Where to eat and drink on Maui

After doing a little research I realized eating GF on Maui is fairly easy! I found plenty of restaurants with GF menus and options. My only regret is not being able to try the plethora of food trucks around the island. I guess there’s always next time!

Here are some of my favorite places to eat and drink while you’re on Maui:

Slappy Cakes

Make-your-own pancakes is such a fun idea, especially for a group, so we had to try this place (even though I’m usually a fan of eating a quick breakfast on vacation).

Slappy Cakes in Lahaina has a vegan / gluten free batter (one squirt bottle, $8) which tastes super nutty and delicious and you can add a number of toppings for an additional cost. Each table comes with individual flat tops for creating pancake art.

The restaurant cleans each before use but does not have dedicated GF surfaces. And if you don’t care for pancakes, they have plenty of other options.

Get here early, there’s usually a wait!

 

Related: 5 free things to do in Honolulu

 

Mama’s Fish House

Several friends recommended this place, so you have to figure even with the higher end prices, it has to be worth it. And it is worth visiting at least once.

Mama’s Fish House in Paia is a Maui staple and family-owned since 1973. The menu is full of fresh fish caught daily and it even mentions who caught the fish and where with descriptions like, “Ahi caught by Greg Lind on the Hana coast.”

A few tips:

1) Make a reservation early! Even for a big place, they sell out fast.

2) Go for lunch so you can see the beautiful grounds, views and snap a few photos.

3) Order the curry and ask for the story behind it. It is hands down the best curry I’ve ever had!

 

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

Not only does this place have a fun name, but it’s also very GF friendly!

Located at the Grand Wailea Resort, Humuhumu is named after the state fish and stilted over water, giving it a very tropical vibe.

We ordered both of the wagyu steaks, which were outstanding and very easily shareable.

Another favorite from the evening was a unique appetizer recommended by our server: the seasonal ulu “risotto” with truffle and parmesan, made from breadfruit instead of rice. The breadfruit gives it a nice chewy texture and the truffle and parmesan paired with the sweetness of the fruit nicely.

I always say you really can’t go wrong with experimenting with local cuisine! 

 

Lahaina Fish Co.

It doesn’t get more “classic Maui” than Lahaina Fish Co. They’ve been serving fresh fish in the heart of Lahaina for more than 25 years.

Recently, they’ve expanded their gluten free, vegetarian and vegan menu options. I ordered a toasted gluten free bun before the meal toasted to eat with their delicious Hawaiian salted butter.

I also ordered a cajun mahi mahi with smashed purple sweet potatoes and kale salad.

This place is great for a date night, offering two floors of panoramic oceanfront dining with breathtaking views of nightly sunsets. 

 

808 Deli

If you’re looking for a quick meal, 808 Deli in Kihei is the place. Founded in 2008 by brothers Josh & Jim Richardson, 808 Deli has been voted “Best Sandwiches on Maui” a few years in a row.

They offer GF bread for any of their sandwiches and can also make you one of their BOMB pudding cups without the cookies so don’t forget to order the peanut butter chocolate banana one!

Seating is limited so you may consider taking your sandwich to the beach across the street to watch the surfers and the turtles!

 

Related: The pros and cons of flying Southwest to Hawaii

 

Fleetwood’s on Front Street

If you’re looking for a cool spot for a cocktail on Front Street in Lahaina, it doesn’t get much cooler than Mick Fleetwood. The co-founder of Fleetwood Mac owns this sexy bar on the second story, right on the water front.

Happy hour and $1 oyster hour is from 2:00-5:00pm and they have a daily sunset ceremony on the rooftop at 5:45pm.

And don’t forget the great live music at night!

 

OTHER GF PLACES TO CHECK OUT ON MAUI:

-The Mill House (highly rated cuisine in Wailuku, happy hour 2-5pm)

-Tepanyaki 2 Go (GF takeout near Kaanapali)

-The Plantation House (north of Kapalua, breathtaking views, happy hour 2-5pm)

-Star Noodle (Lahaina, no happy hour, make a reservation)

-The Fish Market Maui (GF poke in Lahaina)

-Kimo’s (Lahaina, happy hour 3-5pm)