When you spend time in Maui, you’ll want to make the most of every moment. Although Maui is known for its gorgeous landscapes and top-tier beaches first, you won’t want to miss out on the delicious local fare either.
With so many restaurants and experiences around, you might worry that you’re not hitting the best spots Maui has to offer. If you want to try the best native dishes around and avoid tourist traps, check out Food tours in Maui.
Luaus in Maui
Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
4.5/5 stars (815+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for an oceanfront, Kaanapali luau, with delicious Hawaiian foods, you should try this Maui foodie tour.
As you approach the luau, you’ll be brought into the atmosphere immediately with the beating drums, beautiful backdrop and tropical lei. With the flickering tiki torches and dropping sun, an imu ceremony, which exposes the freshly cooked pork in its underground oven, will open up your traditional Hawaiian meal. From there, experience an all-you-can-eat buffet with fresh kalua pig and other classic foods.
The event was well organized. The food was delicious, the drinks were good, the entertainer and dancers were excellent!! The luau was amazing!! I recommend this place. Another plus was the view of the sunset. Our family had an excellent time!!
Anthony C. (More Reviews)
In the evening, you’ll enjoy several forms of exciting entertainment as well. The main one will be a fun Polynesian dance show, featuring many different dances, and live Hawaiian music. You may even see the Cliff Diver at Black Rock, if the weather is good enough. You can also appreciate the sunset over the oceanfront property, which makes for incredible memories and photo opportunities, so you can always carry memories of your Hawaiian luau with you.
Highlights Of Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa:
- All-you-can-eat buffet with traditional Hawaiian foods
- Live Hawaiian music and engaging entertainment
- Flower lei greeting and imu ceremony
- Free parking on site, with validation
Te Au Moana Luau At The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
4.5/5 stars (715+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3-4 Hours | BOOK NOW
For a lively Hawaiian luau, with several forms of entertainment, consider booking this Maui luau.
You’ll begin your luau with a traditional greeting, either a lei, kukui nut lei or carved wood necklace, depending on the day. Moving into the space, it’ll be a full cultural immersion with pre-show music and entertainment to keep you occupied. The cultural immersion doesn’t stop with the food. You can expect a spectacular, three-course meal, featuring classics of Hawaiian cuisine served tableside.
We had a fantastic time at this luau, it was definitely worth the money! The food was great, the entertainment was spot on, and the servers were phenomenal! Highly recommend this luau to complete your Hawaii experience!
Kristen W. (More Reviews)
Your main entertainment will be the “Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide” show, which tells the story of the people’s fishing, gathering and voyaging lifestyle through dance. You’ll be captivated by this show. And, if that isn’t enough, you’ll also get to see a fire knife performance at this amazing luau.
Highlights Of Te Au Moana Luau At The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort:
- Delicious three-course Hawaiian meal served tableside
- Fun and welcoming greeting with lei, kukui nut lei or carved wood necklace
- Engaging dance show, pre-show entertainment and fire knife performance
- Opportunity to learn about Polynesian ancestry and culture
Feast At Mokapu Luau
4.5/5 stars (130+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours | BOOK NOW
For a spectacular plated meal, full of Maui food, this luau option could be the right one for you.
Hosted at the Andaz Maui, this Maui food tour brings the experience of a luau together with an elevated, plated meal. You’ll enjoy your meal from the grassy lawn, with views of the gorgeous sunset behind. There are many classic Hawaiian foods included in the meal, such as ahi poke, pua’a kalua, local fish and strawberry coconut haupia. Your taste buds will be thanking you during this exceptional meal.
This was an amazing luau thoroughly enjoyed by me, my 2 kids, my parents, and my sister. The show was great, service attentive, open bar appreciated, and food great too. We especially enjoyed the fire twirling at the end, and the accommodation of vegetarian options for my daughter. Several in our party (including me) were unsure whether we would enjoy a luau or not, but this was absolutely one of the best experiences of our whole trip! Would highly recommend and return in a heartbeat! Thank you so much for an amazing show!
