farm-to-table culinary movement, Merriman’s considers the integrity of its ingredients to be of the utmost importance. Chef Peter Merriman founded this restaurant on his passion for local Hawaiian ingredients. You can be certain that every bite you take is made from locally grown and sourced meat, seafood, and produce. This dining experience will bring you as close to local food on Maui as possible.
Mama’s Fish House
A beach house turned restaurant, Mama’s Fish House serves some of the freshest seafood that Maui has to offer. Just as Merriman’s emphasizes the importance of farm to table cuisine, Mama’s prides itself on ocean to plate dishes. In fact, the staff can often tell you the name of the person who caught the fish you are enjoying! The quality of the food and service speak for themselves, making this restaurant a long lasting Maui staple.
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market and Deli
Beginning as a wholesale provider of seafood to other resorts and restaurants on Maui, Eskimo Candy has come into its own and made a name for itself as hotspot for local food in Maui. This family run business now creates delicious entrees in addition to remaining one of the trusted providers of meat and seafood to other retailers on the island. If you want to go straight to the source, Eskimo Candy is the place to go.
4. Okie Poke – The Most Famous Local Food in Maui
Authentic Hawaiian Poke may not look like the Instagram-worthy bowls that we have become familiar with, but its traditional preparation has stood the test of time and remained a delicious Hawaiian staple. While in Maui, look for poke that is made with ahi tuna or cured octopus (not salmon). This poke will not be adorned with a myriad of toppings, but rather fresh fish pre-marinated in delectable traditional flavors, allowing these few quality ingredients to speak for themselves. You can find traditional poke quite easily, as it is sold by weight in most Hawaiian supermarkets. You won’t be able to look at your favorite poke bowl chain the same way after.
We highly recommend taking a trip to Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquor for a taste of the best traditional poke on Maui.
5. Request Traditional Maui Cuisine From Your Private Chef
After familiarizing yourself with the local flavors, treat yourself to a personalized meal crafted especially for you. Ask your Private Chef Kevin Bell to create a meal with your favorite local ingredients, and enjoy your food in the comfort of your own suite or villa, away from the hustle and bustle of the night time dining scene. You’ll be able to savor every bite, complemented by nothing but the ocean breeze from your window and the intimacy of a private dining experience.
