12 Maui Food Trucks That Are Better Than Most Fancy Restaurants (For Less Than Half The Price)
Living on Oahu for over three decades, I’ve island-hopped to Maui countless times. The food truck scene there isn’t just tourist traps – it’s where locals grab their daily grinds. After sampling dozens of mobile kitchens across the Valley Isle, I’ve discovered the real gems that serve authentic flavors worth the drive. Here’s where Maui’s food truck magic truly happens.
Where Food Trucks Cluster on Maui
Food truck parks dominate Maui’s mobile dining scene. The most popular concentration sits near Costco in Kahului, where two separate parks compete for your taste buds. Plate Lunch Marketplace won runner-up as Best Food Truck Pod on Maui in 2023.
🌺 Pro Tip: Hit the Costco area parks between 11 AM and 1 PM for the freshest selection. Many trucks prep their signature dishes right before lunch rush.
Another hotspot is South Maui Gardens in Kihei, which houses 14 food trucks and earned the title of Best Food Truck Pod on Maui. This location combines dining with live entertainment, creating a proper evening destination rather than just a quick bite.
Thai Mee Up – Maui’s Thai Food Gold Standard
Located in the bustling Plate Lunch Marketplace across from Costco, this award-winning operation has earned legendary status among food truck enthusiasts. Winner of the 2018 Aipono Gold Award for Best Food Truck, Thai Mee Up showcases what happens when fine dining expertise meets street food accessibility. I’ve watched this operation consistently rank as one of Maui’s top food trucks, validating what locals already knew.
What sets Thai Mee Up apart is their chef’s decades of experience at Mama’s Fish House, Maui’s most expensive restaurant. That background shows in every dish I’ve watched them prepare fresh in their mobile kitchen. Every order is made to order with fresh ingredients, ensuring authentic Thai flavors that transport you to Thailand itself.
Standing in line at their location, I overheard a regular customer tell his friend, “Some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had,” comparing it favorably to authentic Thai cuisine in Thailand. The portions surprised me on my first visit – easily enough for multiple meals.
What Makes It Special:
- Former Mama’s Fish House chef ensures restaurant-quality preparation
- 2018 Aipono Gold Award winner for Best Food Truck
- Multiple locations across Maui for convenient access
- Fresh ingredients sourced daily from local suppliers
Must-try dishes:
- Pad Thai with Lemongrass Chicken ($14) – Balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements perfectly
- Green Curry Ahi – Fresh local fish in aromatic coconut curry
- Crispy Garlic Shrimp – Butterflied shrimp with fresh herbs and bell peppers
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $20 per person | 📅 10 min wait during peak | 🚗 5 min from airport | 💳 Credit cards accepted
Location: 591 Haleakala Highway, Kahului | Phone: (808) Various by location | Website: Check social media
Stay nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport sits just 0.18 km from the food truck area.
Like Poke – Maui’s Freshest Poke Bowls
Positioned strategically near Kahului Airport and Costco, Like Poke has built a devoted following among both locals and savvy travelers. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this truck proves that simple concepts executed perfectly create memorable experiences. Located in the bustling Plate Lunch Marketplace, this operation creates an energetic atmosphere just minutes from the airport.
What sets Like Poke apart is their commitment to freshness and generous portions. The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition validates their excellence in serving some of Maui’s freshest poke bowls. I’ve watched them mix all poke to order, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor.
During my last visit, I sat next to a couple from the mainland who couldn’t stop talking about their “out of this world poke.” They actually returned the next day after their first experience. The portions consistently surprise me – $15 easily provides enough sashimi for multiple people.
What Makes It Special:
- Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition
- Airport proximity for convenient arrival/departure meals
- Generous portions providing excellent value
Must-try dishes:
- Hurricane Poke Bowl ($16) – Fresh Hawaiian fish with generous portions
- Spicy Fried Poke – Unique twist with crispy exteriors and tender fish
- Furikake Fries – Crispy potatoes topped with seaweed seasoning
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $18 per person | 🚗 Large parking lot available | 💳 Credit cards accepted
Location: 70 Lono Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
Suns Out Buns Out – Maui’s Best Bao Buns
This colorful truck brings Asian fusion creativity to Maui’s food scene with handcrafted bao buns that earned Best of Ube Fest recognition in 2022. Operating from two distinct locations—North Kihei and mountain-side Kulamalu – they’ve mastered the art of portable Asian comfort food. Their vibrant design caught my attention immediately, and inside, I watched chefs prepare everything from scratch using fresh ingredients.
