Maui

The many phases of life post-COVID, at least in America, include toilet-paper hoarding, sourdough baking, outdoor dining, fall road-tripping, vaccine Instagramming, and now, Maui beach living. Everyone is in Maui these days. Or at least has plans to go at some point this summer. Lucky for you, The Hungry Turban spent a month there earlier this year (#trendsetter) and has got you covered.

Disclaimer: I found the dining scene in Maui to be pretty underwhelming. Portions are tiny and prices are sky-high. And that’s coming from someone who’s used to paying NYC prices. $18 for a scoop of macaroni salad, a bowl of rice, and some 6-8 oz. of protein from a food truck is the norm. Here are the diamonds in the rough:

Koiso ($$)

I don’t know if there’s a single reservation I’ve put more effort into getting than the one at Koiso. If you look to the right, you’ll see why (side note: strong regrets in life include not removing that stupid leaf for this picture). $48 for that beauty. A platter of that quality in any other city would be close to $100. Honestly, I’d give Koiso just a single $ from a quality-to-price (reads: value) perspective if it weren’t for how expensive all the a la carte nigiri pieces are. $7 at the minimum, with most of the pieces $9 or higher. With the capacity to fit 12 people at a time & 2 seatings a day, Koiso is one of the most coveted restaurants on the island for sushi lovers. And being one of the lucky 24 on any given day isn’t easy, given that local Maui residents have standing reservations once a month. If you’re already in Maui and are committed to dining at Koiso, you might have to do what I did: call at 5pm the 4 days a week they’re open and pray for a last minute cancellation. After about 9-10 days of calling, I finally snagged a table for two! While I was there with a group of 6…oof. Can’t get a reservation? A great alternative is Koiso’s to-go platter. Same pieces, same price. Order one a few days in advance, as they also sell out, and enjoy it on the beach right across the street.

Wailea Village Farmer’s Market ($$)

If you’re only in Maui for a week, try to plan a Tuesday morning visit to this Farmer’s Market. There are so many food trucks and stands to try and the vibes are immaculate. Favorite #eeeeeats include the chorizo breakfast burrito from Tight Tacos Maui, the tropical pineapple sorbet at Hala‘akala, and the Mexican Chocolate Decadence at Maui Cookie Lab. I still dream about that cookie. Strolling around the farmer’s market, walking from stall to stall, and making conversations with the local vendors is a great way to spend the day!

Tin Roof ($)

Mochiko Chicken

A refreshing fast-casual meal right near the airport and Costco. Refreshing not cause dishes there are filled with leafy greens and fresh fruit. In fact, the bowls at Tin Roof are quite heavy. This mom & pop shop is refreshing because it’s the first good meal I found in Maui under $15. I tried the Mochiko Chicken and the Pork Belly, both of which were excellent. Highly recommend after a long hike if you’re in the area. 

Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquor ($)

Whoa, when did this blog turn into The Thirsty Turban? It didn’t, and if I did start giving you wine recommendations, huge red flag, turn the other way. Anyway, walk to the back of Tamura’s and you’ll find some of the best poke in Maui, hidden behind shelves of wine. Get a bowl of brown rice, kalua pork, and ahi poke for $15, finished with a necessary shake of furikake. Worth hitting multiple times over the course of your trip to try the variety of poke offered. 

Kitoko ($)

Lilikoi Sorbet

 A food truck serving up high-quality food from Chef/Owner Cole Hinueber, a pastry chef who’s spent the better part of his career working in the kitchens of 5-star resorts around the world. Some of my favorites on his uber-creative menu include the ahi Rueben focaccia sandwich and his braised beef bento. And don’t sleep on his desserts or homemade hot sauces! The lilikoi sorbet is finger. lickin. good. 

Monkeypod ($$$)

Monkeypod serves up classic American fare: burgers, pizza, fish sandwiches, tacos, etc. The food here won’t blow your mind, and it’s pricey for what you’re getting, but if you’re looking for a sit-down meal with a nice ambiance, Monkeypod is a great option. Perfect for a date night. It’s very popular, so expect a long wait. Pro tip: if you live nearby, put your name down when they open for the day and you can show up a few hours later at your convenience. They’ll seat you asap. 

Rice, slaw, and poke from South Maui Fish Co

South Maui Fish Co ($$)

A very popular poke truck in Kihei. One of the many $18 macaroni salad or coleslaw, rice, protein dishes I was alluding to in my introduction, but nonetheless, a good meal from a food truck that commands a line during lunch. I ate here a few times until I discovered Tamura’s. 

M Sushi ($$)

A hole-in-the-wall sushi-ya that is most likely going to be empty every time you walk in. Don’t worry, the nigiri here is pretty good. Same prices as Koiso, not the same premium quality, but still worth hitting. Especially since you likely won’t get a res at Koiso #rip.

Honorable Mentions

Restaurants that were recommended that I didn’t make it out to, probably because they were too pricey: Mama’s Fish House, Lineage, Mala Tavern, and Merriman’s. I went to quite a few restaurants I’d recommend you stay away from, especially around Kihei, so feel free to hit me up if you have any questions. I also have hiking recs #TheActiveTurban.