Buy Buy Buy! That’s the reason for the season, right? Well, it certainly seems that way. Believe us, it’s hard to keep ideas like “good will to all” straight when you’re standing in line with a shopping cart full of junk that, more than likely, will be inside a dark closet next month. If you must give in to the blatant commercial pressures that our society hammers on us, then at least try to direct your buying power towards those on Maui. Here’s a list of products and services that are either made on island or sold by shops that only exist here. It’s quick and simple–everything that shopping in a big box retail giant is not.
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Brain Bucks
Why give a mere thing when you can give the gift of knowledge? EdVenture at University of Hawaii Maui College has Brain Bucks–gift certificates for onsite and online classes in computer skills, photography, dancing, wine and food pairing, fitness and dozens of other subjects. Available in $25, $50, $100 values.
EdVenture (UH Maui College), 808-984-3231, Edventuremaui.com
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Sail Away
Take advantage of our vantage point in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and give someone a sailing experience. Watch whales, snorkel or just lolligag on deck for a holiday hit. Visit the slips in Lahaina or Ma‘alaea harbor, catch a boat beachside on Ka‘anapali or call Paragon or Gemini Charters direct. Prices start around $50 to $75.
Gemini Charters (2365 Ka‘anapali Parkway, Lahaina), 808-669-0508, Geminicharters.com; Paragon Sailing Charters (Ma‘alaea Harbor and Lahaina), 808-244-2087, Sailmaui.com
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Highly Caffeinated
Maui is a coffee destination, where award-winning cups of joe runneth over. Celebrate with Maui Grown Coffee from the West Maui mountains, packaged in festive holiday gift packs. At Wailuku Coffee Company, Mrs. Klaus is hand-making the most adorable ceramic mugs. Maui Coffee Roasters also has plenty of shipping options to help your holiday post office phobia. $10 and up.
Wailuku Coffee Co. (26 N. Market Street, Wailuku), 808-495-0259; Maui Grown Coffee (277 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina), 808-661-2728, Mauigrowncoffee.com; Maui Coffee Roasters (444 Hana Hwy, Kahului), 808-877-2877, Mauicoffeeroasters.com
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Skin Art
The gift that stands the test of time is beautiful ink on your skin. Make it a Christmas worth remembering with a tatt gift certificate.
Paia Tattoo Parlor (120 Hana Highway, Paia), 808-579-8515, Paiatattooparlor.com/home.html; Mid Pacific Tattoo (196 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina), 808-661-1100, Midpacifictattoo.com; Sweet Trade Tattoo (3600 L. Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina), 808-283-3831, Sweettradetattoo.com; Maui Tattoo Company (1945 S. Kihei Rd.), 808-874-0034, Mauitattoocompany.com; Pride Ink (2010 Main St, Wailuku), 808-268-4056; Pacific Rootz Tattoo, (1847 S.Kihei Rd.), 808-891-1828; Exotic Eye Tattoo, (1995 W. Main St, Wailuku), 808-359-1060, Exoticeyetattoo.com; Soular Tattoo, (505 Front St. Suite 231, Lahaina), 808-661-1213, Soulartattoo.com; Zen Tattoo & Art Gallery, (1279 S. Kihei Rd. Suite 308), 808-214-5670
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Bottle Service
We make amazing booze on this island. Sharing that with friends couldn’t be any easier this Christmas when you stop at any local liquor store or tasting room to pick up your gifts. Ocean’s Vodka keeps growing their organic gluten-free Maui Brand, Maui Rum made on the the slopes of Haleakala and Sammy Hagar’s Beach Bar Rum made from sugar cane in Hali‘imaile are just a few of Maui’s best distilled spirits.
Or you can opt for a fresh growler filled at Maui Brewing Co. That can bring unmeasured cheer, and their six-packs are easily dressed with bows for display under the tree. $15 and up.
