Chapter 31 – Shopping Guide

Maui is chock full of options for tourists and residents alike to shop to their heart’s content. The Lahaina and Kihei areas are home to charming boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops while numerous shopping malls offer the luxury goods and familiar name brands stores found in malls across the country. Many mainland visitors may also be surprised by the number of national chains and discount brands available to shoppers on Maui, largely concentrated in the greater Kahului area.

Whatever you’re looking for – whether it’s furniture for your new home or a relaxing afternoon of shopping on your Hawaiian get-ways– there are numerous options available. From national chains to shops run by local artisans, Maui has you covered with shopping venues to fill your every need.

SHOPPING MALLS

Many mainlanders imagine that the low-key island lifestyle means a lack of big name brands and shopping malls. The reality is that Maui has offerings as diverse as any small America city and all situated in a picturesque setting. While there are certainly household brand names to be found on Maui, many of the malls also feature locally run shops so your home and wardrobe can carry a bit of unique flair.

Queen Ka’ahumanu Center is perhaps Maui’s most archetypical American mall experience complete with Macy’s and Sears (the island’s only department stores) as well as some 100 specialty shops, a food court, and movie theater. The Shops at Wailea offer Maui’s highest end shopping mall with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany’s among less pricey but still well-known brands and fine dining options in an open-air atmosphere. For more everyday needs in one location, try Maui Mall anchored by Whole Foods and Longs Drugstore. This shopping center also boasts hair and nail salons, a day spa, casual dining options and boutique shopping.

Maui’s shopping scene offers far more than a typical mall experience. For a blend of familiar surf shops like Quicksilver and Roxy combined with Maui based boutiques with a distinctly Hawaiian flair head to Lahaina on the western shore. There you’ll find Whaler’s Village located in the heart of Kannapali’s beachwalk. For a bit of Hawaiian history with your shopping experience, Lahaina Cannery Mall offers free hula shows in the island’s only enclosed, air conditioned mall situated in the historic Baldwin Packers pineapple cannery.

Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy, 808-661–5304, www.lahainacannery.com

Maui Mall, 70 East Kaahumanu Avenue, 808-877-8952, www.mauimall.com

Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 West Ka’ahumanu Avenue, 808-877-3369, www.queenkaahumanucenter.com

The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, (808) 891-6770, www.theshopsatwailea.com

Whalers Village, 2435 Kaanapali Parkway, 808-661-4567, www.whalersvillage.com

OUTLET MALLS

The Outlets of Maui opened in November 2013 as the only outlet mall on the island of Maui. Just the second outlet mall in all of Hawaii, it is also the only oceanfront outlet mall in the world! The site offers some 35 stores and restaurants representing top designer labels and high-end brands. Bargains from Adidas, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger among many others can be found here along with several dining options including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Hard Rock Café. 900 Front St., www.theoutletsofmaui.com

DEPARTMENT STORES

There are two department stores on Maui both located in the island’s largest shopping mall, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center.

Macy’s, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 808-877-3369, www.macys.com; Macy’s first opened in 1858 in New York City. It is now a well-known national brand offering fashions for women, men and children as well as home goods.

Sears, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 808-877-3369, www.sears.com; Sears is one of the oldest names in the department store business and is likely most well-known for its offerings outside the realm of apparel and home goods. Sears offers a wide variety of home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics.

DISCOUNT RETAILERS

Locals and visitors alike rely on these discount stores for low-cost Maui “staples” like sunscreen and snorkeling gear as well as affordable beachwear and other clothing.

Costco, 540 Haleakala Highway, 808-877-5248, www.costco.com

Kmart, 424 Dairy Road., 808-871-8553, www.kmart.com

Lahaina Discount, 608 Front Street, (808) 662-4844; www.shopsofhawaii.com/shops/lahaina-discount ; Hawaiian gifts, apparel and souvenirs at discounted prices.

