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Paia Fish Market
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Seafood, Seafood Markets [Edit]
110 Baldwin AvePaia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8030
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
376 reviews for Paia Fish Market
Review Highlights
376 reviews in English
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Review from Maddie C.
Irvine, CA
12/30/2011
Really yummy fish, any kind of fish, just get it grilled and you'll get it right. We came here twice during the week and here's what we got:
1. Opakapaka--light, flaky, sweet and delicious. Grilled PERFECTLY. Not too overdone, not underdone. Just amazing.
2. Opah (moonfish)--a little firmer than the Opakapaka, but still sweet. YUM. Again, perfectly cooked.
3. Mahi Mahi--best we had in Maui that week.
4. Ono--I'm not a big fan of ono (since it seems like boring white fish to me) but this one was cooked so perfectly that w/a touch of lemon, it was delish.
The only downer here are the crazies (I'm looking at you large rude people from the mid- west) sniping tables and trying to squeeze us around in our seats WHILE we were eating, and trying to sit with us before we were done.
Seating is communal, which means sadly you will have to get competitive when you're looking for seats, while you're eating (gotta watch your back for the crazies trying to steal your seat) and even getting out of your seat (some girl blocked me from getting out since she was trying to take my seat before I even got out of it, WITH MY TODDLER IN TOW. RUDE.) Smack down the crazies and you'll be fine. I can't believe some people actually think that their behavior is fine until you yell at them.
The sides that come w/the grilled fish plate ain't nothing special, but whatever, it's all about the fish. If you don't fancy the sides (and the fish plate price tag), get the fish burger version. It's the same thing, without the fancy. And that cole slaw that comes with is actually pretty friggin good too. -
Review from Suan W.
Silicon Valley
2/5/2012
This place is crawling with weirdo hippies, but the fish tacos are legit! I'm not sure what type of fish they use, but it's fresh, non-fishy and flavorful. The fish is grilled, which I normally dislike (I prefer deep-fried), but the fish tacos here are the best I've ever had. Try it with Cajun rice!
Warning: The tacos are HUGE, so only opt for two if you're really hungry. Otherwise, one should be plenty. -
Review from Brad S.
Knox, TN
2/3/2012
Very good. Should have been easy to find, but google maps let me down, and took me a mile down Baldwin Dr, when it is right at the corner of Baldwin and Hana Hwy. It's about 10 minutes past the airport -- 15 minutes if the traffic is a little heavy.
You order at the kitchen, I ordered an Ono Burger with fries and a Coke (about $15). Then fight for a seat at the communal picnic tables. I might have gotten the MahiMahi if I had it to do over again, though I'd had good Mahi the night before.
The burger (a chargrilled fish sandwich) was excellent. The fries are nothing special, but have a little cajun seasoning on them to give them a touch of spice. A very good meal. -
Review from John L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
It was ok. The fish on my plate was good but the rest feels like an afterthought, they're just there just because. Nice cool atmosphere but some people were really territorial with the communal tables. All and all it was ok. Thought it was overpriced.
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Review from Jeremy L.
Kihei, HI
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm actually not a big fan, but that's not so much because of the quality of food, but because I don't eat fish often. My friends find this place to be the best. It's very popular and there is limited seating, so that can be stressful at times. I give it 3 stars because, while I'm not a fish eater, it is still a good place to eat especially if you like fish.
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Review from Kiristen R.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yes lawd! In the words of Tamar Braxton, this place is "thetruthdotcom". So good. This was the first place my hubs and I went on Maui and it was a nice "Aloha".
I split the fish burger and the calamari/fried fish plate with my husband. The entire meal was good but the fish burger was probably the best I've ever had in my life. Juicy and well seasoned. I probably had 3 fish burgers the following week but none came close to the fish burger here. I almost want to fly back to Maui just to eat here.
Other notables:
-communal seating
-a little pricey
-bus your own tables
Make sure to stop here when you're in Maui. -
Review from Brian V.
Gilbert, AZ
12/26/2011
Upon arriving at the airport, we read some reviews on my phone and decided to give the Paia Fish Market a try. We were lucky enough to get a close parking spot on a pretty busy day. We immediately noticed that this place had a decent-sized line (can be a little crowded inside) and the seating was limited (there are benches that you share with other people). Depending on your comfort level, that might be a positive or negative.