Oceanvodka.com, Paumaui.com, Sammysbeachbarrum.com
Wailea Wine (161 Wailea Ike Pl.),808-879-0555, Waileawine.com; Rodeo General Store (3661 Baldwin Ave., Makawao), 808-572-1868; Wine Corner (149 Hana Hwy, Paia), 808-579-8904, Mauiwinecorner.com; Aloha Discount Liquor (2439 S. Kihei Rd #109A), 808-874-8882, Alohadiscountliquor.com; Valley Isle Liquor (95 E. Lipoa St., Kihei), 808-875-8753; Hawaii Liquor Store (270 Dairy Rd., Kahului), 808-877-8778, Hawaiiliquorstore.com; Liquor Shack (1143 Makawao Ave.), 808-572-7775; Maui’s Winery (Ulupalakau Ranch Hwy 37), 808-878-6058, Mauiwine.com; Haleakala Distillers (island wide), Haleakaladistillers.com; Maui Brewing Co. (910 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina), 808-661-6205, Mauibrewingco.com
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Night out on the Town
Why not head out for a dinner show for a gift you both can enjoy? Catch a headline concert at the MACC, Willie K at Mulligan’s on the Blue or one of Stella’s Blues Cafe’s dinner shows for a multi-course meal and some of Maui’s best entertainment offerings.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center (1 Cameron Way, Kahului), 808-242-7469, Mauiarts.org; Mulligan’s on the Blue (100 Kaukahi St., Wailea), 808-874-1131, Mulligansontheblue.com; Stella Blues (1279 S. Kihei Rd.), 808-874-3770, Stellablues.com
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MACC Membership
Buy a membership to the MACC and help support its ongoing programs that benefit Maui’s community. They do arts education field trips for students, workshops for teachers, free art exhibitions, Hawaiian cultural events and artists-in-the-community outreach. $40 indv. $70 dual, $25 student and senior.
Maui Arts and Cultural Center (1 Cameron Way, Kahului), 808-242-2787, Mauiarts.org
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Spicy Stocking Stuffers
Maui Boy Tim Parson’s Adoboloco sauces come in three different flavors. All are totally homegrown hotness. Plus, the label designs are dope.
Adoboloco, Adoboloco.com
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Feed Your Head
Give the gift of food–healthy, wholesome, farm-fresh food and homemade Maui goods. Choose a box from Kula Fields (there are three different sizes) or give a gift certificate that can be used at any time. Just like Santa, they deliver straight to your door. Gift certificates are delivered by email and are redeemable online. $50 and up.
Kula Fields, Delivery Only, 808-280-2099, Kulafields.csaware.com/store
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Pocket Protectors
Messy pockets? Clean ‘em up by giving neatniks Box 11’s cleverly designed card case that can double as a simple wallet. They also make a crafty leather earbud organizer for cord control.
BoxEleven, Box11Designs.com
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Okole Bling
Add fete to fashion for Christmas. Dress up or play holiday makeover with the glitz and glamour at Passion4Fashion. You’ll be glad you did.
Passion4Fashion (335 Keawe St. #204, Lahaina), 808-667-7432, Passion4fashionboutique.com
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Swing like a Monkey
Everyone loves a good nap in the breeze, right? Your loved ones will just need two trees for instant success with one of Hangloose Hammock’s wonderful items. Bananas not included.
Hangloose Hammocks Hawaii (658 Front St., Lahaina), 808-224-3908, Hangloosehammockshawaii.com
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Strum Along
Fill your home this Christmas with the gift of wonderful, magical sounds. Guitars, ‘ukuleles, keyboards and percussion accessories are all lovely gifts for the budding musicians in your life.
Bounty Music (111 Hana Hwy, Kahului), 808-871-1141, Ukes.com
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Mermaid Gear
One-of-a-kind beach wear is always appropriate on Maui’s shoreline. Custom-made bikinis for adults and kids means a perfect fit every time.
Love the Beach Paia (2 Baldwin Ave., Paia), 808-579-8044, Lovethebeachmaui.com
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Treasure Chest
Beautiful glass works, elaborate koa wood boxes, handmade sushi sets–the beauty of art abounds with gifts from Maui Hands. Everything at Maui Hands’ various galleries are made by Maui artists. It doesn’t get cooler than that. Prices range from $25 and up.
Maui Hands (island wide), Mauihands.com
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Human Zipper
Clip in and zip down the most exciting Christmas gift ever, on a Maui zipline. There are many to choose from, from Kapalua to Haleakala, just depends on where you wanna hang. Prices vary.
