Everything I Ate in Maui, Hawaii (Part 1)
Maui is such a gorgeous island and the food looks just as good as the scenery, but to be so very honest there it’s not a world renowned culinary hotspot in my opinion.
Below is my honest review of what I had :
🍗 Huli Huli Chicken - 7/10
It wasn’t bad, it was just salty. They advertise that they use Lawrys as their seasoning and they were heavy handed. The rice and veggies were bland.
🍣 Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice - 8/10
The tuna was very fresh and the rice had the right amount of crispyness
🍱 TNA Roll - 9/10
This was the best sushi roll I had at Miso Phat. I loved the seared scallops and overall thought it was delicious, but there was a little too much sauce.
🥯 Bacon, Avocado, Spinach & Tomato Bagel - 5/10
I wasn’t impressed with this one. It lacked flavor, was like warm and dry. Felt like it was missing something.
🧋 So Ono Cold Brew - 7/10
I’m not a big coffee drinker but I did enjoy the level of caffeine in this drink. It was slightly watered down with too much ice but I would drink it again.
🍵 Matcha Smoothie - 10/10
I loved this smoothie! It was refreshing and sweet, but not too sweet and was the perfect size
🌯 Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap - 10/10
One of the best thing I ate on this island, truly. It was very flavorful, served hot, and a great size. I feel like I got my money’s worth and would have this again.
🍜 Scallop Pad See Ew - 9/10
This was so good that I had to come back to have it again. I love Thai food and this food truck did not disappoint. Right amount of spice and flavor. I only wish it had more than 3 scallops but they were cooked to perfection.
🍗 Korean Fried Wings - 6/10
These felt a little over fried to me and the sauce was a bit too sweet. The wings were really small, so this made me feel like they were organic/free range at least.
🍛 Hawaiian Feast - 7/10
The salmon was good and I enjoyed the macaroni salad, however I did not like this cut of beef as it was a bit rubbery.
Have you been to Maui and if so, what did you eat while you were there?
Traveling to Maui offers a fantastic mix of scenic beauty and flavorful cuisine, even if the island isn’t globally famous as a culinary hotspot. When I visited, I found that local dishes like Huli Huli chicken bring authentic Hawaiian seasonings to the table, although balancing flavors is essential—as some variations can lean overly salty, as I experienced with a heavy use of Lawry’s seasoning. One of my standout meals was at Miso Phat, where the freshly prepared Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice and the TNA Roll impressed me with texture and taste, especially the seared scallops which added a luxurious touch. These dishes highlight how Maui’s sushi offerings, while not flashy, can be a hidden gem worth trying. For those who enjoy a refreshing beverage, the So Ono Cold Brew provided a smooth caffeine kick despite being slightly watered down with ice. A matcha smoothie I tried was perfectly sweet and served in a manageable size, making it an ideal treat after exploring. I also discovered that Maui’s food trucks can deliver fantastic Thai flavors, like the Scallop Pad See Ew I couldn’t resist returning for. However, not every dish hit the mark; for example, the Korean Fried Wings were a bit over-fried and on the sweeter side, contrasting with my preference for bold, savory flavors. One tip when dining here is to embrace variety and expect some dishes to be more about comfort and simple flavors rather than complex gourmet experiences. Portions tend to be generous and satisfying, especially with wraps and plates like the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap, which I especially enjoyed for its warm, rich flavor. Overall, Maui’s culinary scene offers a laid-back but enjoyable tasting experience, perfect for food lovers who appreciate fresh seafood, local twists on classics, and casual dining atmospheres. Sharing meals with locals and exploring food trucks can add authentic flavors and stories to your visit. Have you tried any particular local favorites on your Maui trip?