Maui Airport Food: Best Places To Eat

what to eat at maui airport

Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) has a variety of dining options to choose from, both inside and near the airport. If you're looking for a quick bite inside the airport, you can choose from restaurants like Sammy's, California Pizza Kitchen, Burger King, and Stinger Ray's. For those seeking local flavours, Tin Roof, a lunch spot by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon, is just a short drive away. Other nearby options include Ba-Le for Vietnamese fare, Da Kitchen for local cuisine, and Paia for its tasty and affordable food scene.

Characteristics Values
Restaurant names Tin Roof, Maui Specialty Chocolates, Ba-Le, Da Kitchen, Like Poke? food truck, Foodland, Poi by the Pound, Tamura's, Denny's, Krispy Kreme, McDonald's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Burger King, Paia Fish Market, Flatbread Pizza Company, Cafe Mambo, California Pizza Kitchen, Pinkberry, Stinger Ray's, Cabo Wabo Cantina, Kahului Ale House, Las Pinatas, Sammy's, The Old Plantation Store
Cuisine Local Hawaiian, Vietnamese, poke, garlic shrimp, Thai food, tacos, barbecue, pizza, Mexican, American, Italian
Price Maui Specialty Chocolates, Ba-Le, Like Poke?, Foodland, Poi by the Pound, Tamura's, Denny's, Krispy Kreme, McDonald's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Burger King, and Pinkberry are likely to be more affordable options
Location Maui Airport (OGG), Kahului
Notable mentions Tin Roof is owned by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon; California Pizza Kitchen, also known as CPK, is known for its hand-tossed pizzas and gourmet-on-a-budget options; Sammy's is the only full-service restaurant at Maui Airport with waiters, waitresses, and a bar

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Local chain Ba-Le serves fresh Vietnamese food

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat near Maui Airport, Ba-Le is a local chain that serves fresh, takeout Vietnamese food. It's a great spot to grab a delicious meal on your way in or out of the airport. Here are some reasons why Ba-Le is a fantastic choice:

Convenient Location:

Ba-Le is conveniently located less than five miles from Wailea Beach, making it easily accessible from the airport. It's also found in the Piilani Shopping Center in Kihei, so you can easily combine your meal with some last-minute shopping.

Variety of Options:

Ba-Le offers an extensive menu that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. They are known for their authentic Vietnamese Bánh Mì sandwiches, which are made with fresh bread, Vietnamese cold cuts, fragrant herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and pickled vegetables. However, they also serve other Vietnamese classics like pho, spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee. Additionally, their menu includes Hawaiian saimin, fried rice, and a vegetarian selection with meatless options.

Fast Service:

Ba-Le is known for its counter-serve style and fast service. This is especially convenient if you're short on time before your flight or need a quick meal after a long day of travelling. You'll find plenty of parking around the shopping center, making it easy to grab a quick bite.

Fresh and Delicious Food:

Ba-Le takes pride in using fresh, quality ingredients. Their Beef Pho, for example, features a 10-hour simmered beef brisket and bone marrow broth, ensuring a rich and flavourful soup. The garnishes that accompany the pho, such as bean sprouts, basil, sliced chili peppers, and a fresh lemon wedge, further enhance the dining experience.

Great Value:

Ba-Le offers street food prices, making it an affordable option without compromising on taste and quality. This is especially appealing if you're travelling on a budget or want to save money for other vacation expenses.

So, if you're looking for a convenient, tasty, and fresh Vietnamese meal near Maui Airport, Ba-Le is an excellent choice. Whether you're arriving or departing, their sandwiches, soups, and other dishes will surely satisfy your cravings.

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Tin Roof is a lunch spot by Top Chef's Sheldon Simeon

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat near Maui Airport, Tin Roof is a great option. Located in Kahului, just five minutes from the airport, Tin Roof is a lunch spot by Top Chef Sheldon Simeon, a finalist on the 10th and 14th seasons of the show.

Chef Sheldon, who was born and raised in Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, showcases his passion for local Hawaiian cuisine at Tin Roof. The menu features uncomplicated, flavourful dishes that highlight the diverse cultural influences of Hawaii, including native Hawaiian traditions, Japanese influences, Chinese cooking techniques, and dynamic Korean, Portuguese, and Filipino flavours.

One of the unique aspects of Tin Roof is its focus on locally sourced ingredients. Chef Sheldon works closely with local farmers, fishermen, ranchers, artisans, and purveyors to bring the freshest and most authentic Hawaiian flavours to his dishes. This commitment to local produce and community is evident in every bite.

The restaurant offers a range of local dishes in takeaway bowls, priced under $10, making it a convenient and affordable option for travellers. The menu includes signature items such as wok-fried poke, pork dumplings made with biscuit dough, crispy cauliflower katsu, and charred huli-huli chicken with a sweet-savory butter glaze.

For those looking to indulge in a sweet treat after their meal, Maui Specialty Chocolates is a short distance away. Here, you can find unique desserts like peanut butter mochi, a perfect sweet snack for your flight.

