First meal we had after landing here in Maui. Was excited to try poi (saw an ad for this place in the Hawaiian Airline magazine). But they did not have half the menu available since they were sold out. Food was a bit salty for my taste, but I finished it anyway since I was hungry. I still wished that they have that Poi though... I never did find one in my stay in Maui.
ulle
nice place . super friendly waiter. kalua pork had better ones but there are wo many options to make it. terriyaki chicken was yummy. pretty chilled place . for local food.
Teri Y.
We needed a sit-down place to meet up with an old friend for lunch while we were in Kahului last month and Poi By The Pound fit the bill. There's outside and inside seating, but it was hot and we wanted air conditioning. What others reported about them selling out of poi early is spot on. We got there just after opening, but no more poi already--I suspect they were probably out for a few days. Not to worry, there's a huge menu of all kinds of local foods. I got the roast pork with brown gravy, bf got a Hawaiian plate, and my friend got a chicken salad. Prices are good. They also had bottomless soft drinks. Lunchtime on a Wednesday was super quiet, and they let us sit and chat as long as we wanted to. The employees couldn't be friendlier, and I learned after-the-fact that the owners are very supportive of the Maui community members who are in recovery. In the "before times", they also had live music and a packed house.
Dov D
What an odd place. Can’t recommend anything we tried.
Jeff Lee
Great Hawaiian food! We left here stuffed!
Tony Najarro
Only 4 stars because I really wanted poi but they were completely out of stock. Disappointing but I would still recommend this location, I ordered chicken plate lunch with Mac salad and rice and the chicken was FIRE! I hope to return next time I go back to Maui. Highly recommended.
Lon H.
We were craving hawaiian food on our recent trip to Maui, so we headed to a one of our favorite restaurants. The grinds here are onoliscious, portion size is very good and the customer service is always top-notch. We stopped by for lunch and prior to entering showed our Covid-19 vaccination cards, which made us feel more comfortable. We were seated quickly and even though we've been here several times, we hadn't traveled much or dined inside much due to Covid. My wife and I split the Hawaiian Plate and I also ordered a side of poi. Our son ordered the Kalua Pork Plate. As always their portion size is generous, which is why my wife and I split the Hawaiian Plate. Plus, she loves Lomi Salmon and I grew-up on poi, so it's a win-win. Our son tore-up his Kalua Pork Plate, but that's not unusual, since he's got a good appetite and can grind. Of course, we were too full to eat desert......again! One of these days, I'll save some room. They are practicing all the Covid protocols and even have customers entering thru the front door and exiting from the rear door. The safety measures they are taking are really appreciated. Just the many reasons why we continue coming back when we visit.
Emily T.
On our trip in Maui during August this was the first place I had bookmarked to come and try. Unfortunately, our first attempt, they had some issues and were late to open. We waited about 30 minutes before throwing in the towel and going somewhere else. A few days later we called and were able to order takeout but unfortunately they had no poi. We decided to try out their laulau anyways because we are such fans. This is just a takeout review. The laulau in our opinion was a little bit dry for us and it didn't have many taro leaves on the outside. The lomi salmon was just ok, I think all restaurants use the same lomi salmon which is fine. I wish I had loved this spot more but it could have been just bad timing for our trip. If we ever go back to Maui we would definitely give this spot another chance.
Rafael G.
This is a lovely home style family diner-esque spot in Maui! I stopped by after arriving in Maui and I gotta say it's definitely a hidden gem. I felt like the food was really authentic and fairly diverse, but they covered all the typical Hawaiian fare you'd come to expect. Kahlua pork? Got it! Chicken curry katsu? You bet! Ironically these were what we ordered and I gotta say that they were great! The katsu was definitely the better of the two as the pork was a bit different (I believe it was mixed with banana leaves?). Aside from that everything was fantastic! Tldr, worth the trip here after a long flight and you're seeking some comfort food to warm up to Maui.
Wendy Y.
