Food trucks are BOOMING on Maui. It seems like new food trucks open every month!
Maui food trucks serve some of the island’s most affordable, unique, and delicious eats. You’ll find any fare your heart desires, from Japanese and Thai to local plate lunches and Canadian-Hawaiian fusion (yes, you read that right).
As a visitor, food trucks are great for on-the-go meals and offer a less formal, less expensive dining experience. Not all food trucks are “cheap,” but they’re generally less expensive than many of Maui’s sit-down restaurants. Plus, when you dine at a Maui food truck, you’re supporting a locally-owned small business.
Here’s where to find the best Maui food trucks, and our favorite picks. Ready to dive in, foodies? Here is the ultimate guide to food trucks on Maui.
The Ultimate Guide to Food Trucks on Maui
Maui Food Truck Prices
Dining at food trucks can be an affordable alternative to some of Maui’s high-priced restaurants. But be forewarned, most Maui dining experiences aren’t considered “cheap” – whether you’re at a truck or not. On average, you can expect to pay between $12-25 per plate.
Some of the most affordable food trucks we’ve discovered on our eat-ventures:
- Thai Mee Up – One of the most popular Thai trucks on Maui. Entrees under $15.
- Havens – Smash burgers, temaki, and local-style noodles. Most entrees are under $16, with a few exceptions.
- Ono Tacos – Authentic Mexican food with hard-to-find-on-Maui eats like birria and tortas. $4 tacos; burritos and tortas under $12.
Maui Food Truck Cleanliness
Maui food trucks have to follow cleanliness protocols in order to stay open. Food trucks are certified commercial kitchens, and the Department of Health is quick to shut down any truck that isn’t abiding by DOH food safety requirements. Green “Pass” placards should be clearly displayed on the truck. If you don’t see one, it might be a good idea to skip it.
The dining areas aren’t always as clean as the trucks. Tables might not be wiped as often as they should and you’ll definitely see a few wild chickens poking around. But you can always bring your meal to a nearby beach or park—that’s the beauty of food trucks!
Cash or Card?
The majority of Maui food trucks accept cards (probably about 90%), but there are a few exceptions. I learned this the hard way the other day! It’s definitely a good idea to carry some cash on you, just in case. Plus, many Maui farmers’ markets and fruit stands on the Road to Hana only accept cash.
Plastic-Free Maui
Maui County banned plastic and polystyrene (styrofoam) takeout receptacles in March of 2022, so your to-go food will usually come in a paper clamshell container. Plastic utensils are also banned, and while some food trucks use compostable “plastic” utensils, others offer wooden utensils. Pack some reusable ones if you don’t like the feeling of wooden utensils.
Maui Food Truck Locations and Hours
BIG heads up for all you Maui foodies! Maui food truck locations and hours can change at the drop of a hat. We have a pretty good idea of the island’s most solid food trucks, but social media is the best way to keep track of their hours and location.
South Maui Food Trucks
There are two main food truck hubs in South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena).
Maui Food Trucks of Kihei Hub
The first is the Maui Food Trucks of Kihei hub, behind the Azeka Shopping Center off of Piikea Avenue. There’s an assortment of about 10-12 food trucks (give or take), with a handful of pavilions and picnic tables for seating.
Some favorites:
- Da Nani Pirates – Lots of creative fish dishes, from seared ahi wraps to poke and fish tacos. Also serves burgers, salads, and chicken.
- Kraken Coffee – Popular coffee truck with drive-thru, inventive drinks, and always-friendly service.
- Sol Brothers Southern BBQ – Highly rated Southern BBQ food truck with favorites like brisket, mac and cheese, and baby back ribs.
Kihei Food Oasis Hub
Another popular food truck hub is the Kihei Food Oasis in South Maui Gardens near Kalama Park. This was voted Maui’s best food truck park! Some of Maui’s most popular food trucks are here, and this hub has a great ambiance.
Some favorites
- Kitoko – Upscale bentos with colorful, artistic plating. Try the ahi reuben or crispy chicken bento.
- Wing Kings – Comfort food at its finest. Wings, boneless strips, sandos, and enough sauces to make your head spin.
- Thai Mee Up – One of Maui’s most popular thai trucks with affordable entrees.
Central Maui Food Trucks
Food trucks are everywhere in Central Maui. You’ll find them in the most random places. The biggest hubs are across from Costco and on Main Street in Wailuku.
Costco Food Trucks
The Costco food trucks are by far the busiest food truck lots on Maui. That’s because they’re right by the airport—and there are some delicious options! There are actually two separate lots here. One is the Plate Lunch Marketplace, directly across the street from the Costco gas station. The other is directly in front of the Marriott.
Some favorites:
- Havens – Smash burgers, fish plates, and poke bowls. Located in the Plate Lunch Marketplace.
