Tag Archives: Shopping

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.

When to Shop (Like a Local!)

Posted on by Chris Murray

RowenaWhen to shop is just as important as where to shop. First, consider the priorities of the day. If you are planning to go to the beach, shop in the afternoon when the trade winds kick-up. However, do not shop too late in the afternoon because you will be winding your way through very crowded aisles and long lines along with the zillions of other visitors going after the evening’s food and bev. If you’re going after fresh produce, see our other blog on Rowena’s Farmers Market and go in the morning when the selection is best.

In general, try to limit shopping to weekdays when the stores are less crowded. In fact, if you are going to Costco, consider going in the morning before the planes arrive from the mainland. It’s much more crowded after noon.

It only takes a few times of being in a grocery store at five pm and finding the farmer’s market closed in the late afternoon to fine tune when to shop.

A trip to Lahaina Town

Posted on by Chris Murray
Lahaina ocean front walk

Lahaina ocean front walk

Driving from Maui Vista to Lahaina Town takes about 40 minutes in light traffic. The one time home of the Ali’i (Hawaiian royalty) and port of call for whaling ships, Lahaina is now the home of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and a port of call for cruise ships. Ticky tacky is next door to fine art; fine restaurants near national chains (think Bubba Gumps and Hard Rock Cafe). If you’re into nightlife, this is a good place to go. During the day there are people everywhere and free parking (almost) nowhere. Unless you’re lucky, you’ll pay for parking.

This single Banyan tree covers almost a whole city block

This single Banyan tree covers almost an entire city block

A not to miss sight in Lahaina is Banyan Tree Park on Front Street near the south end of “downtown.” Planted in 1873, the Banyan tree spreads by dropping new roots from ever spreading branches. Various historic sites are around the square and adjacent courthouse.

A fun place to visit with lots of choices for lunch, dinner, or a tempting gelato. Great people watching and one stop shopping for Maui souvenirs, postcards, or a big splurge.

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?

Shop Like a Local: Buying Souvenirs on Maui

Posted on by Chris Murray

Many stores on Maui sell the exact same souvenirs, but at different prices. We’re talking about T-shirts, key chains, jewelry, and other nick-knacks.

If you want to buy souvenirs within walking distance of Maui Vista 2418, the cheapest place for mass produced items is at the ABC store just a couple blocks to the south on South Kihei Road.

If you want locally made items within walking distance, walk a few blocks north on South Kihei Road and check out the small open mall of vendors. Here you can find home-made soaps, necklaces, custom photos, and even a store of Maui-made food products. (There are actually two open malls with vendors. This picture is of the larger one, located a block north of the Kihei Caffe. If you like, check them both out.)

If you don’t mind driving a bit, consider Long Drugs which is about 1.5 miles north on South Kihei Road. You will find a few Maui made products and many of the same items that are sold in the ABC store, but for less money.

Closer to the airport, you can find the same products again at Walmart. It has a huge selection of souvenirs on the left-hand side of the store (just past the McDonald’s). The prices are very good but, like those in the ABC store and Longs Drugs, most of the products are not made on Maui.

If you’re going for mass quantities of macadamia nut products or aloha shirts, you might consider Costco which is also near the airport. Unfortunately, unlike some mainland Costco’s, this one doesn’t provide day passes – so you have to be a member to shop.

If you want to take pineapples home, we have one renter who told us she bought 100 pounds from Mr. Pineapple. She said they were fabulous and the on-line reviews say the same. Mr. Pineapple (located at 370 Dairy Road on your way to the airport) guarantees the airlines will allow you to check their products as luggage FOR FREE – although if you find one as large as the one in this photo you could have a problem. You might also find a 10% off coupon for Mr. Pineapple on line.

The bottom line: when it comes to buying souvenirs on Maui, it pays to shop around.

Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe – a Local Favorite

Posted on by Chris Murray

Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe at 1740 Kaahumanu Ave, Wailuku has fabulous pastries, cakes, pies, breakfasts and lunches. It’s not handy to Maui Vista, but, if you’re in the Kahului/Wailuku area it’s a great stop for a treat or a morning/mid-day meal. Check out the pastries in the photo!

We’ve never had breakfast there but, if the breakfasts are as good as the lunches, you won’t be disappointed.

Stillwell’s is easy to miss. Look for their sign on the right as you go up the hill to Wailuku – it’s just before the old overpass that I think of as the gateway to Wailuku. After enjoying your lunch or treat, go next door to Mele Ukulele and check out their fine crafted instruments. (See our blog about Mele Ukulele too!)

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.

 

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.