Maui’s Best “Local” Foods | Maui Grindz
Must Eats In Hawaii
As long as I’ve lived on Maui and have been working with visitors for, I am always surprised when people refuse to even sample edibles because they are unfamiliar (my own brother in law swears he cannot eat mangoes but has never even tried one!) … allow yourself to have a little sense of adventure and you just may find a new favorite treat.
Luau Fare: You are coming or have come all the way to Hawaii. Now is the time to taste some of the traditional Hawaiian foods offered at luaus. Some of the most common dishes include kalua pork (traditionally a whole pig cooked in an underground oven), chicken long rice (long rice will make you think of fat, clear noodles), squid luau, poi, laulau and lomi lomi salmon (lomi means to knead or rub; salmon is rubbed with seasonings during preparation), an authentic Hawaiian meal is a wonderful introduction to the true tastes of the islands.
SPAM Musubi: While I had not seen SPAM since I was a child, I quickly found it was everywhere in Hawaii! Having breakfast at McDonald’s (or anywhere, really)? Your options will include SPAM. All convenience stores will have this most unusal combination of rice, fried Spam and dried seaweed. Locals eat it as a snack, keiki (children) have it in their lunch and it is an option in all plate lunch (we’ll get to these) shops.
Manapua: (mah nah pu ah) These delightfully soft buns are another staple of local cuisine. Order them filled with char siu (Chinese pork), shredded meats, beans or almost anything else you might be in the mood for. The big question about this easy to eat delight is steamed or baked? Most locals have a preference and are quick to let you know, if asked!
Loco Moco: This was one I had to try just to say I had … it is delicious and just the right thing after a morning on the water, making it a fave of surfers. Take a scoop of rice, a hamburger steak, fried egg all covered in brown gravy. Don’t worry, you can hit the beach again after a nap!
Shave Ice: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … we take our shave ice seriously in the islands! If you want to blend in, do not ever refer to it as a snow cone or call it “shaved” ice … it is neither. Imagine the fluffiest ice, finely shaven and topped with traditional syrup flavors like strawberry, banana and cotton candy or more exotic lilikoi, coconut and guava (to name but a few), this frozen delight is a party in your mouth. Add ice cream to make it especially decadent!
Plate Lunch: Also known as a “Bento” (Japanese for boxed lunch). A typical plate lunch consists of white rice, macaroni salad (served with ice cream type scoops, you may be asked if you want “1 scoop rice or 2”) and a protein(generally some kind of fish, fried chicken, teriyaki beef and even some of the luau fare, like kalua pork). Not really the healthiest of foods but very much worth it for a treat on vacation and it won’t break the bank!
Malasadas: As a melting pot of many cultures, Hawaii is a wonderful place to tempt your taste buds! From those with Portugese come these wonderful “Deep-fried balls of heaven”. Get them filled or not, coated in sugar and eat while hot!
Poke: (Po kay) With a wealth of fresh, raw seafood, poke options are abundant and can be found everywhere. Various types of fish and even octopus are marinated in the sauce of your choosing. The most popular variety is ahi (yellowfin tuna) poke and the traditional preparation includes slivered Maui onions, a little seaweed and, of course, Shoyu. Chili pepper water is also added to taste.
Saimin: (Sigh min) Wheter it is a slightly chilly winter day, you’ve been in the water all morning or you want a little “something”, there’s something comforting about this local dish. Imagine a piping hot bowl of noodles and broth topped with a variety of items, from fish cakes to simple scallions. This dish came from a variety of Asian noodle dishes, lovingly merging elements of Japanese, Chinese and Filipino cultures to create a wonderfully unique local dish.
“What is the most popular food” in Hawaii is something many people, friends from other places and visitors to the islands alike, ask me all the time. There are many amazing places to eat and you can go as high (or low) end as you like; however, if you really want to “go local”, these are some of the top ten “must try” local foods I would suggest to anyone.
I have to grin (and, to be honest, chime in on conversations) every time I hear someone discussing heading to a fast food chain looking for local food (indeed, Mc Donald’s does offer a limited selection but you can do much better … and probably for the same or less money) and likely support a small, local business. Immerse yourself in the culture a bit, keep an open mind and enjoy!