Katie A. (More Reviews)
You’ll also get to enjoy a live show that will walk you through Polynesian culture and Hawaiian history. This allows you to pair your local meal with a valuable, cultural experience. In addition to the food and show, you will receive unlimited handcrafted cocktails to accompany your meal, as well as a professional, digital photo to take home with you.
Highlights Of Feast At Mokapu Luau:
- Amazing plated, ohana-style meal with unlimited cocktails
- Learn about Polynesian culture through an engaging show
- Spectacular views of the sunset during your meal
- Professional digital photo to capture the memory
Maui Food Tours And Experiences
Authentic Taste Of Maui
4.5/5 stars (30+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 4 Hours | BOOK NOW
For a more traditional Maui food tour, which takes you through several favorite local spots, this is the right one for you.
On this tour, you’ll get to experience what the locals eat and where. You’ll meet up with your expert guide, who will give you in-depth commentary and stories about the food and culture as you go along. Bypass all the tourist stops and instead hit seven locations with delicious, local food. With transportation included, you won’t have to worry about getting from one spot to the next or bringing your own car.
Great half day experience run by a guide who is not only a jack of all trades but an executive chef. He originated the tour based on business relationships with local merchants and they seem to treat him affectionately. Tasted everything from shaved ice and craft beer to sashimi and fish tacos (the fish was opakapaka, a local pink snapper). The guide is very talented and enterprising; this is the only food tour you’ll find on Maui and it only is available on Wednesday mornings because that’s the only free time the guide has during a seven day week. Caveats: not a lot of restroom stops, so if you have a bladder issue make sure you are good for at least an hour before you step into a van! Great activity!
Mike (More Reviews)
Throughout the tour, you’ll try 17 different dishes, including locally brewed beer. Make sure you take full advantage of the smaller group format and ask your guide plenty of questions. They will be full of local insights and stories about Hawaii’s culinary history to share with you.
Highlights Of Authentic Taste Of Maui:
- Full meal’s worth of food samples at popular local spots
- Tastings of locally brewed beers
- Expert guide and driver, with an air-conditioned van
- Bottled water included during the tour
Lunch & Brew Experience
5/5 stars (50+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you want to get to know the island’s craft beer scene, with three breweries and get a delicious meal along the way, this is the Maui food tour for you.
You’ll begin by meeting your friendly, local guide and touring the Kohola Brewery with a staff member. Learn how they make the different brews, such as Mean Bean Coffee Stout and the Pineapple Blonde, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the process. Of course, get a taste of their craft beers before heading onto the next stop, by hopping into the private, air-conditioned transport van.
Dustin was amazing! Kai was so fun and full of beer knowledge and lessons. The food is great and there is a TON! We highly recommend if you love beer and food and a ride along the coast!!
Amelia M. (More Reviews)
At the next stop, Waikiki Brewing Company, you’ll be stunned by the view. The brewery sits right on the ocean. Get a tour of the brewery and learn about their small-batch brewing process. Enjoy another flight of beers here, accompanied by a generous helping of Waikiki Brewing’s tasty barbecue.
Finally, after a scenic drive up the coast, your last stop is Maui Brewing Company, Maui’s flagship brewery. You’ll enjoy a meal (lunch or dinner) outside, with your choice of pizza, burger or veggie burger, and another flight of beer. It is really a must for anyone with a passion for craft beer.
Highlights Of Lunch & Brew Experience:
- Tour three different breweries in Maui with beer samples and appetizers
- Delicious lunch or dinner included
- Local, expert guide to curate your experience
- Private transportation in air-conditioned van
Lahaina: Maui Ku’ia Estate Guided Chocolate Tasting
5/5 stars (110+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 45 Minutes | BOOK NOW
This is a unique experience among food tours in Maui. If you want a sweet treat, this chocolate tasting tour is for you.
