The Culinary Secrets of Maui

Yes, your Maui hotel offers three whole restaurant options, but should the unimaginable happen and you tire of the slightly less than vast variety, we’ve got you covered. Our list of Maui’s hidden culinary gems is sure to beat back those epicurean blues. So leave the well-trodden trail, and explore the gourmet side of the Valley Isle.

Breakfast

Man cannot live on continental breakfast alone. Head over to Tasty Crust (1770 Mill St., Wailuku) for some delicious locally sourced banana pancakes. This classic American diner setting offers a charming start to your day.

Conveniently located near the resort corridor, Kihei Caffe (1945 S. Kihei Road, Kihei) serves up traditional Hawaiian breakfasts such as pork fried rice with eggs, onions, bell peppers, Portuguese sausage, ham and bacon. And who could say no to freshly baked cinnamon buns?

Lunch

Currently run by the third generation of the Sato family, Sam Sato’s Noodles & Plate Lunches (1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku) has been dishing out saimin bowls since 1933. Make sure to get there early because the restaurant closes at 2 p.m.

If you happen to find yourself near Kahului Harbor around lunch time, stop by Geste Shrimp Truck for a tasty meal. Try the Double Shaka Shrimp, which is sautéed in butter and topped with Asian aioli and wasabi sauce.

Dinner

Mama’s Fish House (799 Poho Place, Paia) is often included on the short of best restaurant on Maui. The upscale eatery serves fish so fresh they’ll even tell you the name of the fisherman who caught it and where he was fishing. Did we mention it’s upscale? Expect to fork over more than $40 a plate.

For some of the island’s best sushi, book a table at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (1881 S. Kihei Road, Kihei). The Panko-crusted ahi sashimi sushi roll is not to be missed. They also offer late night dining from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for an amazing after-bar snack.

Dessert

You can’t visit Hawaii without having some shave ice. It’s a local delicacy and nobody does shave ice better than the fine folks at Local Boys Shave Ice (1941 S. Kihei Road, Kihei, and 624 Front St., Lahaina). With more than 50 flavors to choose from, there’s a shave ice for every taste.

If you’re looking for something more substantial to satisfy your sweet tooth, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (820 Olowalu Village Road, Lahaina) has just what you need. The banana cream pie boasts bananas harvested from the restaurant’s own farm. Yeah … it’s good.

What are some of your favorite off-the-beaten-path restaurants on Maui? Share them with us in the comments section. Maui lovers can check back every Monday for more Valley Isle travel tips, recommendations and spotlights.