With selections including the freshest seafood, organic fruits and vegetables, free-range poultry and meat, and other locally grown products to choose from along with preparations drawn from places including the Pacific Rim, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and more, we have come to enjoy a literal melting pot known as “Hawaiian food”.
1 – SAIMIN: Thought by some to be the “ultimate hangover cure” and others the perfect comfort food, saimin is definitely at the top of the list of local favorites. In fact, it’s one of the few dishes deemed truly “local”, having been highlighted in cookbooks since the 1930s.
This Asian-style noodle soup was inspired by Japanese “ramen”, Chinese “mein” and even Filipino “pancit” or “pansit” and it is so common, that it is one of the few offerings at fast food chains mentioned previously (along with SPAM and Portugese sausage).
Typically, a large bowl is filled with whole wheat egg noodles, homemade fish or chicken stock topped off with egg, strips of green onion, bright pink fish cake and meats like Chinese roast pork, locally called “char siu” and/or SPAM.
2 – SPAM: While we’re on the subject, SPAM is virtually everywhere here and is one of our local go-to snacks in the form of SPAM musubi. Fried slices of SPAM are nestled atop a rice patty and wrapped in Nori (dried seaweed sheets). This was introduced back in the plantation days by Japanese field workers.
Annual sales of SPAM in Hawaii are about five million cans and we even host a
SPAM festival in its honor. The spiced luncheon meat gained popularity in World War II days, when fish was rationed. Love it or leave it, SPAM in Hawaii seems to be here to stay!
3 – ISLAND FRESH POKE: There’s nothing like fresh ahi poke (pronounced po-kay)! There are probably more preparations than you could imagine but it is basically ahi (fresh tuna) and sometimes octopus (tako) that has been cut into bite sized morsels and mixed with Shoyu (a local kind of soy sauce with a distinct flavor), sesame oil, chili pepper water, green onion and tomato. Some other variations include round onion, seaweed, and sesame seeds. Shoyu is the one apparent constant; however, I love to hit the local markets for samples of all the different flavors. I started using apples in mine years ago and it’s a hit!
4 – BENTO BOX: The “bento box” also hails back to the plantation days. While workers toiled in the sugarcane fields, they came from places that nobody took a lunch pail with sandwiches to work.
The cultural norm for most of these migrant workers was a lunch box with steamed white rice, pickled plum (ume) to preserve the rice and meats such as fried chicken or fish, probably left over from supper the night before.
I suppose many of us still carry that tradition today all over the world! These days, most stores (especially grocers and convenience stores) sell pre-packaged bentos that you can grab on the go and tend to include more than just rice and meat or fish and are especially popular as kid’s lunches in themes. Don’t forget your chop sticks!
5 – MALASADAS: The Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii have contributed much to Hawaiian cuisine with sausage, soup and sweetbreads. For many of us, the hands-down favorite has to be Malasadas … hot, deep-fried doughnuts rolled in sugar. Make sure to buy them by the dozen, plain or filled with a variety of fruit compotes, or, more commonly, vanilla or chocolate creams. They are best eaten fresh … like, as you wait to pay!
6 – MANAPUA: Another delicious snack that starts with filled dough balls is savory manapua. These lucious little dough balls are similar to Chinese bao and stuffed with fillings such as char siu pork and then steamed (rather than fried, like Malasadas). These can be found in most food stores along with dim sum. Modern-day fillings include a wide array of unexpected items, including curry chicken and other tender meats and veggies. They can also sometimes be found baked, rather than steamed. Almost like a filled sandwich.
7 – SHAVE ICE: Snow cone? I think not! This decadent treat is created with ice shaved to a almost a powdery, snow-like consistency. For many locals and visitors alike, a shave ice is the only thing that fits the bill after a day at the beach or shopping. They are a rarity these days; however, every now and then, you’ll find a neighborhood stand that still hand shaves the ice. For a real treat, try it with ice cream (yes, ice cream inside!). Of course, if you’ve never had one, you should stick with the basics and order a “Rainbow” …. still my favorite after all these years!