Ross Dress for Less, 200 E Kamehameha Avenue, 808-877-5483, www.rossstores.com

T.J. Maxx, 70 East Kaahumanu Avenue, www.tjmaxx.com; Located in Maui Mall, construction on this site is expected to begin Summer 2014.

Wal-Mart, 101 Pakaula Street, (808) 871-7820 www.walmart.com; Offers a pharmacy, tire center and vision center.

HOUSEHOLD SHOPPING

With every new home comes the need—or perhaps more accurately, the desire—for new appliances, furniture, lamps, rugs, and/or a new coat of paint. Below is a list of stores that can help you get your home improvement projects started and help you make your new house a home.

The list includes just a handful of the options available; don’t forget that the discount retailers listed above can also be great places to save a couple bucks on household basics and the best prices can sometimes be found through on-line retailers and shipped to your home.

Art galleries

If you’re in the market for unique artwork to decorate your new home, you’ll want to start in the town of Lahaina where you’ll find dozens of galleries featuring original pieces by artists from around the world. There are literally dozens of galleries scattered across the island but for the best selection, you may want to start with these recommendations in Lahaina and beyond:

• Hana Coast Gallery, Travaasa Hana, Hana Highway, Hana, 808-248–8636; www.hanacoast.com; Situated in a gorgeous remote location, this 3,000 square foot gallery won awards from Travel and Leisure Magazine as the best art gallery on Maui. While not the largest gallery on the island, many consider it to be the best curated.
• Lahaina Galleries with two locations in Lahaina (828 Front Street, 808-661-6284) and Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite A23, 808-874-8583), www.lahainagalleries; Hundreds of works by national and international artists of note in a variety of mediums including paintings, sculpture, furniture, and photography.
• Lahaina Printsellers, Ltd., 1013 Limahana Place, 808-667-7843, www.printsellers.com; If it’s a Hawaiian print you’re interested in rather than original paintings look no further that Lahaina Printsellers. The gallery features vintage Hawaiian art and maps to add a special touch of local history to your walls.
• Maui Hands, 1169 Makawao Avenue, 808-573-2021, www.mauihands.com; The work of more than 300 fine artists is represented here in nearly every imaginable medium including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, wood working, and jewelry. Voted the best art gallery by Maui News readers and a Best of Lahaina Award Winner.

Appliances/electronics/cameras/computers

• Hamai Appliance, 332 E. Wakea Avenue, 808-877-6305, www.hamaiappliance.com; A Hawaii based store established in 1969 offering appliances, electronics and mattresses.
• Home Depot, 100 Pakaula Street, (808)893-7800, www.homedepot.com
• Lowe’s, 270 Dairy Road, 808) 873-0383, www.lowes.com
• Office Max, www.officemax.com; Home office electronics at two locations in Kahului and Lahaina
• Sears, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 808-877-3369, www.sears.com

Beds/bedding/bath

• Hamai Appliance, 332 E. Wakea Avenue, 808-877-6305, www.hamaiappliance.com; A Hawaii based store established in 1969 offering appliances, electronics and mattresses.
• Macy’s, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 808-877-3369, www.macys.com; Home goods including bedding and bath linens.
• Maui Bed Store with two locations on Maui. Resort and hotel bedding supplier open to the general public by appointment. Call 808-280-9524 in Kihei or 808-463-7270 in Lahaina. www.mauibedstore.com
• Maui Living Furniture, 285 Hukilike St. Kahului, 808-463-3715, www.mauilivingfurniture.com; Specializing in eco-friendly, organic furnishings, mattresses, bedding and bath linens.

