Shopping on Maui: More Than You Expect

The Shops at Wailea

The Shops at Wailea is an open-air retail center in the heart of the Wailea resort community. The tenant mix includes Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Tiffany, Lululemon, and a range of national brands alongside local retailers. Dining options include Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, Gather on Maui (formerly Gannon's), Lineage, and Humble Market Kitchin. Art exhibitions and live entertainment rotate through regularly. → shopsatwailea.com

Paia: Independent Shops, Galleries, and Local Designers

Paia is where local designers, artists, and makers have gathered for decades. Clothing boutiques carrying locally designed surf and resort wear, galleries representing working Maui artists, home goods shops, and the most interesting mix of small retailers on the island. Paia is walkable, vibrant, and entirely unlike the resort shopping experience. Block the afternoon and wander.

Makawao: Upcountry Arts and Boutiques

Makawao's small downtown has a cluster of galleries, art studios, and independent boutiques that reflect Upcountry's distinctive paniolo-meets-art-community character. The Maui Crafts Guild has been here since 1969 — a cooperative of local artists representing Maui-made work at high quality. Not to be missed for anyone seeking authentic local art and crafts.

Maui Swap Meet

The Maui Swap Meet at Kahului's University of Hawaii campus (Saturday mornings) is Maui's standout weekly market. Local farmers, crafters, food vendors, vintage sellers, and makers all converge. Arrive early for the freshest produce and the widest selection. This is where real Maui operates on Saturday mornings — more authentic than any mall. → Maui Swap Meet

Queen Ka'ahumanu Center

Maui's main enclosed mall in Kahului houses standard national retailers (Target, Macy's, Foot Locker) alongside local food options. Practical for residents and convenient for everyday needs.

What to Buy in Maui

• Maui-grown coffee from Ka'anapali or Upcountry farms
• Kula lavender products from Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
• MauiWine from Ulupalakua Winery
• Aloha shirts from local designers (not souvenir shops)
• Original art from Paia, Makawao, or Lahaina Arts Society galleries
• Maui-made chocolates from Maui Chocolate Company

Jolanta's Feedback

The Maui Swap Meet on Saturday morning is one of my favorite weekly rituals. Local, real, and more interesting than anything in a mall.