There is no shortage of fish tacos in Maui, but one thing sets this island specialty a big step ahead of anywhere else...the abundance of fresh fish in the Hawaiian islands means you never have to settle for frozen fish. So from mango salsa to shredded cheddar, we ate a lot of different varieties and came up with our list of the top five fish tacos in Maui.
#5 - Jawz
From a roadside stand/taco truck to a now permanent location, you (along with lots of surfers) have to love Jawz. Voted best fish tacos a few years back and well-regarded by, well, almost everyone, Jawz draws a crowd and can make a great fish taco, burrito or salad. For us, it's a cheese thing...we could do without shredded cheese on a fish taco, but otherwise, this is one to try.
Jawz Tacos Maui, 1279 S. Kihei Road, Kihei (808) 874-TACO
#4 - Paia Fish Market
We absolutely adore the fish sandwiches at Paia Fish House and have a tradition of stopping on the way to and from the airport to make it our first and last meal on Maui each trip. Maybe that's the problem...we can't come here and get anything but the sandwich! We love the fresh fish, and even though the fish tacos are really good, we'd opt for the sandwich.
Paia Fish Market, 100 Baldwin Ave, Paia (808) 579-8030
#3 - Maui Tacos
It's not hard to see why this place has become the popular chain it is today. From the fish to the toppings to the free salsa bar, it's all just plain good. And it's easy to customize your taco with limes, cilantro and mild to extra hot salsa. Plus, you'll find Maui Tacos around the world so you can get a little taste of Maui wherever you are.
Multiple locations including 2411 S. Kihei Road, Kihei (808) 879-5005
#2 - Tommy Bahamas
Yep, that Tommy Bahamas. And yes, they make some good fish tacos (and for a steal at happy hour). The blackened fish and Asian slaw are a nice twist on the traditional version. We keep coming back for them, over and over again.
The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei (808) 879-7828
#1 - Coconut's
And our winner is...the beloved local shop Coconuts (named after a cat). Fresh fish (caught daily), mango salsa, coleslaw and white corn tortillas. It's the most expensive fish taco on the list, but in our humble opinion, it's worth every penny. We can't wait to go back!
Coconut Fish Cafe, 1279 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 96753, (808) 875-9979
We're headed back to Maui later this year and will continue our quest for great fish tacos. Feel free to post other suggestions. We'll gladly give them a try and report back.
And don't forget to check out our Maui Photo Journal for pictures from across the island:
- 30-something Travel: Day 1 - Kehei
- 30-something Travel: Day 2 - Upcountry
- 30-something Travel: Day 3 - Road to Hana
Mahalo,
30-something Travel
Congrats to Coconuts for making Travel & Leisure's list if top spots to eat like a local in the U.S. -http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-places-to-eat-like-a-local/35
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of fish tacos, here are five recipes to try at home (if you can't make it to Maui) from Saveur Magazine - http://www.saveur.com/article/collection/fish-tacos?src=SOC?dom=FB.
ReplyDeleteTry Fleetwood's in Lahaiana for really good fish tacos. It just won Silver in the 'Aipono Awards for Best New Restaurant in 2013.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought to put fish in a taco! Now you've got me curious and this is on my 'have to try' list... and I'll take the beverages, too!
ReplyDeleteThat looked more like a tostada than a taco, but for the BEST fish taco on Maui, you must try the fish tacos at the Mexican Seafood truck in Wailuku near the Harbor on Kahului Beach Road. It's amazing! They also have amazing Shrimp Burritos & Tacos!! Check it out!
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