Local Food & Community
The Upcountry Farmer’s Market is the place to be every Saturday morning for local fruit, local vegetables, and interesting flavors you won’t find on the mainland. Lots of great staple items for your stay and some great things to take home. You can get things to eat while you’re there, eat at your lodging, and eat back at home. Plus… lots of friendly faces and supporting independent farmers and local artisans. Oh, and it’s fun.
It’s open from 7am to 11am. If you want fish and the best selection, get there at 7 or 8. The best stuff sells out early!
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Makowao: https://goo.gl/maps/qSetF2u6yvwNqNs18
Healthy Options, Save Money
Mana Foods in Paia has some of the best food prices on the island that I’ve found and one of the best health-focused stores on island with a large selection. Some of the prices were even better than Mainland USA. I love this store and the staff is super nice.
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Paia: https://goo.gl/maps/gHSZqfL8dfSBStGf9
Healthy Options for the Conscious Eater
Hawaiian Moons in Kihei. I lived near this store, and for a while there, I refused to shop there because of their insane, almost-offensive pricing. It’s steep, y’all. But… everything they have is top quality and they have many brands that you will be challenged to find elsewhere on the island. Care about organic? Their produce department is small, but all organic. Care about non-GMO products? They’ve got it. Want grass-fed beef? Got it. Pasture-raised eggs? They’ve got it.
Typically has lilikoi in stock when it’s available. Get some. Gently slice around the outside and pry open gently. Accent on the gently. Eat the juicy flesh inside, and don’t chew. Life changing.
Once I got over my stubborn cheap ways, I came to love this store more than any other. I prioritize what goes into my body and Hawaiian Moons makes it easy, and you do get what you pay for.
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Kihei: https://goo.gl/maps/QZrLKhh7C8i4yU1m7
Typical Groceries, Good Pricing
Look. Food on Hawaii takes a while to get there, and it’s reflected in the pricing. For your typical shopping experience, you’re going to spend more for everything. And if you want to save a few bucks for a typical shopping trip, head to Safeway on Pi’ikea. Bonus points to this store for having a local produce section. Kahului has a location, but the Kihei one is much better, IMHO.
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Kihei: https://goo.gl/maps/qvL9J7VfcnTLqFDL7
Vegetarian Exclusive
Down to Earth is a great vegetarian store with lots of options for the plant-conscious eater. Vegan, no. You will not find flesh in this store at all, beyond the random customer with no shoes and no shirt. Their pricing is reasonable and they have good options.
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Kahului: https://goo.gl/maps/kaxEhQPATxEN3vNp9
Bulk Shopping, Generous Savings
Costco is epic. It just is. When you see Big Island honey in the big jar at other stores, they want like $38. Seriously. But not Costco. They want like $16. The savings are that impressive.
I’m 100% about supporting the local economy, and while Costco is a big-box store, they employ local labor and a good many of their items are locally sourced products, so I can still include them on this list with a (mostly) clear conscience. You need to be a member to enjoy their benefits, so you may wish to join your local club before visiting the island.
Beach chairs. Towels. Maui Gold Pineapples. Dairy. Macadamia Nuts. Eggs. Water. Snorkel Gear. They’ve got it, and for much better pricing than you might find elsewhere.
Open this link on your phone to get directions to this spot in Kahului: https://goo.gl/maps/JyNPSrxzVkR82Cz97