My wife ordered the fish tacos and I ordered the fried fish. My wife said her fish tacos were the best she's ever had and my fried fish was also the best I ever had. After taking a few bites of each others food, we agreed that this place was amazing. Aside from a few super fancy romantic dinners, the Paia Fish Market was the best meal we had during our stay in Maui. We liked the food so much that we made a few trips and each time we loved the meal. At first, I thought the food was a little on the expensive side for this type of restaurant. But after a few days on Maui, I realized that it was actually pretty inexpensive in relation to everything else.
If you want to eat great food in a relaxed environment, you should definitely try the Paia Fish Market. And if you are feeling frisky, don't be afraid to try a little tiger sauce with your fried fish and tarter sauce. It creates an electrifying combination! -
Review from Bob A.
Honolulu, HI
12/8/2011
My wife and I decided to try this place based on the positive Yelp reviews, and since it was walking distance from our hotel. Talk about a let down! The fish and chips were MEDIOCRE- the mahi filets were overcooked and dry. ( dark brown in color ) . The chips were nothing special- frozen variety from Costco or whatever freezer section. The tartar sauce tasted like it was pre made and out of a bottle. overall disappointing.
Here's a free tip to the owners or line cook (no chefs there): the fish in fish & chips need batter! and try thick fresh cut fries with sea salt. Sheesh they didn't even try.
We also had an ono burger- a nice filet but very bland. just barely 3 stars. But at least it was better than the fish & chips- which isn't saying much.
We shared a bowl of clam chowder- tasted like it was out of a can.
Some yelpers said they were happy to eat here instead of Mama's Fish House. Do some research on Mama's and you'll find the comparison is like comparing Yugo to Mercedes. Janet Reno to Pamela Anderson. HP to Apple. you get the point- no comparison.
I would only recommend Paia F.M if you are hungry after a night of drinking heavily. -
Review from colin h.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011
Tacos were bland, tortillas a bit like cardboard. Clam chowder was too thin and tasteless. The slaw was pretty refreshing though.
This was my first foodstop in Maui, although the seafood seemed fresh - it wasn't cooked too well. The best thing at this place were the fries which were fried and seasoned almost perfectly.
For the best fish tacos you have to go to Coconut's fish cafe in Kihei. -
Review from Patrick L.
South San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011 1 photo
This was my first stop when i landed in Maui. Very close to the Kahului Airport (OGG). The neighborhood has plenty of shops around. Kinda feels and looks like a locals area.
The restaurant was packed when i got there. Long lines and better reserve your tables cause they go fast.
Mahi Mahi Taco is the thing to get. $10 for two tacos. Its loaded with fresh Mahi Mahi. Reviewing the food right now makes me wish i was in maui right now to grab another MAHI MAHI TACO. -
Review from Erika R.
Atlanta, GA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG. This place is absolutely fantastic! When my husband and I first approached the counter to order, I was a bit shocked at the $18 price tag for a lunch plate. But let me reassure you -- it is sooo worth it! The cajun-style opakapaka was hands down the most delicious piece of fish I've eaten eh-ver.
An important note regarding the value for the price -- the portion sizes are very generous! It was definitely at least 10 ounces, though this didn't stop me from totally cleaning my plate! And just to put things into perspective, I'm a pretty health-consious broad -- I track my daily caloric intake, keep to a strict diet... but the Paia Fish Market was absolutely worth my, ahem... overindulgence :)
Make sure to get some of the coleslaw as well. Again, I normally avoid coleslaw, as gloppy mayonnaise is not my thing. But the coleslaw at this place was all about fresh dill and crunchy cabbage -- it was light and fresh and delish! -
Review from Julie R.
11/9/2011
After going halfway to Hana, we were ready to stop off for some lunch! We had recommendations for this place and Mama's Fish House. We met some locals who said to come here for sure over Mama's. We were glad we did.
It was fresh, reasonable and local. We shared a plate of fish tacos. There were 2 kinds of fish. Both were juicy and tasty. Grilled Opa and Ono I believe. The tacos are loaded up, not anything skimpy. A plate of 2 is $12 but huge. You get your moneys worth with the fish for sure. On the side the coleslaw was the best I ever had. Super crunchy and delicious. The rice and beans were a filling addition to the plate too.
