Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii, and one of the top choices for those heading to the state. Getting there alone, however, can set you back a pretty penny, which is why it’s no wonder so many savvy travelers aim to eat in, rather than eat out. This doesn’t have to be some sort of sacrifice, either. With this guide, you can ramp up your “eat in” strategy and make it a core memory instead of a survival tactic:
Choose a Stunning Condo With a Kitchen to Start
There’s a lot to do in Hawaii, and the trip itself can add up, so many want to eat in to save money. This is a great idea, but if you’re going to do it then you’ll want to ramp up the experience with a few easy upgrades. The first is to choose one of these Maui vacation rentals with a kitchen, especially if you’re with a small group. If you’re going to take the time to cook at home, you want to do it in a beautiful villa or condo and be able to eat looking out a stunning balcony.
Take a Hawaiian Cooking Class
Learn how to make traditional Hawaiian dishes directly as soon as possible in a class. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, make your vacation exciting, and improve your cooking experience throughout the rest of your stay. Some cooking classes can be taken directly, but for the ultimate experience choose one of the farm-to-table cooking classes. These options include a tour around the farm itself, and then a cooking class so that you can feel connected to the ingredients and way of life that is Hawaiian food.
Meal Prep The Rest of Your Stay
Once you’ve taken that class (and perhaps bought a Hawaiian cookbook) it’s time to sit out and plan out your meals. This is essential so that one, you can look forward to some incredible dishes, and two, you can buy food in bulk without waste. Try to choose dishes that reuse a lot of the same ingredients so that nothing goes to waste. Since you’ve planned you can then go out and buy everything you need at once without having to go back and forth to the store on the day.
Shop Local
The last, but most important tip is to shop for the freshest local ingredients at the farmer’s and food markets:
- Maui-Honokowai Farmer’s Market: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7 am to 11 am.
- Napili Farmer’s Market: Tuesdays and Sundays 6 am to 12 pm
- Lipoa Street Farmer’s Market: Open Daily 8 am to 4 pm
- Maui Mall Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7 am to 4 pm
- Maui in Kihei Farmer’s Market: Open Daily 8 am to 4 pm
- Hale Ku’ai Open Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 am to 1 pm
- Upcountry Farmer’s Market: Saturdays 7 am to 12 pm
- Maui Nui Farms Farmers Market: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm
Shop fresh produce from local sellers, and treat yourself to culinary delights you won’t find anywhere else. You can even get some Hawaiian-grown coffee grounds, trinkets, and more. The best part is you’ll be supporting the local communities directly.
