Aloha! A Maui Blog is re-starting the series on “Where Local East on Maui” and we’re starting on the central area. This is not a complete list by far, but it’s a great start. Justine listed some of the favorite local places to eat where “we” usually eat in Wailuku and Kahului. If you’re a Maui local, and your favorite local eatery or dining place is not listed here, please leave a comment, let us know what it is, and we’ll add it to the list later. If you’re a visitor, we encourage you to try go to these places and try their “ono” food!
Wailuku
Ichiban Okazuya– Bring cash (no credit cards), get there early (lunch time gets packed) and come hungry. This humble walk up located by the County Building is home to some of the most delicious food you’ll find on Maui. There is an extensive selection of fresh made goodness, but if it’s your first time here, make sure to remember these two words: Korean Chicken. 2133 Kaohu Street.
Waikapu on 30– Between the Maui Tropical Plantation and the Waiko Road intersection on Hwy 30 is Waikapu on 30, which is run by some of the friendliest folks in town. Their saimin is amazing, the plate lunch feeds even the hungriest construction worker and they recently added shave ice to the menu. 1486 Honoapiilani Hwy (Hwy 30)
A Saigon Cafe– Under the bridge in Wailuku you’ll find one of Maui’s most loved establishments. The staff is fantastic and the menu is perfect for dining alone or sharing multiple selections with a group. The rice paper burritos and anything in a clay pot are always delicious. 1792Â Main Street .
Tiffany’s Bar & Grill– Another Wailuku favorite, Tiffany’s on Lower Main has one of the largest menus around so there is plenty to choose from. This is a perfect place to go with a group of friends and order a selection of pupus to share. They’re open late and the mochiko chicken is out of this world. 1424 Lower Main Street.
Kahului
Las Pinata’s – A burrito cravings can strike at any time, so when it does get yourself over to Pinata’s STAT. The staff is great, the salsa bar is glorious and everything on the menu is just plain good. The Kitchen Sink Burrito is just as large as the name implies and is pure perfection for a post-surf session feeding. An extra special bonus is that Pinata’s donates a portion of the proceeds from every Kitchen Sink Burrito to local animal rescue and training organizations. 395 Dairy Road.
Asian Cuisine – Nestled in the old Kahului Mall, Asian Cuisine boasts an extensive menu and a sushi bar. The food is always great and they are open later than most Maui restaurants, which makes this a popular spot after events at the MACC. The shrimp tempura is amazing, but really you can’t go wrong with anything here. 65 Kaahumanu Avenue.
MCC Cafeteria – Students and people who work in the area can confirm: Maui Community College cafeteria is amazing. MCC is the training ground for the future stars of Maui’s culinary arts and for a very fair price anyone can enjoy a delicious lunch on campus prepared by these students. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options that await you here; from burgers to sushi everything is fresh and fantastic. 310 W Kaahumanu Avenue.
Alive & Well – If you have had too many days feeding yourself via drive-thru, head over to Alive & Well and mix yourself up something healthy at the salad bar. You can also get a sandwich, wrap or smoothie made to order or try the soup of the day. Make sure to get there a little early as the small parking lot and surrounding street can be pretty tricky around lunchtime. 240 Hana Highway.
Maui Coffee Roasters – When you find yourself in town and in need of a little nourishment and perhaps a quiet spot to check your email or catch up with a friend, then Maui Coffee Roasters is your place. Not only can you get an afternoon caffeine pick-me-up, but the food offerings are delightful. Sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and pastries are available daily. Wi-fi and a coffeehouse vibe complete this breakfast or lunch experience. 444 Hana Highway.
.
Thanks for sharing – you have made me hungry! Next time I am on Maui I will add these places on to my list! Aloha~Natalie
.-= Natalie Surowiecki´s last blog ..Magic Island May Become Obama Park =-.
My favorite place in Cleveland, Ohio is Melt Bar & Grilled. It’s a bar/restaurant that makes enormous gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Very unique.
.-= Tesa´s last blog ..Aloha Friday – New Blog Title =-.
We like IHOP
.-= JamericanSpice´s last blog ..Aloha Friday: Do you use your debit card online? =-.
Great list!
We LOVE Cafe Marc Aurel.
I would also mention Da Kitchen in Kahului. And Bangkok Cuisine on Dairy Road in Kahului. This is not my favorite Thai food on Maui but it’s the place we go in Central Maui.
And – although not a place for a full meal – you can’t beat fresh hot malasadas at Home Maid Bakery on Lower Main Street in Wailuku. We always take our guests to the Bakery. Yum!
.-= Stone Girl´s last blog ..Tie me up, tie me down, Part 2 =-.
We love Chick Fil A , but then again we have a toddler!!! HA!
Santa Barbara, CA has some awesome non-chain restaurants such as Fresco, Mandarin Palace and Beachbreak Cafe 🙂
.-= Becca´s last blog ..SB Axxess #7 – Elephant Bar =-.
You forgot to add CJayes Local Grinds. Everyone at the Kahului Airport knows they can cook it up!!