Piiholo Ranch Zipline (1156 Makawao Ave.), 1-800-374-7050, Piiholozipline.com; Kapalua Adventures Zip Lines (2000 Village Rd., Kapalua), 808-665-3753, Gozipmaui.com; Skyline Eco Adventures (2580 Keka‘a Dr, Lahaina), 808-662-1500, Zipline.com; Flyin Hawaiian Zipline (1670 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Wailuku), 808-463-5786, Flyinhawaiianzipline.com; KID FRIENDLY Maui Zipline (1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku), 808-633-2464, Mauizipline.com
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Tai One On
Here’s the perfect Mai Tai set for tiki drink crusaders. Maui Preserved has created a gift pack that includes sweet and spicy pineapple, pineapple cane syrup and vanilla powder. Make a Mai Tai or get creative with whatever your drinking pleasure. $35.
Maui Preserved, 808-214-8780, Mauipreserved.com
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Give Good Head
A head-scratcher may seem to be, well, a head-scratcher as far as gifts are concerned, but this thing feels amazing on your skull. Did we mention that it has a cute octopus handle? $7.95.
Hurricane Ltd. (3639 Baldwin Ave, Makawao), 808-572-5076
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Made With Love
Steer far clear of sweatshop follies when you buy your gifts at Wing Hawaii. At their Haiku studio, they design and make their own silkscreens, garments and jewelry. Even better, they support other birds of a feather at their flagship Baldwin Avenue store, with one-of-a-kind designs from around the islands. Want hand-knitted baby caps and blankets, jewelry, reclaimed wood painted signs? This is the place. $20 and up.
Wings Hawaii (71 Baldwin Ave, Paia) 808-579-3110, Wingshawaii.com
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Case in Point
Keep your electronics protected and stylish in iPhone and iPad cases patterned after vintage Indian quilts. Starting from $27.
Indigo Paia (149 Hana Hwy, Paia), 808-579-9199, Indigopaia.com
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Girlfriends in Paradise
Adorn your walls with original works of art, all courtesy of Santa. Janet Davis is a Maui artist documenting island life with energy and color. $300 & up.
Viewpoints Gallery (3620 Baldwin Ave., Makawao), 808-572-5979, Viewpointsgallerymaui.com
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Sarong Skills
A sarong is a must-have item on Maui. It’s a towel, garment, tablecloth, furniture throw, baby blanket and shade cloth (though not at the same time, sadly). It never stops being useful–or beautiful, in the case of these hand-painted sarongs from Indonesia.
Oh Baby! (1160 Makawao Ave.), 808-572-6477
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Tag, You’re It
Know someone going somewhere this Christmas? Keep them in style when traveling with these John Robshaw Travel Wallets and Luggage Tags, all block-printed by hand in India.
The Mercantile (3673 Baldwin Ave., Makawao), 808-572-1407
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Bend Over Backward
Bestow long life, flexibility and relaxation to your yoginis with special yoga packages. Makawao Yoga does gift certificates of $20 for 10 days, while Body Alive Yoga is offering multi-class packages that include a handmade necklace. Namaste!
Makawao Yoga (1170 Makawao Ave.), 808-359-2252, Makawaoyoga.com; Body Alive Yoga (1995 Main St., Wailuku), 808-359-1060, Bodyaliveyoga.com; Island Spirit Yoga (840 Waine‘e St., Lahaina), 808-667-2111, Islandspirityoga.com; Maui Yoga and Kickboxing (115 E. Lipoa St. #202, Kihei), 808-463-8811, Mauihotyoga.com
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Lusting After Pearls
How about unique necklaces that feature hand-picked and hand-drilled pearls and gemstones? It’s for the discerning fashionista in your life.
Oceania Maui (120 Hana Hwy Suite 3, Paia), 808-579-6063, Oceaniamaui.com
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Art House
The Hui No‘eau gift shop really has something for everyone: great kids toys, art in the form of jewelry, framed images, stationery, tote bags, clothing and ornaments. What’s more, much of it is made by Maui artists who teach and/or use the Hui’s studios. Shopping here does double duty by supporting the arts on Maui.
Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center (2841 Baldwin Ave., Makawao), 808-572-6560, huinoeau.com
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Pawn Star
You can find the perfect present at pawn shops. Fine art, jewelry, fishing poles, tools, collectables, tattoo machines, surfboards, electronics, rare coins and even silver bullion–all are treasures awaiting your discovery. You never know what’s on their shelves before you walk in, but it’s certain they’ll have something for everyone on your list. Prices range from a dolla to 10 digits.
Kama‘aina Loan and Cash for Gold (42 N. Market St., 50 N. Market St., 52 N. Market St., 98 N. Market St., Wailuku), 808-242-5555, Kamaainaloan.com
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Crayola Graphics
Artist Jeffrey Robert (JeffreyRobert.com) uses that great, youthful medium of crayon over giclee print. And who wouldn’t prefer a crayon drawing over some dumb print? You can even get a custom labeled crayon encased in the frame.
Eclectic Image Gallery (3750 Wailea Alanui, Wailea), 808-874-0701, Eclecticimage.com
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Perfumery
Custom design your scents with organic perfume demi-blended by Maui’s Ajne Melangeurs. They come packaged in a glass filigreed flacon. $99.
Spa at Four Seasons Maui (3900 Wailea Alanui Dr.), 808-874-8000, Fourseasons.com/maui/spa
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Team Beach
This time of year, Maui offers both football season and beach weather, so why not buy your beach stud NFL logo shorts so we know just who he’s rooting for while he’s out on the water.
Neil Pryde Maui (400 Hana Hwy, Kahului), 808-877-7443, Neilprydemaui.com
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Humble Geode
The healing meditative power of geodes can be yours to give. Assuming, of course, that your loved one deserves such healing…
Green Lotus (1816 Mill St, Wailuku), 808-244-2300, Greenlotusmaui.com
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Wacky Tobackky
Most people enjoy their tobacco even more when they smoke it out of a ray gun or Jerome Baker water pipe. It just seems to taste better. Find all the best papers, accessories and accoutrements at Maui’s best shops for those of Santa’s elves who smoke.
HiTimes 808 (42 Baldwin Ave, Paia), 808-280-4231, Hitimes808.com; Still Smokin’ (30 Manao Kala St, #202, Kihei), 808-874-1040; Westside Vibes (1087 Limahana Place, Lahaina), 808-667-1900; Hawaiian Holy Smokes (320 Ohukai Rd., Kihei), 808-879-2826, Hawaiianholysmokes.com; Maui Mana (1794 S.Kihei Rd.), 808-875-7881; Hemp House (16 Baldwin Ave., Paia), 808-579-8880, Hemphousemaui.com; Alice in Hulaland (19 Baldwin Ave., Paia), 808-579-9922, Aliceinhulaland.com; Haiku Smoke Shop (810 Haiku Rd.), 808-575-9499; Requests (10 N. Market St., Wailuku), 808-244-9315; Tobacco King (283 Lalo St., Kahului), 808-871-5464, Tobaccoking.com
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Dance with the Stars
Cure two left feet with private dance lessons. In fact, Santa’s special is a $90 private lesson if purchased by Dec. 31.
Private Image Dance Studio (780 Mahealani Pl., Kihei), 808-891-8747, Privateimadancestudio.wordpress.com
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The Man Who Wore Dragon Shirts
Lavish the hip boy in your life with unique shirts and accessories, all hand-picked by Jefferson at HIM.
HIM… A Men’s Store (4310 L. Honapi‘ilani Rd. #12, Kahana), 808-669-2529, Himmaui.com
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Skate or Die Trying
Get the risk-taker in your life a gift she will never forget–a rad deck with a mountable Go Pro to record all her adventures. Then top it with Dusty Payne Electric sunglasses, so her eyes don’t get burned. Now you’re #winning!
Hi-Tech at Kahului (425 Koloa St., #107, Kahului), 808-877-2111; Hi-Tech at Paia (58 Baldwin Ave, Paia), 808-579-9297; Shapers at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center (275 West Ka‘ahumanu Ave, Kahului), 808-877-7873, Surfmaui.com
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Traffic Graphic
Let the shirt do the talking. Enough said.
MauiThing (7 N. Market St, Wailuku), 808-249-0215, Mauithing.com
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Wick Out
Sure, these would be better if they were made on Maui, but then do you know how much they would have to charge?
