Jaws Taco - Hawaii Restaurant
#71 of 108 Restaurants in Kihei Mexican

Jaws Taco

3.8(10 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover Jaws Taco, offering the best Mexican experience in Kihei. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Maui Staple for Coastal Cravings

When you find yourself cruising down the South Maui coastline, the scent of searing proteins and fresh cilantro signals you have arrived at Jaws Taco. This open-air roadside shack captures the essence of Kihei dining: casual, unpretentious, and built for people who just spent four hours in the Pacific. It is the kind of place where your sandals might get a little sandy, and the seating is strictly functional, but the flavors are what locals talk about when they want a quick bite.

Signature Flavors from the Surf

Chef-driven technique meets island simplicity here. The menu leans heavily on the classics, with their fish tacos acting as the primary draw. The kitchen typically relies on the catch of the day, finished with a bright, zesty slaw that cuts through the savory grilled fish. If you are looking for something with a bit more heat, their spicy salsa roja carries a genuine kick that lingers long enough to justify grabbing an extra fountain soda.

The Kihei Vibe

Be prepared for a bit of a localized rhythm; during peak lunch hours, the line can snake out toward the main road, and parking is a tight game of musical chairs. The background noise is a mix of distant surf reports and the steady hum of traffic, creating an atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Maui life. This is not a spot for white-tablecloth service; it is for those who value speed, high-quality ingredients, and the ability to eat with your hands while looking out toward the horizon. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch between beach sessions or fueling up after a long day in the sun, this spot remains a cornerstone of the Kihei food scene.

Location

6761 Makena Alanui, Kihei, Hawaii

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 10 community reviews
F

Finn HGoogle Maps

Recently

Definitely the worst meal I have had on the island, maybe the worst nachos and tacos ive ever had. Quality of ingredients were extremely low and tasted off. Guys who worked it were nice but for the price this food is unacceptable, your better off finding any other place to go. Edit: owners tried to accuse me of writing a fake review (I included a literal picture of my food). Once again, do not eat here by any means!! Horrible!

M

Morgan HGoogle Maps

Recently

This was the chicken quesadilla I ordered, and it was extremely disappointing. It had virtually no flavor and tasted like a Kraft American cheese slice with plain bland chicken added to it. (Barely any) I’ve eaten at many food trucks in Hawaii and have loved almost all of them—this was the first one that truly missed the mark. At over $15, the quality didn’t come close to justifying the price. I should've known when all of the locals were going to the other food truck instead of this one. The person I was with got a pork burrito and preferred my tasteless quesadilla over it which was telling . I also noticed the owner responding to negative reviews by claiming they are AI-generated. Instead of dismissing feedback, it might be more productive to take constructive criticism into consideration.

R

Ricardo RaimundoGoogle Maps

Recently

Okay, I get it — I’m on an island, eating at a food truck, and I’m not expecting Michelin-star food. That said, charging $20 for one hot dog and one “fountain” drink is unacceptable when the hot dog was microwaved (I watched him do it) and the “fountain soda” was actually poured from a previously opened bottle that was completely flat. On top of that, the bun was so old it was rock hard — it honestly looked toasted. To make things worse, the server handled the hot dog with bare hands (not ideal, even for a food truck), and the truck displayed a so-called “Department of Food” permit that was blank — no business name, no inspector signature — clearly something printed off Google. This felt like an outright scam and a genuine health hazard. I don’t usually leave reviews like this, but this experience was bad enough that people should be warned.

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Jaws Taco

Common questions from diners about Jaws Taco in Kihei.

They serve Mexican cuisine.

Nearby Restaurants

Johana
$$
0.0(0)

Johana

Restaurant

Kihei
Suns Out Buns Out
$$
0.0(0)

Suns Out Buns Out

Street Food

Kihei
Johana chicken - Maui Restaurant Image
$$
5.0(1)

Johana chicken

Hawaiian

Kihei