Shopping on Maui
When I’m shopping on Maui, I like to visit neighborhoods with locally owned shops, so I can find things made in Hawaiʻi. Places like Pāʻia, where an hour of browsing independent boutiques on one street results in handmade jewelry, vintage aloha shirts and swimwear from local designers. Or Wailuku, where Market Street's antique shops and galleries carry mid-century Hawaiian furniture and locally made crafts at prices that don't reflect a tourist markup. For high-end apparel and art, Makawao has two roads — rooted in the town's paniolo, or cowboy, heritage — lined with boutiques and art galleries. It’s an excellent stop for coffee and pastries too. The resort areas — Wailea and Kāʻanapali — are more convenient and carry the luxury brands and resort wear that some visitors are looking for. They're worth knowing too, and also carry local brands. An important note before you go, Lāhainā's Front Street shopping was devastated by the August 2023 wildfire. Most historic Front Street stores remain closed or relocated as of mid-2026. The first commercial project returning to Front Street — ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, with 17 retail spaces and eight food truck stalls — is expected to open in fall 2026. Do not plan a Lāhainā shopping day based on what you remember from a previous trip. For any specific retailer, check the website or call before you go. Before you shop: Reusable bags are required at most Maui retailers. Bring one or expect to buy one at checkout. Hours are shorter than mainland norms — many small boutiques close by 5 to 6 p.m. and may be closed Monday or Tuesday. Check before you go. Look for "Made in Maui" or "Made in Hawaiʻi" on the label. Many souvenirs that appear to be from Hawaiʻi are manufactured overseas. Buying locally made products supports Maui businesses, makers and farms. Parking varies dramatically: free in Pāʻia and Upcountry (although often hard to find); paid or validated at The Shops at Wailea and Whalers Village and free and ample at Maui Swap Meet and the central Kahului malls.
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West Maui — Whalers Village and Lāhainā
Whalers Village is the primary shopping destination for visitors staying in Kāʻanapali. It’s an open-air mall set directly on the beach with 87 stores ranging from national brands like Rip Curl to local labels like Mahina, plus food from Monkeypod Kitchen and locally made gelato at Ono Gelato. The location is ideal if you are staying in Kaʻanapali, because you can walk in from the sand wearing a swimsuit if you want to. The Whalers Village Museum is a free exhibit on Maui's whaling history that’s worth a 20-minute visit if you don’t feel like shopping. There are also free movie nights on the beach — check the schedule at the concierge for dates. Best for: Convenient location, surf brands, local brands, places to eat and for a walkable evening after dinner. Skip if: You're looking for unique locally made goods — the selection skews toward national chains and resort prices. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Address: 2435 Kāʻanapali Pkwy, Lāhainā, HI 96761 Parking: Free validated parking with purchase Lāhainā's Front Street, once the most visited shopping street in West Maui, is still largely closed as of mid-2026 following the 2023 wildfire. Most of the historic core still have bare lots and construction sites, but ʻUlu o Lele — an $8 million interim marketplace at the former Outlets of Maui site, led by the nonprofit Hawaiian Council — is expected to open in fall 2026 with 17 retail spaces, eight food trucks and a stage for live entertainment. The Nāpili Farmers Market runs every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon with fresh local produce, baked goods, honey and locally made art and crafts. The Lāhainā Cannery Mall, north of the fire zone, survived and continues to operate with Longs Drugs, Safeway, an indoor food truck park and regular live music and hula shows. Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours vary by tenant) Address: 1221 Honoapi'ilani Hwy, Lāhainā, HI 96761
South Shore — The Shops at Wailea and Kīhei
The Shops at Wailea is an upscale shopping center and community space central to Wailea resorts. The outdoor complex offers luxury brands, local resort wear and upscale dining. Think Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Gucci, alongside local brands like Keani Hawaiʻi, OluKai and Tori Richard. My favorite local ice cream shop, Lappert's, is here, and you can pair it with a latte from Island Vintage Coffee. For happy hour or dinner, visit Aurum Maui and Lineage. Live performances run daily in the courtyard. You won’t find the most affordable prices on the island here, but it's the most convenient shopping mall for hotels on the south shore and parking is free with validation (get a scoop of ice cream!). Best for: Luxury brands, local resort wear or a walkable evening in Wailea. Skip if: Budget is a concern — this is resort pricing across the board. Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753 Parking: Free validated Kīhei offers more lower-priced alternatives. Kīhei Kalama Village Marketplace is an open-air center with locally made gifts, hand-painted artwork and jewelry — a good place to find souvenirs. Azeka Plaza is the neighborhood staple for everyday shopping — a mix of local services, restaurants and retail. Dolphin Plaza has surf brands, local jewelry and casual dining. Best for: Visitors already staying in Kīhei. Skip if: You are staying on the West Side or Wailea — the shopping is not worth the drive.