Carpets/rugs

• Abbey Carpet of Maui, 25 South Kahului Beach Road, 808-871-5825, www.maui.abbeycarpet.com; Flooring and window treatments with a lifetime guarantee and in-home consultation service available for those who want the store to come to them.
• Indich Collection, 259 East Wakea Avenue, (808) 877-7200, www.indichcollectionhawaii.net; Fine Hawaiian rugs designed by local artists.
• Lahaina Carpet and Interiors, 1036 Limahana Place Suite 3L, 808-661-4268, www.lahainacarpets.com; A large range of flooring options, including tile and natural stone. Also providing window treatments and interior decorating consultation.
• Lei Floor and Window Covering with two locations in Kahului and Lahaina, 808-871-8008, www.leiflooringmaui.com; Offering flooring and window treatment options, a strong customer service orientation and certified flooring installations teams.

Furniture

One of the major questions home buyers often have when relocating to Maui concerns furniture. Is it better to ship one’s current furniture to Maui or to purchase new furniture upon arrival? While shipping certainly adds expense to the overall cost of a move, it still may be the most cost-effective option particularly for larger, more expensive pieces. Most furniture stores in the Maui area feature tropical or contemporary designs so antiques and items with a vintage feel may be best to ship to your new home as they will likely not be easily replaced.

Due to the complexity associated with shipping furniture to Maui, furniture dealers’ inventory tends to be more limited and expensive than on the mainland so this is another consideration when deciding whether to purchase new or ship.

Fortunately, if you decide to buy new furniture once you’ve relocated or if you’re furnishing a second home, Maui offers many options to help you get settled in your new home. Furniture retailers with showrooms on Maui include:

• First Impression Interiors, 110 E. Kaahumanu Avenue, 808-873-7632, www.mauifurniture.com; Locally owned and operated offering a wide variety of furnishings as well as decorating accents, entertainment consoles and lighting.
• Island Attitudes, 411 Huku Li’i Place, Suite 101, 808-879-4147, www.islandattitudesmaui.com; Offers furnishings for residential and commercial buyers in addition to interior decorating services.
• Kimo’s Furniture Maui, 151 East Wakea Avenue #101, 808-873-8655, www.kimosfurnituremaui.com; Contemporary and tropical décor and interior decorating consultations offered at no charge.
• Latitudes, 210 Alamaha Street, 808-893-0650, www.latitudesinhawaii.com; Featuring the popular Tommy Bahama line and indoor and outdoor furnishings.
• Lifestyle Maui Furniture, 703 Lower Main Street, (808) 242-1863, www.lifestylemaui.com; Factory direct pricing and immediate delivery available on a variety of indoor and outdoor furnishings and home accents.

Full service shipping companies

• American Pacific Moving Company, 800-409-2615, www.ampacmoving.com
• Guardian, 800-545-8654, www.ushipguardian.com

Lamps and lighting

Many of Maui’s furniture, home improvement and discount stores offer lighting options for your new home. These specialty shops may also be helpful in offering variety and competitive prices.

• Discount Lighting and Fans, 349 – B Hanakai Street, 808-871-8776, www.discountlightinghawaii.com; Specializes in the sale and installation of ceiling fans, you’ll also find a wide selection of indoor and outdoor lighting and home accents.
• Valley Isle Lighting, 255 Alamaha Street Unit A, (808) 871-1119, www.valleyislelighting.net; Offering interior lighting and repairs, ceiling fans and 20% off all inventory on Fridays.

Hardware/home improvement

• Ace Hardware has five locations conveniently situated throughout the island to help you with your next home improvement project, 866-290-5334, www.acehardware.com
• Hardware Lumber Maui, 823 Alua Street, (808) 244-0499; Building supplies including molding, veneers, plywood and hard ware.
• Home Depot, 100 Pakaula Street, (808)893-7800, www.homedepot.com
• Lowe’s, 270 Dairy Road, 808) 873-0383, www.lowes.com

ANTIQUE AND THRIFT STORE SHOPPING

If you’re in the market to buy gently used items– whether it’s furniture or fashions– you can bring a bit of Hawaiiana into your home or a fun twist to your wardrobe by heading to Maui’s many antique shops and thrift stores. For a day of antiquing, you’ll want to put on comfortable shoes and head to North Market Street in Wailuku known as “antiques alley”. There you’ll find a unique collection of antique and thrift shops in a walkable area. However, if you’re willing to do a little traveling on Maui, there are also treasures to be found at an array of shops large and small throughout the island.

