Hawaii Real Estate

Maui land For Sale

The Best Cheap Eats on Maui in 2025

Where to Dine Deliciously on a Budget Across the Valley Isle

Maui might be known for luxury resorts and fine dining, but locals and savvy travelers know that the island's true culinary treasures often come wrapped in foil, served on paper plates, and cost under $15. From plate lunches to stuffed sandwiches, these budget-friendly bites are packed with flavor, history, and heart. In a place where prices are famously high, these top spots prove that good food doesn’t have to break the bank.

We’ve rounded up the best cheap eats on Maui for 2025, as voted by readers in HAWAIʻI Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. These local favorites serve up comfort, nostalgia, and bold island flavor—all at wallet-friendly prices.

1. Cool Cat Café (Kīhei)

Classic diner vibes and award-winning burgers

After the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires, Cool Cat Café made a triumphant return—reopening in Kīhei within a year. This retro diner is beloved for its hearty, affordable comfort food. Standouts include the Leader of the Pack burger and Boogie Woogie chicken sandwich (both $13.50), while vegetarians can enjoy the Patsy Klein grilled cheese for just $11.50.

Hot dogs start at $10.50, and there's even a daily happy hour from 2 to 3 p.m. with drinks under $10. Don’t skip the milkshakes—spiked ($16) or classic ($10). Plus, kamaʻāina get 20% off with a local ID.

Cool Cat Cafe Kihei

1819 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei
808-667-0908 | coolcatcafe.com

2. 808 Deli (Kīhei)

Next-level sandwiches at down-to-earth prices

For a quick bite just steps from the beach, 808 Deli is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The menu features crave-worthy creations like the Belly Dancer sandwich ($14) with pork belly and Boursin cheese, and the Hot Hawaiian panini ($13) stacked with ham and pineapple.

You can score gourmet hot dogs (including veggie options) for $9 or less, and breakfast starts at just $4. Locals can look out for daily deals—some sandwiches drop to as low as $6.

2439 South Kīhei Road, Suite 107A, Kīhei
808-879-1111

3. Tin Roof Maui (Kahului)

Celebrity-chef quality without the celebrity price tag

Chef Sheldon Simeon (of Top Chef fame) and his wife Janice run this no-frills takeout joint that’s big on flavor and value. Highlights include fat chow funn noodles with pork ($10), a pork belly rice bowl ($14), and the crowd-favorite spicy mochiko chicken sandwich ($10)—a masterpiece of local flavor on a brioche bun.

Don’t miss the extras: kimchi ($3), mac salad (from $2), and decadent butter mochi ($6). This is comfort food, elevated and accessible.

Tinroofcheapeatshta

360 Papa Pl., Suite 116, Kahului
808-868-0753 | tinroofmaui.com

4. Kalei’s Lunchbox (Pukalani & Wailuku)

ʻOhana-style meals, made with love and priced right

From humble food truck beginnings to two full-service locations, Kalei’s Lunchbox has become a local favorite for fresh, affordable plates. Breakfast starts at $7 (Spam, eggs, and rice included), while lunch features favorites like furikake mochiko chicken, breaded pork teriyaki, and hamburger steak (plate lunches from $16).

The shrimp sandwich ($11) and mini loco moco ($18) are unique to the Maui Lani location. If you're looking for big flavor and true local hospitality, this is your spot.

Kaleislunchbox

52 Maui Lani Parkway, Wailuku – 808-793-3104
55 Pukalani St., Makawao – 808-793-0151
foodtruckmaui.com

5. Sam Sato’s (Wailuku)

Old-school eats with timeless appeal

No website, no problem. Sam Sato’s has been serving the Maui community since 1933 and is still one of the best-kept secrets on the island. Famous for its dry mein (from $11.95), manju pastries ($1.25), and super affordable breakfast and lunch options, this local institution does it all without fanfare.

Most dishes are $10–$12, and the largest item—a party-sized noodle pan—feeds 60 people for just $95. It’s authentic, unfussy, and delicious.

Samsatos

1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku
808-244-7124

Final Thoughts: Savor Local, Spend Less

Maui’s best cheap eats reflect the island’s roots: creative, multicultural, and grounded in community. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick bite or a traveler wanting to taste Maui without tourist prices, these eateries serve up serious flavor for a fraction of what you'd expect to pay.

So grab your fork (or your fingers), and explore Maui one budget-friendly bite at a time!