What sets Suns Out Buns Out apart is their farm-to-table approach using fresh Upcountry produce. The truck’s seasonal menu changes incorporate local ingredients into traditional Asian preparations. Their Kulamalu location adds “Bao-less bowls” featuring local mountain-grown produce for a completely different experience from their beach-side operation.
What Makes It Special:
- Award-winning recognition for creative Asian fusion
- Two distinct locations offering different experiences
- Fresh ingredients from local Upcountry farms
- Seasonal menu changes highlighting local produce
Must-try dishes:
- Signature Bao Buns ($12-18) – Fluffy steamed bread with creative fillings
- Braised Pork Belly Bao – Traditional preparation with modern flair
- Kulamalu Bao-less Bowls – Mountain produce featured prominently
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $18 per person | 🏠 Everything made in-house | 📅 Varying daily hours | 🥗 Local ingredients sourced
Location: Piikea Avenue, Kihei and 24 Kiopaa Place, Makawao | Website: sunsoutbunsoutmaui.com
Stay nearby: Vacation rentals near South Maui Gardens provide walking distance access to Kihei location.
Aloha Braised Food Truck – Local Plates with a Twist
Located outside Island Grocery Depot in Lahaina, this family-owned operation specializes in elevated local comfort food. Operating limited hours Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM, they focus on quality over quantity. I’ve learned to appreciate their approach—the truck serves generous portions of Hawaiian-style plates with creative preparations that keep me returning.
What sets Aloha Braised apart is their commitment to made-from-scratch preparations. Family-owned and operated, they bring personal attention to every dish I’ve ordered. Their limited hours reflect their dedication to freshness—when ingredients run out, they close for the day.
What Makes It Special:
- Family-owned and operated for personal attention
- Made-from-scratch preparations daily
- Limited hours ensuring freshness and quality
- Located convenient to grocery shopping
Must-try dishes:
- Volcano Chicken – Spicy preparation with local flair
- Hurricane Chicken – Popular dish that tempts return visits
- Mac Salad – Excellent smaller portion that leaves you wanting more
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $18 per person | 🕐 Lunch only 10am-2pm | 📅 Mon-Fri only | 🛒 Next to grocery store
Location: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina | Phone: Check social media | Website: Contact via social media
Stay nearby: Properties in Lahaina area provide convenient access for lunch visits.
Thai Food by Pranee – Road to Hana Gem
Deep in Hana, across from the baseball park, sits one of Maui’s most authentic Thai operations. Ranked #2 of 13 Quick Bites in Hana and earning TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition, this modest food truck represents a true local gem. Operating from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, the daily-changing menu depends on fresh fish availability.
What sets Thai Food by Pranee apart is the authentic Thai chef with decades of experience. The modest setup – a small food truck with covered outdoor seating – creates an atmosphere of tropical simplicity. Banana trees surround the parking area, making me feel transported to Thailand itself when I visit.
After navigating the winding Road to Hana on my last trip, arriving at Pranee’s felt like discovering a secret. I overheard a regular customer tell his friend, “The best Thai food on Maui! Authentic Thai chef,” mentioning he’s been eating here for nearly 20 years. The tropical setting and fresh preparations create an unforgettable experience.
What Makes It Special:
- Authentic Thai chef with decades of experience
- Remote location creates authentic local experience
- Daily menu changes based on fresh fish availability
- Tropical setting surrounded by banana trees
Must-try dishes:
- Drunken Opakapaka – Fresh local fish with authentic Thai preparation
- Papaya Salad with Fried Chicken Wings – Refreshing contrast with crispy wings
- Thai Iced Tea – Stronger and smoother than most versions
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $18 per person | 🛣️ Perfect Hana drive stop | 📅 Often closed Sundays | 🌶️ Customizable spice levels
Location: 5050 Uakea Road, Hana | Phone: (808) 419-1533 | Website: Check social media
Stay nearby: Hana Inn positions guests perfectly for exploring eastern Maui’s food truck scene.
808 Ch Antojitos – Real Mexico City Street Food
This vibrant food truck in Lahaina specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine straight from Mexico City. They bring traditional dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of Mexico City where the owners originated. Operating limited hours with authentic preparations, they focus on quality street food traditions.
What sets 808 Ch Antojitos apart is their commitment to authentic Mexican street food rarely found elsewhere. The menu features traditional dishes like gorditas, sopes, huaraches, and pambasos alongside classic tacos. Their al pastor, suadero, and lengua preparations showcase traditional techniques I’ve come to appreciate.
