BEST OF MAUI 2016: Best Maui Businesses, Shops and Services Revealed
These are the top voted goods and services on Maui. We asked you Maui, what shops were the best, and you responded with your votes. We tallied up all of your votes and posted them here. These top stores and services are the definitely the best on Maui, because you said so. We tallied up all of your votes and posted them here. Read on for the best Maui places to get tattooed, buy an ukulele, or service your car. Maui’s Best Salon, the top place to get a mani pedi and what Maui’s best head shop.
BEST “GREEN” BUSINESS
Rising Sun Solar
Solar energy is the step in the right direction for alternate methods in power. Rising Sun Solar has been this year’s most voted renewable energy installation crew. For a dozen years they’ve been installing environmentally protective means of household and commercial power all over the island. (SBM)
(810 Kokomo Rd., Haiku); 808-575-2202; Risingsunsolar.com
RISING SUN SOLAR 29%
HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT AND SPA 11%
ALOHA RECYCLING 7%
BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE
Mahina
If you’re looking for a new cute outfit or a bit of island fashion advice, Mahina should be your destination. Offering timeless classics, the newest trends, affordable price points, and an exceptional staff, Mahina is once again Maui’s best local boutique. For the ninth year in a row, our readers and local fashionistas love shopping at Mahina. North Shore wahine’s know that Mahina started in Paia, but did you know that they now have eight more stores across the Hawaiian Islands? (AM)
(23 Baldwin Ave., Paia); 808-579-9131
(1913 S Kihei Rd., Kihei); 808-879-3453
(335 Keawe St., Lahaina); 808-661-0383; Shopmahina.com
MAHINA 24%
DRIFTWOOD 5%
HALE ZEN 4%
BEST SALON
Salon 253
Our readers say Salon 253 is Maui’s best salon, and we see no reason to argue. You can find their expert stylists do’ing it up in their Wailuku studio Monday thru Saturday. If you’re looking for fashionable hair designs, cuts, color, treatments, styling or something new, this is the place to go. Each one of their stylist specialize in many talents, you cannot go wrong by booking a hair appointment here. Here’s something you may not already know: you can also get hair and eyelash extensions at Salon 253. (AM)
(253 S. Market St., Wailuku); 808-270-2759; Mauisalon.com
SALON 253 25%
PLUSH BEAUTY LOUNGE 10%
SOLEIL LUNA 10%
BEST HARDWARE STORE
Ace
Congratulations to Ace Hardware for acing the competition and earning that award for the Best Hardware Store Category. From variety sets of paint to clamps for inverters, Ace Hardware has your back. So grab a shovel, lift it high and shout three cheers for Ace Hardware Store. (LKT)
(11 Laa St., Kahului); 808-633-4272
(334 Alamaha St., Kahului); 808-877-3931
(840 Wainee St, Lahaina); 808-661-0814
(1279 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-879-7060
(55 Pukalani St., Makawao); 808-572-5566; Acehardware.com
ACE 83%
THE HOME DEPOT 6%
LOWE’S 4%
BEST TATTOO SHOP
Paia Tattoo Parlor
If you want to get tattooed on Maui, there’s only one place to go, say our readers. Time and time again, Paia Tattoo Parlor wins best tattoo shop on Maui. Since 2009, this Maui tattoo sanctuary has been providing the best tattoo artistry by a handful of the most talented and experienced tattooers on island. Stop into the shop and check out the artist portfolios for more info about Justin Yates (traditional old school and Polynesian), Tania Arens (Japanese Ukiyo-e), Circle, James Cole and Nate Brown differing styles. (AM)
(120 Hana Hwy., Paia); 808-579-8515; Paiatattooparlor.com/home.html
PAIA TATTOO PARLOR 18%
MID-PACIFIC TATTOO 17%
SOULAR TATTOO 10%
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE
Rainbow Attic