Central Maui — Kahului Malls and Wailuku
Central Maui is where most locals shop, whether it’s for a Costco run or to the mall. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is the island's largest mall, with Macy's and a mix of local and national shops, a food court and a movie theater. Its location in Kahului — close to the airport — makes it a convenient stop for last-minute gifts or practical purchases. Free parking. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 275 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 Parking: Free Maui Mall Village is the more everyday alternative nearby, with Times Supermarket, Whole Foods Market, a movie theater and a mix of local shops. This is where locals run errands and stop for a cold treat at Tasaka Guri-Guri. Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 70 E Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732 Parking: Free The Maui Swap Meet has been an institution since 1981. It’s held every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului and has more than 200 vendors. Shop fresh produce, handmade crafts, aloha shirts, jewelry, art and artisan food products. Admission is $1. Arrive early before the heat and the crowds build and visit the food trucks on site for a bite. This is a good stop for souvenirs at lower prices. Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 310 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 (University of Hawaii Maui College parking lot) Admission: $1 per person; free parking Wailuku's Market Street and Main Street are lined with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, locally owned boutiques and art galleries. It’s the best neighborhood on Maui for vintage aloha shirts, mid-century Hawaiian furniture, rare books and handmade crafts. The street murals along several buildings add another reason to walk the district. Wailuku First Fridays, held the first Friday evening of each month, brings food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment to the street. Best for: Unique finds, art and food. Skip if: You are looking for luxury or national brands.
Upcountry — Makawao and Kula
Makawao is Maui’s paniolo town. The main intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Avenue is lined with art galleries, boutiques and locally owned shops that reflect the town's ranching heritage and artists. Look for locally made ceramics, original paintings, handcrafted leather goods and boutique apparel. Come early for cream puffs at Komoda Store and Bakery and pair them with a coffee or smoothie at Sip Me. I like to stop in Makawao whenever I’m up in nearby Kula visiting farms. At roughly 3,000 feet on the slopes of Haleakalā, Kula is known for flower stands, farm stands and locally made food products. The Kula Country Farms stand and Kula Marketplace are worth a stop for fresh strawberries and Maui-made pantry goods. It can be a lot cooler up here than at the coast, so bring a light jacket, especially in the morning or evening. Upcountry parking is free throughout. Drive time from Kahului is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Best for: High-end boutique apparel, gifts, art and artisan food products. Skip if: You are on a tight budget.
North Shore — Pāʻia
Pāʻia is one of the best shopping neighborhoods on Maui. This small bohemian surf town on the North Shore is packed with independently owned boutiques, surf shops, vintage stores, art galleries and health food stores. Biasa Rose, Nuage Bleu and the bleuroom are some of my favorites for apparel. For swimwear, I like Maui Girl Swimwear, San Lorenzo and Lilikoi. The town is small enough to walk end to end in under an hour and there are lots of great places to stop in for a bite, drink or shave ice. Pāʻia is also the last town before the Road to Hāna, making it a good stop for snacks and supplies you’ll need for the drive. Street parking is free but can be hard to find, especially on weekends. Arrive early. About 20 minutes from Kahului. Best for: Women's apparel, swimwear, jewelry, gifts, restaurants and health food shops. Skip if: You are pressed for time or if you are staying on the West Side without a car.
