Planning to visit Hawaii? Tim and Nat of A Cook Not Mad discovered where to eat without breaking the bank. They share with us some helpful tips if you plan on travelling to Lahaina, Maui:
In Lahaina, on the West side of the island of Maui, there are plenty of high end, hand over your wallet restaurants but not everyone has a sky-is-the-limit policy when it comes to dining out. Our biggest tip, and the one we use all the time is, ask a local. Locals typically don’t eat at high end restaurants every time they go out. This is the best way to find the places that most people have never heard of.
Aloha Mixed Plate
One of our favourite stops, the AMP is frequented by locals and tourists because it’s delicious and has a great view of the ocean without the inflated prices. An added bonus is their happy hour, from 2 to 6 pm. If you’re there at the right time you can also hear the happenings at the neighbouring Old Lahaina Luau.
Hours: 8 am to 10 pm: 1285 Front St. Lahaina, HI
Zushi’s
Don’t let the closed sign be a deterrent if it’s during business hours, just walk in. This hole in the wall is worth its weight in katsu. Everything is made fresh on site by Zushi herself. If you go, try the Lady’s Special (shrimp tempura and California roll with mac salad) for $8.50 or the deep fried chicken for $7.55, comes with rice and mac salad. All meals come with a comforting miso soup to start. Rumour is, she will be retiring in September 2014 so don’t miss your chance to taste her succulent food.
Hours 11 am to 2 pm - 5 pm to 8 pm: 840 Wainee St, Suite G3. Lahaina, HI
Nagasako Okazu-Ya Deli
Nagasako is a take away deli. We arrived close to noon and almost everything we wanted to try was already sold out. We left with short ribs and fried chicken which were good but what we really wanted to try was the fried beef teriyaki. We were told that we needed to arrive around 10:30 am because they sell out quickly. Their musubi might be the best on the island but for fried chicken, go to Zushi’s across the street.
Hours: 5:30 am to 4 pm: 845 Wainee St. Lahaina, HI
Olowalu General Store
We wouldn’t come here for dinner but for a quickie lunch or snack of Hawaiian shave ice, red hot dogs and/or manapua you can’t beat it. If you want something more nutritious, there’s a fruit stand next door.
Hours: 5 am to 7 pm: 820 Olowalu Village Rd. Lahaina, HI
808 Antojitos
There are several food trucks that sporadically appear on the streets of Lahaina, including a few taco stands. 808 Antojitos is one of the best and most reasonably priced. We tried their lengua, al pastor and chicken tacos with accompanying hot sauces and agua fresca (changes daily, we had watermelon water which was sweet and refreshing). They also have enchiladas and other mexican favourites on offer.
Hours: Wed + Thurs 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Fri to Sun 5:30 pm to 10 pm: 741 Wainee St. Lahaina, HI
Whoever said there were no affordable places to eat on Maui just didn’t look hard enough. There are plenty of spots where you can get a delectable meal and not break the bank. It just takes some asking around. Most people will gladly tell you where they go for the best fish tacos or the cheapest mixed plate.
Have you discovered any affordable places to eat on Maui? Share them with us!
Ready to plan a trip to Maui and experience the local food for yourself? Contact a Flight Centre Travel Expert or visit your closest Flight Centre store.
