Maui Shrimp Express (1 Piikea Avenue)

A Taste of the North Shore in South Maui

Forget the long drive to Kahuku; if you find yourself wandering through Kihei, Maui Shrimp Express brings that iconic, buttery garlic shrimp flavor directly to the south side. Operating out of a casual, no-frills setting near the Piikea Avenue commercial district, this is where locals duck in for a quick, hearty lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.

Sizzling Garlic and Island Heat

The menu is laser-focused, centering on the classic Hawaiian shrimp truck experience. Their signature dish—the succulent shrimp sautéed in a heavy hand of garlic, butter, and secret spices—arrives piled high over a mound of white rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. You’ll smell the caramelizing garlic from the parking lot, a heavy, savory aroma that cuts through the tropical salt air. The shells are thin and easy to peel, but expect to get your fingers messy; it is part of the charm.

The South Maui Local Pulse

This isn't a place for white tablecloths or lengthy cocktail service. It’s for those who appreciate authentic local grindz without the tourist markup. It gets busy during the lunch rush, and while the lot can feel a bit snug when the trucks start rolling in, the turnover is fast. Whether you are fueling up before a snorkeling trip or heading back from a day at Kamaole Beach Park, grabbing a box here is a rite of passage for anyone craving that specific, pungent, addictive garlic hit that defines Maui’s roadside food scene.