Before big box retailers had their eye on your money, everyone had to shop local. Maui department stores had names like Ikeda’s and Liberty House and you could find artisan goods in mom and pop shops and at craft fairs. Maui’s shopping landscape has made vast changes, but our mantra to retail remains the same–for Maui to be Maui, we have to buy local. And that means looking for Made on Maui goods, local artisans and supporting locally owned merchants. Not all of these shops can keep their shelves stocked with only Maui-manufactured goods, but plenty of our stores are very akamai about the subject and do their best to keep their dollars local.
Put simply, gift shopping local means valuing quality over quantity. This round-up of gifts is just a small sample of the great gifts you can find while searching for what Maui has to offer. We have found something for everyone: beach bunnies, techies, foodies, keiki and sporty types. Shopping can be a chore, but finding yourself at a small locally owned shop can take the edge off. Surf shops along Hana Highway and select spots in the Maui Mall and the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center are great places to start. Take the time to look for local shops and ask for Maui-made products wherever you go.
The streets of Wailuku, Paia and Makawao are also lined with unique boutiques. In Lahaina, head to the Gateway Center, Cannery Mall and, of course, Front Street for locally owned stores. Just about every weekend under the Banyan Tree, island artisans gather and sell a many number of their works. The Azeka Shopping Center, Kukui Mall and Shops at Wailea ALSO have locally owned shops. Then there are craft fairs, farmers markets and the Maui Swap Meet. Want to do your shopping at home? Etsy.com makes it easy to shop in your neighborhood–just enter your zip code and check off handmade on your search and you’ll be amazed at the thousands of items born on Maui.
Giving Keiki
Christmas is for the babes. These Maui gifts will stoke their good cheer.
Teepee, Petite Soleil Maui, https://www.etsy.com/shop/petitsoleilmaui; Maui Childrens Family Bookstore, https://www.facebook.com/mauichildrensbookstore; also pop up at MauiThing, Wailuku
Cowrie barrettes, Mauidivegirl designs, https://www.etsy.com/shop/mauidivegirl
Aunty Margaret’s Crooked House, http://www.auntiemargaretscrookedhouse.com/
Bathtub Catamaran, Droplets, http://www.dropletshawaii.com/ Makawao
Inside Outside, by Lizi Boyd, Maui Childrens Family Bookstore, https://www.facebook.com/mauichildrensbookstore; also pop up at MauiThing, www.mauithing.com, Wailuku
Create Aloha tee, MauiThing, www.mauithing.com, Wailuku
Buddah baby Rashguard, Prospect, www.instagram.com/prospect_paia, Paia
Handmade Chemical Free Sun protection, Mad Hatter, www.madhatterofmaui.blogspot.com
Little Surfer baby blanket, Mad Hatter, www.madhatterofmaui.blogspot.com
Wooden Egg Shakers, Bounty Music, http://www.bountymusicmaui.com/, Kahului
Giving Bliss
Take in the good life with these gifts of health and pleasure. Stop by the local spa, find gift certificates from the nearby yoga studio or suds-up with neighborhood made soaps.
Treasure Trove Massage Oils Set, Love Shack, http://www.loveshackmaui.com/, Kihei
Yoga gift certificates, Body Alive, http://bodyaliveyoga.com/, Wailuku
Body Lotion & Body Polish, Hualani products, http://www.westinmaui.com/spa/overview, Ka’anapali
Makawao made aromatherapy soaps Lemon Studio, Rodeo General Store, https://www.facebook.com/Rodeo.General, Makawao
Glass Blown soap dishes, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, http://huinoeau.com/, Makawao
Lemon Studio organic chapsticks, Maui Swap Meet, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lemon-Studio-Maui/352830758137155, Makawao
Billy’s Infinity Greens, Cafe Cafe, http://cafecafemaui.com/, Lahaina
Giving Tech
Clever tech gifts can stump most people, but these finds should help make everyone’s holiday happy. The iRig mic is for the budding Kawehi and Kanoa types: sample your vocals and play with loops in the VocalLive app with it, or just use it like the ultimate Karaoke device. Kama‘aina Loan has the biggest selection of gently used and new devices, plus all the wires, chargers and cords that your techie might need. Bounty Music is a treasure trove of music tech enjoyment, and tuning up is easy with their little rigs.
iRig mic, VocalLive App, IKMedia.com
Shoots Brah phone case, Prospect, www.instagram.com/prospect_paia, Paia
String instrument tuner, Bounty Music, http://www.bountymusicmaui.com/
Giving Style
For fashionistas there’s no better place than Maui. There are so many shops and artisans ready to outfit them with whatever look suits them from surf chic to island couture. From the high end couture boutiques of Makawao and Paia, to the artisan and consignment shops of Wailuku.