These tacos were satisfying and the place offered low frills. The tables are community style. Most people keep to themselves and allow enough room where you feel you are eating alone anyway.Listed in: Fish Tacos
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Review from Mark D.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had no intention to stop at Paia Fish Market for lunch but was so happy we did. The fish tacos are amazing. I was amazed to see the flow of people stopping here for lunch too. Paia Fish Market was busy but still had plenty of available seats and line didn't seem to be very long. The fish tacos were served with fries. Paia Fish Market is on the corner of two busy streets. I parked across the street in a parking lot. Parking charge wasn't very much. We stopped at Paia Fish Market while on our way down the Hana highway. Glad we did as there wasn't very much for the next 50 miles. I would come back to Paia Fish Market next time I am in town.
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Review from Jyoti C.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
AWESOMEEEEEEEE!
A must must must try on your way to Hana or on your way back in Paia..a great place to have fresh fresh fish..amazing fish burgers...I want one now :( -
Review from Lily Y.
Cerritos, CA
11/21/2011
After our trip to Hana, we stopped by this place for dinner. My friends and I were starving!
I ordered the maui fish'n'chips. It was a large order. The fries were just regular skinny fries, nothing too special. The fish was tasty! It was lightly breaded big meaty chunks of fish. It was really yummy! :)
The popular dishes here were the fish plates, and the fish burgers.
Downside:
-long wait to order especially when busy
-bench table seating, may be hard to get a table for a large group
-cramped, crowded
The meal was very satisfying. However, I can't say that it was worth the wait. Definitely a nice place to stop for dinner and hang out with friends. -
Review from Patience K.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2012
Crowded and full of locals- sooooooo good.
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Review from Cee B.
10/16/2011
Without a formidable central highway system, this is a few hour climb from West Maui but highly worth it for this famous eatery. There's a bunch of overpriced hippie-geared shops around the area. There's also a lavender farm somewhere around. Be prepared to sit at a bench with friendly strangers for this always-packed place. All lunch or dinner, except for fajitas, I think, include slaw and fries.
Lunch: Mahi fish & chips ($11), single fish taco as a side ($4), shrimp, chicken or fish fajitas ($16), ono or mahi burger ($9).
Dinner: the same as lunch except add $2 to fish & chips.
You end up having to park far away. There's a key for the disgusting awkwardly-located bathroom so, uh, be mindful.Listed in: MAUI ME KRAZY
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Review from Garry Y.
Honolulu, HI
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fresh, fresh, fresh seafood. I had the fish and chips, yeah i know healthy food made unhealthy.
The lines were long but they got the food out within 15 minutes, you order at the counter and wait for the food then wait for a table. You most times will have to share the picnic table with strangers but that makes it a fun experience.
This is a must try place, also save room for dessert and have Ono Gelato across the street, make sure you look both ways as the traffic is crazy bad. -
Review from Trang H.
After finishing our food at the Paia fish market we immediately went on a search for another place to eat. We ordered their popular fish tacos and we're so excited to have some amazing food. Unfortunately we were dissappointed with their food. We couldn't even tell that we were eating fish. The meat could have pass for chicken. The taco as a whole was very bland and really had no taste at all. This would not be a place we would go back to.
Listed in: maui
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Review from Alicia L.
Boise, ID
12/12/2011
I won't even rate the food. We were here with three adults and 4 kids, ages 5-10. Ordered full (and full priced) meals for each if them. A 15% (just over $15.00 in our case) gratuity was added to the ticket because we are a group of 6 or more....bear in mind that you wait in line to place your own order and then your number is called so that you can come pick up your order at the counter. Family style seating means you share your table. You are handed paper cups for your drinks. And you bus your own table...Gratuity for what!!!????? Shame on you!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Sandy N.
10/10/2011
I really had high expectations for this place after all the reviews from here!
I ordered their fish taco w/c was prepared girlled. Sound healthy enough. I asked for my fish to be cooked medium, but when I got my fish taco the fish was over over cooked to my liking. The sides were good, thier rice was full of flavor and their potatoes were good as well.
The BF ordered fish and chips. I liked his dish better. The fish was really tender and flaky inside and crunchy outside.
It wasn't that good that I wanted to return to this place again while on vacay. Perhaps another time I'll give this place try. the price was great and so was the service. -
Review from Nina M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Place was pretty crowded when we got there. The tables are set up family style so be prepared to buddy up with whatever group sits down next to you. Otherwise everything was great! Not a bad deal for the price. I had a burrito meal (comes with fries) and it was plenty for two meals. Would definitely go back if I found myself in the area again sometime soon!
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Review from Liz A.
