Kahului Town
About Kahului Town
Kahului Town flies under the radar on most Maui town lists, but when you’re looking for the “heart” of the island, this is it. Home to the main airport, the harbor, and the island’s biggest shopping and business district, if you need something during your visit, you’ll find it here.
Beyond the basics, Kahului offers a glimpse of real island life from live shows at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to the Saturday Swap Meet, Kanaha Beach Park, and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. Its central location connects you to the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and Upcountry Maui, making it both convenient and full of local character.
When you arrive on the island, take some time to stock up on all your supplies and check out some of the sights before heading to your I Go Maui vacation rental.
Dining in Kahului Town
The food scene in Kahului is a mix of grab-and-go convenience and local comfort food. Here are a few of the best options when you're looking for a bite:
- Tin Roof Maui
- Sparky's Food Company
- Kahului Ale House
- Da Kitchen Cafe
- Maui Fresh Streatery
- 808 Plates Maui
- Tasaka Guri Guri
Grocery Stores in Kahului Town
If you've just landed and want to grab your groceries as you make your way to your vacation rental, Foodland, Whole Foods, Safeway, and Island Grocery Depot are all near the airport. Looking for local organic products? Down to Earth has you covered, but the prices may be higher than other options.
Top Things to Do in Kahului
- Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) – live music, hula, and theater events year-round.
- Maui Nui Botanical Gardens – native plants and cultural education.
- Kanaha Beach Park – top spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
- Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary – birdwatching and photography.
- Maui Swap Meet – local crafts, produce, and handmade goods (Saturdays only).
- Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum - Exhibits and tours highlighting the history of sugar plantations on the island
- Helicopter Tours - Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian are top tour providers in the area
Kahului Shopping
Kahului is Maui’s retail center, so if you need to restock or grab something you forgot to pack, this is the place. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center offers familiar stores, boutiques, and plenty of dining options in one spot, while Maui Mall has a mix of local businesses and easy grab-and-go food. Along Dairy Road, you’ll find Costco, Target, and island-style surf shops mixed in with smaller outlets. If you’re looking for local flavor, check out the farmers market at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kahului Town
What is the difference between Maui and Kahului?
Maui is the island itself, while Kahului is one of its main towns. Located on the north shore of Central Maui, Kahului is the island’s transportation and commercial hub — home to Maui’s main airport, largest stores, and the harbor.
How far is Kahului from popular Maui destinations?
Kahului is centrally located, making it easy to reach other parts of the island. It’s about 25 minutes to Kihei, 40 minutes to Lahaina, and roughly an hour to Haleakalā National Park.Is Kahului worth visiting?
Yes. While it’s often seen as a stopover, Kahului has plenty to offer on its own — from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens to Kanaha Beach Park and the Saturday Swap Meet. It’s also the perfect place to stock up before exploring the rest of the island.
