Lunch and Groceries in Kihei

Question

My husband and I are going to Maui with our extended family and our flight arrives earlier than everyone else's, so our plan is to go get some lunch, maybe get some coffee, do the grocery shopping, and then meet everybody else at our condo when they get in. We'll be staying in Kihei, arriving on a Sunday.

I'm looking for recommendations for lunch and groceries. This is our first time to Maui, so we are newbies.

For lunch, we are open to pretty much anything, but are thinking a good plate lunch or some saimin might hit the spot.

We'd like to pick up some local produce - Farmer's Market Maui on Kihei Rd looks promising, but they aren't open on Sundays. Any recommendations for something open on a Sunday afternoon? For general groceries, it looks like there is a Safeway and a Foodland in Kihei and then some smaller stores here and there. Any preferences for either store? Or another store?

Answer

Kihei is a great spot for a first stop on Maui, with plenty of options for casual lunch, coffee, and groceries. Since you'll be arriving on a Sunday, it’s good to know which places are open and convenient.

For lunch, especially if you're looking for plate lunch or saimin, consider the following options:

Three’s Bar & Grill: Located in North Kihei, Three’s is known for fresh, locally inspired dishes including some plate lunch options. It’s open on Sundays and offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
808 Deli: This is a small local spot with classic Hawaiian plate lunches and sandwiches. A great quick option if you want to grab something simple but satisfying.
Kihei Caffe: Popular for breakfast and lunch, their menu has pancakes, eggs, and some plate lunch style options. They’re open early and serve coffee and brunch items.
Sam Sato’s: If you’re craving saimin, Sam Sato’s in Wailuku (a short drive from Kihei) is iconic for their noodle dishes and manju. Perfect if you don’t mind a 15–20 minute drive.

For groceries and local produce on a Sunday:

Safeway Kihei: Larger store, reliable for all your general groceries, snacks, drinks, and some local produce. Convenient for a one-stop shop.
Foodland Kihei: Slightly smaller, but tends to have fresher produce and local items. They also have a nice deli and bakery section if you want to pick up ready-made items.
Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors: Along with beverages, they often carry local snacks and poke.

Since the usual Farmer’s Market on Kihei Rd is closed on Sundays, your best bet for local fruits and vegetables on a Sunday is either Safeway or Foodland, which often stock local produce, or check out smaller fruit stands along South Kihei Rd, some of which operate on Sundays.

For coffee to kickstart your day, try:

Choice Health Bar: Smoothies and coffee, healthy options.
Kiwi’s Coffee Company: Good local coffee shop in central Kihei.

Overall, you’ll be able to grab a satisfying lunch, coffee, and groceries all on your Sunday arrival, and have everything ready for your family when they arrive at the condo.