St Louis, MO
10/5/2011
I spent 7 weeks on Maui this summer and was on a mission to find the best fish tacos on the island.....
And, well, after trying just about every place on the island that serves them, Paia Fish Market it the outstanding winner by a long shot!
You get to choose the type of fish you want, how you want it prepared and whatever side you would like. It comes with cabbage, tomatoes and a lemony dill tartar sauce. The fish is SO fresh. Squeeze a little lemon and add some Tiger Sauce and you will be more than satisfied!
The fries are also delicious - crispy and seasoned well!
It's the type of place where you walk up to the counter, order and sit wherever there is an open table. It's always busy (for obvious reasons!) but the communal seating is very fun. You never know who you might be sitting next to! Lots of interesting people to meet in Paia town!
Prices are very affordable and you can also order alcoholic beverages.
If you are in Maui and looking for some SUPERIOR fish tacos - this is definitely the place to try! -
Review from Taylor K.
10/28/2011
After reading the review about this place on Yelp, we decided to give it a try when we visited Piia.
It's a very casual place. There are about 6 long tables with benches that you share with others. Sort of cafeteria style. You go up to the cashier and order food. There is no waiter service which means you have to go pick up your food when your number gets called.
I ordered the Ono (aka wahoo) burger and my hubby ordered the fish and chips. The burger was all right but his fish and chips were the Bomb!!! They were crispy on the outside and plenty of fish inside and it wasn't greasy at all!
You can order sides with your meal. I got the rice and it was pretty yummy but nothing spectacular though.
This place is a must visit if you are in Paii especially if you are in a mood for great Fish and Chips. -
Review from Ana C.
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was a really great place to eat our last evening in Maui as we were slowly making our way back to the airport after exploring the road to Hana. I had their "Obama" burger which was a fish burger with wasabi on it. It was awesome! Portions are really generous, the beer on tap is good, the prices are great. Food came up pretty quickly and we enjoyed sharing our table (think picnic tables) with a local. Their local beef burgers are also really good, as that's what husband enjoyed.
I would come back here for sure and enjoy another fish burger. They had tons of fresh fish available, too, at market prices, that you could have prepared different ways which I liked the idea of. They did not have a happy hour, though, but a lot of other places around do. -
Review from Uland W.
Following my fellow yelpers to try this place. After a fun bike ride down the volcanic crater, this place was still bustling with patrons.
Ordered the fish tacos cajun style and the famous or infamous ono burger. As I wait patiently the smell of fried fish and fries engulfs this small corner diner. A cool breeze from the double wide door, helps with the radiant heat from the hot stove. The beach tables bring customers close and one tends to slouch. If you decide to sit next to you friend, lover, or family. Be prepared to stare awkwardly at your neighbor while munching away on your food.
Maybe I'm spoiled with food being that I am from California, the place were food meets taste buds; the food in my opinion was just so-so. Yes, I agree the fish was fresh, but the taste of it was just okay to my standards especially if you are planning to paying $12 a plate.
Stop by my neck of the woods, and I 'll show you some good Mexican cuisine. -
Review from Marjolyn U.
10/9/2011 3 photos
My husband has been here before and we drove to Paia from Lahaina just so he could show me this cute surf town. He was telling me how good the fish was so of course, we had to have lunch here.
He ordered the lunch platter and I had the mahi fish sandwich.
it was super delicious. I was especially a fan of their potatoes - not sure what they put in them but they're SO delicious.
I'd definitely come back again. -
Review from Danielle F.
Santa Monica, CA
8/16/2011
This is the kind of food you would expect the eat on a beach somewhere with the sand between your toes. Eating this food in that environment would make it amazing. Otherwise, it's just ok. It's like eating in a fish shack without the water.
There are some things I liked-- the food was fresh and made to order. No food sitting around here. Fish was definitely tender but my tacos were really bland and the fish and chips were super salty.. And I love salt! Food isn't overly greasy either which is good but overall this food isn't really very memorable. It's the food you want to eat when you want fish and you want it quickly and relatively cheaply.Listed in: Food on Maui
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Review from Tanya N.
9/11/2011 2 photos
This was my first stop once I arrived in Maui since it was only about 10 minutes away from the airport and recommended by a friend.
Seating is first come first served basis and you order & pay at the counter so my suggestion is that if you're there with someone else, grab a seat when you see one available and order for your friend.
