Maui's Most Extraordinary Foodie Destination Is A Hidden Tropical Oasis In A Lovely, Secret Neighborhood

Among the best things to do on your Maui vacation is a visit to a foodie haven nestled in a tropical oasis. Tucked in Kihei, a beach town located about a 20-minute drive from Wailuku, lies South Maui Gardens. Spanning a luxuriant six-acre oasis, the destination was established in 2013 as a garden center that, fast forward to today, has turned into a hub where community gathers to best enjoy their island life. The oasis features a plant nursery and food trucks, and hosts events to soak up the local Polynesian culture, ranging from Hula dance performances and food markets to artisan workshops and a bird sanctuary.

If it's your first time visiting the island and you're eager to dig into Hawaiian cuisine, the South Maui Gardens boasts 16 dining choices, offering locals and visitors both regional and international flavors from early morning to evening. As you amble around, accompanied by upbeat music and a lively atmosphere, stop by these small trucks to taste island specialties on the south side. Kitoko serves up a seafood platter, ono poke, and Tomahawk steak using locally sourced ingredients. If you want to taste 100% organic bread, Blue Door Bread Company offers artisan bread and sourdough pizza, alongside preserved-in-oil products. Da Green Coffee Bar is the ideal place for a Maui farm-to-cup coffee or to unwind with some hemp-infused products. 

On the north side of the oasis, the food options add an international touch. You can either indulge in Thai food, Taiwanese options, or Indian-inspired dishes at Nirvana. Local fare is also available, like Hawaiian mixed plates, poke bowls, and fusion meals with enticing flavors from Mexican, Baja, and Hawaiian recipes. For those island-style mornings with tropical fruit, try the tasty and nutritious Acai bowls at Sweet Hula.

The best way to reach South Maui Gardens is to fly into Kahului Airport, the biggest airport on the island, and drive about a half hour to Kihei; from there it's just a few minutes drive to South Maui Gardens, where, beyond all of the delectable food options, there's also entertainment.

Each Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, South Maui Gardens puts on a dazzling show that serves to educate visitors and entertain the audience, the only one of its kind in Kihei. The spectacle transports you to Polynesia, specifically to New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaii, thanks to skillful dancers performing songs, dances, and chronicles that capture the essence of each cultural tradition. 

Enjoy Hawaiian Hula dancers, the Māori traditional haka ceremony, Tahiti's ancestral history, and Samoa's fire knife dancers, before the show concludes with live Hawaiian folk music. The show is held outdoors, with tall palms circling you, a starry sky above, and a cold drink in hand. The performance kicks off at 5 p.m. with about 45 minutes of introductory Hawaiian music that sets the tone for the night. The dancers wear typical garments, such as grass skirts and flower crowns. Tickets start from $100, while Hawaiian residents can take advantage of a discounted price.

The Hawaiian island of Maui is an unexpectedly great fall destination, with fewer crowds, gorgeous weather, and an abundance of activities to pursue. At South Maui Gardens, from Monday to Saturday, live music fosters a welcoming, vibrant environment that embodies the Aloha Spirit. Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Artisan and Farmer's Market showcases the local artisans' products, including art, jewelry, and various handcrafted items, which make for ideal souvenirs. In the haven, you can also join wellness practices to restore your physical and mental well-being. Friday mornings are dedicated to yoga, each Tuesday of the month presents a community sound bath, while on Sundays, things like breathing exercises, holistic sessions, yoga, Qigong, and sound healing are available for an hour in the morning.

If you are an avian lover, head to the Lahaina Bird Stand. Once a popular location among locals on Lahaina Front Street, the bird stand is now located at South Maui Gardens after the devastating and historical Lahaina fire destroyed the previous spot in 2023. It all started 40 years ago, when one of the owners, Barrie Matthews, had a rescue parrot as a pet and would attract people's attention while walking on the beach. Matthews was then joined by David Vanzo, and the couple both started caring for these rescue birds, allowing visitors to take pictures with them. 

As you visit the parrot station, you will be welcomed by a blue-and-gold macaw, a scarlet macaw, a salmon-crested cockatoo, and many others. Besides parrots, there's another animal that steals the show at South Maui Gardens: Dozier, the giant tortoise. When he was 2 years old, Dozier was mauled by a dog and later survived the Lahaina fire. The tortoise carries some scars and burns, but he is well looked after by the people at the Lahaina Bird Stand.