Pukalani Superette
About
A Taste of Upcountry Heritage
Stepping into Pukalani Superette feels less like a grocery run and more like a handshake with the heart of Upcountry Maui. This isn't your average convenience store; it is a long-standing Makawao institution where the scent of warm, freshly made musubi and seasoned poke drifts through the aisles to greet you the moment you walk through the doors.
The Local Culinary Staple
Founded by the Arai family, this grocery store has served the residents of the Pukalani and Makawao region for decades. It is famous among locals for its deli counter, where the kalua pig and assorted poke bowls are crafted with a consistency that chain markets simply cannot replicate. If you are heading up toward the summit or winding through the lush landscapes of the slopes of Haleakalā, this is your mandatory pit stop for authentic Hawaiian comfort food.
The Practical Reality
Be prepared for a modest footprint. The aisles are narrow and the parking lot can get frantic during the morning rush or lunchtime, as local contractors and school families flock here for their daily bento boxes. It is loud, it is bustling, and it is unapologetically functional. You won't find a sit-down dining room here—just grab your takeout, find a nearby bench with a view of the rolling hills, and enjoy a meal that defines the spirit of community in this corner of Maui.
Amenities & Features
Location
15 Makawao Ave, Makawao, Hawaii, 96768-8836
More to Explore
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 107 community reviewsRenae LaniGoogle Maps
Recently
Best place for take out meals and catering
Phyllis SingerGoogle Maps
Recently
Great little local market with fresh local veges and fruit
Rohith PalagiriGoogle Maps
Recently
Their prepared food is delicious! Stop by on the way to the crater :)
Jacqueline DeCoiteGoogle Maps
Recently
Horrible they 7pm vlose but it actually 6:46an they wouldnt let me get 1 item. False advertisement about closeing time bs
Maui World TravelersGoogle Maps
Recently
Yay, I finally made it in! Because I don't live anywhere near this place, I never had a reason to go in, but we were in Pukalani so in I went. THE STORE: There's a few parking stalls fronting the store, with a newly added parking lot on the south side. The store is stocked with the usual grocery store offerings, on a much smaller scale of course. Aside from being a convenient stop, they're also known for their catering services and bento/plate lunch offerings, which is what I went in to try. I saw chow fun, chili fried chicken, and chicken adobo among the numerous selections. FOOD: Roast Pork - I got a deceiving looking tray (in a good way) of about 8-10 slices of slightly tender, slightly firm pork over rice and smothered in a light brown turkey-like gravy that actually tasted pretty good, with a tiny helping of buttered canned corn. Good sized portion for the price, but not the best I've had. Shoyu Chicken 2 tender pieces of bone-in skin-on thighs, done in a classic Hawaii shoyu sauce which was more savory than sweet, rice, and corn. Good, simple, and cheap. SERVICE: The male cashier check out was fast, though I didn't receive a simple greeting or thank you, just a price announcement. Really, is "Hi" and "Thank you" so hard to say? A female associate was still re-stocking the plate lunches at the 2pm hour. They do sell a lot I'm guessing. OVERALL: Tasty homemade food, great prices & portion sizes. I'd definitely try more if I'm in the area!
Wendel TseGoogle Maps
Recently
This is a smaller, older market with local flavor and personality. The outstanding thing about this place is the prepackaged hot deli in the middle of the market. Portions aren't huge, but flavors and prices are right, especially when they mark them down if they sit for a while. My wife bought the fried chicken leg, which was discounted, and devoured it cold in the next morning. She loved it.
Hazel JamesGoogle Maps
Recently
The Pukalani Superette is a Maui treasure, not far from the Haleakala Highway. Not only does it carry a plethora of groceries, it also carries fresh, locally-made foods and hot, takeout foods. (Legend has it the fried rice will cure a hangover.) Additionally, I’ve found them to be the most reasonably priced store that carries Maui-made items you may want to gift family and friends. I paid nearly double the price for Maui Fruit Jewels items at Foodland. Come here first for your gifting needs! And to top it off, all of the staff are so helpful and friendly. Love this place.
Lauren KGoogle Maps
Recently
The Pukalani Superette is a Maui treasure, not far from the Haleakala Highway. Not only does it carry a plethora of groceries, it also carries fresh, locally-made foods and hot, takeout foods. (Legend has it the fried rice will cure a hangover.) Additionally, I’ve found them to be the most reasonably priced store that carries Maui-made items you may want to gift family and friends. I paid nearly double the price for Maui Fruit Jewels items at Foodland. Come here first for your gifting needs! And to top it off, all of the staff are so helpful and friendly. Love this place.
shu-Kung “K H” HsuGoogle Maps
Recently
Lots of premade food options. Also have marinated meat for grilling. Friendly stuff.
Vanessa GgoffGoogle Maps
Recently
One of the best stores on island! Has local produce, good selection of organic stuff, hot food prepared daily with a local flavour! Cakes and pies are so good, and a great selection of different alcohol! Local meats and great vibe! Always makes me sing the song from the radio when i go 🙂 🎵"pukalani superette, welcome to upcountry. Welcome to your easy does it store" 🎶🎵
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