8 – TROPICAL FRUITS: I love the ability to walk right out into my yard and grab a fresh banana and/or papaya for breakfast or a snack. Some vacation cottages will have fresh fruit trees …. take advantage of this and eat up! Locals also love to add their own creative touches to exotic fruits.
With people here from all over the world, you’ll also find a wide variety of unusual preparations such as green mangoes, pickled with Chinese five spice, Maui Gold pineapples are topped with li hing mui powder and green papaya tossed in a Vietnamese salad.
When you run across stands selling fresh coconuts with a straw, gab one … the water is delicious and refreshing! See unusual looking fruits (like something out of a Dr. Suess book)? Try it! Dragonfruit, Starfruit and Rambutan are but a few of my faves and they’re the most unusual things you may ever have seen. Just keep an open mind and dig in … you might just find a new addition to your diet!
9 – CRACK SEED: This is a snack food that originated in China and is highly popular in Hawaii. Basically preserved fruits that have been “cracked” or split with the seed or kernel partially exposed as a flavor enhancement. There are dozens of varieties of crack seed in specialty shops and at the drug stores. Those who like hard candy and salty foods will love li hing mangoes and rock salt plums and those with an itchy throat will feel relief from the lemon strips. Looking for something different to take home for gifts? Check out the variety available in both individual portions and a variety of sizes of pre-packaged bags.
1. Malasadas 
The pineapple and sugar cane industries in Hawaii had a need for more labor workers, which led to the arrival of many immigrant workers from all over the Pacific. The Portuguese community brought with them recipes of their home country, which in turn led to the popularity of malasadas in Hawaii.
So what is a malasada, you ask? Malasadas in Hawaii are typically a yeast-leavened doughnut that is fried and usually rolled in sugar. In Hawaii, many are filled with custard, haupia (coconut), or sometimes chocolate or jelly.
If you are in the mood for something sweet and delicious, try this recipe that claims to be just like Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu: https://rasamalaysia.com/malasadas/
For more information, check out the blog on Eater https://www.eater.com/2016/2/21/11082418/what-are-malasadas-hawaii
2. Poke 
Poke is one of the most popular Hawaiian dishes. Every year, people come back to Hawaii in search of the best Poke Bowl. In Hawaiian, Poke means “to slice” or “cut”. It can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, however you see fit. Traditionally, Poké is made from tako (octopus) or ahi (tuna). Some of the traditional ingredients use to make Poké are: Hawaiian sea salt, sesame oil, seaweed (limu), and chili pepper. This dish has gained much popularity in the United States since around 2014. Now, you can find many different modern day forms of the dish, which can include: avocado, onion, jalapeno, shoyu (soy sauce), etc., just to name a few. Try eating Poké on white or brown rice with furikake seasoning, it will not disappoint! Check out this recipe and make your version of Hawaiian Poké for dinner tonight: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254946/chef-johns-hawaiian-style-ahi-poke/
3. Spam Musubi
During World War II, certain rations were sent to Hawaii, one of those being Spam. Since then, it has been a popular Hawaiian food staple. Hawaii is a big melting pot and has a large Japanese influence.
Spam Musubi is a blend of a famous Japanese snack called Onigiri, which is topped with spam. White rice is packed and wrapped in seaweed paper (nori) and then topped with spam. Some may have egg or furikake seasoning, as there are different variations. Many people in Hawaii eat Spam Musubi for breakfast, but it can definitely be consumed any part of the day. You can find this snack at gas stations, bakeries, grocery stores, etc. Typically, Spam Musubi is cheap and ranges from about $1-$2. Here’s a recipe to check out if you want to try to make this at home: https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/musubi/
4. Loco Moco
In Hawaii, you can find a Loco Moco at just about any diner or fast food location. If you have a big appetite and want a solid meal, this is it!
