Maui Thing is big on small, unassuming eating places, mostly off-the-beaten-track local secrets that do yummy food in a healthy, save-the-earth way. Here are some staff favorites.

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Cafe Marc Aurel

Perfect for a glass of wine after work or an early cuppa joe in the morning. Green-certified menu offers everything from organic coffee and croissants to wine and various tapa dishes. Cozy, creative ambience brings in rising local musical artists to perform in the evenings. Open mic artists on Mondays.
Located at 28 North Market Street, Wailuku Maui HI
www.cafemarcaurel.com



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Maui Coffee Roasters

444 Hana Hwy., Kahului, HI, 808-877-2877
Your quintessential coffeehouse with hand-painted tables, great coffee, salads, sandwich menu, free wireless Internet. Have a mouth-watering blueberry almond scone with your iced toddy. Or a flaky turkey croissant stuffed with lean meat and fresh veggies. Yum.
Located at 444 Hana Hwy. Kahului, Maui HI
www.mauicoffeeroasters.com


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Jawz Fish Taco Island Style Grill

1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI; 808-874-8226
Choose from grilled Mahi or Ono fish, wrapped in soft tacos topped with veggies and their "secret" sauce. Lots of other heart healthy dishes too. Huge condiment salsa bar!



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Sushi Paradise

1215 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI, 808-879-3751
This small hole in the wall features generous servings and an excellent selection of quality fish. Fish is key to a healthy heart and brain. Rice provides energy and is a good source of vitamin B1. So come to the heart of Kihei, when you want a healthy dinner at a small and intimate sushi bar.


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Pita Paradise

1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI, 808-875-7679
A hidden gem tucked into the heart of Kihei. This Greek Mediterranean menu goes way beyond pitas, although THEIR pitas are a healthy substitute for ordinary sandwiches. Try the Greek salad topped with grilled lamb, or tasty kabobs with ziziki bread. Fresh fish caught daily by the owner!


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Flatbread Company

89 Hana Hwy., Paia, HI, 808-579-8989
People are talking about this heart-wise alternative to your local pizza parlor. Light crispy flatbread prepared in a wood-fired oven, topped with organic produce, free range chicken and nitrate-free meats. Go for a great meal, help save the planet.



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MOM 'N POPS

These family-owned businesses feature local kine grinds and hold a special place in our hearts. Enjoy them while they're still around.

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Tasaka Guri Guri Shop

70 E Kaahumanu Avenue Kahului, HI 96732, 808-871-4513
A cross between ice cream and sorbet, this sweet ice concoction known as guri guri has been cooling local palettes for generations. Three flavors, only available on Maui but you can order frozen containers for the plane trip off island.



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Sam Sato's

1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793; 808-244-7124
Famous for its ono dry mein and hamburgers. People come from all over the state to take home the homemade manju, so order early.



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Tom's Mini Mart

372 Waiehu Beach Rd., Paukukalo, HI
Where else can you have a steamed hot dog and bun for breakfast? The lunch selections are limited but delicious. Tom's shave ice, though, is the real door buster.



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Komoda's Store & Bakery

3674 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, HI, 808-572-7261
Custard Cr¸me Puffs to die for! Actually all of their pastry is worth the drive upcountry but you need to come before noon or "that's all, folks."



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Ah Fook's Supermarket

Kahului Shopping Mall, Kahului, HI, 808-877-3308
Although not as big as its former self, Ah Fook's still has a loyal following for its produce, meats and one-of-a-kind offerings. Their logo T-shirts could become a collector's item so grab one while you can.



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Pukalani Superette

15 Makawao Ave., Makawao, HI, 808-572-7616
For over 50 years, this has been Maui's "easy does it place" for EVERYTHING from a snack to a smile. Groceries, daily bentos, fresh local produce, wide catering menu.



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Takamiya Market

359 N. Market, Wailuku, HI; 808-244-3404
Known for its teriyaki ribs and fresh fish at affordable prices, Happy Valley's long-standing market also has a daily offering of prepared foods, ready to take home and eat. The regulars say the food is "so good. No need wife!"



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