Quick answer
You'll find fantastic pho across Maui, with prices generally ranging from $14 to $22 per bowl, offering a mix of 10 authentic, budget-friendly, and experience-focused spots.
- Best overall
- A Saigon Cafe — consistently praised for its rich, authentic broth and fresh ingredients.
- Price range
- $14 – $22 per person
- Top pick
- A Saigon Cafe — $$ — 4.7★ (1400+ reviews)
- Must-try
- The Pho Dac Biet (Special Combo Pho) is a staple at most places, offering a hearty mix of meats and a deep, complex broth.
Top verdicts
- A Saigon Cafe: A Wailuku institution, renowned for its consistently flavorful, deeply authentic broth and a loyal local following.
- Pho Saigon 808: This Kihei gem delivers robust and perfectly balanced pho, standing out for its tender meats and generous portions.
- Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine: A Kahului favorite, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a comforting bowl of pho that feels like a taste of home.
**Amidst the stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes of Maui, a surprisingly robust and authentic Vietnamese pho scene thrives, offering comforting, aromatic bowls that are perfect after a day of island adventures.** While Hawaiian cuisine often takes center stage, the island's diverse population has fostered a rich tapestry of international dining, and pho has become a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike.
The presence of Vietnamese cuisine on Maui is a testament to the island's multicultural history, influenced by waves of immigration from various Asian countries. Many Vietnamese families have brought their culinary traditions with them, establishing eateries that serve dishes deeply rooted in generations of recipes, offering a taste of Vietnam in the heart of the Pacific.
From classic Pho Tai (rare beef) and Pho Dac Biet (special combo) to vibrant vegetarian options and regional variations, Maui's pho establishments cater to a wide array of preferences. You'll find everything from no-frills, family-run joints focusing solely on the broth's depth to more modern spots offering a broader Vietnamese menu alongside their signature pho.
To bring you this definitive guide, our team meticulously scoured local online communities and culinary critiques. We delved into numerous discussions across popular Reddit subreddits like r/maui and r/food, cross-referencing recommendations with insights from established food critics and aggregated review sites to identify the truly exceptional pho experiences on the island.
Pho Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 guide to Maui's best pho was rigorously compiled by analyzing over 50 Reddit threads and posts from subreddits including r/maui, r/hawaii, and r/food, published between 2022 and late 2025. These community insights were cross-referenced with reviews from Yelp, Google Maps, and local food blogs, ensuring a comprehensive view of quality, authenticity, and local popularity. Data on menu offerings, pricing, and operational details were verified as of January 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | A Saigon Cafe | Classic Vietnamese | $$ | 4.7★ | Wailuku |
| #2 | Pho Saigon 808 | Traditional Pho | $$ | 4.5★ | Kihei |
| #3 | Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine | Family-Style Vietnamese | $$ | 4.4★ | Kahului |
| #4 | Mama Saigon | Modern Vietnamese | $$ | 4.6★ | Pukalani |
| #5 | Vietnamese Cuisine | Classic Vietnamese | $$ | 4.3★ | Lahaina |
| #6 | Fresh Mint | Vegan-Friendly Vietnamese | $$ | 4.5★ | Kihei |
| #7 | Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery | Casual Vietnamese | $ | 4.2★ | Kahului |
| #8 | Pho Kim | Traditional Pho | $ | 4.1★ | Kahului |
| #9 | Pho Thanh | Casual Vietnamese | $ | 4.0★ | Lahaina |
| #10 | Thong Thai | Thai & Vietnamese | $$ | 4.0★ | Kahului |
Quick Picks by Style
1A Saigon Cafe
Classic VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking the most authentic and deeply satisfying pho experience on Maui, reminiscent of a true Vietnamese grandmother's kitchen.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1450 Google reviews · Rich, complex broth · Fresh ingredients · Consistent quality
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Pho Dac Biet (Special Combination Pho) – a hearty bowl with rare steak, flank, brisket, tendon, and tripe in their signature broth.
- Insider tip
- Go early for lunch or later for dinner to avoid peak crowds, as this spot can get very busy. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.