Moore Interiors Maui (975 Limahana Pl., Lahaina), 808-661-0046, Mooreinteriorsmauihi.com
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Small Clothes
Get your suicide girl small, sexy things and Santa might get a big, sloppy kiss in return. This is one time you’ll want to stay out of Savers.
Love Shack (1913 S. Kihei Rd.), 808-875-0303, Loveshackmaui.com; Women Who Run With Wolves (4310 Honoapi‘ilani Rd., Kahana), 808-665-0786, Womenwhorunwithwolves.com
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Imelda Marcos Lives
Shoe lovers need look no further than Wailuku for hand-dyed, hand-made, always incredible shoes. Owner Teri Edmonds also teaches customers how to make their own shoes and leather handbags. Gift certificates go a long ways!
If the Shoe Fits (21 N. Market St., Wailuku), 808-249-9710
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Bookworms
Be careful: getting your significant other The Dead Season by (MauiTime Editor) Anthony Pignataro could result in a gripping day of reading on Christmas. On the other hand, Eric Saperston’s Live in Wonder has panties that you can buy with it, so the day could go another way. Books by other local authors include Neptune Speaks by Snorkel Bob and Couch Esthentics by Robert Shaw.
Maui Friends of The Library (658 Front St. #172, Lahaina), 808-667-2696, Thewharfcinemacenter.com/maui-friends-of-the-library; Barnes and Noble (325 Keawe St., Lahaina), 808-662-1300, Barnesandnoble.com; Amazon, Amazon.com; Lulu, Lulu.com; Liveinwonder.com
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Santa’s Little Helper
When Santa burns the candle at both ends, it’s time for beauty, rest and relaxation, though not necessarily in that order. Even a little botox can go a long way.
Green Ti (40 N. Market St., Wailuku), 808-242-8788; (95 Lipoa St., Kihei), 808-874-5333, Greentimaui.com. Lilikoi (18 Baldwin Ave., Paia) 808-579-6055, Lilikoibeauty.com; Maui Zen Day Spa Lahaina (9181 Lahainaluna Rd.), 808-661-7200; Maui Zen Day Spa Wailea (Wailea Gateway Center, Ste A203),808-874-6000, Mauizen.com. Emily Grace Esthetics (810 Kokomo Rd., Ste 201, Haiku), 808-575-2222, Emilygraceesthetics.com; Grace Beauty (62 Baldwin Ave., Paia), 808-579-9779, Dayspasmaui.com; Paragon Salon (1160 Makawao Ave.), 808-573-1300, Paragonsalonmaui.com
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What’s SUP
If you like to try before you buy, Second Wind will get your SUP gifts in order with their awesome program. Stand Up Paddleboarding is for everyone from sports enthusiasts to those just cruising.
Second Wind (111 Hana Hwy., Kahului), 808-877-7467, Secondwindmaui.com
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Mane Mend
Kevin Murphy’s got hair crack. These products developed Down Under are for serious hair enthusiasts. And their gift sets for shampoos and conditioners have bonus products, too!
Vanity Salon (71 Baldwin Ave, Paia), 808-579-9580, Vanitysalonmaui.com
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Lavender Lust
Sustainably grown gifts from the gods, also known as Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm bouquets and goods, should take care of your most persnickety tree-hugging friends.
Ali‘i Kula Lavender (1100 Waipoli Rd., Kula), 808-878-3004, Aklmaui.com
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Shine Bright like a Diamond
Did you know glorious jewelry can be had with just a third of the balance up front? Splurge time!
Passman Lahaina (728 Front St., Lahaina), 808-662-4212; Passman at Wailea (3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.), 808-874-4999, Passman.com
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High as a Kite
What? Santa doesn’t take a sleigh around the islands? Of course not–he flies with the wind on a kite from Naish. Take advantage of our trade winds and touch the sky with their kite and windsurf gear.
Naish Maui Pro Center (111 Hana Hwy, Kahului), 808-871-1500, Naishmaui.com
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Vegan Nectar
Making your own vegan juices, milks and cheeses just got easier with specialized juicers and mixers. Enjoy!
Alive & Well, (340 Hana Hwy, Kahului), 808-877-4950, Aliveandwellinmaui.com
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