Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Maui

Maui may be just one island, but its food scene is diverse and incredibly delicious. As a fusion of many cultures and flavor profiles, Hawaiian cuisine has something everyone can enjoy. However, when you’re on vacation to the Aloha State, traveling expenses add up fast. But don’t worry—there are plenty of tasty cheap eats in Maui! Here’s how to eat like a local and save the next time you get a craving for the best food in Maui.

We’ve got the scoop on the best places to eat in Maui for cheap, as well as tips for saving and splurging on unforgettable Maui meals.

You’ll find local lunch stands and cafes all over the island, but some communities are especially foodie-friendly. Plan your itinerary with the best restaurants in Maui in mind.

1. 808 Deli

2511 S Kihei Rd #102, Kihei, HI, 96753

From specialty sandwiches and salads to gourmet hot dogs and hearty breakfasts, everything at 808 Deli costs less than $10. The avocado mango salsa dog tastes like the island in a bun! Vegan and vegetarian options are available, too. Order your cheap Maui eats to go and enjoy a picnic across the street at Kamaole Beach Park II.

2. Kihei Caffe

1945 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI, 96753

Not sure where to eat breakfast in Maui? Kihei Caffe is a darn good place to start the day. Whether you want a healthy papaya filled with yogurt or a breakfast burrito, the neighborhood vibes and cozy patio make every morning a good morning.

3. Eskimo Candy

2665 Wai Wai Pl, Kihei, HI, 96753

The portions at this old-school seafood restaurant are made to share. Don’t believe us? Order the Captain’s Platter and see for yourself. You can eat in or order take out for a family dinner or romantic night in. Locals love the poke bowl, which includes shoyu, wasabi, furikake, and spicy tuna—talk about a flavor fusion! For those who like their seafood cooked, the homemade crab cakes sell like…well, hot cakes. Order up!

4. Tin Roof

360 Papa Pl, Kahului, HI, 96732

Named after the sound of rain on the roof of Chef Sheldon Simeon’s childhood home, Tin Roof is true to its local roots. Almost every meal on this award-winning menu costs less than $10. Given the option, you definitely want to splurge a few dollars and add the garlic noodles to your mochiko chicken.

5. Aloha Mixed Plate

1285 Front St., Lahaina, HI, 96761

The menu at famous Aloha Mixed Plate has a wide price range, but the starters and sandwiches are cheap eats in Lahaina at their best. If you’ve never had SPAMP (Yes, SPAMP) musubi, this is the place to try it first. And if you feel like splurging, check out the cocktail menu. Just thinking about the Lava Flow—a piña colada with a strawberry swirl—will make you thirsty.

6. Joey’s Kitchen

2435 Kaanapali Pkway, Lahaina, HI, 96761

While you’re scouting out the must-try cheap eats in Maui, make sure you order the loco moco. This iconic dish originated on the Big Island, but locals say Joey’s serves Maui’s best version of this gravy-smothered comfort food.

7. Ba-Le Sandwich Shop

Various locations on Maui

With four locations all over the island, Ba-Le may become your new favorite sandwich spot. Vietnamese dishes served take-out style are the best fuel after a day on the waves. Several vegetarian options are available, and every sandwich is under $9.

8. Tasty Crust

1770 Mill St., Wailuku, HI, 96793

When you crave comforting cheap food in Maui, only Tasty Crust will hit the spot. The menu is a mix of classic griddle breakfasts and Polynesian specialties. No frills, just really good food—whether you’re waking up with the sun or chasing the hair of the dog.

9. Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread

201 Keanae Rd., Haiku, HI, 96708

Aunt Sandy’s banana bread is delicious for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The local food stand serves up more than yummy baked goods, though. Locals and visitors can’t get enough of the saimin—a noodle soup with Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino roots. Slurp up!

10.  Berbere Food Truck

5123 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI, 96713

If you’re planning a journey on the Road to Hana, be sure to cross paths with Berbere Food Truck. This small bistro on wheels serves flavorful Ethiopian fare to bring a little variety and spice to your Maui getaway. Even the best cheap eats in Maui taste better when you eat with your hands and delicious injera bread.

11. Maui Fish’n Chips & Maui Teriyaki

2395 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI, 96753

Want to eat somewhere legit? Maui Fishin’ Chips serves up fresh fish and seafood fried to perfection. And like a sweet (and tangy) twin sister, Maui Teriyaki is right there, bringing the sauce. Locals love the laidback patio ambiance, the catch of the day, and island-style pancakes topped with macadamia nuts, pineapple, and coconut. It’s hands down one of the best places to eat in Maui.

12.  Makawao Garden Café

3669 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI, 96768

For casual but lush options, like taro salad and mahi mahi, this family-owned hideaway will hit the spot. Find a table on the quiet patio and imbibe the island vibes away from the busy beach scene. Everything on the menu costs less than $9, so you won’t break the bank even if you have to unbutton your jeans. And $2 Kona coffee? Can we just hook ourselves up to a drip system?

13.  Thai Food by Pranee

5050 Uakea Rd., Hana, HI, 96713

The best cheap eats in Maui aren’t found only in the new beachside seafood shacks. Thai Food by Pranee serves up Thai dishes, like papaya salad and drunken noodles, on a quiet patio. There’s something extra special about eating this fusion food in this tropical paradise. The food stand’s casual style makes the perfect setting for taking a break after hiking to the red-sand beach at nearby Kauiki Head.

Want to know how to save even more on the best food in Maui? Here are some travel-tested tips for eating on the Valley Isle:

• Book a hotel in Maui with a kitchen and cook your own meals with local ingredients. Mild weather means many farmers markets in Maui are open year-round.
• Remember that large portions are part of Hawaiian hospitality. Dine family-style if you’re traveling in a group to save more money.
• Don’t skip a traditional luau! It’s worth the price, and several hotels host these cultural dinners on-site. Consider the Myths of Maui Luau at Royal Lahaina Resort and Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort.
• Want to learn where your favorite food comes from? Many of Maui’s organic fruit and coffee farms offer public tours for a small fee. Where else are you going to see your morning coffee still on the tree?

Now that you know what and where to eat in Maui, add some Maui attractions to your itinerary! Want to know more about traveling cheap? Check out the cheapest neighborhoods to stay, play, and eat when you visit Maui on a budget.

Header image:  CharlotteRaboff/Shutterstock.com