Wood-fired pizza can be surprisingly difficult to come by in Hawaii, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find. Outrigger Pizza Company fills this important niche by bringing this style of pizza to the heart of Kihei.
Outrigger Pizza Company boasts a fascinating history. The idea was made possible by mastermind Kevin Laut, who recognized the need for wood-fired pizzas and set about building his own trailer. This inspiring operation began in 2009 and has since become one of the area’s most popular pizza hangouts.
Your experience at Outrigger will be far from fancy; it’s a simple street stand and definitely not an upscale restaurant. No, you won’t be able to relax with a beer and watch the game on a flatscreen TV, but a unique setup actually makes your Outrigger visit that much more charming. When you arrive, you can easily order your favorite pizza, pull up one of the stools, and make conversation. You’ll be amazed by just how fun it can be to wait for your meal in a parking lot.
If you’re intent on eating pizza and pizza alone, Outrigger won’t disappoint; other than bottled water and soda, pizza is literally all that this food stand provides. If, on the other hand, you prefer a bit more culinary variety, you’ll want to look elsewhere. That being said: with pizza so delicious and available with so many types of toppings, why bother ordering anything else?
When your pizza arrives, you’ll be astounded by the quality of the crust. Thin and wonderfully crispy, this could easily be what keeps regular visitors coming back to this modest little stand. The toppings aren’t particularly heavy, but that’s actually preferable — there’s no need to take your attention away from the incredible crust.
Over the years, Outrigger Pizza Company has achieved an impressive reputation in the Kihei area and far beyond. This notoriety was made possible, in part, by a visit from the famed Guy Fieri. Featured on the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the stand is now popular among those who enjoy following in Guy’s footsteps. Even without Guy’s attention, however, this pizza joint would have no trouble cultivating a strong following.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
Italian Sausage
Available with either tomato sauce or garlic aioli sauce, this flavorful pizza is decked out with sweet onions, bell peppers, Portobello mushrooms, and, of course, Italian sausage. This pizza also has a delightful blend of cheese, including Romano, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken
Amp up your pizza experience with an enticing pie that includes just the right amount of dill cream and Frank’s hot sauce. It’s also topped with roasted chicken, bell peppers, sweet onions, and blue cheese.
Chicken Bacon Ranch
Treat yourself to a memorable pizza that ranch lovers, in particular, will adore. The most noteworthy toppings are the roasted chicken and bacon, but this pizza also comes with tomatoes, onions, and four types of cheese. A savory ranch dressing forms the topping and sets this unique pizza apart.
Lilikoi Pork
Enjoy an authentic taste of Maui with this local favorite. Its toppings include pork, of course, but also bell peppers, kale, sweet onion, and an excellent cheese blend. The best part? The lilikoi drizzle, which adds a subtle, but spectacular flavor.
Pesto Pie
Outrigger provides numerous options that should satisfy vegetarians, but the pesto-oriented recipe is especially compelling. It’s loaded with cherry tomatoes and a pesto sauce, plus four types of cheese — including delectable feta.
Whether you aspire to visit all of Guy Fieri’s favorites or simply desire a casual pizza-eating experience in Kihei, you can’t go wrong with Outrigger Pizza Company. See for yourself why a parking lot is the perfect place to eat a high-end pizza.
Insider Tips:
-The brightly-colored cart can be spotted from a distance. A quick glance through the parking lot at Kukui Mall, and you’ll have no trouble finding this pizza icon.
-While lounging in the parking lot can be surprisingly pleasant, you’re also welcome to phone your order ahead. These pizzas sometimes take a while to whip up, so it’s best to arrive prepared for a wait.