Rainbow Attic is most definitely the go-to place for thrift shopping and used furniture hunting on Maui. Rainbow Attic in Kihei is the best consignment store on Maui for many reasons. Items are reasonably priced, in good or better condition, and there’s actually some style lurking through their racks. No, you may not find a Maui High T-shirt from 1996, but you might find some 7 For All Mankind Jeans from last season for $20. Next time you visit Kihei, hit up Rainbow Attic, and make sure to look through their jewelry case and art collection. You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find here. (AM)
(1881 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-874-0884; Rainbowatticmaui.com
RAINBOW ATTIC 40%
REBECCA’S CLOSET RESALE 15%
SAVERS 10%
BEST BOOKSTORE
Barnes & Noble
Do they have DVD’s? Yes. CD’s? Yes. Magazines and periodicals? Yes and yes. Happy Birthday cards? Yes. Puzzles and board games? Yes. Memorabilia of science fiction phenomenons? Yes. Maps? Yes. Vinyl record albums and players? Yes. Coffee?! Ah-huh. Oh, and books. Barnes & Noble is a versatile variety of entertainment with fact and fiction on demand in both visual, verbal, and written forms. They have quite a library of movies and songs on CD and their classic fiction book section is extensive. Though they offer more than books, they are the Best Bookstore on Maui. (ME)
(325 Keawe St., Lahaina); 808-662-1300; Stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2276
BARNES & NOBLE 69%
MAUI FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY 26%
SALVATION ARMY 10%
BEST PLACE TO GET WAXED
Soleil Luna
People in the know get waxed with precision by estheticians Dana Costa and Aime Le at Wendy Pogni’s salon Soleil Luna in Lahaina. Costa and Le use an organic epilation process called sugaring that makes waxing so sweet! When you need the barest skin on Maui, call Soleil Luna and get waxed. (JR)
(242 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina); 808-662-0203; Soleillunasalon.com
SOLEIL LUNA 40%
SKINCARE MAUI 10%
PARAGON SALON 10%
BEST LOCAL SURF SHOP
Hi Tech
Hi-Tech Maui isn’t just our readers’ favorite local surf shop, it’s also the best place to talk story about what’s up with the surf. No matter the location, Hi-Tech employees continue to supersede all expectations for a casual, local surf shop in Maui. When at Hi-Tech, take advantage of all opportunities- daily surf updates, information about surfboard makers, RipCurl’s new fabulous 2016 bikini line, when the new season of Electric sunglasses are coming in, all of it. The Hi-tech ohana isn’t about localism in any kind of way, these guys and gals are full of aloha. (AM)
(425 Koloa St., Kahului); 808-877-2111
(58 Baldwin Ave., Paia); 808-579-9297; Surfmaui.com
HI TECH 51%
LOCAL MOTION 16%
MAUI WAVE RIDERS 11%
BEST SWIMWEAR SHOP
Maui Girl
On an island where bikini fashion is more important than breakfast, you’ll soon know why Maui Girl is the best swimwear shop- that is if you don’t know already. Maui Girl has been rated best swimwear shop in Maui by countless publications, to say nothing of our readers. Upon walking into this bikini haven, there are many enticing things in store. Obviously, Maui Girl bikini separates are amazing because they fit well, and they look hot on everyone. But, only here can shoppers find an array of bikinis on Maui that cross all markets. Here, you can find bikini makers from LA, Spain, Brazil, Miami Beach, Bali and New York City. (AM)
(12 Baldwin Ave., Paia); 808-579-9266; Maui-girl.com
MAUI GIRL 21%
PAKALOHA BIKINIS 20%
SAN LORENZO 11%
BEST STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD SHOP
Second Wind
Since 1985, Second Wind has been a pioneer in Maui’s surf, sail, kite and SUP marketplace. They’ve won best stand up paddle board shop for uncountable reasons; selection, offerings and service are at the top. When seeking more about SUP on Maui, the Second Wind team is there to inform you on the most optimum locations to SUP pending the day and wind, and have a variety of stand up paddle board rentals. They’re experts in helping you choose the best SUP investment if you’re looking to make your hobby an everyday reality. (AM)
