03-05-2025
Top Poi Spots on Maui
Where to Find the Best Poi on Maui
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Where to Get the Best Poi on Maui
A Guide to the Island’s Most Authentic Hawaiian Dish
Poi is a staple of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, made from pounded taro root and enjoyed for its smooth, slightly tangy flavor. If you're visiting Maui and want to experience authentic poi, you’ll need to know where to find the freshest, most traditional versions of this iconic dish.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Hawaiian meal, a farm-to-table experience, or just a quick taste of poi, this guide will point you to the best spots on the island.
What Is Poi and Why Is It Important in Hawaiian Culture?
Poi is made by steaming or baking taro root and then pounding it with water to create a smooth, paste-like consistency. Depending on how much water is added, poi can be thick (one-finger poi), medium (two-finger poi), or thin (three-finger poi).
Poi has been a Hawaiian dietary staple for centuries, providing essential nutrients and a connection to native traditions. It’s often served alongside kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and laulau at Hawaiian luaus and family gatherings.
If you want to try poi on Maui, here are the best places to find it.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (For a Unique Poi Experience!)
Multiple locations across Maui
Best for: Poi-infused desserts
While Ululani’s is best known for its incredible shave ice, they occasionally offer a unique poi-flavored topping. This is a must-try if you’re looking for a different way to enjoy poi. The naturally sweet and tangy flavor of poi pairs surprisingly well with tropical fruits and syrups.
What to try: Poi-flavored shave ice with coconut and macadamia nut ice cream.
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Best for: Fine dining with traditional Hawaiian flavors
If you're looking for an upscale dining experience with authentic Hawaiian flavors, Mama’s Fish House in Paia offers high-quality, locally sourced dishes—including poi. Their taro-based side dishes honor the island’s heritage, and the restaurant’s beachfront setting makes for an unforgettable meal.
What to try: Traditional Hawaiian plate with fresh fish and a side of poi.
Old Lahaina Luau
1251 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Best for: Experiencing poi in a traditional Hawaiian luau setting
For an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience, the Old Lahaina Luau is the perfect place to try poi. Here, you’ll enjoy a full Hawaiian feast with hula performances, storytelling, and an oceanfront view. Their poi is served traditionally, alongside other local favorites like imu-roasted pork and taro rolls.
What to try: The full Hawaiian feast, where you can taste poi the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—with other traditional dishes.
Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors (For Pre-Packaged Poi)
91 E Lipoa St, Kihei, HI 96753
Best for: Grab-and-go poi for a beach picnic or home-cooked meal
If you want to pick up fresh poi to enjoy at your hotel, condo, or Airbnb, Tamura’s is a great option. This local grocery store often stocks fresh, locally made poi in the refrigerated section. It’s a convenient way to try poi on your own terms, whether you eat it plain or pair it with another Hawaiian dish.
What to try: Fresh taro poi from the refrigerated section.
Tips for Enjoying Poi on Maui
- Eat it fresh – Poi is best when fresh, as the flavor changes as it ferments. Some locals prefer the slightly sour taste of aged poi, but if you’re new to it, go for fresh poi first.
- Pair it with other Hawaiian foods – Poi is mild, but it complements salty and savory dishes like kalua pork and laulau.
- Try different textures – One-finger, two-finger, or three-finger poi all have different consistencies. Experiment to find what you like best.
- Support local farms – Many small farms in Maui produce high-quality poi. If you can, buy directly from a farm for the freshest taste.
Where to Get the Best Poi on Maui
Whether dining at a top-rated restaurant, experiencing a luau, or picking up fresh poi from a local farm, Maui offers plenty of ways to enjoy this traditional Hawaiian dish. If you’re looking for authentic poi, Poi by the Pound and Haleakalā Farms are excellent choices. If you want to try poi in a cultural setting, the Old Lahaina Luau is a must.
No matter where you try it, poi is more than just food—it connects to Hawaiian history and tradition. Enjoy your taste of the islands!
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