On Maui, the phrase “Mahalo for your kokua” means “thank you for your help.” It’s a common saying on the island and a big part of Hawaii’s endearing Aloha spirit of “Ohana,” or family, and “Mālama,” or taking care of the land and its people. When it comes to daily living, those who call Maui home understand the importance of supporting local businesses instead of larger companies or those not on the island. One of the best ways residents and guests of Maui can help the island thrive is to support local companies that give back to the island.
Today, there’s more to Maui than chintzy souvenirs, tacky t-shirts, and hula girl dashboard bobbles. The island is home to countless local enterprises, from activities and things to do to innovative products, helpful services, and incredible restaurants. Hawaiian-owned and operated businesses enrich the community, bolster the local economy and help promote our beloved Hawaiian culture.
Below, we’re excited to highlight a few of our favorite local entrepreneurs on the Valley Isle and their amazing wares. Some products can be ordered from your couch and enjoyed in the privacy of your own home, while others can only be enjoyed on your next trip to our tropical paradise.
Activities & Things to Do on Maui
There are so many wonderful local companies that know the island well and can help you create a vacation itinerary that’s chock-full of relaxation and enjoyment. Some vacationers love to fill their schedules with activities and things to do, while others choose to keep their plans open and more laid back. Here are a few favorite local vendors that will give you an experience you will not soon forget.
Jump and Play at Maui’s Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
There are countless outdoor adventures on Maui for families, but finding something for your “Keiki” (or little ones) to do on a rainy day is a bit more challenging. Ultimate Air Trampoline Park in Maui Lani is the island’s best hub for all kinds of play. Children can jump in multiple trampoline zones, play basketball and dodgeball, or participate in a fitness group class. The 20,000-square-foot facility was founded by a former pastor and his wife.
Sail Maui Island on Four Winds Maui
Four Winds Maui is one of the more recognizable names on the island. The company has been taking residents and guests on memorable tours around the island for more than three decades. From snorkeling to whale watching, Four Winds has played an important role in expanding environmental awareness about the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Ocean. Guests can view marine life, including Hawaiian spinner dolphins, from the comfort and safety of the island’s only glass-bottom catamaran.
Surf with Maui Surfer Girls
Maui has its share of surf schools, but Maui Surfer Girls stands out. Not only does the local company offer girls’ surf camps that are nationally recognized, but it also gives back to the community. From supporting a slew of local nonprofits to providing its own full-ride scholarships to Maui’s up-and-coming female surfers, Maui Surfer Girls is all about community love. The surf school is open to women, men and children. Classes are held at picturesque Ukumehame Beach Park.
Create Hawaiian Essentials with Aloha Missions
Created by two local women, Aloha Missions provides customized experiences that are based on the Aloha spirit. Guests can learn about the Hawaiian culture through unique adventures like lei-making at Maui Native Nursery, or at a taro patch, learning the planting and harvesting process for poi, a traditional Hawaiian essential. According to its website, “you will most likely be barefoot” while you learn and laugh. A supporter of the community, Aloha Missions is deeply involved in uplifting the local population through a variety of outreach endeavors.
Various Locations on Maui
Health & Wellness Shops on Maui
For most, a dream vacation to Maui needs to include some deep relaxation. Usually, the first thought that comes to mind is kicking back in a Barca lounger with a fancy drink that has an umbrella in it. While we can do with or without the parasol, pampering is a must. Below, these favorite Maul businesses take health and wellness to an entirely different level.
Relax at Ho’omana Spa Maui
Nestled 3 miles up Piiholo Road in Makawao is an award-winning day spa and authentic Hawaiian healing sanctuary called Ho’omana Spa Maui. The spa embraces the long-standing Hawaiian tradition of Lomi Lomi and its related techniques. The full-service spa has relaxing and rejuvenating treatments for individuals, couples, and groups in four treatment rooms, a bathhouse, two guesthouses, and a native botanical garden. Instead of a swanky corporate spa, consider this Hawaiian-owned business that genuinely embraces the culture of the islands.