The Loco Moco starts with a large portion of white rice topped with a hamburger patty (or Spam) and an egg, smothered in gravy. The egg is usually best Sunnyside up, so you can break the yolk and mix it with the rice and meat. Enjoy a Loco Moco for any meal, but it is especially great for breakfast. You won’t find this meal on any diet plans! Here’s a great recipe if you want to try it for yourself: https://whatscookingamerica.net/History/LocoMocoHistory.htm
5. Saimin 
Immigrants all over the Pacific, especially Japan, have largely influenced Hawaiian cuisine. One of Hawaii’s most popular soups is Saimin. Saimin can be found at almost any restaurant or fast food place in Hawaii and is quite a popular dish. The soups broth is made from dried kelp, shiitake mushrooms, dried bonito, and ginger. The noodles are Japanese soba. There is a large list of toppings that can be added to this soup, some being: char siu pork, carrots, bok choy, eggs, cabbage, etc. You can enjoy Saimin for any meal or even as a snack. Give it a try! https://www.196flavors.com/hawaii-saimin/
Local Foods
I was talking to a visitor the other day and was surprised to hear them say they had not had a taste of any Hawaiian or local style foods during their stay. This was so sad since it is such a huge part of the culture here! I gave them some recommendations and decided to pass them along to everyone. Leave the “foodie” in you at your resort and let’s go grind!
Aloha Mixed Plate: “Two scoops rice” and “one scoop macaroni salad” always accompany the traditional plate lunch.The rice is an important part of the meal because it provides the “backdrop” for the distinctive flavors of the main courses which, local style, tend toward the savory. Macaroni salad also presents a counterpoint to the main courses while providing a small portion of vegetables such as finely chopped carrots and small diced celery – just the way the Locals like it.
Not to forgot the many other classic saimin stands around the island, including Forty Niner Restaurant out in Aiea, who was established around the late 40’s. Then there’s Boulevard Saimin, which has since changed to “Dillingham Saimin”, who got their start in 1955, while over on the Garden Isle of Kauai, Hamura Saimin set up shop in 1952. Not to leave out a few more places still in business that feature saimin as their signature dish, including Shiro’s, Shige’s and Zippy’s.
Local Food Maui: Known for having the best traditional Hawaiian food on Maui, find laulau and kalua pig every day on their famous “Hawaiian plate”, and the best local style plate lunches in town. Not in the mood? Try a refreshing selection of delicious sandwiches and salads. Casual dining and quick and easy pick-up window make this spot a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
T. Komoda Bakery: Since 1916, Komodo Store & Bakery has been serving some of the most delicious baked goods on Maui, Hawaii. You’ll know it’s a good place by the constant line out the door, especially on weekends and holidays when locals line-up for the homemade pastries! You want to get there EARLY as everything sells out quickly!
Mauiʻs Best Food Trucks
As we all know, food trucks are sweeping the country offering affordable and often excellent fare. This is a far cry from the corner hot dog stand! After taking a short poll, we’ve gathered a pretty good list of Maui’s Best food trucks here for you.
1 – Jawz Fish Tacos: Going surfing or just out sight-seeing? If you find yourself hungry and see these trucks, do yourself a favor and STOP. These roadside JAWZ Fish Taco trucks can be found on your way to Big Beach or Little Beach, Makena, Maui, for your beach snacks & drinks.
Try their famous fish tacos with mouthwatering salsa or cool down with a sweet shaved ice and fruit smoothies. Not in the mood for fish tacos? Give their Giant Burritos with Killer Hot Sauces and Hot Dogs a try. You won’t be disappointed!
2 – Donut Dynamite: The dynamic duo behind these delectable Maui goodies are a husband and wife team with extensive culinary backgrounds who simply adore making gourmet donuts! Everything is made from scratch utilizing fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, making handcrafted, artisanal donuts using classical culinary techniques with a modern island twist to offer you some of the most unique and delicious, creative treats.
“Donut Dynamite! An explosion of flavor in your mouth!”
3 – Sumo Dogs Maui: You may have had a great hot dog but you’ve NEVER had anything like this! Island Style Gourmet Hot Dogs with choices like an Upcountry Guava, Lilikoi Tropix, Upcountry Mango, Spicy Maui Onion or even the Pico Dog (pineapple and coconut)? You may need to check the location to find them … this is one popular truck and they do get around!