(111 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-877-7467; Secondwindmaui.com
SECOND WIND 38%
808 BOARDS 22%
MAUI STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING 11%
BEST SCUBA/SNORKEL SHOP
Snorkel Bob’s
If you want to check out some beautiful fish or look for sunken treasure under the ocean depths, then head over to Snorkel Bob’s. They have it all when it comes to swim gear. There are six locations throughout Maui to hook you up wherever you live. You can even rent fishing gear, so you don’t have to worry about paying for something and using it once. Any water enthusiast should definitely head over to Snorkel Bob’s to get the best swim gear on the island. (JF)
(A2, 2411 S Kihei Rd, Kihei); 808-879-7449
(#310, 1279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei); 808-875-6188
(100 Wailea Ike Dr, Kihei); 808-874-0011
(217 Front St., Lahaina); 808-661-4421
(Napili,Lahaina); 808-669-9603
(3350 L. Honoapiilani Rd., Honokowai); 808-667-9999; Snorkelbob.com
SNORKEL BOB’S 23%
MAUI DIVE SHOP 22%
BOSS FROG 15%
BEST ADULT GIFT SHOP
The Love Shack
That’s right, folks! The Love Shack has once again been voted as Maui’s best adult shop, and rightfully deserved. Whether you are bored, or about to get your freak on, the Love Shack in Kihei has everything you need for a good time. Open seven days a week, you’ll never be at a loss for vibrators, love potions, sexy lingerie, nipple clamps, bachelorette accessories, XXX entertainment or expert advice. For all your love tool needs and accessories, this place definitely hits the spot. (AM)
(1913 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-875-0303; Loveshackmaui.com
THE LOVE SHACK 84%
HOT SPOT VIDEO 3%
SANDS PEOPLE 2%
BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Medi Spa
Ugh. Waxing is such a drag, and honestly, the dollars add up quick. Month, after month, you meet up with your esthetician, have a lovely conversation about life, and get your hair waxed off for some kind of pain and nominal fee. So, why not cut the hastle and cost and get the best laser hair removal services at MediSpa Maui? At MediSpa Maui, clients can do all sorts of cool grooming things like laser hair removal, laser treatments, laser resurfacing, skin tightening, fat reduction and even more enticing medi-spa services. Look to the Maui MediSpa for the best laser hair removal, Botox, Juvederm, photo facials and spa services in Maui. (AM)
(140 Ho’ohana St #301, Kahului); 808-877-4909; Medispamaui.com
MEDI SPA 70%
THE SKIN CENTER WAILEA 10%
PERMANENT SKIN CARE 6%
BEST PLACE TO BUY A UKULELE
Mele Ukulele
Never say that the smallest of us all will never rise above and conquer. A tiny shop, shoved in a corner on the side of the road has won Best Place to Buy a Ukulele. Beautiful and quality hand-made wooden ukuleles, guitars and many more. Thank Mele Ukulele for the wonderful Hawaiian culture splash. (LKT)
(1750 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Wailuku); 808-244-3938; Meleukulele.com
MELE UKULELE 48%
BOUNTY MUSIC 35%
LAHAINA MUSIC 11%
BEST SMOKE SHOP
Westside Vibes
Whatever your herb ritual is, the guys at Westside Vibes have everything needed to make it the best experience. High quality tobacco water pipes, rolling papers, travel cases and every accoutrement under the sun to make your smoke time good vibes. (JR)
(1087 Limahana Pl., Lahaina); 808-667-1900; https://www.facebook.com/Westside-Vibes-Maui-A-shop-for-your-head-285387850031/timeline/?ref=hl
WESTSIDE VIBES 40%
STILL SMOKIN’ 32%
HOLY SMOKES 7%
BEST RECYCLING/REDEMPTION CENTER
Aloha Recycling
