Maui Sales

Hawaii Real Estate

Maui homes 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!

Tags

About The Smith Team

Ken Smith, a Maui resident for 35 years, brings his extensive local knowledge and passion for the island to his successful real estate career. Alongside his daughter-in-law, Melissa Smith, and Greg Smith, the Smith Team provides a wealth of experience and dedication to clients seeking to buy or sell property in Maui.

Melissa Smith, a third-generation Maui native, combines her deep understanding of the island's growth with a commitment to exceptional service. She empowers clients with knowledge to make informed decisions in finding their dream homes. With a background as a top agent and a Broker's license, Melissa's expertise is invaluable.

Gregory P. Smith, a lifelong Maui surfer, channels his passion for the island and its natural beauty into his real estate profession. His enthusiasm, deep market knowledge, and dedication to exceeding client expectations make him an exceptional agent.

The Smith Team's combined local expertise, commitment to client service, and understanding of the unique Maui real estate market make them an ideal choice for those looking to navigate the island's property landscape. Their proven track record ensures a smooth and successful experience for both buyers and sellers.