After landing in Maui, you’ll be eager to get right into vacation mode. Hold on, though. Please be aware that early check-ins are usually not possible. The cleaners usually need the full amount of time between guests to get everything ready, so you’ll have to wait until check-in time. Before You Leave the Airport Area (Kahului)
If you’ve arrived before your check-in time, this is the perfect time to get everything you need. From big box or grocery stores to lunch, shopping, and family-friendly activities, we’ve got them all listed below.
Shopping—Big Box Retailers
Costco: In Kahului, right by the airport. This is the only Costco on the island, so it gets crowded. It is also the cheapest place to get gas but be prepared for extremely long lines.
Please Note: Due to the warm weather and tropical climate in Maui, bugs are a fact of life. Cockroaches have been known to hide in the crevices in the boxes from Costco. If you do use their boxes, make sure to unload them outside and thoroughly inspect all items before bringing them inside.
Walmart: In Kahului, not far from the airport but on the way to Kihei. Lots of souvenir shopping and anything else you might need, including a somewhat limited selection of groceries.
Target: In Kahului, not far from the airport but still on the way to Kihei. Not as crowded as Costco or Walmart, and they have a good selection of groceries.
Whole Foods Market: In Kahului, but a little further away from the airport on the way to Kihei. Organic groceries and other products.
Shopping—Local Retailers
Hi-Tech Surf Shop: In Kahului, close to the airport but still on the way to Kihei. This is the “go-to” surf shop in Maui. If you are an experienced surfer, SUP boarder, windsurfer, etc., this is the absolute best place to rent your gear. Even if you aren’t, it’s a cool surf shop to check out.
Down to Earth Organic & Natural: Close to the airport but still on the way to Kihei. They have a great selection of healthy foods, vitamins and supplements, and organic produce, plus they have a fresh vegetarian deli and bakery.
Where to Eat
Food Trucks: There are two food truck parks—with seating—right across the street from Costco by the airport. There is one on the corner directly across from Costco and another one across from the Costco gas station. There are a variety of choices, but local favorites are:
Tin Roof: A local favorite restaurant serving Hawaiian comfort food from Top Chef Fan Favorite Chef Sheldon Simeon. Open Tues–Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Activities to Keep You Busy
Queen’s Ka’ahumanu Center: Maui’s biggest mall. It has chain stores like Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Champs, as well as some local stores found only in Maui. The mall usually has live music and events on the weekend.
Maui Tropical Plantation: A great place for kids! There are lots of little shops and a fresh fruit stand. You can take a guided tram tour or just walk the grounds. Make sure to walk around to the pond and feed the Koi fish and ducks (you can buy duck food at the Country Market). They also have an amazing zipline to try.
A visit to the plantation is a perfect way to start your vacation and get into the island mood—slow down and take in the scenery. The view of the West Maui Mountains from the plantation is beautiful. Buy some snacks or food at the market and have a picnic or eat lunch or dinner at the Cafe’ Olei at the Mill House. It’s one of our favorite restaurants on the island.
What to Do In Kihei and Wailea
Once you’ve made your way to Kihei, there are plenty of ways to experience the Maui Island vibe before you check-in. Grab a bite to eat and take in the scenery, do a little shopping, or take a dip in the pool or ocean.
Andaz Maui Resort: In Wailea. The Lehua Lounge offers incredible views in a very cool poolside setting with handcrafted cocktails and small bites. The Bumbye Beach Bar is located at the bottom of the resort on the edge of their lagoon pool. The staff is pretty cool about letting the kids wade in the water while you are waiting for your food or just hanging out sipping on a drink. You can valet if you eat at one of the restaurants. You can also park in the Ulua / Mokapu beach parking lot and walk to the right along the beach path to the resort. The Four Seasons at Wailea: Explore the beautiful grounds and take a picture by the fountain pool. Ferraro’s offers both ocean views and delicious food in a beautiful setting. After walking the grounds, the Lobby Lounge is a great place with amazing views to sit back and relax while enjoying some cocktails and pupu’s (appetizers). Fred’s Mexican Café: A fun and touristy casual spot to grab a cold beer or margarita right across from the beach. Moose McGillycuddy’s: A sports bar serving pub grub with great ocean views. Right above Fred’s Mexican Café. Kihei Kalama Village: A fun little shopping village with lots of souvenir stores, boutiques, and places to eat. Kihei Caffe is great for breakfast and is open until 2 p.m. Paia Fish House and the Tiki Lounge are perfect for lunch or afternoon options. Three’s Bar and Grill serves all day and has a great happy hour. Maui’s Life’s a Beach is a fun little drinking spot right on the corner of S. Kihei Rd, where you can grab some fish tacos and sit outside on the corner patio and soak in the Maui sunshine. South Maui Gardens: This hidden oasis right in the heart of Kihei is a great place to stroll around and grab a bite to eat. Located right next to Kalama Village, where you can park or park on Auhana Rd. Kids will love the open space, butterfly zone, and George the tortoise. On the south side of the gardens, the Blue Door Bread & Pizza Company has the best breakfast and pizza, while Da Green Coffee Bar is the perfect place to hang out and recharge. El Carrito Argentinian Food, Thai Mee Up, and Howz it Eh, are all delicious. Maui Brewing Co.: Hawaii’s largest craft brewery’s flagship location features expansive outdoor garden seating, an open-air interior, and a family-friendly vibe. There’s a full-service bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a beer garden with games for the whole family. Shops at Wailea: A nice open-air shopping center with upscale shopping, art galleries, and dining. Waikiki Brewing is a relaxed, casual place to go with the kids. Tommy Bahama has a really nice outdoor seating area and casual vibe, while Pint & Cork is a great place to relax and grab a drink. Honolulu Cookies and Lapperts offer delicious cookies and ice cream. They also have lots of fun events like hula lessons, lei-making classes, and live music. Check their website for their events schedule. Wailea Beach Resort: A fun place to walk around with kids. They have a large open grassy area in the front of the resort with a cool Aloha sign that’s great for photos, swing chairs, and lawn games. Take a stroll down to the Wailea Beach Walk and grab a bite to eat at the Whale’s Tale or Kapa Pool Bar. Both have amazing views. Valet parking is $5 if you validate at one of the restaurants, or you can park for free at the Shops of Wailea and walk down to the Wailea Beach Resort. Wailea Village: Wailea Village is South Maui’s newest dining and shopping haven bringing a fresh and local perspective—more than 90 percent of the shops are locally-owned small businesses. Akamai Coffee is a great place to recharge, while Manoli’s Pizza offers a family-friendly setting overlooking the Wailea Blue Golf Course. Your Condo’s Pool: Check with the owner before your flight to see if you can access the pool before check-in. If so, grab some snacks and drinks at an ABC store in Kihei or Island Gourmet in Wailea and just chill by the pool until your condo is ready. Most condo pools have bathrooms, so you can quickly change into your swimsuit. The Beach: Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei is a large, beautiful park overlooking a sandy beach and cove. There are picnic benches, lots of trees for shade, and even a swing set for the kiddos. Grab some sandwiches at 808 Deli or local fare at South Side Grindz.