From the top of Hawaii’s largest chocolate factory, Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory, indulge your senses with a luxurious chocolate tasting. You’ll get to sample nine pieces of handcrafted chocolate. Each one has a different flavor profile, featuring local and specialty flavors. While the chocolate is a treat for your palette, you’ll also get to enjoy panoramic views from that elevated position.
This was by far our favorite experience on Maui! We just wished we had done the farm tour as well. We will definitely do that next time. I will recommend this to anyone going to Maui. We loved the educational aspect and the divine chocolate samples we got to try. Can’t say enough good things about this experience. Will remember it for years to come! We are now Ku’ia chocolate lovers and won’t buy anything else.
Shanna W. (More Reviews)
The entire experience is accompanied by an expert guide, who will walk you through every sample. They will also explain the making of the chocolate, from growing the cacao locally in Lahaina and why the chocolate is so high quality. It’s a unique experience, as compared to other Maui food tours, and a can’t-miss for chocolate lovers.
Highlights Of Lahaina: Maui Ku’ia Estate Guided Chocolate Tasting:
- Nine handcrafted, high-quality chocolate samples
- Expert guide, with information on the local production and heritage of the topic
- Excellent views from the factory’s rooftop
- Covered parking available on site
Maui Dinner Cruises
Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise From Ma’alaea Harbor Aboard Pride Of Maui
4.5/5 stars (405+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you love the idea of a dinner cruise, but don’t want to sacrifice a dinner show like you’d have at a Hawaii luau, this option is for you.
On this dinner cruise, you get the best of ocean views and local fare. Departing from the dock in Wailuku, you’ll take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding sunset near Molokini Crater. Head to the onboard bar, stocked with craft beer and blended beverages, for free drinks as you continue your journey.
What a wonderful experience!! The boat was clean and very nice. The whole crew was very welcoming, attentive and nice. The views, music and dance where beautiful!! Food was plenty and tasty!! Drinks where great!! Well worth the price and time. What a wonderful way to take in the views and sunset. We will definitely do again when we visit Maui again!! Mahola to the entire staff.
Cristina A. (More Reviews)
For your dinner, enjoy a generous buffett with local dishes, such as island-style baby back ribs, Shoyu chicken, coconut potatoes and more. As you eat your meal, You’ll also get a live hula show on board, so you can get to know a bit about traditional dance in Hawaii. This Maui foodie tour is a great combination of dinner, a sunset cruise and an exciting show.
Highlights Of Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise From Ma’alaea Harbor Aboard Pride Of Maui:
- Delicious buffet meal featuring local favorites
- Open bar included with craft beer and blended drinks
- Fun, live hula show during your cruise
- Beautiful sunset views as you cruise near Molokini Crater
Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach
5/5 stars (280+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours | BOOK NOW
Hop aboard a luxury catamaran for dinner, drinks and a stunning sunset on this Maui food tour.
Begin your cruise by stepping aboard a 65-foot catamaran waiting for you at Ka’anapali Beach. From there, you can expect two and a half hours of sailing alongside the beautiful views and sunset. With alcoholic beverages included, you can take photos and soak in the views while enjoying a drink.
I don’t normally write reviews but this experience really deserves one. Was a great experience, the staff were very attentive and friendly. The bot itself was amazing, the views were incredible. All round the best! Must do experience.
Kyla K. (More Reviews)
For dinner, choose a seat either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, with a good amount of variety. The atmosphere, along with the views, is truly unbeatable. Plus, if you happen to cruise on a Wednesday or a Saturday, you can expect live music to liven up the experience even more.
Highlights Of Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach:
- Delicious dinner served onboard with alcoholic drinks included
- Gorgeous views of the sunset and photo opportunities throughout
- 65-foot luxury catamaran for unparalleled experience
- Special, live music featured on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib Or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise
4.5/5 stars (130+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | BOOK NOW
For a beautiful sunset experience, with a delicious meal included, this Maui food tour is a no-brainer.
