Things to Do During a Maui Vacation, Lahaina Shopping Centers
Posted by Sherry Boonstra-Barbier on Fri, May 27, 2011 @ 02:13 PM
Since most visitors spend some time shopping during their Maui vacation, I thought I'd describe the shopping centers and malls located in Lahaina. Whether you are seeking necessities such as sun block during your Maui vacation or need gifts for those at home, you are certain to enjoy shopping in Lahaina's collection of shopping centers and malls. All are convenient and accessible from our Lahaina vacation rental homes via a short walk or with a short ride on the bus or shuttle.
505 FRONT STREET
On the southern end of Lahaina Town, a small collection of restaurants, shops and offices fronts a small beach. Along with two oceanfront restaurants, I'O and Pacifico, several little boutiques, such as Maggie Coulumbe's fashion clothing, make this shopping center worthy of exploring. A spa, a nail salon, a surf school and several small art galleries round out the shopping opportunities at 505 Front Street. Traditionally carved canoes are scattered throughout the shopping complex. Pay parking is available in the underground garage or open lot across the street.
THE WHARF CINEMA CENTER
Several small eateries, shops and movie theater are in this wooden open air multi-level mall and topped off with a three screen cinema operated by Wallace theaters. Amongst its fifty air-conditioned shops is a postal office, ATM and the fifties-theme Cool Cats restaurant. The Wharf Cinema Center is across from the Banyan Tree. Validated parking is available in a pay lot across from the back of the center. The public bus and shuttle stops, at the back of the Wharf Center, on its route to the Lahaina Cannery Mall and Whalers Village in Kaanapali.
OLD LAHAINA CENTER
At The Old Lahaina Center, you'll find a Post Office, Foodland grocery store, a drycleaners, the Maui Theater (Ulalena) and a bank. Restaurant opportunities range from national chain Starbucks, KFC, and McDonalds. Locally owned options include Cilantros and one of our favorites, The Thai Chef restaurant (tucked in the corner by the KFC and Foodland). I like to stop at Foodland for beer or wine to enjoy with a hearty meal from Thai Chef. Yes, BYOB is allowable at some Maui restaurants! The Old Lahaina Center shopping complex is located behind Longhi's restaurant and across from the "Lahaina Center".
LAHAINA CENTER
With it's Front Street facing businesses such as Hard Rock Cafe, Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show, David Paul's Island Grill and Ruth Chris restaurants, this outdoor mall is quaint with many shopping stores, including Hilo Hattie's. The fourplex Wallace Theater is in the Lahaina Center across from Bikram's Yoga and near the Glow Putt. A historical replication of a Hawaiian Hale is near the large pay parking lot at the back and occasionally offer free hula shows and performances.
LAHAINA CANNERY MALL
The only air conditioned indoor shopping mall in Lahaina, Safeway and Longs Drugs anchor the Lahaina Cannery Mall 
while smaller shops include Banana Wind island gift store, Maui Dive Shop, ProfessioNAIL and Honolua Surf Company. A small food court includes a Dairy Queen and other small eateries. The mall hosts free hula shows performances 7:00 pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Don't miss the Keiki (Children) Hula Show at 1:00 pm on most Saturdays and Sundays. A shuttle bus stops drops off and picks up on the route between the Wharf Cinema Center and Whalers Village in Kaanapali.
LAHAINA GATEWAY CENTER
Lahaina's newest shopping center and quickly becoming a small 'Restaurant Row'. Lahaina Gateway Center includes restuarants such as Outback Steakhouse, The Melting Pot, and Teddy's Bigger Burger. Ice cream fans will enjoy the Baskin Robbins in the center.
Maui Dive shop and Borders Books have large stores in the Lahaina Gateway shopping center. Lahaina Farms gourmet grocery store is also here. Plush Salon, The Sandal Tree and several other boutique shops are located in Lahaina Gateway Center, just across from the Lahaina Cannery Mall.
Please leave your own Lahaina Shopping tips or questions in the comments section below. Or, reserve a Maui vacation rental home for your Maui shopping excursions.