Tag Archives: Save money

Longs Drugs – Not your average drug store

Posted on by Chris Murray

longsdrugs

Groceries at the drug store?

At first glance, Longs Drugs in North Kihei seems like any other chain drug store, but slow down and take a closer look. Long’s has a local feel – particularly around the outside aisles. There are MANY Maui products at generally good prices.

 

 

Maui Beef2Check out the grass fed Maui raised beef at the back of the store. The ground beef is a full two dollars per pound less than the few other stores that carry it. Directly across from the beef coolers are shelves with locally grown produce at about half the cost as grocery stores. While prices are decent, see our blog on Rowena’s Farmer’s Market. Her produce variety and prices are even better.
Maui Burger Buns2

 

 

 

 

Don’t overlook the Hawaiian bakery products up front near the check-out stands, including some whole wheat buns to go with that Maui beef.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

roselani-ice-cream2

 

 

Also up front are half-gallons of awesome made-on-Maui Roselani ice cream (Mac nut is our fave, but the Kona Mud is pretty darn good also.)

 

 

 

Melona BarsAnother family favorite are the unbelievably delicious Melona Bars (go for the honeydew or mango.) Melona bars are actually made in Korea, but are not usually available on “the Mainland”. We won’t kid you, the non-sale price for ice-cream will send you into sticker-shock. If you’d prefer cheaper prices, see our posts under the category “Shop Like A Local.”

 

 

 

 

In other areas of the store, check-out the popular Maui Babe tanning lotion, flip-flops called Locals, books on Hawaiian fish, birds and cooking. There’s even a center aisle with many Hawaiian food products such as hot sauces, spices and dry goods. On Fridays, Longs receives a few bunches of world famous Hawaiian Protea flowers and sells them for just $6.  There are also tons of souvenirs, but they’re pretty much the same as what you’ll find at ABC Stores and WalMart…convenient, but nothing special and a bit higher priced.

Bring the whole family and let everyone explore the store. You’ll be amazed what they come up with. You can’t go wrong with Longs. It’s a local favorite and it’s not your average drug store. Hint: Longs is part of the CVS chain. If you don’t have a “club card” just ask for one and they’ll give you the sale price.

Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods Store

Posted on by Chris Murray

Do you prefer to eat local organic food? Are you vegan or do you have food intolerances such as wheat/gluten/dairy? Do you want to save money by buying just the right quantity in bulk foods rather than a whole jar or package of something? Perhaps you are looking for a good selection of Hawaiian Sea Salt. If so, Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods is the place for you.

Just a few minutes walk south of Maui Vista 2418, Hawaiian Moons is located at 2411 S. Kihei Road and has a nice selection of local produce, organic meats and bulk foods. They also have a hot lunch bar and an extensive supply of dietary supplements and natural remedies.

Bulk Spices

Although we provide a fairly extensive carousel of spices at our condo, you might find you only need a teaspoon of something different. Why spend $6 or more for a whole jar at another store when you can spend less than a dollar at Hawaiian Moons for the quantity you actually need?

Navigating our blog

Posted on by Chris Murray

Check out our latest entries under RECENT POSTINGS or browse by subject matter using the drop down menu under BLOG CATEGORIES. Click on any picture to make it bigger. The general contents of each category are described below.

ACTIVITIES

Sun bathing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, whale watching, golf, tennis, hiking, concerts, sightseeing:  there’s no end of things to do on Maui. Learn about beaches, our favorite snorkeling spots, cools hikes, and much more in this section of our blog.

RESTAURANTS

There must be 20 restaurants within walking distance of Maui Vista and lots more by car – including some worth a long (for Maui) trip. Check this section to learn about some of our favorites.

DESTINATIONS

Thinking of driving to Hana? Checking out Mount Haleakala? Cruising Up Country? Shopping in Lahaina? Sight seeing in Makena? Hiking in the West Maui Mountains? We’ve done all that and more. This section of the blog has barely been started, but check back from time to time as we add new material.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Maui is more than beaches and sunshine – there are lots of things to do and see when your sunburn starts to ache or when you want some other diversion. From movies to fine art and street musicians to concerts, Maui is home to many artists, muscians, other entertainers and entertainment. We keep adding to this section because there’s lots to enjoy.

CONDO EXTRAS THAT SAVE YOU MONEY

We provide a LOT of extras at Maui Vista 2418. You can save money (and room in your suitcase) by using the free toys and extras that we provide.

SHOP LIKE A LOCAL

Where are the best places to buy groceries, fresh produce, fish, meat, souvenirs? We’ve been there, done that. Check this section to read what we’ve learned.

MISCELLANEOUS

When it doesn’t fit elsewhere, we put it here.

 

You can pack light if you stay in Maui Vista 2418

Posted on by Chris Murray

You can leave all that big bulky stuff at home if you stay in Maui Vista 2418!  No need to hunt for and rent toys when you get here. We provide beach towels, beach mats and Tommy Bahama beach chairs; boogie boards, snorkle gear, children’s sand toys, and more. Like to play tennis? There are six championship courts at Maui Vista with free unlimited play. No need to bring a racket – we provide those too. (Of course, if you’re a fanatic you’ll want to bring your own!)

Let’s see – you’ll need a swimming suit or two, a couple of pairs of shorts, a couple of light shirts or tops, sandals and a hat. I’m sure I’ve left out a thing or two, but you get the idea. Maui Vista 2418 is a WELL equipped unit.

Grocery Stores

Posted on by Chris Murray

Before you head out to the store for the first time, check the cupboards, freezer and frig to see what might already be there. This may save you from buying things like salt and pepper, butter, paper products, detergents and more. Since Maui banned the plastic bag in 2010, you will need to bring some of the cloth bags supplied in our condo. I also ALWAYS bring the cooler (located in the hall closet) and ice packs from the freezer.

Foodland is the closest grocery store to Maui Vista. (See map below.) You can walk there in ten minutes – ok if you’re not carrying too much on the way back. Convenience comes at a price – literally. Most things at Foodland cost more than other grocery stores and we think the choices are more limited and the produce not always the freshest. If you go to Foodland, be sure to bring the Makai card attached to the condo key in order to get the sale prices.

Safeway is the best bargain for everyday items (except produce). It’s a short drive just off the Piilani Highway at Pi’ikea Street.

Times Market, a couple of miles north of Maui Vista on South Kihei Road, often has good specials. Look for fresh fish and produce. But don’t expect to save money on everyday items. Check out the sale items that look good and then finish your grocery list at Safeway.

A drugstore for groceries? See the bakery items at the front of Long Drugs. Then, go to the very back and there, between the pharmacy and the booze, is a small section of produce and Maui raised beef. The beef is organic and grass-fed. If you’re making hamburgers, get the 85% lean – we think the extra lean is too dry. Also, local growers drop off produce on the way to the farmer’s market several days a week. The prices are about half that of Safeway and the quality is usually top notch.