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Tasty Cheap Eats in Maui

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Are you planning a trip to Maui on a budget? Scroll to find out the best Maui cheap eats that taste amazing!
This list of Maup cheap eats and restaurants on Maui on a budget was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

If you’re looking for cheap eats in Maui for a more budget-friendly vacation to Hawaii, don’t worry.

There are plenty of cheap places to eat in Maui where you will find great food without breaking the bank. 

This is your ultimate guide to finding the best cheap eats in Maui, as well as some tips on how to find the best deals on food.

So whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to save some money, here are all the best places to eat in Maui on a budget! 

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Best Cheap Eats in Maui

If you are going to Maui on a budget, here are all the best cheap places to eat in Maui! Here you will find some of the best affordable restaurants in Maui, along with other great cheap eats on Maui that are both delicious and good for your budget. 

1. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is one of the best cheap places to eat in Kihei Maui, but there are plenty of L&L’s all over the island too! This restaurant specializes in Hawaiian-style barbecue.

Here you can grab some juicy meat and mouth-watering fish for a quick meal on the go. The prices are very reasonable, making this an excellent choice for those looking to stay on a budget. 

2. Zippy’s

You can find Zippy’s restaurants all over the island, and it’s another one of the best inexpensive restaurants in Maui!

This chain restaurant is known for its plate lunches, which come with your choice of meat, two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad or green salad. You can also find soups, sandwiches, chili, and even traditional food you will find on the mainland. 

3. Foodland

Foodland is another great option to grab a cheap meal during your trip to Maui. This grocery store has a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals, including bento boxes, sandwiches, salads, and more. 

The prices are very affordable, and the quality of the food is excellent. Foodland is known to have some of the best poke bowls too, with a variety of choices so you can find your favorite kind of poke. You can also grab a simple, hot musubi if you aren’t too hungry. 

4. Da Kitchen

Da Kitchen is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike looking for affordable meals. This restaurant serves up hearty portions of Hawaiian comfort food like kalua pork, loco moco, and chicken long rice. The plate lunches are around $13-18 and will definitely fill you up! 

You will find Da Kitchen in Kihei. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

5. Cool Cat Cafe

One of the best cheap places to eat in Lahaina, Maui, is the Cool Cat Cafe. They’ve got awesome burgers and all types of sandwiches that range from $8-15. This place has a wide selection, so you can each find something you know you’ll enjoy here! 

The Cool Cat Cafe is open everyday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, so you can enjoy any meal all day long here, depending on your plans. 

6. Fork & Salad

Fork & Salad is a new restaurant that’s quickly becoming a favorite among tourists who want to eat healthy, delicious food. They have a build-your-own salad concept where you can choose from over 50 different toppings – all for under $12! They also have grain bowls, soups, and sandwiches. 

This restaurant is located in Kihei at the Pu’unene Shopping Center and is open everyday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

7. Huli Huli Chicken

In Hana, you will find Huli Huli Chicken, a popular restaurant in Maui that offers delicious chicken plates that cost either $15 or $18 each. It is not a fancy place by any means, but it will probably be the best chicken you’ve ever had. Gordon Ramsey even ate here once! 

You can grab this delicious chicken every day of the week from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

8. Joey’s Kitchen

Joey’s Kitchen is another popular Maui-based restaurant that offers a variety of plate lunches and dinners. Most of them range from $10-18. Try their kalua pork sandwich, loco moco, or Joey’s famous garlic chicken. You can find this awesome cheap place to eat in Lahaina

This cheap place to eat in Maui is open all day long for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week! 

9. Outriggers Pizza

Another great place to eat cheap food in Kihei is Outriggers Pizza. Here you can get some delicious handmade pizza with a variety of flavors. Each pizza costs between $9 and $15, and they are amazing! 

Outriggers Pizza is open every day of the week except Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. You’ll find this place at the Kukui Mall. 

10. Tin Roof

At Tin Roof, everything is under $20, with most being under $15! You can find Tin Roof in Kahului, Maui.

Here you can find some incredible garlic shrimp, pork belly, and a spicy chicken sandwich that will fill you up, so you can enjoy other fun things to do in Maui on a budget! 

11. Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop

Another one of the best places to eat in Maui for cheap is at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Lahaina.

Grab a tasty Reuben sandwich, blue cheese burger, cheese steak, or other delicious sandwiches and salads. This is another place where everything is under $18. Be sure to try the chocolate haupia pie; it’s incredible! 

12. Acevedo’s Hawaicano Cafe

If you are in the mood for some cheap Mexican food, you’ll want to try Acevedo’s Hawaicano Cafe. Here you can get plenty of great Mexican plates for $16 each. The plates are jam-packed with food, so you will probably be able to share one plate between the two of you! 

13. Ramen Ya

If you are in the mood for some ramen during your trip to Maui, stop at Ramen Ya in Kahului. While they have a huge selection of ramens, they also have delicious curry, fried rice dishes, and sides that will make for a great meal. Everything here is under $14 and will give you plenty to eat! 

