Cafe Mambo

Cafe Mambo - Delicious Food With A Surfer Style Vibe
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Cafe Mambo is a casual, laid-back surfer-style open-air restaurant located along the Hana Highway. It is conveniently located in the heart of Paia Town right on Baldwin Ave. near Hoʻokipa Beach. Everything on their menu is locally sourced and freshly prepared daily. 

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Cafe Mambo will have you dancing in the streets with its eclectic food and the funky, surfer vibe. This is a must-see spot while you’re driving along the Hana Highway! Cafe Mambo is conveniently located in the heart of Paia Town right on Baldwin Ave. nearby the beautiful Hoʻokipa Beach on the north shore of Maui. You can’t go wrong spending time at this special family-owned spot that has been making both new and loyal customers happy since 2003. Whatever you do, bring your appetite and prepare for a treat.

There is no question that you’ll find the freshest, food selections made to order here. Every ingredient is locally sourced, making it one of the many reasons Cafe Mambo is voted Best Lunch and Best Burger by the Maui Times readers year after year. You’ll love the ambiance that is obviously inspired by the love of the beach. Everything has a nostalgic touch of 70s hippie persuasion. Let’s start with the decor that is as unique and eclectic as the menu. 

The outside is a sight to see welcoming you in with its bright coral painted building with whimsical yellow accents. This cheerful atmosphere continues inside. A super cool chalkboard covers the wall and colorfully lists everything on the menu. You’ll be surrounded by a casual ambiance, seat yourself tables, and colorful art by local artists hanging on the walls. It’s fun, friendly, and fabulous. The views are spectacular, the food is very flavorful, and the service is great. You’ll appreciate that everything on the menu is organic and sourced locally and responsibly. You can tell that passion is the main ingredient in everything they serve.

Try out one of the specials of the day or enjoy one of their fan favorites like the crispy kalua duck fajitas. This dish is so good that it is continually voted as one of Hawaii’s best things to eat. Why? It’s crispy, it’s melt in your mouth tender, and it’s different from anything else you’ll ever enjoy. You wouldn’t expect duck and fajitas to go together like this, but it is a Hawaiian match made in flavor heaven. Ask for a side of jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream that makes this unique dish shine even brighter. If fish is more your thing, the fresh catch of the day or seafood soup is the way to go! You simply can’t go wrong with anything they serve.

If you have to hit the road grab a sandwich to go, but if you aren’t in a big hurry, stick around for a while. This is an ideal spot to people watch. You’ll see folks from all walks of life, and nationalities, all coming to this one place to enjoy an amazing meal. Here are a few things on the Cafe Mumbo menu. 

Breakfast Items Like:
Aloha Croissant
Pancakes
French Toast
Huevos Rancheros
Veggie Burrito

Sandwich Items Like:
Turkey & Smoked Bacon
Fish of the Day
Mediterranean Nut Falafel
Steak & Blue Cheese
BLT
Jumbo Shrimp with Curry Mayo

Burgers Like (All made with 100% Grass-Fed Mai Beef):
Beef
Tofu
Cheeseburger
Kalua Pork Burger

Cafe Mambo is open daily from 11 am – 8 pm. If you arrive between 3 pm and 6 pm, check out their Happy Hour Menu. It always features discounted appetizers, beer, wine, and tropical cocktails. Enjoy a refreshing Bikini Blonde draft, or a Maui Sunshine cocktail to compliment your sandwich. The tofu burger and draft for $11 is a steal!

Insider Tip:
The Maui Times readers continually vote Cafe Mambo with the Best Lunch and Best Burger awards. Enjoy discounted prices during Happy Hour which is offered daily between 3 pm – 6 pm. Limited seating available.