Bikini – San Lorenzo, http://www.sanlorenzobikinis.com/, Paia
Shark Tooth tank, San Lorenzo, http://www.sanlorenzobikinis.com/, Paia
Kealopiko Pareu, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
Embroidered edge scarves by siganka, Siganka, https://www.facebook.com/Siganka
Pakalolo and pineapples tank, Pakalolo and Pineapples, http://www.pakaloloandpineapples.com/
Stance Socks, Prospect, www.instagram.com/prospect_paia, Paia
Couture repurposed Jean Jacket by Susan David, http://www.doghairburning.com/
Tamara Catz Embroidered Tunic, http://www.tamaracatz.com/, Paia
Starry Midnight Pullover, Wings, http://www.wingshawaii.com/, Paia
Rhea Mandala Dress – Wahine Love, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wahine-Love-Boutique/867395543275141?pnref=lhc, Wailuku
Fins Tee, Foam Co, Queen Kaahumanu Mall, http://www.thefoamco.com/, Kahului
Stance Slippah sock, Hi Tech, http://www.surfmaui.com/, Kahului
Olukai Slippah, Simmer, http://www.simmerhawaii.com/, Paia
Bling Shoe, If the Shoe Fits, http://www.teriedmonds.com/, Wailuku
Coco Luxe Mallard, Arie Bikini, http://www.ariebikinis.com/; Tamara Catz http://www.tamaracatz.com/, Paia; Andaz Resort http://maui.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html, Wailea;
Kingdom of HI Royalty Tee, Maui Creations, Maui Mall, http://www.mauimall.com/, Kahului
Bra and Panty set, Fit Perfection, http://www.perfectionbrafitting.com/, Wailuku
Giving Headgear
Hats in every design are a must under the tree.
All Seeing Eye, Body Alive Studio, http://bodyaliveyoga.com/, Wailuku
Suns Up Bums Out, San Lorenzo, http://www.sanlorenzobikinis.com/, Paia
Kuau Store Trucker Hat, Kuau Store, http://www.kuaustore.com/, Paia
Prospect Hat, Prospect, www.instagram.com/prospect_paia, Paia
Mermaid Illustration Hat, Wings, http://www.wingshawaii.com/, Paia
Aloha Hat, Foam Co, Queen Kaahumanu Mall, http://www.thefoamco.com/, Kahului
HT Hat, Hi Tech, http://www.surfmaui.com/, Kahului
Mermaids Smoke Seaweed Hat, Simmer, http://www.simmerhawaii.com/, Paia
Giving Recreation
There are certainly a wide range of hobbies one can partake of in life, and nobody understands them better than local suppliers. Bike shops like Crater Cycles, West Maui Cycles and Maui Cyclery for cyclers of any size. Water sports enthusiasts take Foam Company is legendary for their body boarder supplies. On the opposite end of the spectrum, tobacco and smoke enthusiasts will enjoy gifts from Maui Mana, Hi Times 808, Still Smokin, and Westside Vibes. If your loved ones enjoy skating, equip them with gear from Lahaina Skate Co and Hi Tech. If music is the thing Mele Ukulele, Lahaina Music, Requests and Bounty Music know what you need.
Bike Helmet, Specialized bike, West Maui Cycles, http://www.westmauicycles.com/, Lahaina
Ripcurl gps watch, Go Pro Hero 4, Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport, http://www.hawaiianisland.com/, Kahului
Keiki SUP Elua Makani, Second Wind, http://secondwindmaui.com/, Kahului
Skateboard, Hi Tech, http://www.surfmaui.com/, Kahului
Rash Guard, Simmer, http://www.simmerhawaii.com/, Paia
Viper Fins, Foam Co, Queen Kaahumanu Mall, http://www.thefoamco.com/, Kahului
Dabs pipe, Maui Mana, http://www.mauimanasmokeshop.com/, Kihei
Pipe, Maui Mana, http://www.mauimanasmokeshop.com/, Kihei
Stash bag, Maui Mana, http://www.mauimanasmokeshop.com/, Kihei
Dab pen, Maui Mana, http://www.mauimanasmokeshop.com/, Kihei
Body Board, Foam Co, Queen Kaahumanu Mall, http://www.thefoamco.com/, Kahului
Giving Adornment
Jewelry’s intimate touch makes a perfect gift.