Maui Shopping by Category
Hawaiʻi-made goods
The best neighborhoods for locally made goods are Wailuku, Pāʻia and Makawao. In Wailuku, check out Aloha Maui Creations, Native Intelligence and Sandell Artworks. In Pāʻia, look for smaller independent boutiques that stock local artisan brands — ask staff directly what's made on island. In Makawao, the galleries along Baldwin Avenue carry original work from Maui-based artists. Kīhei Kalama Village Marketplace on the south shore is the most convenient option for visitors staying on the South Shore. The Maui Swap Meet on Saturdays also has locally made goods at the lowest prices. Avoid ABC Stores for locally made gifts, the majority of their products are imported.
Art and galleries
Wailuku's Market Street and Makawao's Baldwin Avenue are the two best gallery districts on the island. Wailuku tends to be more affordable with community-rooted work from local artists. Makawao has original paintings, sculpture and ceramics — some reflecting the paniolo and ranching character of Upcountry. Wailuku First Fridays on the first Friday evening of the month is the best time to see the most local art in one evening.
Local designers and apparel
Pāʻia boutiques such as Biasa Rose and Nuage Bleu and the bleuroom carry local designers. So does The Shops at Wailea with resortwear brands like OluKai, Keani Hawaiʻi and Tori Richard and Whalers Village with local favorites like Mahina and Aloha Collection.
Surf brands and streetwear
Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali, The Shops at Wailea, Pāʻia and Kahului malls all carry surf brands. Kahului prices are going to be less expensive than the shops located near resorts.
Coffee, chocolate and edible gifts
Maui Kuʻia Estate Chocolate in Lāhainā is the island's most acclaimed bean-to-bar chocolate maker, using cacao grown on Maui. ʻOkoʻa Farms in Wailea and Makawao carries locally sourced coffee, honey and pantry products. Oʻo Farm above Kula is one of the island's most celebrated coffee and farm operations — I recommend booking a coffee brunch tour. Spoon & Key Market in Wailea carries curated local pantry goods alongside its restaurant program. For edible gifts at the best prices, the Maui Swap Meet on Saturday mornings has fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and locally made food products from dozens of vendors.
Buying Everyday Essentials
Essentials
For groceries, prescriptions and practical supplies, leave the resort for better prices. Costco in Kahului is the best source on the island for bulk sunscreen, snacks, beverages, alcohol and practical supplies at the lowest prices. Membership is required. Target and Walmart, both in Kahului, are good stops for beach gear, sundries, over-the-counter medications and anything you forgot to pack — significantly cheaper than anything available near the resorts. Foodland and Foodland Farms are a favorite local grocery chain, with its famous poke counters and good selection of locally made food products. Whole Foods in Kahului and Kīhei carries organic produce and specialty items. Longs Drugs is the island's most reliable pharmacy chain for prescriptions and after-hours essentials, with multiple locations including near the resort areas.
Convenience
For situations when you just need something right now — sunscreen or snacks for the beach, a cheap pair of flip-flops — ABC Stores are located at nearly every resort. These stores stock water, alcohol, snacks, sunscreen, basic beach gear, apparel and disposable cameras and more. They are good in a pinch, but you’ll be paying more for the convenience. For souvenirs meant to represent Maui for someone back home, I recommend shopping elsewhere.
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Sarah Burchard
Editor · Oʻahu
Sarah Burchard has called Oʻahu home since 2017. A Honolulu-based freelance writer and editor, she covers food, culture and travel for publications including Hawaii.com, Hana Hou, FLUX Hawaiʻi, Forbes, Hawaiʻi Magazine and Honolulu Magazine. What keeps her rooted here goes beyond the balance of city life and sunny beaches — it is the people, the values and the culture of aloha that make her stay. Sarah is also a devout yogi and regularly volunteers with ʻāina-based organizations across the island. Read more of her work at sarahburchard.com.
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