What Makes It Special:
- Authentic Mexico City street food traditions
- Traditional dishes like Pambaso hard to find elsewhere
- Owners bring Mexico City culinary heritage
- Casual atmosphere perfect for quick authentic meals
Must-try dishes:
- Al Pastor Tacos – Well-seasoned and a favorite among regulars
- Gorditas – Hearty meal that’s filling and flavorful
- Lengua Tacos – Tender and flavorful experience keeping me returning
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $15 per person | 📅 Open daily | 🌮 Authentic Mexico City style | 💳 Cash and cards accepted
Location: 740 Wainee St, Lahaina | Phone: (808) 205-2036 | Website: Check social media
Stay nearby: West Maui accommodations provide convenient access to authentic Mexican dining.
Dinos Gourmet On-The-Go – Chef-Driven Global Flavors
Located in the Plate Lunch Marketplace near Costco, this European-inspired operation elevates food truck dining with gourmet preparations. Offering Mediterranean, Greek, and comfort food combinations, they bring restaurant-quality techniques to mobile dining. Operating from 11 AM to 6 PM, they focus on made-from-scratch preparations that I’ve come to appreciate.
What sets Dinos Gourmet apart is their chef-driven approach to global flavors. Homemade sourdough buns, house-made sauces, and organic ingredients create elevated dining experiences. Their Greek specialties combined with local Maui ingredients showcase creative fusion cooking.
What Makes It Special:
- Chef-driven approach to global flavors
- Homemade sourdough buns and house-made sauces
- Mediterranean and Greek specialties
- Organic ingredients and farm-fresh preparations
Must-try dishes:
- Dino Maui Deluxe Big Blue Burger ($19.55) – Maui cattle beef with Greek cajun sauce
- Dinos Classic Greek Salad ($20.70) – With fish or gyro, feta cheese, olives
- Delicious Rice Shrimp Paella ($19.55) – Saffron garlic sauce with herbs
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $20 per person | 🌟 Michelin-trained chef | 🌍 Global cuisine focus | 📱 Check social for location
Location: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI 9673
808 Plates Maui – Fresh Fish Plate Lunches
This TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winner operates near Lahaina with #35 ranking among Quick Bites. I’ve watched them earn recognition as one of Maui’s top food trucks, specializing in fresh fish preparations and local-style plate lunches. Operating Monday through Friday with split lunch and dinner service, they focus on quality over quantity.
What sets 808 Plates apart is their commitment to fresh fish and generous portions. Located convenient to the airport, they serve as an ideal first or last stop for visitors. Their garlic shrimp has earned particular acclaim, and I’ve found it compares favorably to famous Oahu operations.
During my last visit, I sat next to a regular customer who told his companion, “Best food truck on Maui! We always make this our first stop after landing.” The ribeye steak and fresh fish preparations consistently exceed my expectations.
What Makes It Special:
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition
- Consistent acclaim from returning visitors
- Fresh fish preparations with generous portions
- Convenient airport proximity for arrival/departure meals
Must-try dishes:
- Garlic Shrimp – Consistently acclaimed preparation
- Ribeye Steak – Amazing quality for food truck dining
- Ahi Katsu Dinner – Fresh fish with excellent preparation
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $18 per person | 🐟 Daily fresh local catch | 🍽️ Generous combo portions | ⚡ Quick service
Location: 214 Hookele St, Kahului, HI 96732
Kinaole Grill Food Truck – Beachside Perfection
Positioned just 100 yards from Kamaole Beach Park I, this truck provides the ultimate beach dining experience. Ranked #1 of 102 restaurants in Kihei and earning TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition, they’ve mastered gourmet food truck cuisine with ocean views. Operating Tuesday through Thursday with limited hours, they focus on quality preparations.
What sets Kinaole Grill apart is their commitment to fresh preparation and homemade components. Homemade sauces, in-house roasted macadamia nuts, and organic farm-to-table ingredients elevate simple concepts. Ocean view tables create an unbeatable dining atmosphere just steps from the beach.
On my last visit, I watched a family at the next table try multiple dishes. The father turned to his wife and said, “Absolutely delicious! Everyone enjoyed it.” The light batter preparations and fresh dipping sauces consistently impress me.
What Makes It Special:
- Ocean view dining just steps from the beach
- Farm-to-table ingredients and house-made components
- #1 ranking among Kihei restaurants
- Convenient beach access for picnic-style meals
Must-try dishes:
- Seared Ahi with Wasabi Cream Sauce – Signature preparation
- Coconut Shrimp – Acclaimed specialty with tropical flair
- Pulled Pork with Guava BBQ Sauce – Local flavors in perfect harmony
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $20 per person | 🏖️ Steps from beach | 🌅 Perfect sunset timing | 🥜 In-house roasted nuts
Location: 77 Alanui Kealii Drive, Kihei | Phone: (808) 280-9048 | Website: Check social media
Stay nearby: WorldMark Kihei Resort sits conveniently near this popular beachside food truck.
