“So ‘ono” or “broke da mouth” is what locals say when they eat delicious, or “ONOLICIOUS,” grinds (“ GOOD FOOD ,” in Hawai‘i’s pidgin English). While on Maui, try some of these simple, affordable grinds, such as plate lunches and poke (pronounced “poh-keh”) for a meal that travels well, and is an authentic taste of the islands.
A quintessential part of Hawaiian cuisine, a PLATE LUNCH generally is made up of two scoops of rice, one scoop of macaroni salad (aff ectionately referred to as “mac salad” in Hawai‘i) and a choice of meat. These large meals cover the basics and sometimes even all three daily meals. Even better, their prices rival those of any typical fast-food joint found in Hawai‘i. Just grab a plate lunch, plop down on a beach, and enjoy what life has dished you up.
Pick up a plate lunch of kālua pork and cabbage or loco moco (a hamburger patty served over rice, topped with an egg and gravy — a local favorite) from locations all over Maui, including TAKAMIYA MARKET in Wailuku (359 N. Market St.).
For a plate lunch that many locals and visitors alike would say is a must-have, get a SHRIMP PLATE from GESTE SHRIMP TRUCK . Prepared with shrimp fresh from island waters, these meals come with rice, mac salad and a side of satisfaction; just remember that the truck is closed Sundays. Find it at 591 Haleakalā Hwy. in Kahului. Visit gesteshrimp.com for details.
Outside of plate lunch, POKE is another local favorite for a quick, tasty meal. A simply prepared dish of FRESHLY CAUGHT LOCAL FISH AND SEAFOOD such as ‘ahi (tuna) or tako (octopus), poke features these catches either raw or smoked, and tossed in one of a variety of sauces, from simple shoyu (soy sauce) to original flavors featuring wasabi or sesame. If you want, you can also get a side of white or brown rice to round out your meal.
You can pick up some poke at local grocery stores, or at fish markets like ESKIMO CANDY SEAFOOD MARKET & CAFÉ, located in Kīhei at 2665 Wai Wai Place.
Dine at one of Maui’s favorite outdoor eateries, DOWN THE HATCH . There, you’ll find island twists on faves such as fish ‘n’ chips, mahi mahi tacos and the shrimp po’boy served up with the restaurant’s signature Southern Aloha. DOWN THE HATCH 808-661-4900