Depart from Ma’alaea Harbor on board a beautiful 3-story catamaran. As you explore the ship and take in the views, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the water and amazing photo opportunities. To enhance this experience, grab a drink from the onboard bar, which is fully stocked and free.
From booking to the staff on the cruise, they were absolutely amazing. We were running late and called into reservations to let them know we were going to be cutting it close to departure time. They called ahead to the boat and helped us to arrange a smooth transition. Food & beverage were also surprisingly good. We would recommend this cruise as a great value all the way around.
Ava A. (More Reviews)
When it’s time for dinner, you’ll have the option of one of several premium offerings, such as prime rib, baby back ribs and vegetarian penne pasta. Relax while you enjoy tableside service and island-style music in the background. With an experienced staff, from the crew to the captain, you’re guaranteed to have an excellent time on this sunset cruise.
Highlights Of Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib Or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise:
- Beautiful sunset cruise on a 3-story catamaran
- Premium dinner with tableside service
- Alcoholic beverages included from the onboard bar
- Island-style music and experienced crew
What To Expect During Maui Food Tours
If you’ve never taken a food tour in Maui or anywhere else, you might not be sure what to expect from the experience. Don’t worry, that’s normal. While there are natural variations between tours, there are some things you can expect from almost every Maui food tour:
See the Sights: Many of these food tours combine an element of viewing the local landscapes, restaurants or a luau event. This means that you’ll get to see a bit of the culture and try food at the same time. If there’s a certain location you want to see or entertainment you want to experience, make sure you check the tour details before you book.
Meet Other Foodies: You can expect the Maui food tours and experiences to be smaller group experiences, as opposed to the luaus and cruise experiences. This means you’ll get to meet other people who are interested in food. It also means you’ll get more time with your guide, so you can ask any questions that you have.
Taste Great Food: You’re going to be trying lots of different foods on these tours, whether it’s off a buffet or curated samples at different restaurants. This is a great way to make sure you don’t miss any classic dish in the local cuisine. If you have a particular food you want to try, make sure to call your tour company before booking to see if they offer that particular dish.
Get Expert Knowledge: Like any Hawaii food tour, food tours in Maui are an excellent way to get to know the culture, history and food of Maui. Your tour will typically be led by a local, friendly guide who can answer your questions and give you information. Be advised, you’ll have less engagement from your guides/staff if you decide to go with a larger format tour, such as a cruise or luau.
FAQs About Food Tours In Maui
What food is Maui known for?
There are lots of popular foods on Maui, so it’s hard to say precisely what food Maui is known for. Some of the most popular local dishes are poke, kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon and macadamia nut ice cream. These foods are also well-known in Hawaii more broadly. You’ll find that many food tours include these classic flavors. If you’re looking to try something in particular, check your menu in advance.
How long is a Maui foodie tour?
There is some variation in how long a Maui food tour will last, depending largely on the type of tour you pick. They can range from 1 to 5 hours. If you have something else on your schedule the day of your food tour, make sure you’re paying attention to the tour details for how long the tour will last.
Should I eat before a Maui food tour?
In general, you won’t want to eat before you head out on a Maui food tour. Most of these tours include several tastings or an entire buffet meal, which should leave you feeling full and satisfied. To confirm the amount of food you can expect, check your tour details or speak to the provider beforehand.
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
If you (or someone in your group) has an allergy or dietary restriction, you should contact the tour company before you book your tour. This allows them to ensure they can adapt the tour to your needs. While some tour providers can and will accommodate different diets, some cannot work around them or might need extra notice to prepare for you. In short, call ahead of booking.
Are drinks included on a Maui food tour?
Normally, drinks are not included, unless you see it specifically noted in your tour description. Some will include a cocktail, coffee or tea, soda or bottled water, but it varies from tour to tour. If drinks are not included, you can expect there to be options to buy drinks throughout your tour. If you don’t want to purchase a drink, consider bringing your own water bottle.
PIN THESE MAUI FOOD TOURS FOR LATER!
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