Unwind with Body HI
When it’s time to unwind after a full day on the island, treat your skin to an unparalleled line of organic cold-process soaps and bath bombs from Body HI. The Maui company was founded by a local certified holistic nutrition consultant, nutrition educator, and personal fitness trainer. The brand has unique Charcoal Cleanse and Ultimate Detox bars, along with favorites like Exotic Green Tea & Honey Soap and the Coconut Rose Bath Bomb. Body HI products are available at several spots around the island, including Chloe Beach, Biasa Rose, Sun Days, and The Market by Capische.
Various Locations in Wailea, Paia, and Lahaina
Create Memories with Deelia Nelson Photography
There’s no better way to preserve your memorable trip to Maui than with a photo package from Deelia Nelson Photography. Island photographer Deelia Nelson’s background in floral design and a passion for fashion and the Hawaiian lifestyle all come together in her wonderfully composed photos. She prides herself in capturing not only big events and memorable moments but also those in-between times that are often overlooked but so special. Her expertise ranges from individual shoots and beautiful children’s photos to families, larger groups, and romantic couples who want to express their love and celebration of the islands and each other.
Maui’s Best Local Tastes
The beauty of the islands is showcased in the many wonderful products that have been created and produced on Maui. The island is home to spectacular artists who create amazing artwork in a variety of mediums, and to artisans who craft magnificent food products filled with the authentic flavors of the Valley Isle. Here are a few can’t-miss local products that are a staple of everyday island life.
Maui Brewing Company
Maui Brewing Company has seamlessly captured the taste of the islands in a 12-ounce can. Its signature beers include favorites like Bikini Blonde Lager, Pineapple Mana Wheat, Pau Hana Pilsner, and Big Swell IPA, along with a slew of limited-release brews. There is even Island Ginger Beer and Island Root Beer for non-alcoholic tastes. Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. The brewery/restaurant is at 605 Lipoa Parkway in Kihei on Maui, and a second brewpub is located at Kahana Gateway Center in Lahaina. There are also two locations on Oahu.
Maui Olive Company
Started by a father and son duo, Maui Olive Company is one of the most well-established local businesses on the island. It is the first company to locally produce olive oil, beginning with a narrow strip of land and a few olive groves to more than eight orchards of varying sizes with nearly 10,000 total trees. The tasty olive oil is grown, pressed, and processed in Haleakala. Along with visiting the store, you can snag a bottle at the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturdays in Kula.
Mill House Roasting Co.
Hawaii is the only state that can grow and produce its own coffee, so a fresh cup of Joe on the Valley Isle is a must. At Mill House Roasting Company, you can choose from beany favorites like Maui Mokha, Maui Peaberry, or Maui Dark Roast. The 40-minute Tropical Express tour gives visitors an overview of the plantation’s many fruits and plants at the base of the West Maui Mountains. The tour even includes an in-depth demonstration of the skill of coconut husking.
Maui Sugar Babe
Maui Sugar Babe offers some of the most distinctive products on the island. The company’s refreshing sugar scrubs are handmade using home-grown Lilikoi (passion fruit), limes, and mangoes, along with fresh herbs that sprout at the on-site garden and other farms on Maui. The scrubs help remove dead skin cells from your body through a secret fermenting process. All scrubs are natural, chemical-free, and smell amazing.
Hale’akala Creamery
If you’re seeking something sweet on the island, try Haleakala Creamery in Kula. The creamery sells a range of locally crafted caramel products, like Dulce de Leche Cow’s Milk Caramel and Hawaiian Vanilla Goat’s Milk Caramel. The creamery’s one-of-a-kind Goatlato is a rich and creamy ice cream made with fresh goat’s milk and is like gelato, but with less fat. You can find these goods in select stores on Maui, and at the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in Kula.
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
Distilled on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, Ocean Organic Vodka is produced on an 80-acre farm with more than 30 species of Polynesian sugar cane. You can tour the farm and distillery every day of the week with a guided tour and product sampling. It is a popular stop on the Taste of Maui and Ultimate Craft Adventure tours.
Experience Our Local Flavor
These local businesses are a few of our favorites, but there are so many more on the island that we enjoy that it would take a while to list them all. What are your favorites? Did you visit the island recently and uncover a hidden gem? Or have you been browsing online in advance of your visit? If you’re hungry for ideas to keep it local on your next trip to Maui, consider reaching out to our friendly Maui vacation ambassadors at Ali’i Resorts to discuss how to mix in some local charm on your next getaway.