Hand beaded and Tied Pearl and Sunrise shell necklace, Nuage Bleu, http://www.nuagebleu.com/, Paia
Good luck Eye necklace, Exotic Eye Tattoo, http://exoticeyetattoo.com/, Wailuku
Shark Tooth Vermeil, Free to Be Me, Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/mercantile.makawao?fref=nf, Makawao
Tourmaline Necklace, RueBelle, Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/mercantile.makawao?fref=nf, Makawao
Crystal shard earring, Wings, http://www.wingshawaii.com/, Paia
Shell earring, Foam Co, Queen Kaahumanu Mall, http://www.thefoamco.com/, Kahului
Kahelele and Momi Niihau Shell Earring, Maui Hands, http://www.mauihands.com/, Makawao
White baroque freshwater pearls and Swarvski Crystals, Seyanajewelry.com
Giving Home
Getting gifts for a cozy homebody couldn’t be better. Sweet smelling candles, hand carved ornaments, and repurposed materials warm hearth and heart in the holidays.
Carved Koa Ornaments, hand-painted repurposed wood frames, Urban Island Design, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
Block printed tea towels, Palapala Designs http://palapaladesigns.com/, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
Indian painted cotton textiles, Indigo, http://www.indigopaia.com/, Paia
Stocking made of repurposed kite, Adventure Sports Maui, https://adventuresportsusa.com/index.php/locations/maui, Kahului
Glass Blown ornaments by Artist Stephen Fellerman, Hui Noeau, http://huinoeau.com/, Makawao
Geodesis fir scented candle, Pearl Butik, http://www.pearlbutik.com/, Paia
Pestemal Turkish towels & Japanese Yoshii towels, Pearl Butik, http://www.pearlbutik.com/, Paia
Lemon studio jar candles, Maui Swap Meet, http://www.mauiexposition.com/MAUISWAPMEET.html, Kahului
Sarai Lamp w Batik Shade, Sarai Batik Hanging, saraistricklin.com
Cody Foster bull skull ornament, Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/mercantile.makawao?fref=nf, Makawao
Lifestyle Maui Teak Monsoon Table, Lifestyle Maui, http://www.lifestylemaui.com/, Wailuku
Maui Wall photos, Maui Canvas Print, http://www.mauicanvasprint.com/, Makawao
Teapot, Recarte Holt and Roe, https://www.facebook.com/rhrpenshop, Wailuku
Clutch Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts are practical. These totes, clutches and bags are useful and beautiful.
Sandy Salty Beach Tote, San Lorenzo, http://www.sanlorenzobikinis.com/, Paia
Repurposed antique muumuu clutch, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
Pineapple printed bag, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
Annie Fischer shark and pineapple zip bags, http://anniefischerdesigns.com/, Nuage Bleu
Love Maui tote, MauiThing, www.mauithing.com, Wailuku
Fearless wallet, Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/mercantile.makawao?fref=nf, Makawao
Take Me To The Moon Luggage Tag, Mercantile, https://www.facebook.com/mercantile.makawao?fref=nf, Makawao
Giving Books
Bless the bookworms, readers and perusers with these paper offerings.
repurposed books spell Maui, Biasa Rose, http://biasarose.com/, Paia
India textiled journals, Indigo, http://www.indigopaia.com/, Paia
John Severson Art book, Puka Puka gallery, http://www.pukapuka.tv/, Paia
Giving Goodies
Maui’s foodies can rejoice–every manner of sweet, sour and spice treat is made right here on the island.
Adoboloco Jalapeno, http://adoboloco.com/shop/jalapeno-mild/#.VI1oJqTF8eI
Shrub and pickled cucumber, http://twochicksinahammock.com/
Backyard Juice, http://twochicksinahammock.com/
Big Island Brewhaus, http://bigislandbrewhaus.com/, Waimea
Kuau store gift cert, Kuau Store, http://www.kuaustore.com/, Paia
Kuau store handmade granola, Kuau Store, http://www.kuaustore.com/, Paia
brownie and choco chip cookie, Kuau Store, http://www.kuaustore.com/, Paia
Manapua, Manapua Bakery, http://www.manapuabakery.com/location/, Wailuku
Maui Cookies, Maui Cookie Lady http://themauicookielady.com/, Kihei
Maui Grown Coffee, Maui Grown Coffee, http://www.mauigrowncoffee.com/, Lahaina
Ocean Vodka Lei, Ocean Vodka Distillery Gift Shop, http://oceanvodka.com/, Kula
Paniolo whiskey, Haliimaile Distillery, http://www.haliimailedistilling.com/, Haliimaile
Shaka Pops, Shaka Pops Maui, http://shakapopsmaui.com/, Kihei
Chocolate, http://www.sweetparadisechocolate.com/, Lahaina
Ohana Medium Roast, Maui Roasted Coffee, Cafe Cafe, http://cafecafemaui.com/, Lahaina
Wise Cracks, Maui Thing (avail after 12/24/14), www.mauithing.com, Wailuku
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