Happy hours and food trucks?

Question

My DH and I have been to Maui numerous times over the years and will be visiting again in a few weeks. I was wondering if anyone had any updated recommendations for happy hours and/or food trucks that we should visit? We are staying in Kihei but will have a car and will be visiting most of the island. Thanks in advance!

Mahalo!

Answer

It’s great that you’ll be back in Maui soon! Kihei is a fantastic base for exploring the island, and with the car, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check out some of Maui’s best happy hours and food trucks. Below are some updated recommendations for both, across various locations on the island:

Happy Hours to Check Out:

Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea & Kihei): Monkeypod is a local favorite with excellent happy hour deals. They have fantastic Mai Tais and craft beers on tap, and their food menu during happy hour includes a selection of pizzas, salads, and appetizers. It's a great place to unwind after a day of exploring, especially with its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views.
The Tasting Room (Kihei): Located in the Kihei Town Center, this small wine bar has a delightful happy hour with local wines and tapas-style appetizers. It's a great spot for a more intimate setting and perfect if you’re into wine tasting. The happy hour prices are great, and the staff is knowledgeable about local wines.
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante (Wailea): This Italian restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Wailea offers a wonderful happy hour with stunning views of the ocean. They serve up some of the best pizzas and small plates on the island, along with refreshing cocktails. The happy hour prices are reasonable for the upscale location.
Kamaole Poolside Cafe (Kihei): A casual spot for a laid-back happy hour, Kamaole Poolside Cafe offers discounted drinks, including tropical cocktails and beers, along with tasty appetizers. It’s a great option if you’re staying in Kihei or want to grab a bite near the beach.
South Shore Tiki Lounge (Kihei): A fun and vibrant spot in Kihei for a lively happy hour, South Shore Tiki Lounge offers cocktails, beers, and discounted appetizers. It’s a great place for a casual, fun time, especially with its tiki-themed decor and upbeat atmosphere.
Fleetwood's on Front St. (Lahaina): Owned by Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, this spot offers a great happy hour with drink specials and a wonderful rooftop bar with amazing sunset views. The food is delicious, and the relaxed, open-air setting is perfect for enjoying Maui’s beautiful weather.

Food Trucks to Visit:

Da Poke Shack (Kihei): A must-visit food truck in Kihei, Da Poke Shack offers fresh poke bowls with a variety of toppings. The fish is incredibly fresh, and they have some creative options. It’s a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal after a day on the beach.
Geste Shrimp (Wailuku): If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Geste Shrimp is well worth the visit. Located in Wailuku, this food truck specializes in garlic shrimp and other seafood dishes. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and the shrimp is flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Maui Fresh Streatery (Kihei and Lahaina): This food truck is known for its gourmet sandwiches, tacos, and fresh, local ingredients. They often serve up creative dishes with a fusion of flavors, and their portion sizes are generous. They rotate locations, but you can often find them in Kihei or Lahaina.
Aloha Plate (Kihei): Aloha Plate serves up delicious Hawaiian comfort food, including loco moco, garlic chicken, and other local favorites. The food is hearty and flavorful, and it's a great place to grab a filling and affordable meal.
Joy's Place (Kihei): Located near the Kihei boat ramp, Joy’s Place is a food truck serving up delicious and healthy breakfast options. Their acai bowls, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches are a great way to start your day, and it’s a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Makena Grill (Wailea): If you find yourself near Wailea, Makena Grill is a great food truck offering burgers, sandwiches, and seafood plates. The food is tasty, and the location offers a beautiful view of the ocean as you enjoy your meal.
Shave Ice at Ululani's (Multiple Locations): Not a food truck in the traditional sense, but Ululani’s Shave Ice is a Maui favorite and a great stop for a refreshing treat. They have locations in Lahaina, Kihei, and Kahului, offering the best shave ice on the island with a variety of flavors and toppings.

Additional Tips:

Check for Food Truck Festivals: Keep an eye out for local food truck festivals or gatherings. Maui has several events throughout the year where food trucks come together, offering a wide variety of options in one place. These events are usually held in central locations like Lahaina or Kihei.
Arrive Early for Food Trucks: Food trucks tend to get busy, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Kihei and Lahaina, so try to arrive early to avoid long lines. Many trucks also offer daily specials, so it’s worth checking their social media pages to find out what’s on the menu.

With so many great happy hours and food trucks to choose from, you’re sure to have a fantastic culinary experience in Maui. Enjoy your time exploring the island’s local flavors and laid-back vibe!