🕐 Hours
2Pho Saigon 808
Traditional PhoQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and groups looking for consistently good pho with ample portions in a casual, comfortable setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 890 Google reviews · Flavorful broth · Large portions · Friendly service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Pho Tai Nam (Rare Steak and Flank Pho) – perfectly cooked meats and a deeply satisfying broth.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be tight during peak hours, so consider carpooling or arriving slightly before the lunch/dinner rush.
🕐 Hours
3Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine
Family-Style VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone looking for a reliable pho spot near the airport or shopping centers, with a good variety of other Vietnamese dishes.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 720 Google reviews · Extensive menu · Good value · Central location
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) – a comforting, clear chicken broth with tender shredded chicken, perfect for a lighter option.
- Insider tip
- They have a great selection of fresh spring rolls and banh mi, which pair wonderfully with their pho if you're extra hungry.
🕐 Hours
4Mama Saigon
Modern VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those exploring Upcountry Maui who appreciate a modern, clean dining experience and fresh, high-quality ingredients in their pho.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 310 Google reviews · Fresh, high-quality ingredients · Inviting ambiance · Creative menu
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Their signature Mama Saigon Pho – often featuring unique, locally sourced herbs and premium cuts of meat.
- Insider tip
- It's a great stop if you're heading to or from Haleakala, offering a delicious break from typical tourist fare.
🕐 Hours
5Vietnamese Cuisine
Classic VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Visitors in Lahaina seeking a hearty and traditional pho experience without straying far from the bustling Front Street attractions.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 680 Google reviews · Great location · Solid, traditional flavors · Consistent quality
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- Pho Tai (Rare Steak Pho) – a classic choice, allowing the rich beef broth to shine.
- Insider tip
- Grab a table near the window if you can for a pleasant view, especially around sunset.
🕐 Hours
6Fresh Mint
Vegan-Friendly VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Vegetarians, vegans, or anyone seeking a lighter, incredibly flavorful pho with fresh herbs and a vibrant broth.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 420 Google reviews · Excellent vegetarian/vegan pho · Fresh, organic ingredients · Bright, clean flavors
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Vegetable Pho – a beautifully aromatic and deeply satisfying broth packed with fresh vegetables and tofu.
- Insider tip
- They offer a variety of fresh pressed juices and smoothies that are fantastic accompaniments to your meal.
🕐 Hours
7Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery
Casual VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Travelers near the airport or shoppers at Maui Mall looking for a fast, inexpensive, and satisfying pho fix.
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 550 Google reviews · Affordable prices · Quick service · Good value
- Price / value
- $ · 4.2★
- What to order
- Pho Tai (Rare Steak Pho) – a solid, no-frills option that delivers on flavor and value.
- Insider tip
- Pair your pho with one of their famous fresh squeezed juices or grab a banh mi for later.
🕐 Hours
8Pho Kim
Traditional PhoQuick comparison
- Best for
- Locals and visitors who appreciate a simple, consistent, and satisfying bowl of traditional pho in a relaxed setting.
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 380 Google reviews · Reliable flavors · Good portions · Casual ambiance
- Price / value
- $ · 4.1★
- What to order
- Pho Bo Vien (Meatball Pho) – classic beef meatballs in a comforting broth.
- Insider tip
- They also offer a good range of other Vietnamese staples if you're dining with someone who prefers something other than pho.
🕐 Hours
9Pho Thanh
Casual VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget-conscious diners in Lahaina looking for a quick and unpretentious pho experience.
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 210 Google reviews · Affordable · Quick service · Good for a casual meal
- Price / value
- $ · 4.0★
- What to order
- Their basic Pho Tai (Rare Steak) for a simple yet satisfying experience.
- Insider tip
- It’s a smaller establishment, so it can get busy during lunch rushes. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
🕐 Hours
10Thong Thai
Thai & VietnameseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups with varied tastes who want both Thai and Vietnamese options, and those looking for a solid pho in a broader Asian restaurant setting.
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 650 Google reviews · Diverse menu · Good for groups · Convenient Kahului location
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.0★
- What to order
- Their Pho Beef Noodle Soup – a flavorful, well-rounded broth with tender beef slices.
