Lahaina Tacos, Downtown’s New Taqueria, Opens Today in Pioneer Plaza

Photo: Melissa Chang

In 1988, the Haro family traded one beach town for another: They left their home near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to build a life in Lahaina. For more than 30 years, family members worked at hotels and restaurants: Leoda’s Kitchen, Star Noodle, Royal Lahaina, the Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua. Along the way, Armando Haro bought a food truck—his dream was to start a business sharing the dishes he cooked for his family. But in August 2023, the Lahaina fires took that truck, the equipment he purchased for it and their home.

Today, Feb. 12, the Haro family is starting anew. Their first restaurant, a taqueria in Pioneer Plaza in downtown Honolulu, opens today. Everyone working at Lahaina Tacos lost their homes in the fire.

The Haro family. Photo: Melissa Chang

I got an early look at their offerings. Please note that not everything will be available on their first day.

Photo: Melissa Chang

Lahaina Tacos will feature tacos using fresh, handmade tortillas filled with steak, chicken, beef birria, lengua (tongue), marinated pork adobada, chorizo sausage or vegetables, each from $4 to $5. You can also get tortas, burritos or quesadillas ($11–$13.95), or bowls ($10–$12.95) with the same toppings or fillings. Expect specials sometimes, like oxtail birria ramen.

Photo: Melissa Chang

The tacos are the way they make them in Nayarit, their hometown in Mexico. I loved what I sampled. The rustic texture of the tortillas was so comforting, and the blend of spices and house-made salsas add a complex and addictive level of flavor, not just extra heat.

Photo: Melissa Chang

My favorite was the quesadilla, partly because I am a desktop warrior and need to be able to eat as I work through lunch, but also because of the contrast of the meat and cheese textures with the pop of fresh sautéed vegetables. All of the items come alive with abundant vegetables in every bite.

Photo: Melissa Chang

If you’re a little hungrier, the burrito or the torta will probably fill you more. I drizzled salsa on the torta for more zing, but it doesn’t need it.

SEE ALSO: La Birria Opens Its First Brick-and-Mortar Downtown Today

And if you’re really hungry, a plate ($13–$15.95) includes three tacos or a burrito, quesadilla or torta of your choice with white or Mexican rice, beans and tortillas.

Open Monday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 900 Fort St. Mall, lahainatacos.com, @lahainatacos