Planning a trip to Maui with the family? While the island’s breathtaking beaches and lush trails are top priorities, exploring Maui’s thriving local craft scene adds a unique and meaningful layer to your Hawaiian adventure. Supporting local artisans not only immerses you in authentic Hawaiian culture, but it also gives your family the chance to take home truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From handmade jewelry and artisanal soaps to hand-carved woodwork and traditional Hawaiian textiles, local craft shopping in Maui is an experience all its own.
Wailuku Town
Wailuku, the historic county seat of Maui, has undergone a quiet renaissance and is now a hidden gem for craft shopping. Its charming streets are dotted with boutiques and galleries that offer handmade goods produced by local artisans. Check out Native Intelligence, a cultural boutique showcasing a well-curated selection of Hawaiian crafts, including lauhala weaving, kapa cloth, and feather lei. This is a fantastic educational stop for the kids too—they can see how traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship is preserved in modern times.
Makawao
Upcountry Maui offers a cooler, rural vibe, and Makawao is its artsy epicenter. Known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history, Makawao blends Western charm with a flourishing arts community. Visit The Viewpoints Gallery, where more than 20 local artists display paintings, ceramics, and woodwork. Hot Island Glass is also a mesmerizing stop—families can watch glassblowers create vibrant, molten masterpieces right before their eyes.
Lahaina
Although Lahaina was significantly affected by the 2023 wildfires, many local artists and vendors continue to rebuild and sell their work through cooperative galleries and online platforms. Consider supporting displaced artisans by shopping online or at pop-up markets in nearby towns like Kihei and Kahului. Many artists from the Lahaina Arts Society have adapted and are now showcasing their crafts in temporary gallery spaces and community events, ensuring you can still access their beautiful, island-inspired work.
Paia Town
Located on Maui’s North Shore, Paia is an offbeat and colorful surf town known for its bohemian energy and creative flair. The family-friendly streets are lined with boutique shops offering everything from hand-dyed pareos (Hawaiian wraps) to locally made bath products. Paia Mercantile and Wings Hawaii are standout spots for eco-conscious, handcrafted finds. Wings Hawaii in particular caters to families looking for sustainable fashion and home goods—a perfect pairing with your commitment to environment-friendly products like Coco Botanicals’ reef-safe sunscreen.
Pop-Up Markets & Farmer’s Markets
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover local crafts is through Maui’s weekend farmer’s markets and rotating pop-up events.
Kihei Fourth Friday
Held monthly, this event transforms Kihei into a lively evening street fair. It’s family-friendly, with live music, food trucks, and an arts and crafts section where local artisans sell handcrafted jewelry, soaps, clothing, and art. Perfect for an evening stroll with the kids after a beach day.
Upcountry Farmers Market
Located near Kula, this Saturday morning market is a haven for health-conscious families and conscious shoppers alike. Alongside fresh produce and tropical plants, you’ll find a selection of handmade crafts, including herbal salves, natural skincare products, and hand-sewn goods. Bring your reusable bags, support local families, and discover natural lifestyle brands with a similar ethos to Coco Botanicals.
Tips for Eco-Friendly Craft Shopping
- Ask about the artist—it’s always more meaningful when you know the story behind your purchase.
- Choose natural materials and handmade items to support sustainable practices.
- Buy only what you love and will use or treasure. Supporting local doesn’t mean over-consuming.
- Look for vendors committed to zero-waste or plastic-free packaging—a value shared by Coco Botanicals and many Maui artisans.
Exploring Maui’s local craft shopping scene is more than retail therapy. It’s an opportunity to connect with the culture and people of the island while instilling values of sustainability and mindfulness in your kids. Whether you’re picking up a hand-turned koa wood bowl or a reef-safe travel-sized skincare kit, every purchase contributes to the local economy and honors the spirit of Aloha.