Retail Therapy – I love it. I was raised by a mother that celebrates every major holiday by making a pilgrimage to TJ Maxx with visiting relatives. I come by my shopping gene honestly, and while TJ’s always holds a special place in my heart, I really prefer to support local merchants. A few Upcountry boutiques I frequented have closed for good lately, and they will definitely be missed. These closings are a reminder for us to support our locally owned businesses whenever possible. These shops count on their local community to stay viable, especially in the face of a fluctuating visitor industry island-wide, but especially on the North Shore. The holiday season may be over, but looming ahead of us is the most hallowed of the Hallmark holidays, the “Big V,” Valentine’s Day. So here is your chance to find a unique and cherished gift for your sweetie from a local merchant. Even small boutiques have items in every price range, including some really great cards that you can write a heartfelt message on. Here are some of my favorite locally owned establishments – many have opened or made significant changes recently. These shops that can help you celebrate any special occasion with style, romance and the good feeling that comes from supporting our local economy.
In Pa‘ia, a number of new stores have opened in the past year. DevOcean is a true emporium of gifts and accessories. Clothes, jewelry, bathing suits, home decor and an açai smoothie bar can be found inside. In the back of the store you’ll find OmZone Maui, a great spot for indulging your inner rasta. You’ll find drums for sale; tuning, repairs and lessons are available. They also have a selection of flags and home furnishings that are unique and authentic. Indigo opened in 2005, but they deserve mention because I love wandering through, looking at all of the beautiful items, from jewelry and clothes to home furnishings and accessories. And oh the rugs. It’s like being transported to a bazaar as you enter their second showroom and see the stacks of rugs – a kaleidoscope of color and texture. Further down the road, Josephine’s is the place for classy, sexy lingerie. If you need help finding the perfect seductive item for your sweetheart, in just the right size, talk with their friendly, experienced salespeople. The only place to go on Maui’s North Shore for quality lingerie is Josephine’s secret. Just down the street, Sugarcane is the last stop for boots and miniskirts before Hana, so make sure you stock up before heading out to the East side! It’s a fun store with lots of opportunities to find something fun to wear anytime, even on a special night out. In Lilikoi, you can find all manner of lotions, potions, tonics and cosmetics to help you smell pretty and look fabulous. They have some brands that you can’t find anywhere else on island, and they feature a few of my favorites, including the Pure Fiji line and Cargo Cosmetics.
Heading up the hill on Baldwin Avenue towards Makawao, another great spot for unique gifts is Rambutan. I stopped in there one day, not really sure what to expect, and I was blown away. Outside, you can’t miss the gorgeous gates for your yard or driveway, but inside - wow. There are knobs for cabinets, furniture, basins, textiles and so much more. It’s a really beautiful and diverse selection and the prices are great.
Continuing up Baldwin to Makawao town, Natural Home is the newest store to open; it’s a bright, clean space filled with natural bedding and carefully chosen tableware, accessories and textiles. It will inspire you to get a fresh start in this new year! The shop has just settled into its permanent home, right next to Makawao Steakhouse. They’re in a space recently vacated by the Designing Wahine (who moved down to the storefront that used to be Hawaii Hearth and Leisure Shop).
If, after perusing these options, you are still in search of the perfect gift or outfit, and want something unique, retro or vintage, there are a few shops offering consignment or resale items that you can visit, on the North Shore and further afield in Kahului and Wailuku. Their selection is ever-changing and I’ve found some real treasures! Biasa Rose, on Hana Highway in Pa‘ia, has a back room that has not just sale merchandise but also a very select collection of designer clothing and accessories on consignment. Elise Clothing Company, on Alamaha in Kahului, has a large selection of resale and new items – fun and funky, and great for a hot date. I’ve found something really cool every time I stop in. And Bohemia Boutique, on Market Street in Wailuku, has changed ownership and shifted focus slightly. Bohemia is always a wonderful resource for resale and consignment items. The eclectic selection includes vintage styles, and features classic and extravagant looks for either a day at the beach or a night on the town. Another new store, over on the West Side, is Epitome. They have their own private label designs in addition to a nice selection of clothing and gifts. I recommend getting on their mailing list, as they send out special offers on a regular basis.
For the big Valentine’s night itself, you must have a plan and a dinner reservation. While Maui has a great collection of restaurants, there are some venues that are off the tourist radar, offering up incredible food at good prices, with local owners dedicated to excellent service and a great dining experience for their customers. They all share a quiet atmosphere with the opportunity for conversation or just sitting quietly, enjoying each other’s company. Shangri-La is a new Indian restaurant that just opened up at Menehune Shores Condominiums in North Kihei. I’ve eaten there three times (you know, just to be sure – I don’t want to recommend anything without thoroughly checking it out first!) All I can say is Someone Heard My Prayers. Authentic and delicious Indian food which has been given the seal of approval not just by me but also by friends who have lived in India and say that this is some good eating! Currently it’s BYO (beer/wine) while they wait for their liquor license to be issued, another cause for celebration, because you can choose your favorite brew or wine and bring it with you to enjoy with your dinner. Colleen’s in Haiku is romantic, with high ceilings, dark walls, comfy booths and tasty food. Their menu is smaller than some but the focus is on quality, and I have never been disappointed. Café Marc Aurel in Wailuku has a huge selection of wine by the glass and bottle, along with beer and cocktails. They have a light menu with tasty fresh salads, and great coffee drinks – with and without alcohol. Another fun date spot is the Ma‘alaea Waterfront Restaurant, with a spectacular view and attentive staff. The highlight of our meal was the Caesar salad prepared tableside. It’s live entertainment, and each waiter has their own special twist on the recipe. If you’re in the mood for sushi and are looking for a quiet, romantic, high-quality place, head for Isana (in North Kihei). It has a mellow atmosphere and fantastic food. Another option that is relatively new is Il Teatro at Capische in the Diamond Resort in Wailea. For the serious foodie, this may be the greatest gift of all; an amazing meal that you can watch being prepared right next to your table! Over on the West Side, our favorite date spot is Mala Ocean Tavern, on Front Street in Lahaina, away from the crowds and right on the water. Again, they have a smaller menu, but it’s tight and focused on delivering a quality product in a unique location. If you can, try to get a seat along the railing out on the lanai, where the ocean is quite literally under your feet. Added bonus: it’s a great spot for sunset and whale watching.
And at the end of the night, don’t forget dessert... Ono Gelato has just opened in Pa‘ia, and was pronounced fabulously authentic by my gelato-enthusiast relatives who were visiting over the holidays. These people know what they’re talking about, and they say this is the real deal. Swing by, choose your favorite flavors, grab a few spoons and go park by the ocean to watch the waves in the moonlight. They also sell Silk Road brand tea in bulk, which you can package yourself in tins starting at $4.99 for enough tea to make 15 cups, and they also have a selection of jams, jellies, and other gourmet items. Another option is bringing a dessert home; the best place for gorgeous and yummy desserts is Haiku’s Cakewalk Bakery which has just opened up a sit-down outdoor café in Haiku Center next to the Post Office with wireless internet access and lots of shade (and cover from the Haiku showers). You can order ahead of time from a huge assortment of desserts and enjoy them when you get home on that special night. Kick off your shoes, pop the champagne and enjoy the evening!
