Gluten Free Maui

Maui

Maui Travel Tips

G-Free Travel Rating

8/10

Major Airport

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Official Language

English

Currency:

US Dollar (USD)

Power Outlets:

Types A & B

Eating Gluten Free on Maui

Maui provided some challenges with gluten free but we found a completely gluten free restaurant which had onion rings! There were other places with options but nothing like that one. It’s hard to go backwards once you’ve had great food.

Our top recommendations for staying gluten free while on Maui

If you are like us Maui is not a quick flight and are often times served a meal during the flight. Make sure you select your gluten free meal preference a couple days in advance to ensure they will have one for you. Snacks are also helpful to keep handy during you flight. Now that you have landed in paradise it’s time to get to the beach and relax. We stayed at Wailea Beach Resort during our stay. While they had numerous restaurants onsite, we always make a pit stop to a grocery store for snacks.

Te Au Moana Luau

If you have never attended a luau, it is definitely a must-do activity no matter which island you are on. As soon as you enter, you are greeted with fragrant leis and the sound of ukuleles strumming in the background. Let the celebration begin! Find your table and enjoy the smokey aroma of the kalua pig roasting in an underground imu then maybe even get a tattoo while you’re waiting. Finally, the sun slowly starts to slip into the ocean and dancers take the stage. They showcase their traditional Hula dance while the fire dancers light up the night.

Each place will have a different take on it. Because this one is located right on resort grounds, it is easy to find and they are used to navigating the dietary restrictions of the world. Things were clearly labeled and the waitstaff was very knowledgeable if questions arose. We mostly came for the pork and sat right next to the imu for a front row seat as to how they cook it. The rest was buffet style so we left stuffed.

Restaurants

We found eating gluten free on Maui is much easier than on Oahu. But, sadly, some of the restaurants we went to have permanently closed. Maui Brick Oven was 100% gluten free and it was fantastic! They offered so many items that Terry normally can’t order at a restaurant that we came out with food for a family of four and it was only the two of us. No worries… we took care of everything. Unfortunately, they have since closed and it does not sound like they will be re-opening. Below we have formulated a list of restaurants that we have both went to and some that look absolutely delicious and would head to if we are ever able to get back to Maui.

Kihei

Coconut’s Fish Café: A perfect reflection of Maui’s surf culture featuring the art from coastal artists around the world. The menu highlights their fresh fish dishes, and many items that can be prepared gluten free. The restaurant staff is knowledgeable and very capable of offering substitutions or adjustments to ensure a safe dining experience.

Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food: While fresh fish and shrimp is nice to have when you are on the ocean it is satisfying to break away from it sometimes. With an extensive menu that highlights which meals can be prepared gluten free, it was hard to choose from. Luckily, we ordered multiple meals and shared them. It truly was the best way to experience all the restaurant had to offer.

Cool Cat Cafe: With another location in Lahaina, this retro-themed diner focuses on American diner classics with a Hawaiian twist. They are well-known for offering substantial portions, making it a great spot if you have a hearty appetite. The menu clearly distinguishes which items are gluten free or modifiable; but the staff are knowledgeable about the gluten free diet so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Grab one of their towering root beer floats, a seat on their outdoor patio and enjoy the 1950s ambiance.

Manoli’s Pizza Company: As you can guess their specialty is pizza. What makes them stand out is the fact that they bake the pizzas in a wood-fired oven (gf pizzas have their own), giving them a crispy crust and rich smoky flavor. You can try a classic option like their Hawaiian pizza or something unique like their Mediterranean pizza all prepared with the freshest ingredients sourced from around the island.

The Best Mai Tais…

MonkeyPod Kitchen: With multiple locations scattered throughout the islands it is a must try for both food and cocktails. Advertised to have the best Mai Tais on the island. While it did not turn out to be our favorite drink we did have a delicious meal. Their farm-to-table motto means fresh fish dishes, and veggie-forward plates all easily modified for a gluten free diet. See something appetizing just ask your waiter to see if it can be accommodated.

Breakfast

Maui Ono Donuts: This couldn’t have been much better news for Terry. Donuts are one of his favorite breakfast items so he was extremely excited about this gem. It just took a little coordination. They ask for a heads up on a gluten free order to ensure there is no cross contamination with the bulk of the donut. All their toppings are gluten free.

Cinnamon Roll Place: I’m not normally a sweet person except for ice cream, and I do like myself a nice freshly made cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting drizzled over it. And this place did not disappoint. We both devoured our cinnamon rolls in minutes.

Paia

Milagros Food Company: A laid-back restaurant in the heart of Paia. This spot blends Mexican and Southwestern flavors with island-inspired ingredients. The menu features everything from fresh fish tacos to colorful salads. While the menu doesn’t specifically state which items are gluten free it offers in depth descriptions of ingredients plus the staff are knowledgeable about the ingredients.

Desserts

Maui Gelato: Located in Kihei, offers an array of gelato flavors. While their signature gelato is typically gluten-free (as gelato is made with milk, sugar, and natural flavorings), its always important to confirm that specific flavors don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients like cookies or certain thickeners. Additionally, they have gluten free sorbets, which are dairy-free as well, making them a great option for people with multiple dietary restrictions. The staff typically uses a clean scoop to prevent cross-contamination. Sadly, since COVID they have not brought back the gluten free waffle.

Ululanis Hawaiian Shave Ice: Located in multiple locations across Maui, it is easy to stumble upon. Shave ice is naturally gluten free, as it’s simply finely shaved ice, and their syrups are made from pure cane sugar, real fruit juices and natural flavorings. You can enjoy a variety of flavors without worrying about gluten. The best part is their menu is setup to showcase the flavors that blend well together. Such a simple refreshing treat to enjoy on a hot beach day.

There are many other shave ice and ice cream locations scattered about the island but these two were our favorites. Regretfully, we went to Maui prior to the idea of a travel blog so I do not have a picture of our desserts.

Grocery Shopping

Similar to restaurants around Maui, we found grocery shopping for gluten free products to be quite accessible. Whether you are staying in Lahaina, Kihei, or near Kahului, you’ll find a variety of stores that cater to different dietary needs. From supermarkets to farmers market you can rest assured you will not go hungry during your trip.

To Name a Few:

Safeway: With locations all over Maui this is probably one of the easier stores to find. They carry a solid selection of gluten free items like crackers and bread. Safeway also offers its own line of products, many of which are gluten free. Since the store is large enough you can look for a dedicated gluten free section. Some items still maybe interspersed amongst regular products.

Whole Foods Market: Located in Kahului (about 30 minutes from Kihei) is the go-to store for organic and specialty items. You can find gluten free bread, snacks and baking ingredients, as well as clearly labeled prepared foods. This is a little more expensive option; however, it is a great stop for those looking for organic produce, meats and gourmet gluten free options.

Foodland: If you’re looking to keep everything local than this local supermarket maybe the best option for you. They may not have the biggest selection of gluten free products but everything they do have is locally sourced.

Local Farmers Markets: While things may not always be labeled, many farmers markets offer naturally gluten free foods like fresh produce, local meats, and sometimes gluten free baked goods (which is where Terry is always drawn). Its worth asking around at markets like Maui Swap Meet in Kahului. I could spend half day meandering around farmers market taking in all the local fare.

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