Aloha Recycling is a great company that does an amazing service for Maui’s environment. They recycle a wide range of materials that includes: cardboard, newspaper, mixed paper, and aluminum cans. Instead of throwing away your recyclable materials, stop on in and get some fast cash for them. Not only do you help out the environment, but you’ll make your wallet happy. That’s a win-win situation. With five locations throughout the island it makes it real convenient for people to stop by. (JF)
(75 Amala Place, Kahului)
(Near the MACC, Maui Community College)
(Off Makani Rd, Makawao)
(Hana Hwy at Pa’uwela Rd, Haiku)
(Welakahao Rd at Pi’ilani Hwy, Kihei)
ALOHA RECYCLING 25%
KIHEI 24%
ALOHA SHELL 12%
BEST AUTO MECHANIC
Bob’s Car Care
If you’ve been driving with your check engine light on for months and are just waiting for a sign (or perhaps smoke), then this is it. For our readers, Bob’s Car Care in Lahaina is the auto-mechanic shop that will take away their unease about bringing your car into the shop. Whether it’s just for maintenance or a major fix, Bob’s Car Care is quick about any service and you’ll walk away knowing you paid a fair price. (AR)
(142 Kupuohi St, Lahaina); 808-661-3553
BOB’S CAR CARE 14%
KIHEI AUTOMOTIVE 13%
LAHAINA FOREIGN CAR 13%
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER
Tamara Catz
Tamara Catz opened her first boutique in Paia back in 2005 and ever since has been the place for resort wear and swim wear. Since 2007, it’s also been a bridal boutique. Her lifestyle collection has many pieces that are flowy and airy, perfect for the resort or the beach. The swim collection shows inspiration from Tamara Catz home of Argentina, with metallic fabric and Maui cuts. Tamara Catz has all the clothing needs of visitors and locals alike. (AR)
(83 Hana Hwy., Paia); 808-579-9184; Tamaracatz.com
TAMARA CATZ 14%
ACACIA SWIMWEAR 13%
MAUI THING 10%
BEST PET SUPPLY STORE
Petco
Petco has won the Best of Maui’s Best Pet Supply Store for a third year in a row. We all love spoiling and taking care of our best friends, so why not go to the place that has everything you could ever need? From dog beds to reptile lamps, Petco has it all. They even offer grooming services for dogs to help them look as sharp as possible. There’s no doubt that Petco is the best one-stop pet shop in Maui. (JF)
(270 Dairy Rd., Kahului); 808-877-6150; Stores.petco.com/hi/kahului/pet-supplies-kahului-hi-1183.html
PETCO 51%
THE PET SHOP 29%
KIHEI PET SUPPLY 9%
BEST HOTEL / ACCOMMODATIONS
Fairmont Kea Lani
In the area of Wailea, every hotel is decadent art of landscape and amenities, but the bright white building of the Fairmont Kea Lani towers over every other hotel and resort. Every room of the Fairmont Kea Lani is a one bedroom suite or one of their larger two to three bedroom villas. Located right on the sands of Polo Beach, the Fairmont Kea Lani offers the perfect resort from beach to pool in just a few steps. The restaurants housed in the hotel are award-winning and cater to any craving. Their top restaurants include, Ko is a plantation-inspired cuisine featuring Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese menu and Nick’s Fishmarket, the best place to try all the fish you can’t quite pronounce. Whether it’s your next stay-cation, spa day, or date night, our readers say the Fairmont Kea Lani will make you feel luxurious. (AR)
(4100 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-875-4100; Fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui
FAIRMONT KEA LANI 24%
FOUR SEASONS 13%
ANDAZ 9%
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS
Falcon’s Nest
No matter what your home interior decoration may be, Falcon’s Nest is bound to have a piece that will make any room unique. From pieces of today and yesterday, the Falcon’s Nest is almost like a museum walking through its maze of antique trunks, grand pianos and chic lawn furniture. Their style of furnishings run from modern home to Hawaiian beach house. Whether you’re looking for a grandfather clock to decorative sculptures, you’ll be sure to find your key talking-piece at Falcon’s Nest. (AR)
