Spread Aloha: Support Local While on Maui

You've probably heard of the spirit of Aloha— if you haven't, it's often simplified as love. Aloha is an important aspect of Hawaiian culture, and an easy way to spread it is to shop local!

While on Maui, why not check out these local shops and restaurants and support the community here? (Some of these businesses even ship to the mainland, so you don't have to wait until your trip!)

This charming, boutique bakery offers unique and delicious cookies all year long. Located in Makawao, the small shop is whimsical and nostalgic from the start.

The cookies are infused with tropical flavors, local ingredients, and have been featured on multiple news outlets.

Flavors like Da Half Baked (a giant cookie stuffed with Reese's, Snickers and Oreo) and Lilikoi White Chocolate are must-tries. These cookies ship worldwide, so you don't have to be on Maui to enjoy them!

Pacific Whale Foundation protects marine wildlife and the ocean habitat they live in. This nonprofit organization was founded in 1980.

With a goal of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy, you can help support their work by taking a trip with PacWhale Eco-Adventures or buying items from the Ma'alaea Ocean Store.

During whale season, they offer informative whale watches (with great food, friendly crew, and guaranteed sightings or a free reschedule), snorkel tours, and more.

This popular burger joint lost its Lahaina location in the tragic Maui fires in August of 2023. Amazingly, after 10 months of hard work, they have reopened at a new location in Kukui Mall in Kihei.

27 employees from the original location (and sister restaurant Captain Jacks) are employed at the new Kihei location.

When you're on Maui, this is an amazing spot to check out. 

The interior has been designed to resemble the original location as closely as possible, and you would support residents directly impacted by the fires.

Plus the food is delicious!

This unique Kihei spot has a lot going on. Walk into the nursery and see plants for sale, lights strung up amongst the greenery, Da Green Coffeeshop, a sourdough pizza company called Blue Door, and a lively, fun atmosphere.

Wander a little further and you'll see an area for events and live entertainment and a bustling food truck park with various cuisines.

It's a fun spot to visit at all times of the day, but has a great vibe at night when the lights are lit! 

Check out the events page on their website to see if there's anything you'd be interested in attending, or just go for a casual meal out with your friends or family.

Located on the slopes of Haleakala, Surfing Goat Dairy is the place to explore the magic of cheese-making, interact with goats, and even check out the chocolatier at work!

Considered Maui's largest commercial dairy, their farm tours are distinct and are a great way to learn, have fun, and support local.

Plus you can sample cheese and chocolate at the end of the tour— all in a (vacation) day's work.