- Ono Teppanyaki – Steak and seafood plate lunches. Located in the Plate Lunch Marketplace.
- Geste Shrimp – One of Maui’s most popular trucks. Hawaiian Scampi and Spicy Pineapple shrimp are musts. Plate Lunch Marketplace.
- Stay tuned for more favorites from the lot near Marriott!
Wailuku Food Trucks
The Wailuku Food Truck lot is a relatively new addition to Central Maui. Find it on Main Street in Wailuku next to Native Intelligence.
Some favorites:
- Thai Esan Maui – Highly rated Thai food truck.
- BobaLei – Boba and other sweet treats.
Other Central Maui Food Trucks
Some top food trucks are stand-alone trucks. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ono Tacos – Previously located in Lahaina, now reopen in the Maui Mall parking lot on the Puunene Avenue side. Authentic Mexican food, great service. CASH only.
- Maui Fresh Streatery – Award-winning local food truck, only open on select evenings. Expect a line up when you find them! Check out their Instagram for location and hours. Usually located in Maui Lani (Central Maui) on Friday evenings.
- Ula Ula Cafe – Very popular food truck serving local food. Located on a plantation in Waihee. A great stop before or after hiking Waihee Ridge Trail!
- First Wave Coffee – Local coffee truck in the Lowe’s parking lot. Friendliest service around!
West Maui Food Trucks
***We’re heartbroken after a devastating wildfire tore through our historic town of Lahaina on August 8, 2023, burning down 5 square miles of local homes and businesses. The rebuild will take years, and we’re monitoring the situation closely to keep our readers as best informed as possibly can. West Maui reopened to responsible, mindful, and respectful visitors on October 8, 2023***
The main food truck lot in West Maui is the Honoapiilani Food Truck Lot, located just north of Kaanapali. There are plenty of lunch and dinner options, but not much for breakfast.
Some favorites:
- Thai Food by Suri – Classic Thai dishes with local ingredients. Don’t miss the crispy opaka!
- Kaya Sushi – Highly rated truck with colorful sushi rolls and Japanese small plates.
Not in the Honoapiilani Food Truck Lot, but also a good option:
- Penne Pasta – This treasured Lahaina town restaurant has just opened a food truck since the August Fire. There’s word it resides in Kahana, keep an eye out
North Shore + Upcountry Food Trucks
Maui’s North Shore (Paia, Haiku) has a few mouthwatering hidden gems, but Upcountry has a well-established food truck scene.
Kulamalu Food Trucks
The Kulamalu Food Truck lot is the biggest food truck hub in Upcountry. It’s right next to Longs in Pukalani—a great place to stop before or after visiting Haleakala Crater.
Some favorites:
- Maui Pizza Truck – Award-winning wood-fired pizza food truck.
- Suns Out Buns Out – Colorful bao bun food truck with tons of unique options.
- Mo ‘Ono Hawaii – Delicious acai bowls with unique toppings like poi and chocolate shavings.
Haiku Food Trucks
Haiku is a small town on Maui’s north shore. There are a few food trucks in the parking lot at Haiku Marketplace.
Some favorites:
- Mediterranean Grill – One of Maui’s top-rated food trucks. Gyros, falafels, and shawarma.
- Haiku Sushi – Newly opened Japanese food truck with a range of options, including affordable sushi rolls.
- All Kine Maui Grindz – Sister truck of Thai Mee Up, a hidden gem. Thai and local Hawaiian flavors.
Hana Food Trucks
The Maui food truck scene has infiltrated even the furthest reaches of the island – much to the delight of locals and visitors. The days of packing a day’s worth of meals to Hana are over, as there are now two food truck lots in downtown Hana, some options at Nahiku Marketplace, and several standalone trucks.
Nahiku Marketplace
Nahiku Marketplace is a cluster of open-air eateries and souvenir shops located at mile marker 29 on the Road to Hana. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat! While there are not technically any food trucks here, the open-air cafes have the same vibe.
Hana Food Trucks
There are two food truck lots to choose from in Hana. One is across the street from Hana Ranch Store while the other is about 300 feet past Hana Gas. Choose from options like poke, pizza, and Thai food.
Hana Favorites:
- Braddah Hutts – Family-owned BBQ plate lunch spot. Located just beyond Hana town on a residential property. A must-visit. (Stand alone truck – 5305 Hana Highway)
- Da Fish Shack – Fresh fish everything: tacos, sandwiches, plates, salads, and more. (Hana Gas food trucks)
- Kilo’s Kitchen – Highly-rated food truck serving plate lunches, poke, and burgers. (Stand alone truck – 4673 Uakea Road)
- Koki Beach Huli Huli Chicken – Not a food truck, but very popular food stand at Koki Beach, featured on Gordon Ramsay’s “Uncharted.”
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