Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters in Maui
When planning a family vacation to Maui, it’s easy to get caught up in the stunning scenery, world-class beaches, and luxurious resorts. However, one of the most meaningful ways to experience the island — and give back to it — is by supporting local Hawaiian-owned businesses. Doing so not only enhances your experience with authentic cuisine, culture, and craftsmanship, but it also contributes directly to the sustainability of the island’s economy and environment.
Eat Local: Taste the Heart of Maui
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Skip the chain restaurants and treat your family to local eateries that serve traditional Hawaiian dishes made from island-grown ingredients. Places like Nalu’s South Shore Grill and Paia Fish Market offer family-friendly menus with fresh seafood and produce sourced directly from local farmers and fishermen.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are the perfect way for your family to sample local fruits, pastries, coffee, and handmade products. Visit the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in Kula or the Kihei Farmers Market for oceanfront shopping and snacking. Bring reusable bags to be eco-friendly and help reduce plastic waste on the island.
Shop Smart: Choose Hawaiian-Made Goods
Rather than buying mass-produced souvenirs, seek out stores and vendors offering locally made items like Hawaiian quilts, koa wood carvings, leis, soaps, and jewelry. Supporting Hawaiian artisans ensures their traditions live on and profits remain within the local economy.
You’ll find Hawaiian-owned shops like Native Intelligence in Wailuku and Wai Bar’s Makai Glass Gallery in Makawao to be incredible places for discovering meaningful gifts and keepsakes.
Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Choosing sustainable products is another way to support both the island and its people. Maui’s natural environments are deeply interwoven with Hawaiian culture and heritage, so it’s vital to treat them with respect. Opt for reef-safe sunscreens to protect coral reefs — many of which are native only to Hawaii.
Brands like Coco Botanicals offer reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen that’s not only protective for your skin but also safe for the delicate ocean ecosystems. Even better, choosing such products supports small businesses focused on eco-conscious living.
Book Local Tours and Activities
When booking excursions like snorkeling, surfing lessons, or cultural tours, look for companies that are locally owned and operated. These businesses are more likely to provide authentic Hawaiian experiences and deeply respect the land and sea.
Check for eco-certifications or community partnerships, and consider activities led by Hawaiian guides who can share intimate stories and insights you won’t get in mass-market tours.
Stay Local: Where You Sleep Matters
Big resorts have their appeal, but staying at locally run accommodations like bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, or vacation rentals can offer a more personal, family-friendly experience. Many provide local insights, home-cooked meals, and genuine aloha hospitality that help you feel more connected to the island.
Honor Native Hawaiian Culture
Being a respectful visitor goes beyond commerce. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian culture, attend hula events or cultural festivals, and teach children the importance of protecting the land (called ‘āina) and ocean (called kai). Knowledge enhances appreciation and inspires ethical travel choices.
Final Thoughts
Maui is not just a vacation destination — it’s a living, breathing community with a rich cultural heritage. Supporting local businesses allows your family to enjoy a deeper, more impactful journey while helping residents recover and thrive, especially in the wake of recent challenges like the Lahaina wildfires. When you shop, eat, and explore with intention, you become part of the island’s story — one that values sustainability, heritage, and true aloha spirit.