A flag carrier of the Kihei Food Oasis - a collection of sixteen food trucks and shacks permanently located at South Maui Gardens - Kitoko has garnered an excellent reputation amongst locals and visitors since it opened its hatch in July 2020. Founded by Cole Hinuber (former executive pastry chef at Spago Maui), this popular truck offers creative, internationally inspired takes on classic Hawaiian dishes, with an emphasis on sustainably-sought local ingredients and meticulous preparation.

Favorites from the menu include Braised Beef Loco Moco (slow-cooked Maui cattle, crispy sushi rice, tamarind sauce, green papaya salad, fried egg), Grilled Kauai Shrimp (tamarind sauce, green papaya salad, crunchy garlic), Fresh Caught Ono Poke (ginger, Okinawa sweet potato chips, citrus), and a superb Seafood Platter that’s perfect for sharing. The signature sweets are just as good as the savory offerings (hardly surprising, given the owner’s previous experience), there’s a wide selection of dishes for diners on a plant-based diet, and regular specials showcase not only the best seasonal ingredients available, but also the unparalleled creativity of the chef and his team.

Open daily from 11:00 until 20:00, Kitoko’s mouthwatering meals are just one of the reasons this food truck is increasingly being hailed as a hidden gem on the Maui food scene. Service is friendly and efficient, there’s ample outdoor seating - with live musical entertainment at select times - and a unique atmosphere that effortlessly combines an upscale restaurant experience with the laid back island vibe of a casual setting. The business is also raising the standard for environmental responsibility, avoiding the use of plastics by serving food and beverages in fiber based disposables, metal tins and glass bottles.

So, if you’re looking for a laid back lunch venue serving lovingly-prepared, artfully-presented food that’s rich in local flavors, then your new favorite restaurant might just be a food truck…