Market Gems & Local Institutions

🥬 14. Upcountry Farmers Market - Pukalani

Every Saturday morning, this market transforms the cool Upcountry air into a vibrant community gathering. Locals have been making this pilgrimage for decades, and visitors quickly understand why.

The produce selection is staggering—Maui Gold pineapples so sweet they taste like candy, apple bananas with intense flavor that puts mainland bananas to shame, and passion fruit (lilikoi) bursting with tropical tang.

The prepared food vendors offer incredible diversity. Thai curry vendors work alongside empanada makers and local coffee roasters, creating a international food court that reflects Hawaii's multicultural heritage.

The flowers here are spectacular—bird of paradise, anthuriums, and tropical bouquets that last for weeks. Many vendors will ship flowers to the mainland, letting you take a piece of paradise home.

🥐 15. Komoda Store & Bakery - Makawao

This fourth-generation Japanese bakery in Makawao's paniolo district represents everything beautiful about family food traditions. The building looks exactly as it did decades ago, and the recipes haven't changed either.

Their cream puffs are the stuff of local legend, light, airy pastry filled with real cream that's been whipped to perfection. They often sell out before 10 AM, creating a daily treasure hunt for those lucky enough to snag them.

The stick donuts (literally donuts on sticks) are unique to Hawaii and perfect for eating while walking around Makawao's charming streets. The glaze is just sweet enough without being cloying.

The malasadas, when available, are Portuguese donuts that arrived with plantation workers and became local favorites. Fresh from the oil and dusted with sugar, they're pure comfort food.

🐟 16. Eskimo Candy - Kihei

Part seafood market, part takeout counter, this local secret serves some of the freshest and most reasonably priced fish on the island. It's where locals go when they want restaurant-quality seafood without restaurant prices.

The fish and chips feature whatever was caught that morning, beer-battered and fried until golden. The fish is flaky and sweet, and the batter stays crispy even as you eat outside in the tropical air.

Their fish tacos are built on the same foundation, incredibly fresh fish prepared simply and served with crisp vegetables and house-made sauces that enhance rather than mask the natural flavors.

🥞 17. The Gazebo - Napili

Tucked behind the Napili Shores condos, this tiny open-air restaurant offers spectacular ocean views and some of the most beloved breakfast food on Maui. The line can be daunting, but the experience is worth every minute of waiting.

The macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup are what breakfast dreams are made of, fluffy pancakes studded with local nuts and drizzled with syrup that tastes like liquid tropical paradise.

The fried rice plate is legendary for its massive size. A half order is plenty for most people, and a full order can easily be shared by two hungry adults. It's simple preparation that lets the quality ingredients shine.

The setting makes everything taste better, eating breakfast while watching waves roll onto Napili Beach, with gentle trade winds keeping you cool, is pure Maui magic.

🏄‍♂️ 18. Paia Fish Market - Paia

This bustling institution in the heart of Paia town perfectly captures the North Shore's laid-back surf culture while serving seriously good fish. The concept is simple and perfect—choose your fish, choose your preparation, choose your format.

The ono (wahoo) is a local favorite, a firm, white fish with a mild flavor that takes on whatever preparation you choose. Grilled simply with local vegetables, it showcases why Hawaiian fish has such an incredible reputation.

Their fish burgers are local comfort food at its finest. Fresh fish on a local bun with lettuce, tomato, and house-made sauce creates something that's familiar yet uniquely Hawaiian.

🥧 19. Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop - Olowalu

Located in the tiny village of Olowalu, this charming rustic shop has become a mandatory stop for anyone driving the coast between Lahaina and Kihei. They've mastered both sweet and savory pies, creating perfect handheld meals.

The savory pot pies feature local ingredients in classic comfort food preparations. The chicken pot pie brims with tender meat and vegetables in a rich gravy, all wrapped in flaky pastry that somehow stays crisp even in the tropical humidity.

Their sweet pies rotate with the seasons, but the banana cream and key lime are consistently available and consistently excellent. The banana cream tastes like the best banana bread you've ever had, transformed into pie form.

☕ 20. Tasty Crust - Wailuku

This classic diner feels like stepping back in time to 1950s Hawaii. The checkered floor, vinyl booths, and waitresses who call everyone "honey" create an atmosphere that's become increasingly rare but incredibly special.

Their pancakes are famously thin and crispy around the edges, completely different from the thick, fluffy pancakes most people expect. They cook on a well-seasoned griddle that gives them a distinctive flavor and texture.

The plate lunches represent old-school local food at its finest. Simple preparations of local favorites, generous portions, and prices that haven't changed much since the restaurant opened.

The coffee is strong and hot, served in heavy ceramic mugs that feel substantial in your hands. Combined with the friendly service and nostalgic atmosphere, breakfast here becomes a genuine cultural experience.

Planning Your Complete Hawaii Itinerary

While exploring Maui's incredible food scene, you shouldn't miss the chance to experience other Hawaiian islands, especially the historical significance of Pearl Harbor on Oahu. A guided tour of Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Crater is a must-do experience that provides deep insights into Hawaiian and American history.

Choosing a guided tour is the most efficient way to experience Pearl Harbor. Expert guides handle the complex logistics, provide historical context that brings the exhibits to life, and completely bypass the costs and hassles of parking and transportation. You'll gain deeper insights than you could achieve on your own, while the tour operators manage the schedule and ensure you don't miss any important elements of this sacred site.

Another great option on Oahu is Coral Crater Adventure Park, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures that aren't available on Maui. Their zipline courses, ATV tours, and aerial adventure courses provide an adrenaline rush that complements Maui's more relaxed pace perfectly.

The short inter-island flights make it easy to experience multiple islands during your Hawaiian vacation. Many visitors find that combining Maui's incredible food scene with Oahu's historical sites and adventure activities creates the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, and excitement.