Bear in mind that finding a large variety of quality antique or vintage goods at bargain prices on Maui is a bit more challenging than on the mainland. After all, anything that makes its way here had to travel across the ocean if it didn’t originate on the island. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t great finds out there if you’re willing to do a little searching. Just like any antique or second-hand shop, great pieces tend to be snatched up quickly. If you find something you like and that fits your budget, don’t hesitate to buy it on the spot! You can take pride that you’re supporting local business and perhaps even bringing a one-of-a-kind piece into your home. Some of the many options for second-hand shopping and antiquing that you may want to peruse include:

• Bird of Paradise Unique Antiques, 56 North Market Street in Wailuku, 808-242-7699; A great location to seek out 1930’s and 40’s era furniture and china as well as unique Hawaiian finds like vintage Hawaiian shirts and Hawaiian music on cassette.
• Finders Keepers, 400 Hana Highway, 808-871-7000; Featuring Maui’s best selection of imported art and gently used furnishings in a 10,000 square foot showroom.
• Indigo, 149 Hana Highway in Paia, 808-579-9199; www.indigopaia.com; Supplying antiques from around the world as well as hand woven rugs, jewelry and other unique gifts and home goods.
• Rainbow Attic, 1881 South Kihei Road, 808-874-0884, www.rainbowatticmaui.com; The largest consignment shop on Maui open every day of the week.
• Salvation Army Thrift Stores located in Lahaina, Kihei and Kahului. www.salvationarmyhawaii.org

FLEA MARKETS

An outdoor shopping experience is very common on Maui where open air shopping malls abound. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful climate while still getting your errands done! The Maui Swap Meet is in a class by itself when it comes to outdoor shopping and getting a great deal. Locals agree that the Maui Swap Meet is the flea market on Maui and the best spot to get a bargain on the weekend.

More than 200 vendors gather from 7:00am to 1:00pm every Saturday selling clothing, art work, produce, cooking supplies, handmade crafts and much more. Many of the wares sold at the swap meet are available in the boutiques and small shops of Kihei and Lahaina but for a lot more money which makes the Swap Meet a big draw for locals and tourists alike. Concessions are available throughout the event space if shopping brings on an appetite. Admission is only 50 cents and there is ample free parking available. Maui Swap Meet, 310 West Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului,
(808) 244-3100, www.mauiexposition.com.

If you’re specifically in the market for handmade crafts as a gift or to add some local flair to your home, the Lahaina Craft Fair is for you. Unlike the outdoor Swap Meet, this event is held in the air-conditioned Civic Center and is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm most Sundays. Every imaginable craft from woodworking to handmade rugs are available for purchase at much lower prices than in local shops. Lahaina Craft Fair, 1840 Hono’apiilani Highway, (808) 244-3100, www.mauiexposition.com.

FOOD

Maui is served by Safeway and Foodland grocery store chains each of which have four large locations on the island. Hawaii-based Times grocery stores also has two locations on Maui. No matter where you live on the island, there is likely a supermarket just a short drive away from your home.

For those looking to stretch their dollars a bit, Costco Wholesale warehouse club offers some of the lowest prices on the island for staples like milk, bread and meats. In addition to the more traditional grocery stores, Maui residents and visitors have access to a variety of specialty stores that can help them fill their kitchens and pantries with more than just the traditional fare. From a vast array of farmers’ markets open all year round to organic grocers to Asian markets, Maui’s grocery fare caters to the most discerning palates.