This was our first meal in Hawaii, right after getting off the plane! We came here primarily to try the poi, a paste made by pounding the roots of the taro plant. They're strict with checking vaccination status so make sure to bring your card! The restaurant is huge, and has a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. We looked around and saw many families celebrating special occasions. Service was pretty minimal but that's fine given Covid. I ordered the Kalua pork butt, which is slow cooked, steamed pork on a platter that comes with sides of macaroni salad, lomi lomi, and haupia pudding. The portion is definitely enough to fill anyone up. I expected the Kalua pork to emerge from the taro leaves with all its drawn out juices dripping out in glory. Instead, as I began to eat it, I slowly realized that it had no smoky flavor and was dry and tough. The meat tasted like it had been overcooked and underseasoned. I was very disappointed but I wonder if the Kalua pork I was eating in New York was a jazzed up, un-authentic version. I enjoyed my sides way more and ended up mostly eating these with my rice. Eating the lomi lomi with the pork added fresh flavor. The haupia pudding was delicious as well! Very soft but slightly custard-like as well. I sampled some of my boyfriend's poi but I didn't like it. It tasted strange to me and I prefer the taste of regular taro. I would recommend trying the food here to anyone looking for authentic Hawaiian food. Maybe we came on an off day. However, if you have a lot of other places on your list, I would say skip this one.
We asked an employee at the helicopter ride excursion to recommend a good place to eat where locals would go to get good food. She recommended this place and we were not disappointed at all. The food here was so refreshing to my taste buds after eating at the touristy places. The poi here was different than every where else. I ate it easily compared to other places. I don't know what authentic Hawaiian food tastes like, but this place claims to have it and it is delicious! I will definitely come here again the next time I visit Maui. The beef luau is amazing! It doesn't look pretty but it's soooo delicious. The meat was the right tender and the flavor reminded me of home. I got a cup to try since it was highly recommended. Now I know why. I will definitely get a full order next time, since i has already ordered my food.
Liaka K.
BBQ chicken plant over cooked dry and burnt!! 18.00 plus 1.00 take out fee... cost way to much for the quality of food your buying.. I won't be returning
Alvin O.
Service was slow, staff was friendly. Food was horrible, and the price just way to expensive for Hawaiian food. The laulau was cold in the middle, my girlfriend's mahi mahi she order was raw inside. Although you can eat fish raw like sashimi, the texture of undercooked mahimahi was very mushy and I pleasent. The chicken long rice was very bland and no flavor of ginger or garlic. The rice was hard and everything was served in disposable goods. Overall not coming here again for Hawaiian food.
Megan M.
Best Hawaiian food spot on island. Best way to support local and get some ono grinds... they always busy so go early or call ahead to take out.
Steven Garrido
Authentic , local food. Great prices, super friendly staff!
First meal we had after landing here in Maui. Was excited to try poi (saw an ad for this place in the Hawaiian Airline magazine). But they did not have half the menu available since they were sold out. Food was a bit salty for my taste, but I finished it anyway since I was hungry. I still wished that they have that Poi though... I never did find one in my stay in Maui.
nice place . super friendly waiter. kalua pork had better ones but there are wo many options to make it. terriyaki chicken was yummy. pretty chilled place . for local food.
We needed a sit-down place to meet up with an old friend for lunch while we were in Kahului last month and Poi By The Pound fit the bill. There's outside and inside seating, but it was hot and we wanted air conditioning. What others reported about them selling out of poi early is spot on. We got there just after opening, but no more poi already--I suspect they were probably out for a few days. Not to worry, there's a huge menu of all kinds of local foods. I got the roast pork with brown gravy, bf got a Hawaiian plate, and my friend got a chicken salad. Prices are good. They also had bottomless soft drinks. Lunchtime on a Wednesday was super quiet, and they let us sit and chat as long as we wanted to. The employees couldn't be friendlier, and I learned after-the-fact that the owners are very supportive of the Maui community members who are in recovery. In the "before times", they also had live music and a packed house.
What an odd place. Can’t recommend anything we tried.
Great Hawaiian food! We left here stuffed!
Only 4 stars because I really wanted poi but they were completely out of stock. Disappointing but I would still recommend this location, I ordered chicken plate lunch with Mac salad and rice and the chicken was FIRE! I hope to return next time I go back to Maui. Highly recommended.
We were craving hawaiian food on our recent trip to Maui, so we headed to a one of our favorite restaurants. The grinds here are onoliscious, portion size is very good and the customer service is always top-notch. We stopped by for lunch and prior to entering showed our Covid-19 vaccination cards, which made us feel more comfortable. We were seated quickly and even though we've been here several times, we hadn't traveled much or dined inside much due to Covid. My wife and I split the Hawaiian Plate and I also ordered a side of poi. Our son ordered the Kalua Pork Plate. As always their portion size is generous, which is why my wife and I split the Hawaiian Plate. Plus, she loves Lomi Salmon and I grew-up on poi, so it's a win-win. Our son tore-up his Kalua Pork Plate, but that's not unusual, since he's got a good appetite and can grind. Of course, we were too full to eat desert......again! One of these days, I'll save some room. They are practicing all the Covid protocols and even have customers entering thru the front door and exiting from the rear door. The safety measures they are taking are really appreciated. Just the many reasons why we continue coming back when we visit.
