Best of Kahului, Maui

My dad and his family are from Maui and I love returning here time and again. I like that the island is big on local community events. Casual and informal, there's always something going on. Just check the local papers or flyers at the restuarants.

Kahului, the main city center is not an exceptionally unique Maui town, but it is a good center for living must-haves: Costco, Barnes and Noble, Krispy Kreme and the biggest mall on the island.

But there are other stops to explore:
Tasaka Guri Guri (Maui Mall stripmall) - the best homemade ice treat on all the islands

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum - great historical site of labor and commerce
Maui Film Festival: June 17-21 (Maui Community Cultural Arts Center) - a great way to catch some well made films

Typically my usual Kahului stops include:

Starbucks at the mall - multiple outlets for laptop work by the window and comfi chairs.
Food Court at the mall - indoor eatery under glass roof; quick, easy and convenient
Airport - can't get anywhere without this joint
Macy's - the main department store on the island
Borders Bookstore - small but they'll get you what you need (even if it has to be shipped)
Krispy Kreme - a stop right before the airport (take back donuts to friends/family on Oahu)
Costco - after your flight arrival to the island pick up your goodies (on the way to Kihei, etc)
Bark Avenue - best couture pet store in all the Hawaiian islands. love the maui branch even over the hawaii kai branch.

Where's it at:
Maui Arts & Cultural Center One Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732
808.242.2787

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum 3957 Hansen Road, Puunene, Maui, HI 96784
808.871.8058

For other Maui side trips see my post on the Best of Wailuku and Best of Kihei (forthcoming).