Supermarkets

• Foodland has four large grocery stores on Maui in Lahaina, Kahului, Kihei and Pukalani. The Kihei location is open 24 hours a day. www.foodland.com
• Safeway has four supermarkets on Maui open 24 hours a day located in Kihei, Lahaina and two in Kahului. Many stores offer special services such as home grocery delivery. 1-877-723-3929, www.safeway.com
• Times is a small grocery store chain specific to Hawaii. There are two locations on Maui in Kihei (808-442-4750) and Honokoawai (808-442-4700) www.timessupermarkets.com

Natural food grocers and specialty markets

As the market for organic food and other “green” products grows, the number of national chains specializing in organic produce and health-food products continues to increase. In addition, specialty market stores provide not only premium produce but also a variety of gourmet foodstuffs and locally produced items. For shoppers with an eye for organic or the home cook in search of some not-so-common ingredients, peruse the list below for options beyond the typical supermarket. In a tropical location on the ocean such as Maui, it would be a shame to pass up locally sourced groceries!

• Down to Earth, 305 Dairy Road in Kahului, (808) 877-2661, www.downtoearth.org; Stocks a variety of local, organic produce, bulk foods, and vitamins and natural supplements. Features a popular deli with made-to-order sandwiches and juice bar.
• Foodland Farms, 345 Keawe Street, Suite 304 in Lahaina, 808-662-7088, www.foodland.com; This is an upscale market run by the Foodland grocery store chain specializing in fresh seafood and a smaller grocery store (rather than supermarket) feel for the hungry shopper.
• Mana Foods, 49 Baldwin Avenue in Paia, 808-579-8078, www.manafoodsmaui.com; More than 400 local Hawaiian vendors are featured in this seemingly small shop which also includes a salad and hot bar. Mana Foods stocks a wide array of natural and organic foods at reasonable prices.
• Maui Grocery Service, 808-283-3135 or 808 -280-7526 www.mauigroceryservice.com; Not a grocery store but a grocery service! If you’re coming to Maui to get away from the responsibilities of everyday life or are simply too busy or tired to shop, Maui Grocery Service will do the work for you. Select the items you need from their on-line stock of more than 5,000 products, choose your delivery date and your work is done.
• Maui Moons Natural Foods, 2411 South Kihei Road, 808-875-4356, www.hawaiianmoons.com; Offering locally grown and organic groceries, fresh produce and deli.
• Maui Prime Fine Foods, 142 Kupuohi Street, Suite F7 in Lahaina (808) 661-4912, www.mauiprime.com; Gourmet market known for their fine cheeses and meats and fresh seafood.
• Napili Market, 5095 Napilihau Street, Suite 105 Lahaina, 808-669-1600; A small, locally owned market featuring friendly staff and an excellent selection of “poke”, a Hawaiian specialty made up of diced sashimi-grade raw fish salad with variations that include ingredients like avocado, tomato, and wasabi.
• Whole Foods, 70 East Kaahumanu Avenue (located in Maui Mall), 808.872.3310, www.wholefoodsmarket.com; This branch of the national chain carries 200 Hawaiian made products, more than 60 directly from the island of Maui. Also offers full service shopping and delivery along with fresh, organic foods.

Warehouse shopping

Buying in bulk can be one of the most effective ways to trim a grocery budget, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. Costco Wholesale serves the Maui area and is located right by the airport convenient to those traveling in for a get-away or returning home to the island. But don’t forget: warehouse clubs like Costco don’t just open their doors to just anyone. Costco requires customers to have memberships in order to shop in their warehouse and they are also limited in the forms of payment they accept—cash, check or American Express cards only.

WAREHOUSE CLUBS

• Costco, 540      Haleakala Highway, 808-877-5248, www.costco.com

Seafood markets

It should go without saying that Maui has superb seafood. Certainly some of the fruits of the ocean are available from area supermarkets and local specialty grocers; yet there are few rituals more enmeshed with island living than shopping at fish markets. If you arrive early enough you can often watch fish being hauled in to shore from the fishing boats and sometimes buy the catch of the day directly from the fishermen before they sell their day’s haul to local restaurants and seafood markets.