(65 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-283-6270
FALCONS NEST 16%
LIFESTYLE MAUI 12%
INDOLOTUS FURNISHING 11%
BEST OUT-OF-BUSINESS BUSINESS
Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport
When you’re pulling out of Costco but then think about stuff you might need for the beach, like board wax or boogie boards or any number of beach items, Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport was there to cater to your beaching needs. For more than three decades, they sold everything from Bikinis to wetsuits, from sunglasses to slippahs. And now it’s gone. No surprise that our readers have picked Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport as the best business to close its doors this year. We all miss it very much. (ME)
(415 Dairy Rd., Kahului)
HAWAIIAN ISLAND SURF & SPORTS 29%
DAZOO 13%
KOKO ICHIBAN YA 10%
BEST PRESCHOOL / DAYCARE
Wailuku Union Church Preschool
Life as a parent isn’t easy, anyone who does it can tell you it’s damn hard. Most especially on this island because the rent is high and parents need to work to stay afloat. When parents can’t be home, it’s nice to know the keiki are safe and sound and the Wailuku Union Church Preschool provides this service. This year, our readers decided the church was the best place to keep toddlers while the parents are at work. They take kids from three to six years old and have plenty of educational activities for them. (ME)
(327 S High St, Wailuku); 808-242-5950
WAILUKU UNION CHURCH PRESCHOOL 14%
MAUI PREP PRESCHOOL 13%
HEADSTART 10%
BEST BRIDAL SHOP
Elly’s Formal Wear & Bridal
It’s well known that Maui is one of the world’s top wedding destinations. People come for thousands of miles to get married here. It’s important that they have the bridal shop for all of their needs and MauiTime readers say Elly’s Formal Wear and Bridals is their one-stop bridal shop. Since 1994, Elly’s Formal Wear and Bridals has been serving the brides and grooms looking to get married to one of Maui’s beautiful sunsets on the soft sands. They provide dresses and suits made to get married by the beach, flower girl dresses and even prom wear. Elly and her daughter Terri are quick at their alterations, knowledgeable at what a bride and groom want and see through every detail. (AR)
(145 N. Kihei Rd.); 808-879-7010; Ellysformalwear.com
ELLY’S FORMAL WEAR & BRIDAL 71%
TAMARA CATZ 13%
DAVID’S BRIDAL 5%
BEST BIKE SHOP
West Maui Cycles
West Maui Cycles has won the Best Bike Shop for an incredible sixth year in a row. Believe me, that’s no typo. They are clearly the go to bike shop in Maui and it’s no surprise why. Whether you’re an expert cyclist that exercises twenty-four seven or just a casual rider, West Maui Cycles has everything you’ll ever need. They offer service and repairs, custom fitting, and rentals. Seeing the beautiful Maui landscape is more memorable on two wheels compared to four wheels. (JF)
(1087 Limahana Pl, Lahaina); 808-661-9005; Westmauicycles.com
WEST MAUI CYCLES 30%
MAUI CYCLERY 15%
KRANK CYCLES 15%
BEST KITE SHOP
Adventure Sports Maui
Kite boarders know the best spot on Maui for all their gear is Adventure Sports Maui. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned wind rider, a newbie barely starting out or just visiting the island and need gear rentals–ASM has the best kitesurfing equipment on Maui. They’re ready to get you in the air in no time. (JR)
(400 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-877-7443; Adventuresportsmaui.com
ADVENTURE SPORTS MAUI 55%
ACTION SPORTS MAUI 36%
NAISH 9%
BEST LOCAL JEWELRY STORE
Na Hoku
