Freddie’s List

Good for: Vegan fusion magnificence

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Soba salad Buddha Bowl

• Daily lunch specials

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Family-run Mexican lunch spot with positive vibes and a Hawaiian flair

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual, take-out only

Freddie's recs:

• Pork & Chile Verde Mexican Plate

• Carne Asada Taco/Burrito

• House Chips 'N' Salsa

• Mahi Ceviche

• Sesame Ahi Sandwich (if you're lucky)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Exquisitely crafted and sustainably oriented plant-based breakfast & lunch offerings

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Super-friendly vibe; food truck, limited outdoor seating, love in the food! 🌻

Freddie's recs:

• Veggie focaccia (pictured above)

• Supreme burger with house-made quinoa & black bean patty

• Honestly, just about anything on the menu 😁

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Coffee drinks, snacks & pastries (puts Starbucks to shame)

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Relaxed café/bistro, limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• "Honey Bee" latte (pictured above in all its glory)

• Brie & prosciutto on toasted baguette (mmm...)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KIHEI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KAHULUI DRIVE-THROUGH STAND)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (WAILEA LOCATION)

Good for: Authentic Cuban coffee & empanadas

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, takeaway only

Freddie's recs:

• Cortadito (double espresso shot with cane sugar and steamed & evaporated milk)

• "El Buchito" (thimble-sized shot of sweetened Cuban espresso)

• Food recs TBD...

CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM FOR CURRENT WEEKLY HOURS

DIRECTIONS

Good for: Amazing BBQ lunches & dinners (arguably *THE BEST* on Maui)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, gorgeous outdoor setting with limited picnic table seating; phone-in ordering available

Freddie's recs:

• BBQ Plate with cilantro coconut sticky rice, pohole fern salad, and griddled cornbread with guava butter. Try it with the brisket if they haven’t sold out!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best-value and most flavorful local-plate option on Maui (apart from Leekam Lunchwagon in Lower Kula & Tin Roof in Kahului)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating, phone-in ordering available

Freddie's recs:

• Local Trio with hamburger steak, braised pork & mochiko chicken

• The steak poke salad and braised pork belly are both calling Freddie’s name! 😆

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Handcrafted, locally sourced ice cream bliss

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Eco-conscious, takeaway only

Freddie's recs:

• Single/split scoop of Honey Lavender and Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel, or Lilikoi Cheesecake and Sea Salt Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, nestled atop still-warm-from-the-oven waffle cone (can't you just taste it?)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Craft burgers, home-made organic/natural pastries, and gourmet coffee drinks

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited outdoor seating, online ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Bacon & Cheddar Burger or Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Burger with BBQ aioli

• Paniolo breakfast skillet

• Nanaimo bar & lilikoi cheesecake

• Other favorites TBD...

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Tasty, affordable and soul-nourishing BBQ fare

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, friendly service, limited (and partially shaded) outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Rice bowls, man, rice bowls. 😋

• Loaded mac ‘n’ cheese bowl with brisket is our current go-to (worth the extra few $), but gotta get to trying everything on this menu…

• House-made sausage, brisket, pulled pork — just go for it!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

(OR CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM FOR CURRENT WEEKLY HOURS)

Good for: Best pizza in South Maui! (if you dig the organic sourdough thin-crust style) 🤩🍕

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Nestled along a walking path in Zen-peaceful South Maui Gardens nursery, elegant-but-limited outdoor seating; online ordering and vegan options also available

Freddie's recs:

• You can’t miss. Try customizing your own pie toppings, for fun?

• Take home a baguette or two if you fancy! They also sell both half- and full-sized loaves at Da Green Coffee Bar across the way…

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Fresh-ground Wagyu beef + local produce makes for what might be the best burger on island… and that is REALLY saying something! 🍔✨

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, abundant & partially shaded outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• The P-10 is a good place to start — order it as a meal to get fries included.

• The rest really just depends on your appetite! Enjoy the amazingness. 😎

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Sweet & savory crêpes and flavorful Indian curry dishes (worth the wait!)