Don’t worry if you’re not an early bird—local seafood markets like the ones listed here buy their fresh fish daily. As an added bonus, if you’re feeling squeamish about cooking seafood—or are just too busy —many of the markets serve up cooked fish on-site.

• Eskimo Candy Seafood Market and Café, 2665 Wai Wai Place in Kihei, 808-879-5686, www.eskimocandy.com; Eat-in, take-out or cook at home! This market and restaurant features a full menu of fresh seafood dishes and burgers or will sell you their fresh catch of the day for you to prepare at home.
• The Fish Market Maui, 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Honokowai, (808) 665-9895. www.fishmarketmaui.com; Considered the premiere purveyor of seafood in West Maui, this market offers every seasonal fish imaginable along with delicious fish preparations such as wine caper butter and soy ginger marinade. Plus, there’s a full menu of fish and burgers very popular with the locals! They will grill up their freshest catch for you on the spot or package it for you to prepare at home.
• Miyaki Fish Market, 222 Papalua Street in Lahaina, 808-667-5915; Offering fresh fish in addition to poke, seafood salads and dried fish.

Farmers’ markets

The number of farmer’s markets on Maui is truly astonishing given the relatively small geographic area and the expense associated with farming in Maui. Fortunately for the health-conscious chef, local residents and farmers alike are very proud of their fresh produce and the beautiful climate lends itself to year round farmer’s markets. If your goal is farm-to-table eating, this is a great option for bringing local nutrition to your table. Along with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and locally made jams and crafts you can also generally expect samples to abound as well as freshly squeezed juices and other refreshments to be available for purchase.

The sampling below represents only some highlights of the best known farmer’s markets in the area. There is a farmer’s market open on Maui every day of the week but check on-line and call ahead if before you hop in the car to be sure you’re up-to-date on any schedule changes. And, as with any farmer’s market, make sure to go early for the best selection and bring cash, preferably small bills.

• Farmer’s Market of Maui in Honokowai, 3636 Lower Honoapiilani Road in Lahaina, 808-669-7004. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00am.
• Farmers Market of Maui in Kihei, South Kihei Road, 808-875-0949. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• The Maui Farmer’s Market, Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 275 West Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, (808) 877-3369. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm
• Maui Swap Meet, 310 West Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, (808) 244-3100, www.mauiexposition.com
• Ono Organic Farmer’s Market operates a roadside market in Hana from 10:00am to 6:00pm every day. The farm also offers tours and tastings by reservation. Call for more information (808) 248-7779 or visit www.onofarms.com

Asian grocers

It is perhaps unsurprising that Maui offers an array of Asian specialty markets given its history of workers immigrating from Asian nations and its relative proximity to Asia in the Pacific Ocean. Small, locally owned shops catering specifically to Korean and Filipino cooking can be found on Maui but the strong Asian-Pacific influence can be seen by the wide selection of Asian foodstuffs in major grocery stores as well. If you’re in the market for ethnic groceries, these Asian markets should be your first stop.

• Ah Fooks, 65 W. Kaahumanu Avenue, Suite 3A in Kahului, 808- 877-3308; One of the oldest grocery stores on Maui featuring Hawaiian products as well as hard-to-find Asian ingredients at reasonable prices.
• Maui Oriental Market, 944 Lower Main Street Suite B in Wailuku, 808- 242-0809; The only Korean market on the island of substantial size. Run by a friendly couple who carry a large selection of Korean ingredients for low prices.
• Takamiya Market, 359 N Market Street in Wailuku, 808-244-3404, www.takamiyamarket.com; A hidden treasure for those seeking a great deal on fresh meats and fish and, of course, poke! Opens early at 5:15am offering fresh coffee and pastries to sleepy locals and tourists.