Wondering where everyone is getting their koa inlay jewelry? This popular trend was started by Na Hoku, the jewelry store of the islands. All of their pieces are island-inspired, from the waterfalls of Kauai to the big waves of Maui’s North shore. Na Hoku is Hawaii’s oldest and largest jewelry manufacturer. Their pieces are delicate and modern, great as gifts, vacation memorabilia, or even the place to shop for engagement and wedding rings. From Tahititian pearls to Hawaii’s rare wood, Koa, our readers say Na Hoku has the piece that will make you think of Hawaii every time you put it on. (AR)
(275 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului); 808-893-2110; Nahoku.com
NA HOKU 19%
MAUI HANDS 10%
TOPAZ 9%
BEST SHOPPING CENTER
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Shopping Center
Drum roll, please: the award for the Best Shopping Center on the beautiful island of Maui goes to her royal highness, the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. Known for Maui’s only department stores (Macy’s and Sears), the big QK has a variety of stores with the latest styles from popular brands. QK has a mixture of clothing departments, entertainment, fast food and restaurants and even a mini marketplace. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center has it all! (LKT)
(275 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului); 808-877-4325; Queenkaahumanucenter.com/
QUEEN KA’AHUMANU SHOPPING CENTER 47%
THE SHOPS OF WAILEA 20%
OUTLETS OF MAUI 7%
BEST PLACE TO GET A FACIAL
Spa Helani Heavenly Spa Westin resort
Anti aging infused with seasonal inspired spa specials and sparkling wine are just what MauiTime’s readers want when we asked them for their votes on where’s Maui’s Best Place to get a facial. Spa Helani shines with kama‘aina specials, hydrolift facials, vitamin C and oxygen treatments. We love their face upgrades, too, which pay special attention to lips, eyes and peels. (JR)
(6 Kai Ala Dr., Ka‘anapali); 808-662-2644; Westinkaanapali.com/spa/overview
SPA HELANI THE HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN 18%
FOUR SEASONS SPA 5%
KAMAHA’O A MARILYN MONROE SPA AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI 5%
BEST PLACE TO GET A MANICURE OR PEDICURE
VIP Nails
It seems like people (women and men) are always talking about the new and best place to get a mani-pedi on Maui. Truth is, most places are transient or drastically inconsistent. VIP Nails in Kihei ALWAYS provides top rated services and attention-to-detail output. It’s rated as the best place to get a manicure or pedicure on Maui for many reasons including: customer service, massage quality, relaxation levels, and that seamlessly perfect nail polish paint job that you crave. (AM)
(1215 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-879-0888
VIP NAILS 30%
DAVID’S HAPPY NAILS 15%
ESCAPE NAILS & SPA 13%
BEST COSMETIC SURGEON
Dr Leonard Yu, Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Center of Maui
Our readers voted and Dr. Leonard Yu came out on top as the island’s best doctor for cosmetic surgery. His clinic, Maui Plastic Surgery, is licensed and certified for face-lifting, breast augmentation, nose-shaping and liposuction, and is conveniently located in Kahului. For private body modifications, go see Dr. Yu–a majority of MauiTime’s readers say he’s the best! (JR)
(239 E. Wakea Ave., Kahului); 808-871-9791; Doctorleonardyu.com
DR. LEONARD YU 63%
PETER GELPEN 11%
DR. STROLLEY, MEDI SPA 5%
BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
Bounty Music
Bounty Music is the place you want to go if you need something musically related. Be that guitar strings, picks, drumsticks, and of course, instruments. Down at bounty music there is a wide selection of instruments to choose from. However, try not to sit in and play “Stairway to Heaven” for the entire day. (SBM)
(111 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-871-1141; Bountymusic.com
BOUNTY MUSIC 73%
LAHAINA MUSIC 16%
MELE UKULELE 10%
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