Where to find cheap eats in Maui to saved on a budget
If you are on a budget and visiting Maui, you’ll find the food scene here is really ridiculous. But, there are affordable dining options on Maui! You can enjoy a meal out and still have some cash left in your pocket. While Maui is home to many fantastic restaurants, eating out can get pricey fast. If you’re looking to find cheap eats in Maui, then keep reading the tips and suggestions below.
If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly spots, here are a few recommendations that consistently offer good food at reasonable prices. This isn’t an exhaustive list of every affordable eatery on the island, but rather some of my personal favorites. As you explore, you’ll likely discover many more!
Shop at Costco for the cheapest meals
If you are looking for cheap then Costco is the clear winner for affordable dining on Maui. You can have dinner for two here for just around $10, which is almost unheard of on Maui in 2024. Either go to their food take out spot for a slice of pizza, a jumbo hot dog, or a nice salad and you’ve got a meal and drinks to boot.. And if you’re in the mood for a whole pizza in an 18 inch size, it’s only $10!
When you shop for provisions inside, you can find some bulk snacks, breakfast items, easy to make pre-made meals you just eat or warm up or how about those amazing $5 rotisserie style chicken that’s a real deal!
While you are shopping, don’t forget to try all the free samples around the store that’s enough to tie you over between meals.
The Costco take out area is located right next to the store entrance, so if you’re hungry head out there for some cheap eats. Don’t forget, you’ll need to show your Costco membership to buy anything from the food court.
Eat at those food trucks
When you are looking for different food options in a variety of places around the islands, head out to those food trucks. They are centrally located in each part of the island and you’ll see them bunched up together to attract more crowds to eat there.
Typically, these food trucks offer basic foods to more elevated foodie style cuisine that’s cheaper than restaurant prices but know that the dining is basic or you can easily take out and head out to the nearest beach or your favorite hangout spot with a view.
One of my favorites is located just outside the Costco area with over 10 vendors that sell some amazing food to eat on site or take out, it’s a great place to relax after shopping at busy Costco.
Check out some of the best food trucks here in Maui for more really good eats at a great price.
Cheap food and take out at Foodland
Foodland is Hawaii’s version of Safeway with plenty of choices and specials every week. This local grocery chain offers all the essentials for grocery needs, plus a bakery, a hot bar, a deli, and a poke bar. You’ll also find bento boxes, sushi, spam musubis, and pre-made salads.
When your in the mood for cheap eats, just head to Foodland. A 14 oz sub will cost you around $10, as will a premium poke bowl. If you’re staying in Hawaii for more than a few days, consider signing up for Foodland’s “Maikaʻi Card,” which gives you discounts on snacks, drinks, and other groceries.
Check out all the Foodland locations and specials here for more information.
Quickie cheap meals at MInit stop
Minit Stop is a locally owned gas station and convenience store chain found all over Maui. It’s famous for its fried chicken, potato wedges, and award-winning spam musubis. If you’re looking for something cheap and local try Minit Stop’s musubis which actually won the Maui Times “Best Musubi on Maui” award in 2018.
Things to try at Minit Stop that’s cheap is a three-piece chicken and wedge box for under $10, and musubis for just under $3. Or for larger meals check out their budget-friendly dishes like chicken katsu plates, bentos, and chili. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can grab a massive plate lunch for around $15.
While the food might not be the healthiest (it is a gas station, after all), it’s definitely easy on your wallet.
Find out all the Minute spot locations in Maui and weekly specials here for more details.
Dining coupons and discounts
When visiting Maui, be sure to check the local newspapers or those free Maui travel magazines for advertised specials and coupons at local restaurants. You can often find some great deals at Maui’s best dining spots with free desserts or two for one specials or even early dining deals.
Farmers markets on the island
Most farmers markets will have small food stalls or food trucks that offer some cheaper alternative or take out fare. It’s a captive market so you get what you see and you can also shop for local produce that’s in season, any homemade specialty foods and some other fun take away food to enjoy on the spot. Try sampling some local foods, snacks or thinks that aunty makes to sell at these farmers markets for a really good deal.
Check out all the Maui farmers markets here for a list of active markets you can visit now on the island.
MAUI food courts, Specialty take out & store delis
You’ll find that Maui’s shopping centers often have food courts with a mix of fast-food options, ranging from well-known national chains like Subway to local favorites like Maui Tacos and KFC. If you’re after a quick and affordable meal, food courts are a great choice.
The largest food court on the island is at Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului, located on the 2nd level at the front of the mall. Other good food courts can be found at Piilani Shopping Center in Kihei (near Safeway) and Whalers Village in Kaanapali.
Go to bars and restaurants for Happy Hour or Early Bird Specials
Many Maui eateries have Pau Hana Happy hour or Early Bird special dinners around the island. Places to check out includes Sansei with 50% off early bird specials or better deals with drinks and pupu appetizer plates when you come in early from 4-6 pm. There’s no reason why you can’t save on deals for Happy Hour around the island especially if you want to start early and save big on food and drinks on the island.
Check out all these Happy Hour venues in Maui here for cool places to go.
Check out these other topics to visiting Maui
If you are looking for more information and inspiration to visiting Maui, check out these posts below.
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Conclusion of Cheap eats in Maui
There’s no getting around it that Maui is a very expensive island to visit and explore from hotels, dining to entertainment. But you really can do it on a cheaper budget with all these fantastic tips above to try and do on your own.
If you have any other tips or suggestions to offer, please share them in the comment sections below for our readers to also do.
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Great suggestions!!! Where can I find the Hawaiian Toffee cart?
That is located at the swap meet on Saturdays at Kahului, thanks for visiting the site.