Price: $$ + 1/2-off Happy Hour from 4-6pm (for beer, wine and cocktails)

Atmosphere/Amenities: Shabby-chic tropical vibe, open-air seating; gluten-free & vegan crêpe options also available

Freddie's recs:

• Vegetarian Mediterranean Platter (great for sharing): hummus, olives, cucumber raita, feta, Indian slaw, roast Mediterranean vegetables, tomatoes, pesto & pita bread

• Shrimp & bacon crêpe with chipotle aioli, avocado, sour cream, furikake, aged cheddar & tomato, served alongside salad greens drizzled with lemon tahini or balsamic herb vinaigrette dressing

• Chicken & avocado crêpe with mozzarella, tomato & Caesar dressing (also with sour cream & salad greens)

• Nutella crêpe for dessert, if you still have room 😏

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Lunch (dinner is pricier)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual, comfort food/carnivore-friendly

Freddie's recs:

• Makawao beef cheeseburger

• Crab club sandwich

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Health-conscious, superfood-based breakfasts, lunches, drinks & desserts (plus evening take-out at new Ka’anapali location), including the *BEST AÇAI ON THE ISLAND!*

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual health bar, limited indoor & outdoor seating, online ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Dessert Sunrise açaí bowl with strawberries, banana, maca, cacao, macadamia nut milk, hemp seeds, coconut and honey

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (PA’IA LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KA’ANAPALI LOCATION)

Good for: Award-winning seafood lunches and dinners

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Indoor seating, family-friendly, casual island vibe, BYOB!

Freddie's recs:

• Classic ono fish tacos with mango salsa, coconut milk and crispy coleslaw...

• Blackened mahi mahi burger

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE PICK-UP ORDERS

Good for: *Best-value fish & chips on island.* (You heard it here.)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, outdoor seating, phone-in ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Crispy Fish Sandwich: fresh-caught mahimahi served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, caramelized Maui sweet onions, tartar sauce and a side of fries

• Lemon & Garlic or Kimchi Shrimp Bowls (just the right amount of spice)

• Fish and Chips: crispy panko-crusted, beer-battered ono with all the trimmings...

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Award-winning seafood, BBQ chicken and pulled pork lunches and dinners

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, covered outdoor seating, very kid-friendly

Freddie's recs:

• “Championship” pulled pork sliders with curly fries (pictured above)

• Garlic shrimp tacos with fresh pineapple coleslaw, mango-lime crema sauce and upcountry cilantro

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: *Legendary* local sweet treats made hot to order. 😜

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Traditional ube (sweet potato) and poi (taro root paste) combo with guava dipping sauce, mmm…

• If you’re lucky enough to catch the Cheesecake Lumpia (fried spring rolls, pictured above) on special, don’t miss ‘em!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Absolute best BBQ on Maui.

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, takeaway only, phone-in ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Brisket, brisket, and more brisket. (Corn bread, too. Oh, and everything else on the menu.)

• Grilled cheese looks insane but more research is required — times like this it is GREAT to be da Food Snob! 🤩

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Casual, vegan-friendly lunches & dinners (and falafel!)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, covered outdoor seating (+ indoor dining at Kihei location), online ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Golden "fish" tacos with rainbow coleslaw, tartar sauce, cilantro and lemon wedges

• “Chicken” gyro wrap (pictured above)

• Falafel tortilla wrap with house-made falafel, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, rainbow coleslaw, onions and tzatziki sauce

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & PICK-UP ORDERS (KAHULUI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & PICK-UP ORDERS (KIHEI LOCATION)

Good for: Ridiculously flavorful Argentinian grilled sausage sandwiches and empanadas, featuring fresh-baked Blue Door bread 🤤

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck with limited outdoor seating, online ordering, elegant presentation & *love in the food* 💜

Freddie's recs:

• “Argento” sandwich with chimichurri and salsa criolla (even better with some homemade mango pineapple lemonade)

• Seriously excited to try their whole menu — more recs to come!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Absolute best upcountry coffee option! (with the possible exception of Alba’s Cuban Coladas)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-owned café using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients; limited outdoor seating, online ordering, LOVE IN THE COFFEE 😁☕️✨

Freddie's recs:

• Signature Honey Cream, Lavender Vanilla or Rose Latté (vanilla makes it better — yes, we’re biased)

• Can’t wait to try their sandwiches as well!

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE ORDERS

Good for: If you like piña colaadaaaas… then you’ll love this place. Superb tropical cocktail bar serving farm-to-table inspired pupu (appetizers/snacks), classic cocktails, tiki drinks, craft spirits, rum, amaro, mezcal tequila, wine, and beer. (Don’t miss Happy Hour from 3-6!)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Outdoor patio + chic indoor bar

Freddie's recs:

• Classic daiquiris and Wellfleet oysters (Fri & Sat only) at Happy Hour…

• Their burrata appetizer is next on Freddie’s wishlist 😋

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: *BEST MEXICAN FOOD ON MAUI!*

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-run, completely unpretentious, LOVE in the food! (but limited parking and indoor seating)

Freddie's recs:

• “Fiesta Plate” combo with carne asada, cheese enchilada, refried beans, rice, tortillas, guac, sour cream, chips & salsa — truly a fiesta en la boca! 🥳

• Carne asada or chile verde burrito

• Mahimahi & cheese quesadilla (pictured above)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: THE BEST fish burritos on island. Period. (Local catch doesn’t get much fresher than this.)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual vibe, limited outdoor seating, online & phone-in ordering also available

Freddie's recs:

• Baja fish burrito, rolled in soft flour tortilla with lettuce, cabbage, in-house chipotle cream sauce & cheddar. Served alongside homemade tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo salsa — just awesome.

