South Maui’s Best Sandwich Shop: 808 Deli

I rate 808 Deli so highly for a few reasons: 1. Their filling to bread ratio is just right (nothing sucks more than a sloppy sandwich with a mess all over your hands); 2. They deliver quality at a fair price; 3. Their sides are a perfect compliment to their sandwiches; and 4. They are perfect for take out because their Deli doesn’t have many tables for seating. On a side note, they also have a bistro under the name of 808 Bistro that is just behind their deli and they have another sit down restaurant location in Wailuku under the name 808 on Main; both also offer take out options.

Their fresh breads, gourmet spreads, and 19 various sandwich and panini options make this place one of my favorite sandwich shops on island; their salads and hot dog options are also done very well. I regularly order takeout as this is the perfect place to grab a picnic lunch. The specialty sandwiches they offer is what keeps the parking lot full and locals zipping in-and-out of the deli. Like I said, there is limited seating so just like other small food venues, don’t let that deter you – Kam II is right across the street with nice bench seating.

Address: 2511 South Kihei Road (main location), Kihei

Price: $9-$12 per sandwich with a side

Out of the Box Food Truck: Outrigger Pizza Company

Not the typical food truck, but rather a custom built trailer with its very own wood fired brick oven and prep station, Outrigger Pizza Company, has grown a reputation as one of the best places to find pizza on the island. All done from a little trailer, the food truck’s main location is on South Kihei Road at the Kukui Mall. There really isn’t much room to eat at the food truck, which makes it a great choice for take out because the pizza is cooked in less than two minutes! What makes this pizza stand out is everything is made by the owner, Eric Mitchell. The mobile and unique wood fire oven burns kiawe at temperatures north of 750 degrees fahrenheit and gives the pizza a bold and natural flavor.

Most notably, the food truck has shot to fame across the country, it was featured on the Food Network’s popular TV show, Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. Their approach to preparing makes the most of local culture, the locally sourced kiawe and ingredients, the outdoor venue, and the aloha spirit make it a great place for fast and delicious take out.

Address: 1819 South Kihei Road (main location), Kihei

Price: $9-$11 per pizza

Pukalani Staple: Pukalani Superette

Pukalani Superette, or Puk Sup (Pook Soop) as locals refer to it, is a friendly mix of just about everything a person needs from a snack to a smile. It remains as one of Maui’s last true mom-and- pop establishments, the Superette celebrates over 60 years in business and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With its roots as a general store, the Superette also operates a prepared foods section that is perfect for a picnic. They offer mostly local assortments like chow fun, shoyu chicken, roast pork with gravy, and my favorite-the chili chicken. The foods either come ala carte which I like so I can choose an array of foods or they come in prepackaged bentos.

Address: 15 Makawao Avenue, Pukalani

Price: $5-$12 per plate

Paia Funk: Cafe Mambo

Set in the heart of Paia on Baldwin Avenue, the eclectic Cafe Mambo hosts all sorts of patrons from surfers to hippies or visitors to locals, everyone loves it. The open yet cozy dining area is casual and inviting, but they also allow take out and is perfect for the beach picnic because the sandy North Shore is never more than 5 minutes away. The one dish I recommend that is a must try is their crispy duck with orange-soy marinade, it can be found in several dishes including crispy duck burgers (my favorite), fajitas and salad. The eclectic menu has plenty of options, including vegetarian choices. Some great options: breakfast burrito, quesadilla, fresh fruit smoothies, tapas, salads, fajitas, stews and sandwiches.

Address: 30 Baldwin Avenue, Paia

Price: $10-$20 per plate

A Maui Must: Da Kitchen Cafe

With two locations, one in Kihei and another in Kahului, Da Kitchen, is easily a top 3 favorite among locals and is always a must try for visitors to the Valley Isle. They have grow their reputation for their creative diverse cuisine with an emphasis on traditional Hawaiian food. They are best known for their plate lunches which is an iconic tradition across the state and was first meant to be a convenient lunch in an outdoor setting. Their menu incorporates Local and Hawaiian favorites, which is inspired by the different ethnic groups established in the islands of Hawaii. Acclaimed favorites include Hawaiian Plate, Mahi Mahi Fish Tempura, Pulehu Grilled Steaks, fresh Fish & Seafood, Pastas, Salads and a different variety of other local plate lunch favorites like Teriyaki Chicken, Chicken Katsu, and Loco Moco. Da Kitchen will also be featured on Guy Fieri’s Triple DDD on the Food Network.

Address: 425 Koloa Street, Kahului

Price: $10-$20

Contact a Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist

Ho’olei villas, we are also currently the in house “Sayles” team at Ho’olei Grand Wailea

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,