GROCERS AND FARMER'S MARKETS

Food on Maui is more expensive than most places on the mainland, but you can find most of what you are used to eating and often get bargains.

Foodland Market
Kihei Town Center
Kihei (808) 879-9350

If you want to experience one of Hawaii’s own markets, try Foodland. It has many of the products you are used to seeing, but also many Hawaii based products. Make sure to check out the meat market and the deli for Hawaiian specialties. Great ahi poke, tako poke and smoked au. And you can use the free Maika’i card that you received at check in for great savings.  If you have lost or misplaced yours you can get one in the lobby.  This is the closest grocer to Kamaole Sands.

Costco Wholesale
540 Haleakala Hwy
Kahului (808) 877-5248

#1 on most people's list is COSTCO, located right outside the airport. Although you do have to have a membership (except for the pharmacy), Costco has most of the same great foods you are used to at home although some of them may cost a little more. Make sure to take home some incredible Maui Gold pineapples. They are delicious.

Safeway has many of the same deals you know from home…buy one, get one free. In Kihei, they stock foods on Wednesdays, and the bargains go fast. Safeway on Maui also has a deli. Make sure you have a free Safeway card for the best prices. Look for coupons in the newspaper and on Safeway.com for further savings.

Times Supermarket
1310 S. Kihei Road
Kihei (808) 442-4750

Another Hawaii grocer is Times Supermarket in Kihei. They are a full service grocery with a bakery, a bank and pharmacy. They specialize in a lot of natural foods. Their self service hot food deli bar is great and reasonably priced. Don’t forget to try their Coconut Muffins…they are to die for. Check their specials online.

OTHER SMALLER MARKETS

There are dozens of smaller markets throughout Maui. Many resorts have a small market and there are small local markets located in most of the small towns and in many rural areas. Many of these smaller markets carry specialty foods, but prices can be high.

MAUI SWAP MEET

There are dozens of flea markets and swap meets on Maui; they seem to spring up wherever there is an open field or empty parking lot. One of the best and the longest lasting is the Maui Swap Meet held in Kahului in a sports field at Maui Community College. The Swap Meet is held every Saturday from 7am-1pm. The great thing about the Maui Swap Meet is that you'll find many of the same items that you will in the boutique and craft stores in Kihei, Lahaina and Wailea for a lot less money. If you're looking for souvenirs of your visit to Maui you'll find t-shirts, necklaces, leis, and handmade crafts often sold directly by the artist. You'll find lots of fresh Hawaiian flowers and wonderful fresh fruits, homemade baked goods and vegetables grown on Maui. It's a perfect stop for folks staying in a condominium to stock up on fresh produce for their stay. You'll also find lots of Hawaiian fabric at great prices. If you're lucky you may also find some Hawaiiana dating back to the 30's and 40's. Most of the vendors accept major credit cards, but they also appreciate cash, so bring lots of dollar bills! This event is a tradition on Maui and some visitors attend every Saturday they are on island.


ALOHA FRIDAY FARMERS MARKET

The Aloha Friday Farmers Market is held every Friday from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. on the campus lawn and inside the Paina Building of the Maui Community College across from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on West Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului. Here you'll find fresh Maui produce sold directly by many of Maui's best farmers. The produce here is fresher than you'll find anywhere else on Maui. Much of it has been harvested that very morning. Frequent particiupants include: Alii Kula Lavender, Hana Tropicals, Makawao Mushrooms, the Maui Flower Growers Association, Maui Jams & Jellies, Maui Pineapple Co., Maui Upcountry James & Jellies, Olowalunui Hydroponic Tomato Farm, Surfing Goat Dairy and Sweet Kula Farms. On many Fridays you'll also find entertainment, door prizes, cooking demonstrations and foods cooked by students at the Maui Culinary Academy.


OTHER FARMERS MARKETS/SWAP MEETS

These are by far not the only farmers markets, craft fairs and swap meets on Maui. There seem to be dozens throughout the island. Like most places Saturdays are popular for yard or tag sales at individual residences. A good source for current information is to pick up a copy of the Maui News on Thursday or Friday and look in the classifieds. You can also ask the desk or concierge at your hotel or condominium for any close to where you're staying.

The two small farmers markets located closest to Kamaole Sands include one at Long's Drug located at 1215 S. Kihei Rd every Saturday 8 AM-12 PM and one next to the ABC store at 61 Kihei Rd every Monday through Friday 9-4 PM.

KULA COUNTRY FARMS STAND

On the Kula Highway (37) near the intersection of Kekaulike Highway (377) and across from Rice Park, is the Kula Country Farms stand, specializing in yummy strawberries, raised off the ground in hanging pots (and at half the store cost), fresh produce, wonderful Kula corn, Kula honey, and other Maui products. What sets this farm stand apart from the others is the spectacular view and friendly horses that love a handout of fresh carrots! Open daily at 11am except Mondays and some holidays.

RESOURCES

Frommer's Guide to Shopping (and Interesting Markets)