If someone were to ask my single best tip for saving money on Maui, the answer would be go to Costco. It’s where the locals shop, and because of its location right by the airport (it is literally the first thing you will see leaving OGG) some savvy visitors have caught on as well. From cheap gas to alcohol and snorkel gear to discount activities, this is your place. They also have a large selection of stuff you will only find in Hawaii, some of which I guarantee you’ll want to take home with you.
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Kahului Costco
No membership? No problem. The Deal Mommy has you covered, or you can always use a Costco Cash card to get in.
Snorkel Gear
Located right when you walk in the door, Costco sells adult and children’s sets by U.S. Divers, which include mask, snorkel, fins, and a little bag to carry it in. This definitely beats renting from your hotel’s activity booth, and it’s always nice to have your own stuff. If you plan on spending a decent amount of time in the water, and want to see a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a or a honu, consider making the investment. My husband and I each have a set (from this Costco!) which we’ve taken all over the world with us. They’re going on 7 or 8 years old now, and are still as good as new.
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Snorkel Gear
Hawaiian Shirts
My husband and dad are both huge fans and usually always pick up at least one new garment each time we come to Maui. $19.99 and made in Hawaii, what’s not to like?
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Aloha Shirts
Alcohol
I bet you were wondering when I was going to get to the good stuff. Costco’s prices can’t be beat and the selection is pretty good too. Keep an eye out for local made in Hawaii products like Ocean Vodka, Koloa Rum, and large cases from Kona Brewing Company. Got Mai Tais? Costco sells the premixed variety from Trader Vics (which still need a little dark rum and some fresh lime) or Mr. and Mrs. T’s non-alcoholic mix (which is what United used to use).
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The Good Stuff
Stuff You Should Take Home
Make the most of your airline’s baggage policy and take Hawaiian products back to the mainland with you. When we were flying United, we always got 3 x 70 lbs worth of Green Tea in a can, Aloha Maid Passion Orange, and other favorites. For the cans that come in pallets, the best way to transport them is to wrap them securely with plastic wrap (also sold at Costco) and check them in. If you want you can even stack 2 pallets and wrap them together then check them as 1 piece- any more than that and it can get a little heavy.
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#OnlyInHawaii
Need something to take back to all the people you didn’t bring with you.? Costco sells chocolates, macadamia nuts, and chocolate with macadamia nuts in bulk and at better prices than what you will find at Long’s or the ABC store. Hawaiian Host Maui Caramacs are always a hit as are macadamia nut Hershey’s Kisses, which are only sold in Hawaii.
Activities and Eats
Did you know Costco sells discounted gift cards for popular activities and restaurants? Well, you do now. What caught my attention were the helicopter rides for $189.99 and 20% off gift cards for the seldom discounted Atlantis submarine. Looking to relax? Costco also sell Spa Finder gift cards redeemable at the Grand Wailea and The Westin Ka’anapali.
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Activities and Eats
If you’re planning on a night out at Ruth’s Chris in Lahaina, Costco has $100 worth of gift cards for just $79.99. Not into white table cloths? Be sure to check out the bar menu- they have a petite filet special that comes with a salad, a side and desert for $39. Some of the bar tenders are pretty cool and may even let you substitute your desert for a cold pint of Maui Brewing Co’s Bikini Blonde or a Kona Longboard. It’s not exactly cheap eats, but if you’re looking for a good steak, this definitely takes the sting out of their otherwise exorbitant prices.
Other Stuff
Costco usually always stocks the popular guidebook “Maui Revealed” for cheaper than you will find on Amazon or in local bookstores. There is also a good selection of children’s books, Hawaiian cookbooks, coffee table books and sometimes puzzles and games too.
Need light blubs? I know what you’re thinking…totally random, right? HT goes to Mr. Pickles for discovering this one, and thanks to a very generous Hawaii energy rebate, Kahului Costco is the perfect place to stock up on otherwise pricey LED bulbs.
Wondering what not to buy at Costco? Answer: Sunscreen and coffee. Unless you want a year’s worth of SPF 70+, go to Walmart for good prices and better variety or bring some from home. Looking for world famous Kona coffee? Costco only sells whole bean and the prices aren’t great. Between Long’s and Foodland, one will usually have 100% Kona coffee on sale for around $12 per bag (beware of blends that are typically only 10-20%) or consider trying 100% Maui coffee- it is just as good and can usually be found for $7-8 (typically the same price as Starbucks at the grocery store back home). Look for the Maui Coffee Company brand.
Finally, don’t forget to fill up your rental car at the recently-added Costco fuel station before heading back to the airport. With the cheapest prices on island, it is a popular place to fill up and there may be a line, so make sure you plan ahead.
Also stay tuned this week as I reveal more tips, tricks, and local secrets from the beautiful island of Maui. Aloha!