Top 10 Local Maui Grocery Store Items

POG (Passion Orange Guava) is the official juice drink of Hawaii and is a MUST when in the islands. It is addictively delicious on its own, or, served as a mixed drink for a fabulous adult beverage. It will put you in spirit your very first taste! You can buy POG pretty much anywhere, but you will find the best prcies at Costco by the airport. 

Maui Brewing Company produces some of the world’s finest craft beers and can be found in all grocery stores on island. With numerous awards and world titles under their belt, Maui Brewing Company produces all their beer on Maui. Try their award winning Coconut Porter, Bikini Blonde, Pineapple Mana or many others. In the brewpub you will find a large selection of fresh beer made right here on Maui. There are no better beers out there! With a large selection of beer, and a knowledgeable staff, you will find a visit to the brewpub to be a delight as well.

There is no other chip in the world like a Maui Potato Chip. And trust us when we say you will eat the whole bag after just one bite. It’s okay though, vacation calories don’t count.

The Maui Potato Chip company is locally owned by the Kobayashi family since 1956 and they only sell their chips on the island of Maui. They were the original Maui Potato Chip creators; all the other big-name chip companies then copied this style of chip which you see all over the world market today. But there is only one true Maui Potato Chip, and this is it. You won’t find all the fancy flavors like the big chip companies; there is just one.

Because they are a smaller factory you will not see a mass abundance of them on the island. You can find Maui Potato Chips at most grocery stores and the Honolua Store here in Kapalua. If you are about to fly home and forgot your bag, don’t worry! You can grab a bag at the newspaper and snack stand in the airport.

Roselani Ice Cream is the most popular brand of ice cream in Hawaii, and with one taste you will see why this sweet treat is simply the best! Roselani Ice Cream has been in business on Maui since 1932. They continue to produce and distribute the highest quality ice cream, and, it’s all made from scratch.

This family owned company produces over 27 flavors, many of them featuring the exotic flavors of the island. Our favorites include Haupia (coconut), Classic Macadamia Nut and Kona Mud Pie.

When you are stocking up at the grocery store for your trip, don’t forget to treat yourself to a carton of frozen happiness!

There are many rums out there on the market, but while you are in Hawaii, you should pick up a bottle of Hawaii Rum to experience a flavor completely unique to our islands. Koloa Rum Co. produces some of the most exquisite rums on the island of Kauai. They handcraft their premium rums from the finest sugarcane and water from the nearby peaks of the rainforest.

We love all their rums, but always have a bottle of the original Koloa Kaua?i Dark Rum, Koloa Kaua?i White Rum and Koloa Kaua?i Coconut Rum on hand.

Saimin is HUGE in Hawaii and you cannot go to any restaurant, or even Mc Donald’s for that matter, without seeing it on the menu.

Saimin originated during the plantation days of Hawaii. During the 1800s and early 1900s, when sugar and pineapple planations were booming, many different cultures came together to work the fields. At lunch time, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino workers all shared their lunches and ate together in a communal setting. Each culture has their own version of noodle soup, and with time these different cultures combined their soups to create Saimin.

You cannot come to Maui without trying Saimin. The most famous place to eat Saimin is Sam Sato’s on Maui. If you cannot make it to Sam Sato’s, we suggest making your own in your villa! The best Saimin noodles are “Sun Noodle Brand, Hawaii’s Original Saimin, Old Style.” You can find these fresh noodles in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section that features local and Asian food.

We have tested many saimin noodles and these are by far the best, and most popular with locals alike. They are as easy to make as top ramen, but 1,000 times better. Add your own toppings, such as green onions, bean sprouts, charsu (also sold in stores) and eggs and you have the perfect bowl of Hawaiian Saimin!

Our list would not be complete without mentioning Maui’s crown jewel, the Maui Gold Pineapple. There is no other pineapple in the world like a Maui Gold.  This pineapple can only be found growing right here on the slopes of Maui; it is simply the sweetest pineapple you will ever eat. Its low acidity, sweetness and juicy flesh are what set this pineapple apart from all others you may try.

The Maui Pineapple Company, now Maui Gold, is a reminder of the heyday of Hawaii’s pineapple plantations, one of which operated right here at the Kapalua location. Sadly, Maui’s pineapple plantations have closed but Maui Gold continues to grow their premier pineapples on a smaller scale here on the slopes of Haleakala. Pick up a Maui Gold at the Honolua store, grocery stores or even take one of their farm tours to learn about the history and farming process of these beauties.

You have probably heard that spam is kind of a big deal here in Hawaii. Such a big deal that we are the number one consumer of spam in the world. One of the most popular Spam items is spam musubi. Spam musubi consists of a block of sushi rice, a fried slice of Spam that has been caramelized with soy sauce and sugar all wrapped together in nori (sea weed).

Spam musubi can be found at any grocery store, but the best Spam musubi can be found at the Honolua Store here in Kapalua. This tasty treat sells out fast, as it is a favorite of locals and tourists, so we suggest grabbing yours before noon. Don’t knock it till’ you try it!

If you haven`t tried Poke, now would be the time and Tamura`s or Safeway would be the place to go. Poke is a local favorite and there are a large variety of ways it can be prepared. Poke is fresh Ahi (Sashimi grade) that is prepared with sea salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, Maui Onions and other ingredients.

Tamura`s is located in the industrial district of Lahaina. They have one of the best selections of specialty beer, wine, liquor, cigars and the BEST selection of Poke on the island. With over ten different varieties to choose from, you`re sure to become a fan of Tamura`s award winning Poke! Besides Poke, Tamura`s is the place to go to get some of the best deals and all things alcohol. Be sure to stock up when you get to Maui.

No trip to Maui is complete without wearing a fresh, tropical lei! If you did not arrange for a lei greeting at the airport, pick up one up on your way to your villa when stocking up on groceries. Some of the best, and cheapest leis can be purchased at Costco and Safeway. Here you will find a large selection of leis, from orchid, tuberose, plumeria and other fancier varieties.