• More amazing recs TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Organic, locally-sourced flatbread pizza and salads

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-friendly, casual surf vibe, online or phone-in pickup ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Home-made Sausage & Co-evolution (large half-and-half) flatbread pizza, baked on organic bread dough with home-made garlic oil, organic herbs and onions, whole-milk mozzarella, parmesan, and a Hawaiian goat cheese blend

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best butter rolls you’ve ever tasted — possibly the best-value sweet treat around (alongside Shikeda, of course).

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: No-frills local vibe, limited outdoor seating, CASH ONLY; bring your own container to avoid extra charge

Freddie's recs:

• ✨BUTTER ROLLS✨

• Cinnamon buns, donuts, and anything else that’s just come out of the oven!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Organic and/or locally sourced breakfast and lunches

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Idyllic tree-shaded outdoor courtyard seating + indoor dining; delivery orders also available

Freddie's recs:

• Paniolo Breakfast with locally grown & roasted Oma coffee mmm… ☕️✨

• Soba noodle salad (pictured above)

• With ingredients this healthy, can you really go wrong with anything on the menu? 🙌🏽🌳

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Simple, authentic and affordable East Coast Italian comfort food — AND they deliver!

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-owned, no-frills East Coast atmosphere (hey, you're there for the food, right?) with limited indoor seating; phone ordering also available

Freddie's recs:

• Calzone with everything on it (pictured above, yes it's as good as it looks)

• Sausage parmesan or meatball hot sub sandwich

• Other recs TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: DESSERTS (among the best on Maui)

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Indoor & outdoor seating, idyllic upcountry vibe

Freddie's recs:

• NEW FAVORITES FOR 2024: Caramel pecan cake and white chocolate raspberry Oreo cheesecake 🤤

• Chocolate Lava Flow (in a class by itself, especially warmed up)

• Rum cake (addictive - you have been warned)

• Banana walnut bread with brown-sugar-and-sour-cream glaze

• Consider trying a cup of their organic, locally grown & house-roasted coffee to go with? ☕️✨

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: The best gyros on Maui — end of story.

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, friendly service, abundant outdoor seating in shaded Zen garden setting; online ordering also available

Freddie's recs:

• Chicken gyro Papu’s way (pictured above)

• Their warm home-made pita bread is fantastic as well…

OPENING HOURS, LOCATION & ONLINE ORDERING

Good for: Farm-to-table salads, elegant burgers & plate lunches, and AWESOME PIZZA on Fri-Sat (all worth the wait)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Covered open-air seating, BYOB & live music on Fri-Sat

Freddie's recs:

• Don’t miss their wood-fired pizza if you’re around on a Friday or Saturday!

• Kalua Pork Sandwich with green papaya slaw, garlic mayo, creamy jalapeño sauce, pickles & pickled onions

• Maui Beef Farm Plate with side of mac salad, mmm…

• Harvest Salad, for something greener

• Banana bread here is a must as well. 🤤

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best burgers in town — period.

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating; can also order online or call ahead.

Freddie's recs:

• Deluxe Burger with side of Crinkle Fries (pictured above)

• Trade secret: Ask for off-the-menu onion rings (IYKYK)

• If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the Umami (roasted mushrooms, bacon jam, pickled jalapeño & bleu cheese aioli) 😘

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Organic cold food bar, made-to-order sandwiches & açaí/pitaya bowls

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Super-casual, beachy, health-conscious

Freddie's recs:

• "Basic" açaí (pictured above) or pitaya bowl with local bananas, coconut water, organic granola, fresh strawberries, local honey and organic shredded coconut

• The BLT is also worth a try!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Lunch, early dinner

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, outdoor seating (under the banyan tree!)