They can usually be found at the Lunch Wagon Oasis, located right across the street from the Costco Gas Station in Kahului from 10am-3pm.
4 – Three’s Food Truck: This great little food truck is an extension of Three’s Bar & Grille and has become quite a hit on Maui since Chefs Cody Christopher, Travis Morrin and Jaron Blosser began “sharing the love” by taking the show on the road with their Three’s Food Truck. Now you can have the their award-winning food all over the island!
While they do have a regular location for the truck, they can be found at local events and can even be booked for private parties, special occasions (including weddings!) You can even customize your menu!
Mauiʻs Best Shave Ice
Nope, it’s not a mis-spelling, there is no “D” in “shave ice”. This delicious treat dates back to the old sugar cane plantation days and was introduced by Japanese immigrants. Not a snow cone, not ice cream, the modern day classic is definitely worth a try and something we take very seriously here in Hawaii! While everyone has their own personal fave, these are absolutely among the top five spots on Maui.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: Hand’s down, this seems to be the best of the best, winner of Maui Time “Best Of Maui”, Maui Dish, Trip Advisor’s Top Picks, Urbanspoon and many other awards. Using 100% pure cane sugar, natural fruit juices, extracts, premium fruit purees and carefully selected local ingredient’s, no detail has been missed. As they say in house, “One bite of Ululani’s Shave Ice and we believe you’ll agree that all shave ice is not created equal … ”
Visit them at one the locations open daily: 61 South Kihei Road in Kihei.
Maui Shave Shack : AKA S & Q Coffee and Shave Ice makes the list of the top five shave ice stands on Maui with visitors and locals alike! Offering up a wonderful selection of delicious shave ice favors, toppings and combos, you can design the tasty concoction of your choice and even enjoy breakfast or lunch with a nice selection of coffees and other beverages. Their motto? “Proud to be serving some of the happiest customers on Earth” since 2002.
Find them at 2439 South Kihei Road, in the Rainbow Mall, daily except “Holidays and Super Rainy Days”.
Surfing Monkey Hawaiian Shave Ice: “Paul and family – Keeping Maui Cool” … with fluffy ice and yummy home-made cane sugar syrups. What started as a small coffee stand has turned into a great place for shave ice offered up at an impressive number of locations! Visit the place with one of the coolest names around at 1881 South Kihei Road (Foodland), #1 Ritz Carlton Drive and at both the Wailea Mariott and the Fairmont Kea Lani hotels.
Mauiʻs Best Places To Get A Drink
1 – Montage at Kapalua Bay’s Ocean View Bar: This casual, poolside bar features stellar views of the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai, Hawaiian fare and creative beverage selections. The bartenders are well-versed on the history of the resort and the island and they LOVE to talk story! Island-inspired cocktails include the Lana’i Lemonade vodka, rosemary-ginger syrup, and fresh lemonade and the Kamuela Fizz Hendrick’s gin, lime, fresh cucumber, mint and soda.
2 – Merriman’s Kapalua: Live music, happy hour specials and pupus daily at the Point Bar, inclusive of stunning ocean views of Kapalua Bay make this a favorite spot for sunset! Try one of the house specialties like the Merriman’s Mai Tai (Old Lahaina Rum + Triple Sec + Honey- Lilikoi Foam + Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice).
3 – Sheraton Maui’s Cliff Dive Grill: Overlooking the iconic “Black Rock” and Ka‘anapali Beach, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Cliff Dive Grill is an ideal casual spot to enjoy the nightly torch lighting and cliff dive ceremony, a time-honored tradition dating back to the legendary leap of Chief Kahekili. Sip your cocktails while sampling a Maui Asian Fusion menu, complimentary hula lessons, and live music. Cocktail specials include Strawberry Ginger Cooler (organic Maui ocean vodka, ginger liqueur, strawberry puree, lemon and club soda) and (of COURSE) the Cliff Diver (Sauza tequila, peach schnapps, orange juice, mango puree blended and finished with a Chambord float).
