If shopping is your idea of the perfect vacation activity
then Maui is for you! Browse for unique island gifts, found
nowhere else, or your favorite international brands.
The Magic Isles' shopping venues range from modern malls
with all the conveniences to family-operated roadside stands
featuring island produce that is the working definition of
"fresh."
Most Island retailers will be more than happy to ship your
purchases home for you so no worries if you find a beautiful
art piece, etc. Finally, don't forget to sign-in to the guest
book you'll find in most Maui shops. This will keep you in
touch with your favorite Maui products wherever you call home.
Below are some of our favorites;
Shops at Wailea - This is a beautifully designed
shopping complex located in the heart of Wailea's Resort area.
Included here are more than 50 shops and dining establishments
nestled within a traditional/contemporary Hawaiian setting.
Fountains, pools, a courtyard and tropical landscaping make
this a thoroughly pleasant shopping experience.
Maui Clothing Outlet - The Maui Clothing
sign can be seen from a half-mile down the Pi'ilani Highway.
Sooner or later, curiosity is bound to get the best of even
the busiest tourist or most uncurious local. Once that first
visit is made, the low prices at this store are bound to "keep
'em coming back" The clothing here is of the sort that
you see every day on locals and well-dressed tourists. Casual,
fun and sporty, it's perfect for the beach or for casual events.
Men's wear, women's wear, children's clothing and swimwear
are all available. Mid-priced name brands are featured.
Kihei Kalama Village - This bazaar sells
local arts, crafts and gift items. A number of local artisans
and vendors have booths in the open-air market, while specific
businesses such as Sister's Boutique and Alexander's Fish
& Chips are clustered around the bazaar area. A sunny
outdoor patio in the center is the perfect spot for an informal
meal.
This is a wonderful place to find those souvenirs for back
home. Credit card acceptance policy and hours of operation
vary by merchant.
Pi'ilani Shopping Center - This center was
opened in 2002 and is home to several shops and restaurants
such as Starbucks, Subway, Safeway Grocery Store, Hilo Hatties,
Borders, Outback Steak House, Roy's Restaurant, LL Drive-In
and many more.
Hilo Hatties - This store is enormous and
located in Kihei at the Piilani Shopping Center. As you enter
you will be greeted at the front door with a shell lei greeting.
Every conceivable style of Aloha shirt, muumuu, sundress,
grass skirt, and other tropical apparel item is for sale here.
This is also a good place to stock up on macadamia nuts, Kona
coffee, seashells, and any other souvenir that you promised
you'd bring to the folks back home.
Ma'alaea Harbor Village - This shopping
center is located next to the Maui Ocean Center and Ma'alaea
Boat Harbor. It offers several souvenir shops, restaurants
and boutiques.
Maui Swap Meet (A MUST) - The Maui Swap Meet
is a large and very popular event open every Saturday from
7am to 12pm (the earlier you go the better). You will find
that vendors have spread out their wares in booths and under
tarps, in a festival-like atmosphere. Offered at the swap
meet are local grown vegetables, fresh taro, plants, crafts,
household items, homemade foods, and baked goods (including
some fabulous fruit bread). Admission is 50¢, and if
you go early while the vendors are setting up, no one will
turn you away.
Queen Kaahumanu Center - Maui's largest
Mall with more than 100 shops, restaurants, theaters, services,
a supermarket, a wonderful variety of free entertainment,
community events and festivals, Queen Kaahumanu Center is
truly Maui's most exciting shopping and entertainment destination.
The center boasts both a wide array of local specialty boutiques
and the island's only department stores-Macy's and Sears.
Each week brings new attractions: today a farmer's market
featuring fresh local produce; tomorrow, Hawaiian music on
the Queen's Stage. Above all, there's a feeling of community.
Shop or dine, catch a movie or a manicure, enjoy the local
scene and browse the wonderful shops here at Maui's Town Center.
Open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Whaler's Village Fine Shops at Restaurants
- Craving great food and a cocktail on the beach at sunset?
Relax Ka'anapali style at Whalers Village, with its 3 Oceanfront
restaurants, plus a food court, ice cream shops and cafes.
Shopping is fabulous, too. The open-air destination is home
to Tiffany and Coach, Island-themed shops like Tommy Bahamas,
jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir stores. Families love
the free Whalers Village Museum, filled with artifacts from
Lahaina's whaling heyday. Free entertainment is also offered
on selected evenings. Day or night, Whalers Village is the
place to be in Ka'anapali.
Lahaina Cannery Mall - This Mall is the
island's only fully enclosed air-conditioned shopping center.
Built in 1987, the mall has an intriguing mix of boutiques,
shops and restaurants. Whether you're looking for books, gift
items, coffee, music or even ocean gear, Lahaina Cannery Mall
is a popular stop for both residents and visitors.
Lahaina Center on Front Street - Lahaina
Center is home to more than 40 shops, restaurants and entertainment
choices. For fashionable island styles, visit Hilo Hattie,
Banana Republic, Gap, GapKids and Wet Seal. For casual wear,
stop by Maui Tees, Shoe Fetish and Island Swimwear. There's
the ABC Store, Pictures Plus, Tidepool Gallery and more, for
souvenirs. Dine at world-famous Hard Rock Cafe or Ruth's Chris
Steak House for delicious cuisine with Island flair. Be sure
to visit Hale Kahiko, an authentic 1,000-square-foot replica
of Old Hawai'i. Free weekly hula shows; validated parking.
Front Street in Lahaina - This is the street
where you will find all the action! Front Street boasts with
Art Galleries, Jewelry Stores, Boutiques, Aloha Wear, Souvenir
Shops, Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs and the very famous
Banyan Tree. A good night to visit Front Street is on Friday
Nights because it is "Art Night'" which means several
Galleries have the Artists available and offer refreshments.
Kahana Gateway Shopping Center - From T-shirts
to Diamonds, Big Macs to live Maine Lobster we're the biggest
little center on Maui, where you will find the greatest restaurants,
art galleries, fine jewelry, yogurt specialties, swimwear,
funwear, designer clothing, fast food, fabulous food, fresh
brewed espresso, micro-brewed beer, professional services
including activity services, real estate, medical and banking.
Kahana Gateway Shopping Center offers all the coolest stuff,
with none of the heated hassle of Lahaina. There is plenty
of free parking, friendly people and relaxed shopping, dining
or just fun browsing.
I definitely recommend a day trip to both of these small Upcountry
towns. They are old historic cowboy towns with A LOT of charm.
Here you will see several unique People, Boutiques, Art Galleries,
Restaurants, Souvenir Shops, etc. Upcountry is quite beautiful
so the drive in itself will be worth it.
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