On our trip in Maui during August this was the first place I had bookmarked to come and try. Unfortunately, our first attempt, they had some issues and were late to open. We waited about 30 minutes before throwing in the towel and going somewhere else. A few days later we called and were able to order takeout but unfortunately they had no poi. We decided to try out their laulau anyways because we are such fans. This is just a takeout review. The laulau in our opinion was a little bit dry for us and it didn't have many taro leaves on the outside. The lomi salmon was just ok, I think all restaurants use the same lomi salmon which is fine. I wish I had loved this spot more but it could have been just bad timing for our trip. If we ever go back to Maui we would definitely give this spot another chance.
This is a lovely home style family diner-esque spot in Maui! I stopped by after arriving in Maui and I gotta say it's definitely a hidden gem. I felt like the food was really authentic and fairly diverse, but they covered all the typical Hawaiian fare you'd come to expect. Kahlua pork? Got it! Chicken curry katsu? You bet! Ironically these were what we ordered and I gotta say that they were great! The katsu was definitely the better of the two as the pork was a bit different (I believe it was mixed with banana leaves?). Aside from that everything was fantastic! Tldr, worth the trip here after a long flight and you're seeking some comfort food to warm up to Maui.
This was our first meal in Hawaii, right after getting off the plane! We came here primarily to try the poi, a paste made by pounding the roots of the taro plant. They're strict with checking vaccination status so make sure to bring your card! The restaurant is huge, and has a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. We looked around and saw many families celebrating special occasions. Service was pretty minimal but that's fine given Covid. I ordered the Kalua pork butt, which is slow cooked, steamed pork on a platter that comes with sides of macaroni salad, lomi lomi, and haupia pudding. The portion is definitely enough to fill anyone up. I expected the Kalua pork to emerge from the taro leaves with all its drawn out juices dripping out in glory. Instead, as I began to eat it, I slowly realized that it had no smoky flavor and was dry and tough. The meat tasted like it had been overcooked and underseasoned. I was very disappointed but I wonder if the Kalua pork I was eating in New York was a jazzed up, un-authentic version. I enjoyed my sides way more and ended up mostly eating these with my rice. Eating the lomi lomi with the pork added fresh flavor. The haupia pudding was delicious as well! Very soft but slightly custard-like as well. I sampled some of my boyfriend's poi but I didn't like it. It tasted strange to me and I prefer the taste of regular taro. I would recommend trying the food here to anyone looking for authentic Hawaiian food. Maybe we came on an off day. However, if you have a lot of other places on your list, I would say skip this one.
Restaurantji Recommends
We asked an employee at the helicopter ride excursion to recommend a good place to eat where locals would go to get good food. She recommended this place and we were not disappointed at all. The food here was so refreshing to my taste buds after eating at the touristy places. The poi here was different than every where else. I ate it easily compared to other places. I don't know what authentic Hawaiian food tastes like, but this place claims to have it and it is delicious! I will definitely come here again the next time I visit Maui. The beef luau is amazing! It doesn't look pretty but it's soooo delicious. The meat was the right tender and the flavor reminded me of home. I got a cup to try since it was highly recommended. Now I know why. I will definitely get a full order next time, since i has already ordered my food.
BBQ chicken plant over cooked dry and burnt!! 18.00 plus 1.00 take out fee... cost way to much for the quality of food your buying.. I won't be returning
Service was slow, staff was friendly. Food was horrible, and the price just way to expensive for Hawaiian food. The laulau was cold in the middle, my girlfriend's mahi mahi she order was raw inside. Although you can eat fish raw like sashimi, the texture of undercooked mahimahi was very mushy and I pleasent. The chicken long rice was very bland and no flavor of ginger or garlic. The rice was hard and everything was served in disposable goods. Overall not coming here again for Hawaiian food.
Best Hawaiian food spot on island. Best way to support local and get some ono grinds... they always busy so go early or call ahead to take out.
Authentic , local food. Great prices, super friendly staff!