On Maui, food trucks are gypsy-like, and finding them requires a certain savvy. They’re worth the hunt though, as some of the island’s best meals are served on wheels. Maui locals call these mobile eateries “lunch wagons,” and every islander has a favorite. Here are five worth tracking down.
Maui Fresh Streatery
Chef Kyle Kawakami creates a rotating menu of couture comfort food using local fare. If available, try the braised-beef poutine — a carton of fries heaped with pulled beef, mozzarella and homemade gravy.
Where to find them: @mauistreatery
Wayne’s Sushi Fresh Off The Boat
In this boat-turned-kitchen, chef Wayne Miyahira hand-rolls daily catches into signature sushi. Order the tempura mahi sandwich — a sweet, flaky fillet, deep-fried and served on a bun. Ask for the secret menu.
Where to find them: facebook.com/waynessushi
Donut Dynamite!
With her bright green hair, Desiree Parada (Madame Donut) is like Maui’s Willy Wonka. Her brioche-style sweets are made from scratch with island-grown ingredients. Go for the bacon maple, the doughnut she says “put us on the map.”
Where to find them: @donutdynamite
Geste Shrimp
Bring a bib and a stack of napkins for a finger-licking feast of spicy garlic shrimp, a favorite of the 50th state. Opt for a dozen Hawaiian scampi, described by locals as “boss,” thanks to a garlic hot sauce that could repel vampires. Closed on Mondays.
Where to find them: Kahului Beach Road
808 Plates Maui
Brothers Rycin and Kainoa Pavao make batches of fried chicken, poke bowls, baby back ribs and other Hawaiian dishes with an Asian twist. Try the ahi katsu, a tuna fillet rolled in panko, deep-fried and drizzled with creamy aioli.
Where to find them: Kahului Beach Road
