Tag Archives: souvenirs

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.

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.

Mele Ukulele!

Posted on by Chris Murray

Mele Ukulele, at 1750 Kaahumanu Ave, Wailuku, is a joy. The walls are lined with ukuleles from affordable to professional show-stopping hand-crafted beauties. The shop is well marked but small and easy to miss. Just remember that as you drive uphill toward Wailuku on Kaahumanu, it’s on your right (almost next door to Stillwell’s) just before you go under the only overpass in Maui.

If you’re lucky, there will be some old timers (or young prodogies) testing some of their favorite instruments. Even if you never expect to buy a ukulele, if you’re in the area, stop by and savor the beauty of fine craftsmanship. As you can see from our photo, there are friendly welcoming people there. You won’t regret it.

To learn more about Mele Ukulele, check out their website at www.meleukulele.com