Freddie's recs:

• Pad Kra Pao (Thai holy basil stir-fry with egg, minced seasoned pork, sweet pepper, green beans, garlic and onions)

• Satay Chicken (pictured above)

• Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)

• Panang Curry is next on the list to try!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Pan-Asian plate lunches with “broke da mouth” flavor! 🤤🥊

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual hole-in-the-wall vibe, limited outdoor & indoor seating, CASH ONLY

Freddie's recs:

• Chicken Katsu & Korean BBQ plate lunch combo (pictured above) is an absolute winner 🏆✨

• Chow Fun, Teriyaki Steak & Lemon Caper Ono are all on Freddie’s list to try!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Sushi & sake happy hour! (3-5 & 9-10 p.m. daily)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Ocean-to-table island dining, ample indoor seating, phone-in reservations or online take-out ordering recommended

Freddie's recs:

• Spicy hamachi hand roll & unagi cucumber classic sushi roll, but really just depends what kind of delicious fresh fish you’re in the mood for…

• Gekkeikan sake to accompany sushi flavors, although the rum runners are also excellent to start with 😋

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Award-winning, locally crafted ice cream sundaes & shave ice treats (how did it take us ten years to find this place?? 😍🍦)

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited indoor & outdoor seating, tucked away in the southwest corner of the Lahaina Gateway shopping center

Freddie's recs:

• Waffle bowl ice cream trio of blueberry cream, salted caramel & lilikoi cheesecake 😋

• More recs to come! (This is gonna be some fun research. 🍧✨)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Excellent pizza option on your way to or from Lahaina, and you can even stroll over to Leoda’s for dessert! 🥧✨

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, outdoor bench seating, super-friendly staff & gorgeous mountain views; phone-in ordering recommended

Freddie's recs:

• Huli-huli chicken (pictured above)

• Other recs TBD, but the Delicia & Marguerita are next on Freddie’s list to try! 😋

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best ahi poke bowls around… (Ask any local.) Right up there with Tobi’s in Pa’ia and South Maui Fish Co in Kihei.

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities:  No-frills local grocery store, phone-in ordering also an option

Freddie's recs:

• It’s all about the NINJA. 🥷🏽

• For something more traditional (if a little salty), the “Lipoa” is a great choice as well.

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Authentic, delicious and very reasonably priced Japanese food. (Take it from someone who’s lived in Japan!)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities:  Food truck, pick-up orders only (consider calling ahead for even faster service)

Freddie's recs:

• Keyakiya chicken bentou (pictured above at left), with organic greens and house-made miso dressing

• Tempura udon with house-made dashi (broth) is also excellent!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Local-style food meets five-star dining... If ever there were a "gourmet fusion" food truck, this is it. Don't miss the home-made desserts!

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities:  Food truck, limited outdoor seating in tropical garden atmosphere

Freddie's recs:

• Banana bread and sorbet combo (pictured above)

• Ahi Pastrami Reuben sandwich with house-made (mild) kimchi and kombu seaweed

• Swordfish bento, served with kimchi, furikake musubi, kombu, and somtam (green papaya salad) coconut glaze

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best sushi in Kihei (yup, you heard it)

Price: $$$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Intimate, phone-in reservations recommended

Freddie's recs: TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Donut holes, cream puffs and similar pastries

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Traditional, family-owned bakery founded in 1916; takeaway only

Freddie's recs:

• Traditional glazed donut holes on a stick (pictured above)

• Guava-filled malasadas (gotta get there early for these!)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Locally sourced, fresh and flavorful lunches, dinners & desserts with an Italian flair, plus weekend breakfast specials that give Kihei Caffe a run for their money...

Price: $$$ (or $$ for breakfast, desserts and sandwiches)

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual/family-style, peaceful upcountry setting, phone-in pickup orders, BYOB!

Freddie's recs:

• Bacon-and-pepperjack-cheese biscuits & country-sausage gravy Breakfast Special, made from scratch and served with steamed asparagus, strawberry rhubarb jam, and two eggs cooked to order (*amazing* value)

• Reuben, Kalua Pork or Grilled Cajun Chicken panini on homemade focaccia bread with house Caesar salad

• Honestly, pretty much anything on the menu — lasagna is a stand-out (you will feel like Garfield)

• For dessert, try the tiramisu, mocha & caramel napoleon, turtle caramel & chocolate cheesecake, Heath pretzel complex, or mini-peanut-butter-cup ice cream sandwich (prepare yourself).

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Realizing how local food is supposed to taste!

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, outdoor seating, can text in your order (with pick-up time) beforehand

Freddie's recs:

• J-Boy Mochiko Chicken with rice and mac salad

Usually parked at Kulamalu Town Center by Longs Drugs a few days a week.

CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM FOR CURRENT WEEKLY HOURS

Good for: Farm-fresh, handcrafted sandwiches and burgers on fresh-baked bread, plus other baked goodies and *gobsmacking* delicious pies

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-style, limited outdoor seating, online ordering recommended

Freddie's recs:

• Banana cream, chocolate macadamia and/or key lime pies

• Pineapple-chutney Lahaina dog (especially for those on a budget)

• Cornflake-crusted fried chicken & waffles (unreal)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Warm, gooey & decadent malasada treats made to order (no, you are not dreaming) ✨ But don’t come here when you’re in a hurry!

Price: $-$$ (cheaper by the dozen)

Atmosphere/Amenities: Take-out only (Let’s be clear: you come here for the fried donuts, not the atmosphere.)

Freddie's recs:

• Lilikoi cheesecake — in a class by itself.

• Classic powdered sugar, if you like New Orleans-style beignets?

• Mango, cinnamon, peanut butter chocolate, Bavarian creme… Honestly you just can’t go wrong. Keep coming back till you try ‘em all?

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Wood-oven sourdough pizzas with locally sourced meats and vegetables (upscale, dine-in alternative to nearby Maui Pizza Truck)

Price: $$$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Elegant dining area, friendly service, online ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Prosciutto topped with Lapa'au Farms arugula, lemon, mozzarella & olive oil (pictured above)

• Beef and pork meatball en sugo (in pomodoro sauce) appetizer with parmigian & toasted house sourdough — pairs nicely with simpler vegetarian pizza like the margherita or bianca

• More delicious recs TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Draft beers & mix-and-match flight combos from the largest & best-known craft brewery on the island

Price: $ (+ weekday $1-off Happy Hour from 3:30-4:30 p.m.)

Atmosphere/Amenities: Abundant shaded outdoor seating, contactless ordering & plenty of reasonable food options to accompany that tasty beverage 🍺🍕🍔

Freddie's recs:

• Pau Hana Pilsner is Freddie’s #1 go-to.

• Shibata Japanese Rice Lager (could drink this one all day… 🎌 )

• Pineapple Mana (if you’re into fruity)

• Sunshine Girl Golden Ale

• Double Overhead Double IPA (8.5% ABV — have fun. 😎)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Locally sourced coffee, house-made pastries, casual breakfast & lunches

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Local community vibe, limited outdoor seating, LOVE in the food! (+ live music if you’re lucky…)

Freddie's recs:

• Sea Salt & Caramel or Honey Lavender Latte

• Anything coming out of the oven that day…!

• LOTS of amazing recs TBD

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Best cookies on the island... (with the possible exception of Grandma's Coffee House and Kula Bistro)

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, LOVE in the food!

Freddie's recs:

• Caramel Crunch, topped with espresso glaze and crunchy toffee bits (try dipping this one in a hot cup of locally roasted Maui Oma coffee — go on, we dare you)

• Ginger Spice, Lilikoi/Passionfruit Oatmeal, or Mexican Spice Decadence (although really you can't go wrong with more traditional varieties like Chocolate Chunk Sea Salt or Snickerdoodle Sprinkle)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KAHULUI)

or check their Instagram for Kulamalu & Wailea mobile cookie bar hours…

Good for: Homemade sweet and savory island eats to power your road trip 🙌🏽🌴

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Tropical outdoor café with limited seating, free WiFi, and love in the food… 🦋✨

Freddie's recs:

• Curry and chili are both awesome — just depends what you’re in the mood for…

• Try some Coconut Glen’s ice cream here if you don’t feel like heading all the way out towards Hāna!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Raw vegan fusion lunches, snacks, smoothies, cold-press coffee & on-tap kombucha

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Smoothie bar, indoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• The on-tap kombucha, of course… Sample a few flavors before committing?

• Avocado toast!

• We hear the vegan nachos are excellent… More delicious recs TBD.

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Hot, fresh & made-to-order donuts - AND they’re vegan!

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, take-out only, gluten-free options available

Freddie's recs:

• *Maple Churro*

• Baker’s choice! The Donut Guy and his crew won’t steer you wrong…

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE ORDERS

Good for: *PIE!* Absolute gem of a dessert mecca in Azeka Plaza

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Friendly service, sparkling clean interior, takeaway only

Freddie's recs:

• Mountain Berry pie, yummm (pictured above) 😋

• Banana Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Key Lime…

• Other mouth-watering recs TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Hand-tossed, kiawe-wood-fired, Napolitano-style pizza (excellent low-key upcountry alternative to Pa'ia Flatbread)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating, online ordering available until sellout (and even then, you can still chance ‘em by dropping by in person to order)

Freddie's recs:

• Half Maui Pizza, half Truffle Mushroom (pictured above)