The lunch plate was pretty pricey at about $18 each. I had charbroiled ono fish with cajun rice and coleslaw. The fish was huge, moist and flavourful. The rice had a bit of spice to it but my preference would be a spicier. Overall, it hit the spot after a 5 hour flight. -
Review from Allie Y.
Palo Alto, CA
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went straight from the airport to Paia fish market because it is just that good! This establishment is small storefront with casual picnic bench seating. It is brimming with locals for good reason.
I would recommend the obama burger (ahi tuna) and the cajun fish tacos! The fish is amazingly fresh and flavorful, perfectly seasoned and well frankly, has become the subject of many dreams. yum!
Can't wait until our next trip to Maui. I will definitely be going back for some more fish tacos. -
Review from connie c.
Rosemead, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best fish burger ever!
Hopefully will back to Paia soon! ^-^ -
Review from Alan L.
Fairfield, CA
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was packed and that's always a good sign. There are so many options that I wanted to keep coming back to try the other meals. I had the charbroiled fish and the plate was pretty big. The preparation was a little bland as it was just charbroiled fish probably with a little salt and pepper. But the fish tasted fresh.
I'm just waiting until I can go back and try another dish. -
Review from Chuck C.
Ferndale, WA
12/18/2011
Great surprise. Someone in the car mentioned fish tacos, and we happened to be on our way toward Paia. Pulled up near Paia fish market, checked the menu, ka-ching. Fish tacos, and fish tacos extraordinaire. I want to check out of our condo near Lahaina so I can eat here everyday.
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Review from Todd P.
Akron, OH
1/19/2012
This place is awesome! Try the fish quesadilla it rocks!
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Review from Sonia K.
West Hollywood, CA
12/16/2011
Fish tacos were amazing, rivals any socal spot, wish it was around the corner from me I would be there at least once... or twice a week! ;)
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Review from Steve M.
Visalia, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great fresh fish. Amazing actually. Went on a busy night after an exhausting trip to Hana and beyond. Cafeteria style seating.
Prices are not cheap...think for me and my wife was about $60, but hey, I was in Hawaii paying for fresh fish that was caught in the am.
I had an amazing filet of perfectly grilled and seasoned Opah and my wife had the Mahi. Large platter. Got the crispy fries and my little dipping sauce I created with soy sauce, ketchup, and Tiger Sauce was awesome!
Yes, I would come back, and would probably get the same thing.
Steve out. -
Review from Vinny G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is always busy and there is a reason for that...great fish at good prices! It will be hard to find a better combination of the two! I had the Obama burger and while I am not a fan of his policies, the burger in his namesake could run for office and win! Cajun style ono that is huge! I am not sure how big but it felt like 10 ounces, far exceeding the radius of the hamburger bun that tried in vain to contain this beast of a fish filet! All this for 10 bucks! I have also had the mahi fish and chips. Excellent as well but wasn't a big fan of the fries. The fried potatoes are better in my opinion. The coleslaw was great too! I finished that and I rarely touch coleslaw!
The seating may seem cramped as there is elbow to elbow seating on benches. I have to admit I was apprehensive at this arrangement bit I have been back several times and each time I always meet someone eating next to me who share the comraderie of enjoying the same delicious food! Makes it kinda fun! -
Review from Melissa D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011
Completely overrated.
The food was so bland. Absolutely no flavor. I have no idea what all the hype was about. I couldn't even eat more than one bite of my food, it was that bad.
I ordered the cajun-style opah and it was just terrible. I poured salt, pepper, vinegar, ketchup, tiger sauce, and lemon on it in a pathetic and unsuccessful attempt to make the food have some semblance of flavor. My family members didn't even want to eat their food either. What a disappointment.
I will never ever come back. -
Review from Tracy K.
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only fish Paia Fish Market will sashimi sear is Ahi, and you HAVE to try it. Because although their cooked Ono burger is fantastic, nothing beats a quality rare fish burger. Fresh, tender, moist filet generously and perfectly sliced to fit flat on a burger.
$9.50 is all it takes to turn you into a Paia Fish Market fan.
BF took a bite of my burger and immediately wished we could swap plates. Not today, dear. -
Review from Gwen M.
Santa Clarita, CA
10/6/2011
The locals love it. 'Nuff said?
Seriously though, friends had Mahi mahi fish and chips and I had a great grilled mahi sandwich. YUM!
Shared tables. Relaxed expectant atmosphere delivers with great food at very fair prices. My top pick for the trip. Loved it.
