Top Saimin Spots on Maui

Where to Find the Best Saimin on Maui

03-13-2025

John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Saimin on Maui

If you’re on Maui and craving a steaming bowl of saimin, you’re in for a treat! This beloved Hawaiian noodle soup—born from the cultural melting pot of plantation-era Hawaii—is a comforting, flavorful dish that locals and visitors alike can’t resist.

While Oahu might be the epicenter of saimin, Maui has its own hidden gems serving up this island classic. From hole-in-the-wall diners to unexpected food truck finds, here’s where to get the best saimin on Maui—noodle lovers, take note!

What Makes Saimin Special?

Saimin isn’t your typical noodle soup. Unlike ramen’s rich, fatty broth or pho’s herbal depth, saimin features a light yet flavorful dashi-based broth, wheat noodles with a satisfying chew, and simple but delicious toppings like:

✔️ Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork)
✔️ Kamaboko (pink and white fish cake)
✔️ Green onions
✔️ Egg or wontons (optional but amazing!)

Hawaii’s ultimate comfort food is warm, savory, and nostalgic. Let’s dive into the best places to get saimin on Maui!

Sam Sato’s – The Local Legend

1750 Wili Pa Loop A, Wailuku, HI 96793


Must-Try: Saimin with BBQ beef sticks

If you ask any Maui local where to get the best saimin, Sam Sato’s will likely be their first answer. This old-school diner, around since 1933, is famous for its dry noodles—but their saimin is equally legendary.

The broth is light yet packed with umami, and the noodles are perfectly springy. Pro tip: Pair it with their famous BBQ beef sticks for the ultimate local-style meal.

Sam Sato's

Tasty Crust – Where Nostalgia Meets Flavor

1770 Mill St, Wailuku, HI 96793


Must-Try: Classic saimin with a side of their legendary pancakes

Tasty Crust is an old-school, no-frills diner that feels like a step back. Their saimin is exactly what you'd expect—simple, comforting, and full of nostalgic island flavors.

The broth is light and savory, the noodles have the perfect chew, and it reminds you of childhood days at grandma’s house. Bonus: Their banana pancakes are famous, so don’t leave without trying them!

Tasty Crust

Ichiban Okazuya Hawaii – A Hidden Gem

2133 Kaohu St, Wailuku, HI 96793


Must-Try: Saimin with extra wontons

This tiny, family-run takeout spot serves some of the best homestyle Japanese food on the island—and their saimin is no exception. The broth is rich yet delicate, the noodles have just the right texture, and their homemade wontons add an extra layer of comfort.

Since Ichiban Okazuya is mostly takeout, grab a bowl and head to a nearby beach for the perfect island-style meal.

Geste Shrimp Truck – A Surprise Saimin Spot!

591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI 96732


Must-Try: Saimin with garlic shrimp on the side

You wouldn’t expect one of Maui’s best shrimp trucks to serve a solid bowl of saimin—but that’s exactly what Geste Shrimp Truck does. Their broth is simple yet tasty, and the noodles are cooked just right.

The best part? Pairing it with their famous garlic shrimp, which is smothered in a buttery, garlicky sauce that locals swear by.

Geste Shrimp Truck

Nuka – Saimin with a Gourmet Twist

780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708


Must-Try: Saimin with fresh local ingredients

If you’re looking for an elevated take on saimin, Nuka is the place. This upscale Japanese eatery in Haiku focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and their saimin reflects that.

Expect fresh, hand-pulled noodles, flavorful broth, and gourmet toppings—a more refined version of the classic, but still deeply satisfying.

7-Eleven Hawaii – The Unexpected Quick Fix

Various Locations


Must-Try: Grab-and-go saimin

Yes, 7-Eleven might seem like an odd recommendation, but their pre-packaged saimin bowls are surprisingly good in Hawaii. If you need a quick, affordable fix while road-tripping the island, don’t overlook this hidden gem.

Where’s the Best Saimin on Maui?

Maui might not have as many saimin spots as Oahu, but the island more than delivers on quality. Whether you’re after a classic, no-frills bowl at Sam Sato’s, a nostalgic diner experience at Tasty Crust, or a gourmet twist at Nuka, there’s no shortage of incredible places to get your saimin fix.

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