• Kula Veggie Pizza with spinach, feta cheese, mushrooms, kalamata olives, pesto drizzle & garlic butter crust (try adding sausage, too)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Pastries, sandwiches & coffee drinks

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Bright, welcoming vibe; indoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Lilikoi croissants, cinnamon buns (pictured above — be ready)

• Prosciutto, brie & arugula sandwich

• More mouth-watering recs to come… 🤤

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: HAPPY HOUR comfort food, *vast* craft beer selection and quality cocktails, locally inspired fusion cuisine

Price: $$ (Happy Hour from 3-5:30 p.m., including half-off appetizers and $10 pizzas)

Atmosphere/Amenities: Air-conditioned indoor seating, limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Hamakua mushroom pizza

• Chicken wings (pictured above)

• Mai Tai with lilikoi foam (don't miss it)

• For beer lovers: try the Weissbräu on tap from Erdinger Brewery

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (WAILEA LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KA’ANAPALI LOCATION)

Good for: Authentic, vegetarian- and carnivore-friendly Indian dishes

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating, LOVE in the food!

Freddie's recs:

• Masala dosa with chutney (pictured above) makes for an excellent breakfast!

• Mixed Combo Plate of organic chicken and vegetable koorma (coconut and cashew cream) curries served with lemon rice and naan

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Sushi and specialty rolls made with organically farmed produce and premium white rice

Price: $$$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Island chic, indoor seating only, online ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Nuka Bowl (milled rice, fresh vegetables, toasted peanuts and sesame lime dressing)

• Sushi dinner specials

• If you wanted to dip into the world of sake (Japanese rice wine) on Maui, this is the place! (although Star Noodle in Lahaina really holds their own as well) 🍶✨

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Intimate, decadent and seasonally driven six-to-eight-course prix fixe fusion dinners with immaculate wine pairings

Price: $$$$+

Atmosphere/Amenities: Indoor dining, outstanding service

Freddie's recs:

• Trust the chef! You will not be disappointed…

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & RESERVATIONS

Good for: Gourmet open-air lunches & dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients, including garden-grown organic herbs & veggies — not to mention the award-winning distilled spirits made from deep ocean mineral water…

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Spectacular scenery, casual upcountry vibe (bring a jacket if eating inside!), online reservations also available

Freddie's recs:

• Ocean poke nachos (pictured above)

• Thai veggie summer rolls

• Wild Mushroom or Carbonara pizza (with bacon crumbles, mmm…)

• Try a drink (or two… or three…) and let Freddie know your favorite.

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Asian fusion-themed lunches and dinners

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, covered outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• New York Strip Steak (pictured above)

• Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice

• Kalbi Beef

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Coffee drinks & cocktails, vegan-friendly salads and sandwiches

Price: $$ (Happy Hour with live music from 3-6pm) 

Atmosphere/Amenities: Hip/beachy, partially covered outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Organic Scrambled Eggs Breakfast with everything bagel & avocado salad (or other similarly delicious accoutrements) 😏

• Excited to try their new(ish?) “Haiku” Naan Flatbread Pizza with garlic olive oil, hummus, roasted red peppers, vegan pesto, kalamata olives, goat cheese & arugula mmm…

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & RESERVATIONS

Good for: Quite possibly THE best vegan/vegetarian breakfast & lunch you could have upcountry (not to mention their magical herbal infusions… 🧙🏽‍♀️✨)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited outdoor (covered) seating, family-friendly & about as health-conscious as it gets!

Freddie's recs:

• Mochi waffles (pictured above)

• Deluxe breakfast burrito if they have it on special…

• More delicious recs TBD!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Farm-to-table Japanese fusion lunches in outdoor Zen-garden setting

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating, keiki (kids) menu; vegan & gluten-free options also available

Freddie's recs:

• Ramen bowl (pictured above) with local ramen noodles and seasonal fresh veggies in chickpea miso broth

• Ho’okipa Temaki Handroll with spiced kajiki (fresh blue marlin), avocado, cucumber, green onion & sesame

• Kauai Handroll with grilled Kauai-raised shrimp, seasoned scallops, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro & lime zest

• Honestly can’t go wrong with any of their daily Temaki Handroll specials…

• Enrich your meal profile with some effervescent & probiotic-rich Maui Kombucha on tap? 😏✨

• Oh and remember to save room for one or two (or three… yum) locally crafted chocolate truffles from Garden of Delight, a Root Beer Float, or a Satori Sundae featuring Coconut Glen’s organic & vegan coconut ice cream with lilikoi (passionfruit) butter, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, bee pollen & basil - WOW!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Casual & flavorful Mediterranean fare (vegetarian, vegan & GF-friendly)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-owned food truck, limited outdoor seating, LOVE in the food! ✨ Phone ordering also available.

