Best Maui Shopping

Most who know the islands will say you haven’t been to Hawaii if you haven’t shopped for what-nots at an ABC store, which are located throughout the islands of Hawaii. They’ve beat Starbuck’s to every important corner on Maui, and the fancier ones have added a delicatessen, as well as a grocery and fish counter. Oddly enough it’s more of a tourist haunt than an island secret. The stores have anything and everything tourists couldn't sneak past TSA, forgot to bring or never thought to bring. Flip-flops, sunscreen, tropical-scented lotions, inflatable beach toys, beach mats, beer, sushi, postcards, sandwiches, T-shirts, magazines, calendars, snacks, coffee and macadamia nuts. Grab your recyclable shopping bag and fill it with island goodies from this popular Maui shopping destination: you’ll fit night in.

Quintessentially Hawaiian, this locally owned gift shop is known for some of the best prices in coffee, macadamia nuts and candies to be found on Maui in a place that takes credit cards. And you can get those items to go, and go far, with special packaging services available for travelers. The store also has a grand selection of Aloha shirts, T-shirts and other must-haves of a Maui vacation, including Hawaiian music CDs and flower-scented soaps and lotions. Be sure to bring in a coupon for discounts and freebies with purchases when shopping in Maui's Hilo Hattie. Coupons can be founds on the backs of brochures and maps throughout the island.

The crowds gather early at this unpretentious bakery in Makawao. It’s not unusual to see upcountry residents queuing up near T. Komoda's glass display cases for the heavenly flake-covered cream puffs, often referred to as “donuts on a stick.” Island visitors fresh from a sunrise hike at nearby Haleakala summit find this ramshackle grocery store and bakery to be a perfect place to stop for a breakfast sweet and a little look into Maui’s simpler past. The family has been baking its legendary confections since 1916, although the store has been around since 1945. Cream puffs are the big draw, but crowds also come for the macadamia nut cookies and the malasadas, Portuguese-style doughnuts stuffed with a rainbow’s array of fillings. Oh, and once you’ve descended from your sugar high you can pick up socks, or long johns or paper towels, or whatever else you were supposed to remember before locking your gaze upon the dangerous pastry case at this popular Maui shopping spot.

Maui has finally taken a serious step in furthering the evolution of its swap meet culture by providing a great spot for local bakers, artisans and growers to show off their wares. After languishing for years at vacant lots in and around Kahului, the Maui Swap Meet has found a permanent home on the campus of Maui Community College. Open on Saturdays only from 7AM to 1PM, this collection of craftsmakers, antiques dealers, chefs and growers warrant at least a quick browse and might just prove to be the best Maui shopping experience a Maui vacation can muster.