14. 808 Grindz Cafe

If you want some good Hawaiian food, you will want to stop by the 808 Grindz Cafe on the North Shore of Maui. There are a variety of loco mocos to experience, as well as a few other great selections. The locals love this place to eat, and most food plates are between $10-15. 

808 Grindz Cafe is open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm every day. You’ll find it in the Foodland Shopping Center. This is the cheapest place to eat in Maui for breakfast! 

15. Thai Mee Up

Thai Mee Up is a great place to eat for cheap in Maui. The food is delicious, and the prices are very reasonable. This place has a few great Thai plates, including curry, Panang chicken, and garlic shrimp, among a few others. 

You will find Thai Mee Up in Kahului and is open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you want some Thai food during your trip to Maui, this is the best place to go! 

16. Eating Local

Eating Local is another one of the great places to eat on a budget in Lahaina, Maui. Everything here is under $15 and is delicious local food you will want to try. Try out their daily specials to save even more money! 

Enjoy some chicken katsu, loco moco, teriyaki beef, or their ribs. This restaurant is open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm every weekday. You’ll find Eating Local in the Lahaina Square Shopping Center. 

17. The Sunrise Cafe

If you are looking for a cute little place to eat, try The Sunrise Cafe in Lahaina. It is another great place to eat for cheap in Maui that is family-owned. The cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. 

All of their food is affordable and delicious, with many choices available. Because it is a small place to eat, it might take some time for your meal to be ready, so only head here if you don’t have to rush somewhere quickly. 

18. Tasty Crusty Restaurant

If you want to eat both local Hawaiian food and some American comfort food, head to the Tasty Crusty Restaurant in Wailuku. From fresh seafood to chicken, steaks, and more, you can find almost everything here for under $12! 

This is definitely a place you will want to try at least once during your trip to Maui! The Tasty Crusty Restaurant is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day except for Monday. 

19. Farmer’s Markets

There are Maui farmer’s markets all around the island that will have some pretty cheap eats. The markets offer a wide selection of foods from around the world at very low prices, making them ideal for budget-minded tourists. 

You can find local fresh produce, seafood, meats, noodles, and so many other great selections! It is a great spot to find some cheap souvenirs and some great food, all the while supporting small business owners and the local farms in Maui. 

20. CJ’s Deli & Diner

CJ’s Deli & Diner offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and they are open every single day of the week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Here you will find options ranging from $10 to $18, which include BBQ ribs, fish tacos, kalua pork, mochiko chicken, and so much more! 

This cheap place to eat in Maui is located in Lahaina and is a great option for those who want to stick to a budget and still eat delicious, fresh food. 

21. Da Fish Shack

At Da Fish Shack, located in Hana, you will find locally caught fish that is absolutely delicious. Grab a cajun fish burger, grilled shrimp tacos, island mix grill, or the paniolo burger for a lunch plate you will love! 

Prices here range from $16 to $23. Each day there will also be specials so you can have an affordable meal you will enjoy. 

22. Paia Fish Market

For some of the best fish on Maui, stop by Paia Fish Market. Most everything on the menu is under $16, making it very budget-friendly! Choose from a wide selection of lunch and dinner plates, including, shrimp and chips, ahi burger, fish tacos, sashimi, and so much more!

Paia Fish Market Fish Tacos
Fish tacos at Paia Fish Market. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

At Paia Fish Market, you will find a wide variety of fish, from ahi to mahi mahi, salmon, opah, ono, and snapper. You will find three different Paia Fish Markets all over Maui, and each is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

Best Places to Eat in Maui on a Budget FAQs

How can I eat cheap in Maui? 

One of the best ways to eat on a budget in Maui is to go where the locals go to eat. Usually, they are the cheapest places, but also the best places as well! Skip the fancy restaurants and try these Maui cheap eats down below.

How much does it cost to eat out in Maui? 

The cost of eating out in Maui all depends on where you go to eat. For fancier restaurants, you can be spending around $50+ per person. At cheap restaurants in Maui, you can spend anywhere from $8-$20 per person typically.

Tips for Finding Cheap Eats on Maui

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for cheap eats on Maui. 

  • First, always check the menu for specials and discounts. Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch prices or early bird specials. 
  • Happy hour is a great time to snag some cheap bites and drinks too! 
  • Try the Keiki size meal! Often the portions are huge, so the children’s size meal will fill you up but also save you money too! 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Locals always know where to find the best and cheapest food.
  • Some of the smaller places to eat and the food trucks only accept cash. Be sure to always have some cash on hand. 

Cheap Eats on Maui Wrap Up

If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in Maui, any of these will be delicious and budget-friendly. Keep in mind that there are plenty of other great places to eat on Maui that didn’t make this list, so don’t be afraid to explore!

Looking for more Maui travel resources? Check out the best things to do on Maui on a budget, best Maui ice cream shops, kid-friendly Maui restaurants, top Road to Hana tips, and how to plan a trip to Maui!

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