Freddie's recs:

• Any of their lunch plates — just depends what you’re in the mood for (and how meaty you wanna get!)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Exquisite pastries fusing the best of Hawaiian and French dessert cuisine. (GET THERE EARLY — there’s a reason these guys sell out after the first hour or two!)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual local vibe, limited indoor seating, ✨ALOHA✨ in da food… 🍰

Freddie's recs:

• Blueberry lavender or strawberry shortcake roulade (pictured above)

• Ube-coco profiterole (and this coming from a guy who doesn’t even like yams!)

• Honestly just about anything on the menu…

• Truly cannot WAIT to try their Japanese bento offerings! 🤤

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Impeccably crafted, flavor-balanced and seasonally inspired farm-to-table breakfasts & lunches with vegetarian options

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Chic-yet-casual local bistro vibe, indoor & limited outdoor seating; online reservations recommended, pick-up orders also available

Freddie's recs:

• Signature Eggs Benedict with mango hollandaise, Canadian bacon, cheddar jalapeño cornbread & roasted potatoes

• Wailuku Town Stuffed Brioche French Toast, with mixed berry cream cheese, butter brioche, Grand Marnier batter, toasted mac nuts & maple syrup

• Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich with cheddar cheese, softly scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, breakfast potatoes & mango jam (is your mouth watering yet?)

• Their Monte Cristo triple-decker sandwich is next on Freddie’s list to savor!

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & RESERVATIONS

Good for: Ocean-to-table fare including top loin, sashimi-grade ahi poke - easily some of Maui’s best! (along with Tobi’s Shave Ice and Kaohu Store)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, courtyard seating, live music on Fri & Sat evenings, *love in the food* 🌺✨

Freddie's recs:

• Straight-up ahi poke bowl with traditional shoyu marinade, green & sweet onions, tobiko, sesame seeds, furikake & unagi drizzle

• Daily fish specials served with pineapple coconut milk coleslaw and rice

• We hear the fish tacos are excellent as well - let Freddie know if you try ‘em!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Amazing-quality breakfasts, wraps and sandwiches with house-cured meats 

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Elegant bistro setting, air-conditioned indoor and limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Proper BLT with house-cured bacon

• Vietnamese Bahn Mi pork sandwich

• The Rob Wrap (turkey-egg-avocado)

• Sourdough French toast (pictured above)

• "Green Eggs and Kale" Panini with tomato, provolone and mustard on seeded wheat bread

• A Case of the Mondays, if you're feeling like some simple-yet-scrumptious scrambled eggs 'n' toast with potatoes and fresh local herbs

• Honestly you could close your eyes and point blindly at the Lunch Sandwich and/or Breakfast menu - yes, it really is that kind of place.

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Can you guess?

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-run food truck, outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• *Kula Burger* (POSSIBLY THE BEST BURGER ON ISLAND!)

• Hāna Burger with bacon & chipotle lime aioli

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Possibly THE best malasadas on island (get there by 10 a.m. for these or order online one day ahead!), served with locally roasted Oma Coffee — the perfect morning pick-me-up. ☕️✨

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: *Love in the pastries* 🌸 Limited outdoor seating, credit card payments only (no cash), day-ahead online ordering recommended (by closing time for next day’s pick-up)

Freddie's recs:

• *Lilikoi Cream Malasadas*

• Vanilla cream, ube (purple yam), coconut, cinnamon and other flavors are also great, depending what floats your malasada boat… ⛵️

• CARROT CAKE if they happen to have it on special…

• Key lime & mango cheesecake mini-pies are giving Leoda’s a run for their money!

• Their banana bread is some of the best around… (dipped in Oma Coffee, nuttin’ bettah)

• Mac Nut Sticky Buns & Cinnamon Rolls, yes please 🤤

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (NORTH KIHEI)

Good for: Açai breakfasts with heart! 🇧🇷💗✨

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck with warm, casual vibes and plenty of outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Depends what kind of açai or smoothie treat you’re in the mood for, but our money is on the daily specials. (Lilikoi cream, where have you been all my life…? 🫠)

• Their homemade pão de queijo (cheese bread) is next on Freddie’s list to try!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: *BEST TRADITIONAL RAMEN ON ISLAND*, impeccably prepared Japanese & Italian fusion cuisine

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Indoor seating only, elegant décor, friendly service; reservations also available online or by phone

Freddie's recs:

• Hakata tonkotsu ramen (pictured above)

• Shrimp & gorgonzola pizza (yes, really)

• Unagi & karaage (eel & fried chicken) bentō plate with mac salad and sushi rice mmm...