4 – Three’s Bar & Grill: What began as an idea shared by three surfers has become one of the most popular spots in South Maui! Offering a good selection of “bar foods”, raw bar and sushi, you’re sure to find something to pair with your happy hour beverage! Sample great craft beers, wines by the glass and, yes, inventive spirits galore! The Fresh Hibiscus Gimlet (South Maui grown hibiscus petals and fresh lime, fortified with Bombay Sapphire, balanced with white cane sugar reduction) is always delightful while the “Trashed Tea” (rum, vodka, gin, blue curacao, a splash of house made sweet-n-sour, topped with a can of Red Bull) has become the official drink of the annual Jaws surf competition!
5 – Grand Wailea’s Botero Bar: Named for the stunning sculptures of Fernando Botero, this spot at the Grand Wailea is sure to please! The nightlife here is enhanced by Hawaii’s largest art collection of art and nightly entertainment featuring live Hawaiian music. An impressive selction of craft beers, hard ciders, wines and sweet cocktails are enhanced by the offering of pupus! The Late Check-Out (Maui’s Pau Vodka, Passion Fruit Puree, Coconut Water, House-made Sweet n Sour, Pineapple Juice, Toasted Coconut froth) is a real treat!
6 – No Ka Oi, Monkeypod Kitchen: Offering two happy hour times daily, you can stop for your “pau hana”, late night snack or “just because.” Whether your taste buds are calling for local microbrews, wine or signature cocktails, there’s something for most everyone! For a taste of Maui, try the No Ka Oi (Maui Ocean vodka, thai basil, lime, simple syrup, honey-lilikoi puree).
7 – Bumbye Beach Bar Wailea: One of Wailea’s newest poolside lounges is located at the Andaz hotel. Offering stunning sunsets and a selection of restaurant dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients and influenced by the diverse ethnicities that shape Hawaiian culture in Wailea, this is a wonderful place to enjoy a cocktail! for simply refreshing offerings, try the Wailea Spritz (lillet rose, gin, grapefruit, sparkling wine) or the Pimms Rangoon (pimm’s, gin, ginger, lemon, cucumber, strawberry, mint).
Hawaiiʻs Relationship with SPAM
Did you grow up in Hawaii or happen to spend a lot of time on the islands? Chances are you have eaten Spam! Made by the Hormel Food Cooperation, Spam was introduced to the United States in 1937 and gained popularity worldwide after World War II.
During the war, it was difficult to try and deliver fresh meat to the soldiers. When Spam was introduced, it was the perfect alternative and became a big part of a soldiers diet and even adopted the coined phrase as “Special Army Meat”. Spam not only is cheap, but it’s also non-perishable. By the end of World War II, 150 pounds of Spam was purchased. So much Spam was bought that they ended up selling cans of it in stores within Hawaii, which led to its commercial development amongst the general public.
Spam was introduced into Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa, and other islands within the Pacific, due to the strong U.S. military presence. The integrated use of Spam within native diets has become quite a unique part of history and shows the effects U.S. influence within the Pacific islands.
Popular Spam Dishes
Spam Musubi
Spam musubi is a popular snack, breakfast, and lunch item heavily consumed in Hawaii. Musubi is composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice and then wrapped together with nori (after the tradition of Japanese omusubi). Check out the recipe at: http://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/49785/spam-musubi/
Saimin with Spam
Saimin is considered to be the national dish of Hawaii, so why wouldn’t it have Spam in it? Saimin is basically the same thing as Japanese ramen. This dish is composed of thin white noodles in a broth with green onions, kamaboko (fish cakes), and either Spam, ham or char siu (pork). Some people add additional ingredients such as: chicken, eggs, shrimp, and the kitchen sink. If you ever want to try and create this dish, you can do so by checking out the recipe at: http://www.food.com/recipe/hawaiian-saimin-soup-456112
Loco Moco with Spam
Some say the the “Loco Moco” dish was originally created at the Lincoln Grill restaurants in Hilo (Hawaii) back in 1949. Rice is used as the starch, finished off with the hamburger or Spam, gravy, and fried eggs. Loco Moco can be found all over the Pacific islands, including: Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, and Saipan.