South Maui Fish Company – Freshest Fish Tacos and Poke
This red truck in Kihei’s Aloha Open Marketplace has earned TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition for its commitment to sustainability and freshness. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and ranked #1 of 54 Quick Bites in Kihei, they’ve built their reputation on one principle—only locally caught fish. Their motto “IF we don’t have fresh fish we may not be open” demonstrates unwavering quality standards.
What sets South Maui Fish Company apart is their daily fresh catch commitment. Working exclusively with local fishermen, they close when fresh fish runs out. This dedication to freshness creates melt-in-your-mouth textures that confirm exceptional quality.
During my most recent visit, I overheard a couple from California tell their server, “Food truck with the best freshly grilled fish we had during our stay in Maui.” The generous portions and reasonable pricing make it accessible excellence.
What Makes It Special:
- Daily fresh catch from local fishermen only
- Featured on Food Network programming
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition
- Sustainable fishing practices supporting local economy
Must-try dishes:
- Fresh Fish Tacos ($16-22) – Large chunks of grilled fish from morning’s catch
- Poke Bento Boxes – Half spicy, half regular with exceptional freshness
- Grilled Fish Plates – Whatever swam in local waters that morning
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $20 per person | 🎣 Fisherman-owned operation | ⏰ Sells out daily | 🚫 Never frozen fish
Location: 1794 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Geste Shrimp Truck – Maui’s Shrimp Plate Legend
Hidden near Kahului Harbor, Geste Shrimp Truck has achieved legendary status among locals and food enthusiasts. Named “Best Food Truck on Maui” two years in a row, this operation serves what I consider Maui’s best plate lunch of any sort. The isolated roadside location lacks scenic beauty, but the authentic local experience creates magic.
What sets Geste Shrimp apart is their simple concept executed to perfection. U-20 or larger shrimp provide more than half a pound per plate with five flavor preparations including Hawaiian Scampi and Hot & Spicy. The accompanying mac salad deserves recognition as some of Maui’s best.
I’ve watched this truck earn recognition in multiple food guides. The substantial shrimp size and generous portions consistently surprise first-time visitors like myself on my initial experience.
What Makes It Special:
- Two-year consecutive “Best Food Truck on Maui” winner
- Large, premium U-20 shrimp in generous portions
- Simple concept executed to perfection
- Authentic local experience away from tourist areas
Must-try dishes:
- Hawaiian Scampi – Garlicky preparation enhancing natural sweetness
- Spicy Pineapple Shrimp – Sweet and hot sauce complementing rice perfectly
- Hot & Spicy – Most popular flavor among patrons
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $20 per person | 🦐 Maui’s famous shrimp plates | 🚗 Near airport access | 🍚 Perfect mac salad
Location: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI 96732
Burger Boys – Maui’s Wagyu Smash Burger Truck
Maui’s only craft Wagyu burger truck brings premium ingredients to the food truck scene. Using locally baked shokupan buns and high-quality Wagyu beef, they’ve elevated the humble burger to gourmet status without gourmet prices. Operating at South Maui Gardens and other locations Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, they focus on premium ingredient preparations.
What sets Burger Boys apart is their commitment to craft burger excellence. Locally baked shokupan buns provide authentic texture while house-made pickles and sauces complete the gourmet experience. Premium ingredients at food truck prices create exceptional value that I’ve come to appreciate.
What Makes It Special:
- Only craft Wagyu burger truck on Maui
- Locally baked shokupan buns for authentic texture
- House-made pickles and sauces
- Premium ingredients at food truck prices
Must-try dishes:
- The Deuce Deuce ($13) – Half-pound Wagyu in two smashed patties
- The Tropic Thunder ($30) – All-out preparation with bacon and onion rings
- Wagyu Smash Burger – Signature preparation with local flair
At-a-Glance: 💵 Under $30 per person | 🥩 Premium Wagyu beef | 🍞 Daily-baked buns | 👨🍳 Chef-driven quality
Stay nearby: South Maui accommodations provide convenient access to craft burger excellence.
Location: 30 Alahele Pl, Kihei, HI 96753
The Unexpected Truth About Maui’s Food Truck Scene
Most visitors think food trucks are just quick beach snacks. That’s completely wrong. Maui’s food truck culture represents some of the island’s most innovative cooking. These mobile kitchens often outshine expensive resort restaurants, serving dishes that blend traditional Hawaiian flavors with international influences.
The secret? Many food truck owners are former restaurant chefs who wanted creative freedom without massive overhead costs. They’re not serving reheated airport food—they’re crafting fresh, made-to-order meals that reflect Maui’s diverse cultural heritage.