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Thai home cooking! 😍

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, limited outdoor seating, awesome Thai family-owned and -operated

Freddie's recs:

• Pad kra pao holy basil stir-fry with crispy pork (pictured above)

• More aroy maak (delicious) recs to come…

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Quite possibly THE best Thai food on Maui…

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Indoor open-air seating, quiet & friendly local vibe

Freddie's recs:

• Crispy fish with mango salad

• Pineapple fried rice with shrimp

• Pad Thai noodles

• Seafood specials, summer rolls, honestly everything on the menu… (Just be sure to ask for MILD curry if you don’t like spicy!)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Thai fusion and comfort food

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Food truck, (partially covered) outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Fried or garlic pork ribs

• Grilled salmon or garlic ahi tuna

• Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles) with chicken or tofu/veggie

• Chicken satay

• Kahului & Kihei trucks tend to have excellent and inventive specials — give ‘em a try?

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KAHULUI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (CENTRAL KIHEI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (LOWER KULA LOCATION)

Good for: Best Thai food on the North Shore!

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited indoor seating, friendly service, phone-in ordering

Freddie's recs:

• Tom Yum soup

• Green papaya salad

• Red or green curry

• Try the mango sticky rice for dessert 😋

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Organic/natural breakfasts & lunches, vegan/vegetarian-friendly

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-run, varied menu, limited outdoor seating, LOVE in the food!

Freddie's recs:

• Endlessly inventive daily specials… (This place is an omnivore’s dream.)

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & DELIVERY ORDERS

Good for: Comfort food & craft beers like nowhere else in Wailea town (with the possible exception of Monkeypod Kitchen) 🤙🏽🌴

Price: $$ (Happy Hour from 12-5pm, including discounted appetizer menu) 

Atmosphere/Amenities: Air-conditioned indoor seating (+ TVs for sports fans), limited outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• Cheeseburger and/or Kalua Pork Sliders mmm…

• Hazy or Double IPA from Kohola Brewery or Pau Hana Pilsner from Maui Brewing Co. 🍻✨

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Hawaiian comfort fare, very flavorful (if a bit heavy on the belly)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Best to order online before you get there, takeaway only

Freddie's recs:

• Mochiko chicken with wild country brown rice

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Some of the *best ahi poke* you'll find on island (right up there with South Maui Fish Company in Kihei and the Kaohu Store in Wailuku)

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited outdoor seating, casual surf-culture vibe, phone-in takeout and online ordering also available

Freddie's recs:

• Really it's all about the poke... but the seared ahi burger is fun as well (including house-made kimchi & spicy sauce, if you swing that way).

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE ORDERS

Good for: Shave Ice (as good as it gets on Maui)

Price: $

Atmosphere/Amenities: Family-friendly local vibe, indoor and partially covered outdoor seating

Freddie's recs:

• "No Ka Oi" trio with mango/coconut/lilikoi (passionfruit) shave ice, Roselani macadamia nut ice cream and Japanese azuki beans

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (WAILUKU LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KAHULUI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (PA’IA LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KIHEI LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS (KA’ANAPALI LOCATION)

Good for: Succulent (yes, that is the word for it) local venison, elk, lamb & beef burgers

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Casual, idyllic picnic setting & outdoor grill; covered tables also available for those rainy upcountry days… ☔️

Freddie's recs:

• Venison Hamburger Steak lunch plate with mac salad and lilikoi-drizzled greens (pictured above) 🍔✨

• Lamb cheeseburger is another fun one to try.

• Stroll over to the winery while you’re here… and consider stopping by Grandma’s for coffee and dessert afterwards!

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS

Good for: Gourmet coffee drinks, home-made organic/natural pastries, salads and sandwiches

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: Limited outdoor seating, COMMUNITY/love in the food...

Freddie's recs:

• Organic Guatemalan coffee with a home-made pastry of your choice

• Tuna melt on brioche bun

• Bacon-tomato-avocado on Everything bagel, light on the cream cheese (pictured above)

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE ORDERS (WAILUKU LOCATION)

OPENING HOURS, DIRECTIONS & ONLINE ORDERS (HAIKU LOCATION)

Good for: Health-conscious smoothies and the BEST LEMONADE you'll find on Maui!

Price: $$

Atmosphere/Amenities: indoor seating, also one or two covered tables outside

Freddie's recs:

• Strawberry Mint Lemonade

• Uncle's Açaí with almond milk and honey

• No Ka Oi Bowl

OPENING HOURS & DIRECTIONS