Maui Spotlight: Taqueria Cruz

Now in its 7th year of business, Kihei’s Taqueria Cruz is the go-to for delicious, unassuming, and affordable Mexican food on Maui.

Many travelers and residents are wary when it comes to so-called ‘Mexican food’ in Hawaii, and rightfully so – most of it is extremely hit or miss, often with more misses than hits. While extraordinary poke bowls, plate lunches, malasadas and shave ice aren’t hard to come by in the Aloha State, extraordinary Mexican food most assuredly is.

Thankfully, however, Maui has Taqueria Cruz, a low-key, BYOB, Mexican food establishment right in the heart of Kihei Town, just across the street from the south end of Kamaole Beach Park I.

Restaurant History

While still relatively new to Maui, Taqueria Cruz is actually a 4th and 5th generation family-owned business that first began in Napa Valley in 1951. In 2008, Taqueria Cruz was opened on Maui, and they have been going strong ever since, thanks to the hard work of owners Jorge and Jenna in creating a top-notch menu at great prices in one of the most popular areas on Maui.

Menu Highlights

I make a habit of coming here at least twice a week (I live less than a mile away) and have yet to have anything on the menu that I wouldn’t be stoked to have again. Some of our favorite dishes include the chile verde plate with jalapeño aioli, poblano raja veggie burrito with half-and-half red ranchero and green chile verde sauce, carne asada quesadilla with guacamole, and the taco combo plate with one shredded beef taco, one grilled fish taco, chipotle aioli, and rice and beans. YUM.

They also serve up a great assortment of hot sauces, and their chips and salsa (and guacamole, because let’s be real, it makes everything better) are a must as well.

Why We Love It

We love the laid-back vibe of this place when compared to most other, more expensive alternatives found throughout the island. This is the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner with friends after a nice day at the beach, and we recommend heading to Aloha Discount Liquor beforehand, located just a block down the street in the Rainbow Mall, to grab BYOB necessities to enjoy along with your meal.

In addition, the most expensive thing on the menu is $13.95, with most plates averaging between $9 to $11. Their portions are large, and on Maui, that’s a really great price for a really great meal.

Taco Tuesdays are by far the most popular night of the week, when guests can enjoy $1 off all tacos, all evening. Live music is available on Tuesday night as well, and we love going to hear local musicians while relaxing in the outdoor seating area.

The Details

Taqueria Cruz is located at 2395 S Kihei Rd #112 next to Boss Frog’s in the Dolphin Plaza. They are open Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 8:30pm, and can be reached directly at (808) 875-2910.