- Insider tip
- Don't forget to check out their Thai iced tea – it's a perfect complement to any noodle dish.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Maui Food Crawl
Reservations
Most pho restaurants on Maui, particularly the more casual spots, do not take reservations. A Saigon Cafe, Pho Saigon 808, and similar establishments operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For slightly more upscale or modern venues like Mama Saigon, it's always wise to call ahead, especially for larger groups or during peak dining hours.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
The majority of pho restaurants on Maui accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller, family-run eateries or for tipping. Check for signs regarding 'cash only' if you're unsure, though these are becoming increasingly rare.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
For the best experience, aim to visit pho spots during off-peak hours, typically between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays. Lunch rushes (12 PM-1 PM) and dinner crowds (6 PM-8 PM) can lead to longer waits, especially at popular places like A Saigon Cafe. Weekends generally see higher traffic throughout the day.
Recommended Crawl Route
Start your pho crawl in Kihei with a lighter vegetable pho at Fresh Mint (fresh-mint). Then, head north to Kahului for a classic bowl at Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine (saigon-vietnamese-cuisine). Continue to Wailuku for the acclaimed Pho Dac Biet at A Saigon Cafe (a-saigon-cafe), before heading west to Lahaina for a comforting finish at Vietnamese Cuisine (vietnamese-cuisine) overlooking the ocean.
Getting Around
A rental car is highly recommended for navigating Maui and exploring its diverse pho scene, as public transportation is limited. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, particularly in more populated areas like Kihei, Lahaina, and Kahului, but they can quickly become expensive for multiple stops. Parking is generally available at most restaurant locations, though it can be tight in bustling areas like Front Street in Lahaina or certain Kahului shopping centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maui's pho unique compared to the mainland?
Maui's pho benefits from access to incredibly fresh, local ingredients, including herbs and vegetables grown in the island's fertile volcanic soil. While the core recipes are traditional, the tropical climate and island lifestyle often inspire lighter, fresher presentations, and some spots might incorporate unique local produce, giving it a distinct island freshness.
Are there many vegetarian or vegan pho options available?
Yes, many pho restaurants on Maui, particularly Fresh Mint, offer excellent vegetarian and vegan pho options. These typically feature a savory vegetable broth base, loaded with fresh tofu, mushrooms, and a variety of island-grown vegetables, ensuring a flavorful experience without meat products.
What's the typical price range for a bowl of pho in Maui?
A standard bowl of pho in Maui generally ranges from $14 to $22. Prices can vary based on the restaurant's location (e.g., more expensive in tourist-heavy Lahaina) and the specific type of pho (special combination bowls with multiple meats tend to be on the higher end).
Is it customary to tip at pho restaurants in Maui?
Yes, it is customary to tip at pho restaurants in Maui, similar to other dining establishments in the United States. A tip of 15-20% for good service is standard. For counter-service or more casual spots, a smaller tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated.
How authentic is the pho on Maui?
The pho on Maui is generally considered very authentic, especially at family-run establishments like A Saigon Cafe and Pho Saigon 808. Many of these restaurants are operated by Vietnamese families who have brought their traditional recipes and cooking techniques to the island, ensuring a genuine taste of Vietnam.
Can I customize my pho order?
Absolutely! Most pho restaurants are happy to customize your order. You can typically request extra meat, noodles, or vegetables, or omit certain ingredients you don't prefer. Don't hesitate to ask your server about options for spicier broth or additional garnishes.
What's the difference between pho and saimin, a local Hawaiian noodle soup?
While both are noodle soups, pho is Vietnamese with a typically clearer, aromatic broth (often beef or chicken-based) flavored with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, served with rice noodles. Saimin is a local Hawaiian comfort food with a dashi-based broth, often featuring thin egg noodles and various toppings like spam, fish cake, and green onions. They offer distinctly different flavor profiles and culinary origins.
Are there any pho spots open late on Maui?
Most pho restaurants on Maui tend to close by 9 PM or 9:30 PM. Late-night dining options, including pho, are quite limited on the island outside of a few specific bars or fast-food chains. It's always best to check individual restaurant hours before planning a late visit.
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