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Denny's, McDonald's, and Starbucks are on Dairy Road

If you're looking for a quick bite near Maui Airport, you're in luck! There are several dining options available within a short distance. One popular choice is Dairy Road, which is one of the main roads in Kahului. Here, you'll find a variety of familiar chain restaurants that are easily accessible from the airport.

Dairy Road is home to a Denny's, which you can find by turning right after Krispy Kreme and then left into the back parking lot. Denny's offers a casual dining experience with a variety of classic American dishes on the menu. If you're in the mood for a burger and fries, you can also find a McDonald's on Dairy Road. It's located on the left side of the road, just after you cross through the Alamaha intersection.

For coffee lovers or those looking for a quick snack, Starbucks is also located on Dairy Road. You'll find it in the Maui Mall Marketplace on the left side, along with Jamba Juice and Burger King. These chains are known for their late-night operating hours, making them convenient options if you're arriving at the airport outside of traditional business hours.

In addition to these options on Dairy Road, Maui Airport itself also offers a variety of dining choices. Inside the airport, you can find California Pizza Kitchen, known for its hand-tossed pizzas, as well as Sammy's, a full-service restaurant owned by singer Sammy Hagar. If you're looking for something quick and casual, Maui Airport also has Burger King and Pinkberry available.

For those willing to venture a little further, there are even more options within a short drive of the airport. Paia, located just ten to fifteen minutes away, offers a variety of tasty and inexpensive dining options, including Paia Fish Market, Flatbread Pizza Company, and Cafe Mambo. Closer to the airport, Tin Roof, Maui Specialty Chocolates, and Ba-Le are also popular choices for fresh and local cuisine.

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Paia, 10-15 minutes away, has tasty and affordable food

Paia, 10-15 minutes away from Maui Airport, has tasty and affordable food. The restaurants are likely to be open late, and you can also pick up great local produce and groceries at Mana Foods.

  • Paia Fish Market: This restaurant serves one of the best fish burgers on the island.
  • Flatbread Pizza Company: This restaurant serves fantastic pizza with a very thin crust and is open later than most.
  • Cafe Mambo: This restaurant serves crispy duck, which might not be the lightest post-flight meal, but it is too tasty to pass up.

If you are looking for food options closer to the airport, there are a few restaurants inside the airport, including Burger King, Pinkberry, Starbucks, and California Pizza Kitchen. There are also food options available in Kahului, the town hub, which has a range of options, including a laid-back brewery (Kahului Ale House) and one of the best Mexican restaurants on Maui (Las Pinatas).

For something more local, Ba-Le is a local chain that serves fresh Vietnamese takeout food. Tin Roof, a lunch joint by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon, is also located less than five minutes from the airport and serves local food with his signature twists, all priced under $10.

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Sammy's is a full-service restaurant with a bar and full menu

If you're looking for a place to eat at Maui Airport, Sammy's is a great option. It is the only full-service restaurant in the airport and offers a refreshing dining experience with a bar and a full menu. Owned by and named after the famous singer from Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, the restaurant is a popular choice among travellers.

Located in the central food court on the second floor of the Maui Airport, Sammy's provides a unique dining atmosphere. The restaurant stands out from other airport eateries with its attentive wait staff, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The menu features a variety of options, including local favourites and fresh ingredients. One notable dish is their giant beach salad, a delicious and healthy option filled with mixed greens, jicama, hard-boiled eggs, pico de gallo, corn salsa, avocado, and lime wedges. It is a perfect choice if you're looking for a refreshing meal before or after your flight.

In addition to the salad, Sammy's offers a range of grilled items, including chicken, which has received positive reviews for its freshness and flavour. The restaurant also serves excellent pico de gallo and salad dressing, enhancing the overall dining experience. The full menu caters to various preferences, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking a more substantial meal.

The bar at Sammy's adds to the overall appeal, offering a selection of beverages to accompany your meal. It is an ideal spot to unwind before your journey, providing a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant's affiliation with Sammy Hagar brings a unique touch, reflecting his upbeat, tropical ethos found across his chain of restaurants.

Conveniently located in the main gating area, Sammy's is easily accessible and often bustling with travellers. It provides a welcome change from typical airport fare, offering a more comprehensive dining experience. With its combination of a full menu, bar, and attentive service, Sammy's is a great choice for travellers seeking a relaxing meal before departing Maui.

Frequently asked questions

Maui Airport or Kahului Airport (OGG) has a few restaurants grouped together in one location in the centre of the second floor, inside security. The only full-service restaurant in the airport is Sammy's, which has waiters, a bar, and a full menu. Other options include California Pizza Kitchen, Burger King, and Pinkberry.

If you're looking for something quick and light, Paia is a nearby town with a tasty and inexpensive food scene. Flatbread Pizza Company and Cafe Mambo are good options, but Cafe Mambo is not the lightest post-flight fare.

Da Kitchen and Tin Roof are great options for local food near Maui Airport. Tin Roof is owned by Top Chef finalist and fan favourite, chef Sheldon Simeon.

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