7 Hidden Food Finds on Maui
The Valley Isle is known for dry mein and guri guri, but we found a few under-the-radar eateries worth visiting.
Maui is one of the most beloved—and visited—islands in Hawai‘i, and for good reason. Gorgeous beaches, epic hikes, an array of restaurants and boutiques—it’s truly a traveler’s dream. But the island still has surprises, from tucked-away accommodations to secret spots that only locals know about.
Here are seven of our favorite food finds on the Valley Isle.
1. Wabisabi Soba and Sushi, Pā‘ia
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Wabi sabi is the Japanese art of seeing beauty in imperfection and celebrating cracks and crevices that mark time and weather. It embraces the elegance in simplicity and slowing down. And Wabisabi Soba and Sushi invites you to do just that: to slow down and enjoy a bowl of handmade buckwheat soba noodles. Here, diners can find a respite from Pā‘ia’s bustling crowds. So sit down at the communal dining table in the family-run restaurant’s Zen garden or sit at the sushi counter made from Japanese cherry wood, relax and enjoy. 161 C Hāna Highway, Pā‘ia, wabisabihawaii.com
2. Four Sisters Bakery & Catering, Wailuku
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
There’s already a line outside this tiny bakery in the heart of Wailuku—and it’s not even open yet. While Four Sisters is also a catering company, the folks in line are here for one thing: pastries. Buttery butter rolls, sugar-coated yeast doughnuts, moist banana bread, gooey cinnamon rolls—everything here is soft, buttery and super fresh. Pro tip: Get a container of pineapple-flavored cream cheese from the fridge to smear on your butter rolls. (There’s also pimento-flavored cream cheese and pickled mango.) 1968 E. Vineyard St., Wailuku, (808) 244-9333, foursisterskitchen.com
3. Kitoko Maui, Kīhei
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Kitoko Maui is an exquisite establishment. Parked in South Maui Gardens, a 7-acre plant nursery and community space in Kīhei, the food truck serves beautiful bento boxes packed with braised beef, seared swordfish and tofu that taste as delicious as they look. The same impressive intention of flavor pairings goes into the dessert menu, which includes macadamia nut caramel tiramisu, liliko‘i (passion fruit) meringue pie and homemade sorbet. 35 Auhana Road, Kīhei, @kitokomaui
4. Miyako Sushi, Wailuku
Photo: Courtesy of Miyako Sushi
This mom-and-pop snack shop in Wailuku draws in customers for its inari, maki sushi and local-style snacks. And like a true hole-in-the-wall, Miyako Sushi only takes cash. But curious customers should wander over to the other half of the store to Mike’s Antiques and Collectibles. Here, you can peruse antique glass bottles from Hawai‘i’s past, Japanese kokeshi dolls, sports memorabilia and more—all while snacking on a Spam musubi or boiled peanuts. 1883 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, miyakosushimaui.com
5. Vida by Sip Me, Makawao
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For those who can’t resist a cozy café, make sure to stroll down Baldwin Avenue to Vida by Sip Me. Regular visitors to Makawao recall Sip Me, the town’s community coffee hub. It was heartbreaking when the café closed in November 2021 after seven years in business. But it was a comforting and encouraging sight for owner Laura Night to see her customers return when she opened the doors to Vida by Sip Me in November 2022. While still preserving the spirit of Sip Me, Night and her business partner restyled the business with a fresh name and appearance. At Vida by Sip Me, expect to find beverages spanning high-quality third-wave coffees, herbal lattes, cold-pressed juices and locally crafted kombucha. Of course, customers can still order Sip Me’s popular cinnamon rolls, along with a daily assortment of fresh pastries, too. 3671 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, vidabysipmemaui.com
6. Maui Specialty Chocolate, Kahului
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
As the name suggests, this family-run shop is known for its handmade artisanal chocolates and chocolate confections, like rocky road, chocolate-covered Oreos and chocolates in the shape of dolphins, humpback whales and even the island of Maui. But what locals really come here for is the mochi—delicate, soft Japanese rice cakes filled with peanut butter and milk chocolate, dark chocolate truffle or traditional azuki (sweet red bean paste). The mochi is made fresh every day and sells out fast. Best to order ahead. 180 E .Wakea Ave., Kahului, (808) 871-1222, mauispecialtychocolates.com
7. Happy ‘Ōpū, Kahului (temporarily closed)
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Chef Jason Kashtan didn’t originally set out to open a manapua shop on Maui. But when he opened Happy ‘Ōpū—‘ōpū in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i means stomach—in Kīhei in January 2023, he knew he was onto something. There aren’t many places on Maui that serve manapua, chewy steamed or baked buns filled with meat or veggies. (It’s a local take on Chinese bao.) And Kashtan makes his from scratch every day, filled with sweet char siu pork, curry chicken, and kālua pork and cabbage. He also serves decadent ‘Ōpū Rolls with a thin layer of fresh mochi. 60 E. Wakea Ave., Kahului, (808) 500-2522, @happyopumaui
This story was originally published in our Winter 2024 issue. Buy a copy here.
