Where I Actually Eat on Maui— Ep 132

Where I Actually Eat on Maui: Favorite Spots, Road to Hana Stops, and Honest TakesMarcie of Hawaii Travel Made Easy shares the Maui restaurants she personally returns to each trip, starting with fish tacos at Coconuts Fish Cafe in Kihei (best at lunch) and dessert at Ululani’s Shave Ice, including a Maui Ocean Center location. She highlights Sweet Hula’s acai bowls in the South Maui Gardens, explains how Paia Fish Market differs in Paia versus Kihei (especially for takeout), and recommends Cafe Olei at the Maui Tropical Plantation for an upscale sit-down meal with reservations. For families, she suggests Monkeypod Kitchen for its crowd-pleasing menu and standout mai tai. She praises Da Kitchen for huge portions and Road to Hana stops like Huealo Lookout smoothies and Bruddah Hutts BBQ ribs, and offers a candid, less-enthusiastic take on Hali‘imaile General Store. She notes most stops require a car and promotes planning resources, consultations, and itinerary audits on her website.00:00 Oahu Food Hangover00:24 Maui Eats Mission00:52 Coconuts Fish Tacos01:38 Ululani Shave Ice02:09 Sweet Hula Acai02:55 Paia Fish Market Picks03:44 Cafe Olei Plantation04:16 Monkeypod Favorites04:56 Da Kitchen Classics05:28 Road to Hana Bites06:10 Upcountry Reality Check06:40 Car Rental Note06:57 Wrap Up And HelpWho this episode is for: Anyone planning a Maui trip who wants real restaurant picks from someone who's eaten there dozens of times, not a generic "best of" list.What you'll learn: Where to eat in Kihei, Paia, and Upcountry, which Road to Hana stops are worth the detour, and which hyped spot Marcie skips.Restaurants discussed:Coconuts Fish Cafe (Kihei) — fish tacos, best at lunchUlulani's Shave Ice (multiple locations incl. Maui Ocean Center)Sweet Hula (South Maui Gardens) — acai bowlsPaia Fish Market (Paia vs. Kihei locations, takeout notes)Cafe Olei (Maui Tropical Plantation) — upscale, reservations recommendedMonkeypod Kitchen — family-friendly, mai taiDa Kitchen — huge portionsHali'imaile General Store — Marcie's honest, less-enthusiastic takePlaces discussed: Kihei, Paia, South Maui, Maui Tropical Plantation, Upcountry, Road to HanaActivities discussed: Driving the Road to HanaMarcie's recommendations:Coconuts Fish Cafe for lunch specificallyCafe Olei for a nicer sit-down night outHuealo Lookout smoothies and Bruddah Hutts BBQ ribs on the Road to HanaSkip the hype on Hali'imaile General StoreRelated Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui— Ep 31How to Plan a Trip to Maui— Ep 47Related articles:Best Maui Restaurants for Kids: Where a Mom of 2 Actually EatsRoad to Hana: 16 Things to Know Before You Go (2026 Guide)About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.comConnect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation🌺 Join 11,000+ families receiving free Hawaii travel tips, island guides, and insider advice - subscribe now!https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/free-5-day-email-course-how-to-travel-to-hawaii-like-a-pro/